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diff --git a/old/46597-8.txt b/old/46597-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a660a9b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/46597-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,19124 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, In Search of the Castaways, by Jules Verne + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + + +Title: In Search of the Castaways + A Romantic Narrative of the Loss of Captain Grant of the Brig Britannia and of the Adventures of His Children and Friends in His Discovery and Rescue + + +Author: Jules Verne + + + +Release Date: August 16, 2014 [eBook #46597] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS*** + + +E-text prepared by Ema Majhut and Marc D'Hooghe +(http://www.freeliterature.org) from page images generously made available +by HathiTrust Digital Library (http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original 170 engravings. + See 46597-h.htm or 46597-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/46597/46597-h/46597-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/46597/46597-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + HathiTrust Digital Library. See + http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008613392 + + + + + +A Voyage Round the World. + +IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS: + +A Romantic Narrative of the Loss of Captain Grant +of the Brig Britannia and of the Adventures of +His Children and Friends in His Discovery and Rescue. + +[Illustration] + +by + +JULES VERNE, + +Author of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," etc., etc. + +Illustrated with One Hundred and Seventy Engravings + + + + + + + +Philadelphia: +J. B. Lippincott & Co. +1874. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + I. The Shark + II. The Three Documents + III. The Captain's Children + IV. Lady Glenarvan's Proposal + V. The Departure of the Duncan + VI. An Unexpected Passenger + VII. Jacques Paganel is Undeceived + VIII. The Geographer's Resolution + IX. Through the Strait of Magellan + X. The Course Decided + XI. Traveling in Chili + XII. Eleven Thousand Feet Aloft + XIII. A Sudden Descent + XIV. Providentially Rescued + XV. Thalcave + XVI. News of the Lost Captain + XVII. A Serious Necessity + XVIII. In Search of Water + XIX. The Red Wolves + XX. Strange Signs + XXI. A False Trail + XXII. The Flood + XXIII. A Singular Abode + XXIV. Paganel's Disclosure + XXV. Between Fire and Water + XXVI. The Return on Board + XXVII. A New Destination + XXVIII. Tristan d'Acunha and the Isle of Amsterdam + XXIX. The Storm on the Indian Ocean + XXX. A Hospitable Colonist + XXXI. The Quartermaster of the Britannia + XXXII. Preparations for the Journey + XXXIII. An Accident + XXXIV. Australian Explorers + XXXV. Crime or Calamity? + XXXVI. Fresh Faces + XXXVII. A Warning + XXXVIII. Wealth in the Wilderness + XXXIX. Suspicious Occurrences + XL. A Startling Discovery + XLI. The Plot Unveiled + XLII. Four Days of Anguish + XLIII. Helpless and Hopeless + XLIV. A Rough Captain + XLV. The Wreck of the Macquarie + XLVI. Vain Efforts + XLVII. A Dreaded Country + XLVIII. Introduction to the Cannibals + XLIX. A Momentous Interview + L. The Chief's Funeral + LI. Strangely Liberated + LII. The Sacred Mountain + LIII. A Bold Stratagem + LIV. From Peril to Safety + LV. Why the Duncan went to New Zealand + LVI. Ayrton's Obstinacy + LVII. A Discouraging Confession + LVIII. A Cry in the Night + LIX. Captain Grant's Story + LX. Paganel's Last Entanglement + +[Illustration] + +IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE SHARK. + + +On the 26th of July, 1864, under a strong gale from the northeast, a +magnificent yacht was steaming at full speed through the waves of the +North Channel. The flag of England fluttered at her yard-arm, while at +the top of the mainmast floated a blue pennon, bearing the initials +E. G., worked in gold and surmounted by a ducal coronet. The yacht +was called the Duncan, and belonged to Lord Glenarvan, one of the +sixteen Scottish peers sitting in the House of Lords, and also a most +distinguished member of the "Royal Thames Yacht Club," so celebrated +throughout the United Kingdom. + +Lord Edward Glenarvan was on board with his young wife, Lady Helena, +and one of his cousins, Major MacNabb. The Duncan, newly constructed, +had just been making a trial voyage several miles beyond the Frith of +Clyde, and was now on her return to Glasgow. Already Arran Island was +appearing on the horizon, when the look-out signaled an enormous fish +that was sporting in the wake of the yacht. The captain, John Mangles, +at once informed Lord Glenarvan of the fact, who mounted on deck with +Major MacNabb, and asked the captain what he thought of the animal. + +"Indeed, your lordship," replied Captain Mangles, "I think it is a +shark of large proportions." + +"A shark in these regions!" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +"Without doubt," replied the captain. "This fish belongs to a species +of sharks that are found in all seas and latitudes. It is the +'balance-fish,' and, if I am not greatly mistaken, we shall have an +encounter with one of these fellows. If your lordship consents, and it +pleases Lady Helena to witness such a novel chase, we will soon see +what we have to deal with." + +"What do you think, MacNabb?" said Lord Glenarvan to the major; "are +you of a mind to try the adventure?" + +"I am of whatever opinion pleases you," answered the major, calmly. + +"Besides," continued Captain Mangles, "we cannot too soon exterminate +these terrible monsters. Let us improve the opportunity, and, if your +lordship pleases, it shall be an exciting scene as well as a good +action." + +"Very well, captain," said Lord Glenarvan. He then summoned Lady +Helena, who joined him on deck, tempted by the exciting sport. + +The sea was magnificent. You could easily follow along its surface the +rapid motions of the fish, as it plunged and rose again with surprising +agility. Captain Mangles gave his orders, and the sailors threw over +the starboard ratling a stout rope, to which was fastened a hook baited +with a thick piece of pork. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST MOUTHFUL.] + +The shark, although still at a distance of fifty yards, scented the +bait offered to his voracity. He rapidly approached the yacht. You +could see his fins, gray at their extremity and black at their base, +beat the waves with violence, while his "caudal appendage" kept him +in a rigorously straight line. As he advanced, his great glaring eyes +seemed inflamed with eagerness, and his yawning jaws, when he turned, +disclosed a quadruple row of teeth. His head was large, and shaped like +a double-headed hammer. Captain Mangles was right. It was a very large +specimen of the most rapacious family of sharks,--the "balance fish" of +the English and the "jew-fish" of the Provenals. + +[Illustration] + +All on board of the Duncan followed the movements of the shark with +lively attention. The animal was soon within reach of the hook; he +turned upon his back, in order to seize it better, and the enormous +bait disappeared down his vast gullet. At the same time he hooked +himself, giving the line a violent shake, whereupon the sailors +hoisted the huge creature by means of a pulley at the end of the +yard-arm. + +The shark struggled violently at feeling himself drawn from his natural +element, but his struggles were of no avail. A rope with a slip-noose +confined his tail and paralyzed his movements. A few moments afterward +he was hauled over the ratlings, and precipitated upon the deck of the +yacht. One of the sailors at once approached him, not without caution, +and with a vigorous blow of the hatchet cut off the formidable tail of +the animal. + +The chase was ended, and there was nothing more to fear from the +monster. The vengeance of the sailors was satisfied, but not their +curiosity. Indeed, it is customary on board of every vessel to +carefully examine the stomachs of sharks. The men, knowing the +inordinate voracity of the creature, wait with some anxiety, and their +expectation is not always in vain. + +Lady Glenarvan, not wishing to witness this strange "exploration," +retired to the cabin. The shark was still panting. He was ten feet +long, and weighed more than six hundred pounds. These dimensions are +nothing extraordinary; for if the balance-fish is not classed among the +giants of this species, at least he belongs to the most formidable of +their family. + +The enormous fish was soon cut open by a blow of the hatchet, without +further ceremony. The hook had penetrated to the stomach, which was +absolutely empty. Evidently the animal had fasted a long time, and +the disappointed seamen were about to cast the remains into the sea, +when the attention of the mate was attracted by a bulky object firmly +imbedded in the viscera. + +"Ha! what is this?" he exclaimed. + +"That," replied one of the sailors, "is a piece of rock that the +creature has taken in for ballast." + +"Good!" said another; "it is probably a bullet that this fellow has +received in the stomach, and could not digest." + +[Illustration: "Good," said Glenarvan; "wash the dirty thing, and bring +it into the cabin."] + +"Be still, all of you!" cried Tom Austin, the mate; "do you not see +that the animal was a great drunkard? and to lose nothing, has drank +not only the wine, but the bottle too!" + +"What!" exclaimed Lord Glenarvan, "is it a bottle that this shark has +in his stomach?" + +"A real bottle!" replied the mate, "but you can easily see that it does +not come from the wine-cellar." + +"Well, Tom," said Glenarvan, "draw it out carefully. Bottles found in +the sea frequently contain precious documents." + +"Do you think so?" said Major MacNabb. + +"I do; at least, that it may happen so." + +"Oh! I do not contradict you," replied the major. "Perhaps there may be +a secret in this." + +"We shall see," said Glenarvan. "Well, Tom?" + +"Here it is," said the mate, displaying the shapeless object that he +had just drawn with difficulty from the interior of the shark. + +"Good," said Glenarvan; "wash the dirty thing, and bring it into the +cabin." + +Tom obeyed; and the bottle found under such singular circumstances was +placed on the cabin-table, around which Lord Glenarvan, Major MacNabb, +and Captain John Mangles took their seats, together with Lady Helena; +for a woman, they say, is always a little inquisitive. + +Everything causes excitement at sea. For a moment there was silence. +Each gazed wonderingly at this strange waif. Did it contain the secret +of a disaster, or only an insignificant message confided to the mercy +of the waves by some idle navigator? + +[Sidenote: "OLD IN BOTTLE."] + +However, they must know what it was, and Glenarvan, without waiting +longer, proceeded to examine the bottle. He took, moreover, all +necessary precautions. You would have thought a coroner was pointing +out the particulars of a suspicious quest. And Glenarvan was right, +for the most insignificant mark in appearance may often lead to an +important discovery. + +Before examining it internally, the bottle was inspected externally. +It had a slender neck, the mouth of which was protected by an +iron wire considerably rusted. Its sides were very thick, and +capable of supporting a pressure of several atmospheres, betraying +evidently previous connection with champagne. With these bottles the +wine-dressers of A and Epernay block carriage-wheels without their +showing the slightest fracture. This one could, therefore, easily bear +the hardships of a long voyage. + +[Illustration] + +"A bottle of the Maison Cliquot," said the major quietly; and, as if he +ought to know, his affirmation was accepted without contradiction. + +"My dear major," said Lady Helena, "it matters little what this bottle +is, provided we know whence it comes." + +"We shall know, my dear," said Lord Edward, "and already we can affirm +that it has come from a distance. See the petrified particles that +cover it, these substances mineralized, so to speak, under the action +of the sea-water. This waif had already taken a long voyage in the +ocean, before being engulfed in the stomach of a shark." + +"I cannot but be of your opinion," replied the major; "this fragile +vase, protected by its strong envelope, must have made a long journey." + +"But whence does it come?" inquired Lady Glenarvan. + +"Wait, my dear Helena, wait. We must be patient with bottles. If I am +not greatly mistaken, this one will itself answer all our questions." + +And so saying, Glenarvan began to scrape off the hard particles that +protected the neck. Soon the cork appeared, but very much damaged with +the salt water. + +"This is a pity," said Glenarvan; "for if there is any paper in it, it +will be in a bad condition." + +"That's what I fear," replied the major. + +"I will add," continued Glenarvan, "that this badly-corked bottle would +soon have sunk; and it is fortunate that this shark swallowed it, and +brought it on board of the Duncan." + +"Certainly," interposed Captain Mangles; "it would have been better, +however, had it been caught in the open sea on a well-known latitude +and longitude. We could then, by studying the atmospheric and marine +currents, have discovered the course traversed; but with a guide like +one of these sharks, that travel against wind and tide, we cannot know +whence it comes." + +"We shall soon see," answered Glenarvan. At the same time he drew out +the cork with the greatest care, and a strong saline odor permeated the +cabin. + +"Well?" said Lady Helena, with a truly feminine impatience. + +"Yes," said Glenarvan; "I am not mistaken! Here are papers!" + +"Documents! documents!" cried Lady Helena. + +"Only," replied Glenarvan, "they appear to be damaged by the water. +It is impossible to remove them, for they adhere to the sides of the +bottle." + +"Let us break it," said MacNabb. + +"I would rather keep it whole," replied Glenarvan. + +[Illustration: The fragments soon strewed the table, and several pieces +of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew them out +carefully.] + +"I should, too," said the major. + +"Very true," added Lady Helena; "but the contents are more valuable +than that which contains them, and it is better to sacrifice one than +the other." + +"Let your lordship only break off the neck," said the captain, "and +that will enable you to draw them out without injury." + +"Yes, yes, my dear Edward!" cried Lady Glenarvan. + +It was difficult to proceed in any other way, and, at all hazards, +Glenarvan determined to break the neck of the precious bottle. It was +necessary to use a hammer, for the stony covering had acquired the +hardness of granite. The fragments soon strewed the table, and several +pieces of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew +them out carefully, separating and examining them closely, while Lady +Helena, the major, and the captain crowded around him. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +THE THREE DOCUMENTS. + + +These pieces of paper, half destroyed by the sea-water, exhibited only +a few words, the traces of handwriting almost entirely effaced. For +several minutes Lord Glenarvan examined them attentively, turned them +about in every way, and exposed them to the light of day, observing +the least traces of writing spared by the sea. Then he looked at his +friends, who were regarding him with anxious eyes. + +"There are here," said he, "three distinct documents, probably three +copies of the same missive, translated into three different languages: +one English, another French, and the third German. The few words that +remain leave no doubt on this point." + +"But these words have at least a meaning?" said Lady Glenarvan. + +"That is difficult to say, my dear Helena. The words traced on these +papers are very imperfect." + +"Perhaps they will complete each other," said the major. + +"That may be," replied Captain Mangles. "It is not probable that the +water has obliterated these lines in exactly the same places on each, +and by comparing these remains of phrases we shall arrive at some +intelligible meaning." + +"We will do so," said Lord Glenarvan; "but let us proceed +systematically. And, first, here is the English document." + +It showed the following arrangement of lines and words: + +[Illustration] + +"That does not mean much," said the major, with an air of +disappointment. + +"Whatever it may mean," replied the captain, "it is good English." + +"There is no doubt of that," said his lordship. "The words _wreck, +aland, this, and, lost_, are perfect. _Cap_ evidently means _captain_, +referring to the captain of a shipwrecked vessel." + +"Let us add," said the captain, "the portions of the words _docu_ and +_ssistance_, the meaning of which is plain." + +"Well, something is gained already!" added Lady Helena. + +"Unfortunately," replied the major, "entire lines are wanting. How can +we find the name of the lost vessel, or the place of shipwreck?" + +"We shall find them," said Lord Edward. + +"Very likely," answered the major, who was invariably of the opinion of +every one else; "but how?" + +"By comparing one document with another." + +"Let us see!" cried Lady Helena. + +The second piece of paper, more damaged than the former, exhibited only +isolated words, arranged thus: + +[Sidenote: COMPARATIVE PHILOLOGY.] + +[Illustration] + +"This is written in German," said Captain Mangles, when he had cast his +eyes upon it. + +"And do you know that language?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Perfectly, your lordship." + +"Well, tell us what these few words mean." + +The captain examined the document closely, and expressed himself as +follows: + +"First, the date of the event is determined. _7 Juni_ means June 7th, +and by comparing this figure with the figures '62,' furnished by the +English document, we have the date complete,--June 7th, 1862." + +"Very well!" exclaimed Lady Helena. "Go on." + +"On the same line," continued the young captain, "I find the word +_Glas_, which, united with the word _gow_ of the first document, gives +_Glasgow_. It is plainly a ship from the port of Glasgow." + +"That was my opinion," said the major. + +"The second line is missing entirely," continued Captain Mangles; "but +on the third I meet with two important words _zwei_, which means _two_, +and _atrosen_, or rather _matrosen_, which signifies _sailors_ in +German." + +"There were a captain and two sailors, then?" said Lady Helena. + +"Probably," replied her husband. + +"I will confess, your lordship," said the captain, "that the next word, +_graus_, puzzles me. I do not know how to translate it. Perhaps the +third document will enable us to understand it. As to the two last +words, they are easily explained. _Bringt ihnen_ means _bring to them_, +and if we compare these with the English word, which is likewise on the +sixth line of the first document (I mean the word _assistance_), we +shall have the phrase _bring them assistance_." + +"Yes, bring them assistance," said Glenarvan. "But where are the +unfortunates? We have not yet a single indication of the place, and the +scene of the catastrophe is absolutely unknown." + +"Let us hope that the French document will be more explicit," said Lady +Helena. + +"Let us look at it, then," replied Glenarvan; "and, as we all know this +language, our examination will be more easy." + +Here is an exact fac-simile of the third document: + +[Illustration] + +"There are figures!" cried Lady Helena. "Look, gentlemen, look!" + +"Let us proceed in order," said Lord Glenarvan, "and start at +the beginning. Permit me to point out one by one these scattered +and incomplete words. I see from the first letters _troi_ _ats_ +(_trois-mats_), that it is a brig, the name of which, thanks to the +English and French documents, is entirely preserved: _The Britannia_. +Of the two following words, _gonie_ and _austral_, only the last has an +intelligible meaning." + +[Sidenote: THE PUZZLE EXPLAINED.] + +"That is an important point," replied Captain Mangles; "the shipwreck +took place in the southern hemisphere." + +"That is indefinite," said the major. + +"I will continue," resumed Glenarvan. "The word _abor_ is the trace of +the verb _aborder_ (to land). These unfortunates have landed somewhere. +But where? _Contin!_ Is it on a continent? _Cruel!_" + +"'Cruel!'" cried Mangles; "that explains the German word _graus, +grausam, cruel_!" + +"Go on, go on!" cried Glenarvan, whose interest was greatly excited as +the meaning of these incomplete words was elucidated. "_Indi_! Is it +India, then, where these sailors have been cast? What is the meaning of +the word _ongit_? Ha, longitude! And here is the latitude, 37 11'. In +short, we have a definite indication." + +"But the longitude is wanting," said MacNabb. + +"We cannot have everything, my dear major," replied Glenarvan; "and +an exact degree of latitude is something. This French document is +decidedly the most complete of the three. Each of them was evidently +a literal translation of the others, for they all convey the same +information. We must, therefore, unite and translate them into one +language, and seek their most probable meaning, the one that is most +logical and explicit." + +"Shall we make this translation in French, English, or German?" asked +the major. + +"In English," answered Glenarvan, "since that is our own language." + +"Your lordship is right," said Captain Mangles, "besides, it was also +theirs." + +"It is agreed, then. I will write this document, uniting these parts of +words and fragments of phrases, leaving the gaps that separate them, +and filling up those the meaning of which is not ambiguous. Then we +will compare them and form an opinion." + +Glenarvan at once took a pen, and, in a few moments, presented to his +friends a paper on which were written the following lines: + +[Illustration] + +At this moment a sailor informed the captain that the Duncan was +entering the Frith of Clyde, and asked his orders. + +"What are your lordship's wishes?" said the captain, addressing Lord +Glenarvan. + +"Reach Dumbarton as quickly as possible, captain. Then, while Lady +Helena returns to Malcolm Castle, I will go to London and submit this +document to the authorities." + +The captain gave his orders in pursuance of this, and the mate executed +them. + +"Now, my friends," said Glenarvan, "we will continue our +investigations. We are on the track of a great catastrophe. The lives +of several men depend upon our sagacity. Let us use therefore all our +ingenuity to divine the secret of this enigma." + +"We are ready, my dear Edward," replied Lady Helena. + +"First of all," continued Glenarvan, "we must consider three distinct +points in this document. First, what is known; second, what can be +conjectured; and third, what is unknown. What do we know? That on the +7th of June, 1862, a brig, the Britannia, of Glasgow, was wrecked; +that two sailors and the captain threw this document into the sea in +latitude 37 11', and in it ask for assistance." + +"Exactly," replied the major. + +[Sidenote: "LINE UPON LINE."] + +"What can we conjecture?" resumed Glenarvan. "First, that the +shipwreck took place in the South Seas; and now I call your attention +to the word _gonia_. Does it not indicate the name of the country which +they reached?" + +"Patagonia!" cried Lady Helena. + +"Probably." + +"But is Patagonia crossed by the thirty-seventh parallel?" asked the +major. + +"That is easily seen," said the captain, taking out a map of South +America. "It is so: Patagonia is bisected by the thirty-seventh +parallel, which crosses Araucania, over the Pampas, north of Patagonia, +and is lost in the Atlantic." + +"Well, let us continue our conjectures. The two sailors and the captain +_abor, land_. Where? _Contin_,--the _continent_, you understand; a +continent, not an island. What becomes of them? We have fortunately +two letters, _pr_, which inform us of their fate. These unfortunates, +in short, are _captured_ (pris) or _prisoners_. By whom? The _cruel +Indians_. Are you convinced? Do not the words fit naturally into the +vacant places? Does not the document grow clear to your eyes? Does not +light break in upon your mind?" + +Glenarvan spoke with conviction. His looks betokened an absolute +confidence; and his enthusiasm was communicated to his hearers. Like +him they cried, "It is plain! it is plain!" + +A moment after Lord Edward resumed, in these terms: + +"All these hypotheses, my friends, seem to me extremely plausible. In +my opinion, the catastrophe took place on the shores of Patagonia. +However, I will inquire at Glasgow what was the destination of the +Britannia, and we shall know whether she could have been led to these +regions." + +"We do not need to go so far," replied the captain; "I have here the +shipping news of the _Mercantile and Shipping Gazette_, which will give +us definite information." + +"Let us see! let us see!" said Lady Glenarvan. + +Captain Mangles took a file of papers of the year 1862, and began to +turn over the leaves rapidly. His search was soon ended; as he said, in +a tone of satisfaction,-- + +"May 30, 1862, Callao, Peru, _Britannia_, Captain Grant, bound for +Glasgow." + +"Grant!" exclaimed Lord Glenarvan; "that hardy Scotchman who wished to +found a new Scotland in the waters of the Pacific?" + +"Yes," answered the captain, "the very same, who, in 1861, embarked in +the Britannia at Glasgow, and of whom nothing has since been heard." + +"Exactly! exactly!" said Glenarvan; "it is indeed he. The Britannia +left Callao the 30th of May, and on the 7th of June, eight days after +her departure, she was lost on the shores of Patagonia. This is the +whole story elucidated from the remains of these words that seemed +undecipherable. You see, my friends, that what we can conjecture is +very important. As to what we do not know, this is reduced to one item, +the missing degree of longitude." + +"It is of no account," added Captain Mangles, "since the country is +known; and with the latitude alone, I will undertake to go straight to +the scene of the shipwreck." + +"We know all, then?" said Lady Glenarvan. + +"All, my dear Helena: and these blanks that the sea has made between +the words of the document, I can as easily fill out as though I were +writing at the dictation of Captain Grant." + +Accordingly Lord Glenarvan took the pen again, and wrote, without +hesitation, the following note: + +"June 7, 1862.--The brig Britannia of Glasgow was wrecked on the shores +of Patagonia, in the Southern Hemisphere. Directing their course to +land, two sailors and Captain Grant attempted to reach the continent, +where they will be prisoners of the cruel Indians. They have thrown +this document into the sea, at longitude ----, latitude 37 11'. Bring +them assistance or they are lost." + +[Sidenote: A NOBLE RESOLVE.] + +"Good! good! my dear Edward!" said Lady Glenarvan; "and if these +unfortunates see their native country again, they will owe this +happiness to you." + +"And they shall see it again," replied Glenarvan. "This document is too +explicit, too clear, too certain, for Englishmen to hesitate. What has +been done for Sir John Franklin, and so many others, will also be done +for the shipwrecked of the Britannia." + +"But these unfortunates," answered Lady Helena, "have, without doubt, +a family that mourns their loss. Perhaps this poor Captain Grant has a +wife, children----" + +[Illustration: Dumbarton Castle.] + +"You are right, my dear lady; and I charge myself with informing them +that all hope is not yet lost. And now, my friends, let us go on deck, +for we must be approaching the harbor." + +Indeed, the Duncan had forced on steam, and was now skirting the shores +of Bute Island. Rothesay, with its charming little village nestling in +its fertile valley, was left on the starboard, and the vessel entered +the narrow inlets of the frith, passed Greenock, and, at six in the +evening, was anchored at the foot of the basaltic rocks of Dumbarton, +crowned by the celebrated castle. + +Here a coach was waiting to take Lady Helena and Major MacNabb back to +Malcolm Castle. Lord Glenarvan, after embracing his young wife, hurried +to take the express train for Glasgow. But before going, he confided an +important message to a more rapid agent, and a few moments after the +electric telegraph conveyed to the _Times_ and _Morning Chronicle_ an +advertisement in the following terms: + +"For any information concerning the brig Britannia of Glasgow, Captain +Grant, address Lord Glenarvan, Malcolm Castle, Luss, County of +Dumbarton, Scotland." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE CAPTAIN'S CHILDREN. + + +[Sidenote: THE GLENARVAN ANCESTRY.] + +The castle of Malcolm, one of the most romantic in Scotland, is +situated near the village of Luss, whose pretty valley it crowns. The +limpid waters of Loch Lomond bathe the granite of its walls. From time +immemorial it has belonged to the Glenarvan family, who have preserved +in the country of Rob Roy and Fergus MacGregor the hospitable customs +of the ancient heroes of Walter Scott. At the epoch of the social +revolution in Scotland, a great number of vassals were expelled, +because they could not pay the great rents to the ancient chiefs +of the clans. Some died of hunger, others became fishermen, others +emigrated. There was general despair. + +[Illustration] + +Among all these the Glenarvans alone believed that fidelity bound the +high as well as the low, and they remained faithful to their tenants. +Not one left the roof under which he was born; not one abandoned the +soil where his ancestors reposed; all continued in the clan of their +ancient lords. Thus at this epoch, in this age of disaffection and +disunion, the Glenarvan family considered the Scots at Malcolm Castle +as their own people. All were descended from the vassals of their +kinsmen; were children of the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton, and +honestly devoted, body and estate, to their master. + +Lord Glenarvan possessed an immense fortune, which he employed in +doing much good. His kindness exceeded even his generosity, for one +was boundless, while the other was necessarily limited. The lord of +Luss, the "laird" of Malcolm, represented his fellows in the House of +Lords; but with true Scottish ideas, little pleasing to the southrons, +he was disliked by many of them especially because he adhered to the +traditions of his ancestors, and energetically opposed some dicta of +modern political economy. + +He was not, however, a backward man, either in wit or shrewdness; but +while ready to enter every door of progress, he remained Scotch at +heart, and it was for the glory of his native land that he contended +with his racing yachts in the matches of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. + +Lord Edward Glenarvan was thirty-two years old. His form was erect and +his features sharp, but his look was mild, and his character thoroughly +imbued with the poetry of the Highlands. He was known to be brave to +excess, enterprising, chivalrous, a Fergus of the nineteenth century; +but good above all, better than Saint Martin himself, for he would have +given his very cloak to the poor people of the Highlands. + +He had been married scarcely three months, having espoused Miss Helena +Tuffnel, daughter of the great traveler, William Tuffnel, one of the +numerous victims to the great passion for geographical discoveries. + +Miss Helena did not belong to a noble family, but she was Scotch, which +equaled all nobilities in the eyes of Lord Glenarvan. This charming +young creature, high-minded and devoted, the lord of Luss had made the +companion of his life. He found her one day living alone, an orphan, +almost without fortune, in the house of her father at Kilpatrick. He +saw that the poor girl would make a noble wife, and he married her. + +Miss Tuffnel was twenty-two, a youthful blonde, with eyes as blue as +the waters of the Scotch lakes on a beautiful morning in spring. Her +love for her husband exceeded even her gratitude. She loved him as if +she had been the rich heiress, and he the friendless orphan. As to +their tenants and servants, they were ready to lay down their lives for +her whom they called "our good lady of Luss." + +[Sidenote: LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HOME.] + +Lord and Lady Glenarvan lived happily at Malcolm Castle, in the midst +of the grand and wild scenery of the Highlands, rambling in the +shady alleys of horse-chestnuts and sycamores, along the shores of +the lake, where still resounded the war cries of ancient times, or +in the depths of those uncultivated gorges in which the history of +Scotland lies written in ruins from age to age. One day they would +wander in the forests of beeches and larches, and in the midst of the +masses of heather; another, they would scale the precipitous summits +of Ben Lomond, or traverse on horseback the solitary glens, studying, +comprehending, and admiring this poetic country, still called "the land +of Rob Roy," and all those celebrated sites so grandly sung by Walter +Scott. + +In the sweet, still evening, when the "lantern of Mac Farlane" +illumined the horizon, they would stroll along the "bartizans," an old +circular balcony that formed a chain of battlements to Malcolm Castle, +and there, pensive, oblivious, and as if alone in the world, seated +on some detached rock, under the pale rays of the moon, while night +gradually enveloped the rugged summits of the mountains, they would +continue wrapt in that pure ecstasy and inward delight known only to +loving hearts. + +[Illustration] + +Thus passed the first months of their married life. But Lord Glenarvan +did not forget that his wife was the daughter of a great traveler. He +thought that Lady Helena must have in her heart all the aspirations of +her father, and he was not mistaken. The Duncan was constructed, and +was designed to convey Lord and Lady Glenarvan to the most beautiful +countries of the world, along the waves of the Mediterranean, and to +the isles of the Archipelago. Imagine the joy of Lady Helena when her +husband placed the Duncan at her disposal! Indeed, can there be a +greater happiness than to lead your love towards those charming "isles +where Sappho sung," and behold the enchanting scenes of the Orient, +with all their spirit-stirring memories? + +[Illustration] + +Meantime Lord Glenarvan had started for London. The safety of the +unfortunate shipwrecked men was at stake. Thus, in his temporary +absence, Lady Helena showed herself more anxious than sad. The next +day a dispatch from her husband made her hope for a speedy return; in +the evening a letter hinted at its postponement. His proposal had to +encounter some difficulties, and the following day a second letter +came, in which Lord Glenarvan did not conceal his indignation against +the authorities. + +[Illustration: "Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and +can hear all."] + +On that day Lady Helena began to be uneasy. At evening she was alone in +her chamber, when the steward of the castle, Mr. Halbert, came to ask +if she would see a young girl and boy who desired to speak with Lord +Glenarvan. + +"People of the country?" asked Lady Helena. + +"No, madam," replied the steward, "for I do not know them. They have +just arrived by the Balloch railway, and from Balloch to Luss they tell +me they have made the journey on foot." + +"Bid them come up, steward," said Lady Glenarvan. + +The steward withdrew. Some moments afterward the young girl and boy +were ushered into Lady Helena's chamber. They were brother and sister; +you could not doubt it by their resemblance. + +The sister was sixteen. Her pretty face showed weariness, her eyes must +have shed many tears; her resigned, but courageous, countenance, and +her humble, but neat, attire, all prepossessed one in her favor. She +held by the hand a boy of twelve years, of determined look, who seemed +to take his sister under his protection. Indeed, whoever had insulted +the young girl would have had to settle with this little gentleman. + +The sister stopped, a little surprised at seeing herself before Lady +Helena; but the latter hastened to open the conversation. + +"You wish to speak with me?" said she, with an encouraging look at the +young girl. + +[Sidenote: "ONE TOUCH OF NATURE."] + +"No," answered the boy, in a decided tone; "not with you, but with Lord +Glenarvan himself." + +"Excuse him, madam," said the sister, looking at her brother. + +"Lord Glenarvan is not at the castle," replied Lady Helena; "but I am +his wife, and if I can supply his place with you----" + +"You are Lady Glenarvan?" said the young girl. + +"Yes, miss." + +"The wife of Lord Glenarvan, of Malcolm Castle, who published an +advertisement in the _Times_ in regard to the shipwreck of the +Britannia?" + +"Yes, yes!" answered Lady Helena, with alacrity. "And you?" + +"I am Miss Grant, and this is my brother." + +"Miss Grant! Miss Grant!" cried Lady Helena, drawing the young girl +towards her, and taking her hands, while she also drew the boy towards +her. + +"Madam," replied the young girl, "what do you know of the shipwreck of +my father? Is he living? Shall we ever see him again? Speak! oh, please +tell me!" + +"My dear child," said Lady Helena, "God forbid that I should answer you +lightly on such a subject; I would not give you a vain hope----" + +"Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and can hear all." + +"My dear child," answered Lady Helena, "the hope is very slight, but +with the help of God who can do everything, it is possible that you +will one day see your father again." + +"Alas, alas!" exclaimed Miss Grant, who could not restrain her tears, +while Robert covered the hands of Lady Glenarvan with kisses. + +When the first paroxysm of this mournful joy was past, the young girl +began to ask innumerable questions. Lady Helena related the story of +the document, how that the Britannia had been lost on the shores +of Patagonia; in what way, after the shipwreck, the captain and two +sailors, the only survivors, must have reached the continent; and, +at last, how they implored the assistance of the whole world in this +document, written in three languages, and abandoned to the caprices of +the ocean. + +During this recital Robert Grant devoured Lady Helena with his eyes; +his life seemed to hang on her lips. In his childish imagination he +reviewed the terrible scenes of which his father must have been the +victim. He saw him on the deck of the Britannia; he followed him to the +bosom of the waves; he clung with him to the rocks of the shore; he +dragged himself panting along the beach, out of reach of the waves. + +Often during the course of this narration words escaped his lips. + +"Oh, papa! my poor papa!" he cried, pressing close to his sister. + +As for Miss Grant, she listened with clasped hands, and did not utter a +word until the story was ended, when she said,-- + +"Oh, madam, the document! the document!" + +"I no longer have it, my dear child," replied Lady Helena. + +"You no longer have it?" + +"No; for the very sake of your father, Lord Glenarvan had to take it +to London; but I have told you all it contained, word for word, and +how we succeeded in discovering the exact meaning. Among these remains +of the almost effaced words the water had spared some characters. +Unfortunately the record of the longitude had altogether been +destroyed, but that was the only missing point. Thus you see, Miss +Grant, the minutest details of this document are known to you as well +as me." + +"Yes, madam," replied the young girl; "but I would like to have seen my +father's writing." + +[Sidenote: WAITING FOR THE VERDICT.] + +"Well, to-morrow, perhaps, Lord Glenarvan will return. My husband +desired to submit this indisputable document to the authorities in +London, to induce them to send a vessel immediately in search of +Captain Grant." + +"Is it possible, madam!" cried the young girl. "Did you do this for us?" + +"Yes, my dear miss, and I expect Lord Glenarvan every moment." + +"Madam," said the young girl, in a deep tone of gratitude, and with +fervency, "may Heaven bless Lord Glenarvan and you!" + +"Dear child," answered Lady Helena, "we deserve no thanks. Any other +person in our place would have done the same. May the hopes that are +kindled be realized! Till Lord Glenarvan's return you will remain at +the castle." + +"Madam," said the young girl, "I would not presume on the sympathy you +show to us strangers----" + +"Strangers! Dear child, neither your brother nor you are strangers in +this house; and I desire that Lord Glenarvan on his arrival should +inform the children of Captain Grant of what is to be attempted to save +their father." + +It was not possible to refuse an invitation made with so much +cordiality. It was, therefore, decided that Miss Grant and her brother +should await at Malcolm Castle the return of Lord Glenarvan. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +LADY GLENARVAN'S PROPOSAL. + + +During this conversation, Lady Helena had not spoken of the fears +expressed in her husband's letters concerning the reception of his +petition by the London officials; nor was a word said in regard to the +probable captivity of Captain Grant among the Indians of South America. +Why afflict these poor children with their father's situation, and +check the hopes they had just conceived? It would not change matters. +Lady Helena was, therefore, silent on this point, and, after satisfying +all Miss Grant's inquiries, she questioned her concerning her life, and +situation in the world in which she seemed to be the sole protectress +of her brother. It was a simple and touching story, which still more +increased Lady Glenarvan's sympathy for the young girl. + +Mary and Robert Grant were the only children of Captain Harry Grant, +whose wife had died at the birth of Robert, and during his long +voyages his children were left to the care of his good old cousin. +Captain Grant was a hardy sailor, a man well acquainted with his +profession, and a good negotiator, combining thus a twofold aptitude +for his calling commercially. His home was at Dundee, in the county of +Forfar, and he was moreover, by birth, a child of that "bonnie" place. +His father, a minister of Saint Catherine's Church, had given him a +thorough education, knowing that it would be sure to help all, even a +sea-captain. + +[Sidenote: IDEAS AND REALITIES.] + +During his early voyages, first as mate, and afterwards in the +capacity of skipper, Harry Grant prospered, and some years after +the birth of his son Robert, he found himself the possessor of a +considerable fortune. + +Then a great idea entered his mind which made his name popular +throughout Scotland. Like the Glenarvans and several other great +families of the Highlands, he was opposed in heart, if not in deed, +to the advance and prevalence of English thought and feeling. The +interests of his country could not be in his eyes the same as those +of the Anglo-Saxons, and, in order to give the former a peculiar and +national development, he resolved to found a Scottish colony in some +part of the Southern World. Did he dream of that independence in the +future of which the United States had set the example, and which the +Indies and Australia cannot fail one day to acquire? Very likely; +but he allowed his secret hopes to be divined. It was, therefore, +known that the Government refused to lend their aid in his project +of colonization; nay, they even raised obstacles which in any other +country would have overcome the project. + +But Harry Grant would not be discouraged. He appealed to the patriotism +of his countrymen, gave his fortune to serve the cause, built a vessel +and furnished it with a fine crew, confided his children to the care +of his old cousin, and set sail to explore the great islands of the +Pacific. + +It was the year 1861. Until May, 1862, they had received news of him, +but since his departure from Callao, in the month of June, no one had +heard anything of the Britannia, and the marine intelligencers became +silent concerning the fate of the captain. + +At this juncture of affairs the old cousin of Harry Grant died, and +the two children were left alone in the world. Mary Grant was then +fourteen. Her courageous soul did not flinch at the situation that was +presented, but she devoted herself entirely to her brother, who was +still a child. She must bring him up and instruct him. By dint of +economy, prudence, and sagacity, laboring night and day, sacrificing +all for him, denying herself everything, the sister succeeded in +educating her brother and bravely fulfilled her sisterly duties. + +The two children lived thus at Dundee, and valiantly overcame +their sorrowful and lonely circumstances. Mary thought only of her +brother, and dreamed of a happy future for him. As for herself, alas! +the Britannia was lost forever, and her father dead! We must not, +therefore, attempt to depict her emotion when the advertisement in the +_Times_ accidentally met her eye, and suddenly raised her from her +despair. + +It was no time to hesitate. Her resolution was immediately taken. Even +if she should learn that her father's dead body had been found on a +desert coast, or in the hull of a shipwrecked vessel, it was better +than this continual doubt, this eternal torment of uncertainty. She +told her brother all; and the same day the two children took the Perth +Railroad, and at evening arrived at Malcolm Castle, where Mary, after +so many harassing thoughts, began to hope. + +Such was the sorrowful story that the young girl related to Lady +Glenarvan, in an artless manner, without thinking that through all +those long years of trial she had behaved herself like an heroic +daughter. But Lady Helena thought of this, and several times, without +hiding her tears, she clasped in her arms the two children of Captain +Grant. + +As for Robert, it seemed as if he heard this story for the first time: +for he opened his eyes in astonishment, as he listened to his sister; +comprehended what she had done, what she had suffered; and at last, +encircling her with his arms, he exclaimed, unable longer to restrain +the cry that came from the very depths of his heart,-- + +"Oh, mamma! my dear mamma!" + +[Illustration: "My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing +herself at the feet of Lord Glenarvan.] + +Night had now fully set in; and Lady Helena, remembering the fatigue of +the two children, would not longer continue the conversation. Mary +and Robert were conducted to their chambers, and fell asleep dreaming +of a brighter future. + + + +After they had retired, Lady Helena saw the major, and told him all the +events of the day. + +"That Mary Grant is a brave girl," said MacNabb, when he had heard his +cousin's story. + +"May Heaven grant my husband success in his enterprise!" replied Lady +Helena; "for the situation of the two children would be terrible!" + +"He will succeed," answered MacNabb, "or the hearts of the authorities +must be harder than the stone of Portland." + +In spite of the major's assurance, Lady Helena passed the night in the +greatest anxiety, and could scarce gain an hour's repose. + +[Sidenote: "BROKEN CISTERNS."] + +The next morning Mary and her brother rose at daybreak, and were +walking in the galleries and water terraces of the castle, when the +sound of a coach was heard in the great court-yard. It was Lord +Glenarvan returning to Malcolm Castle at the full speed of his horses. +Almost immediately Lady Helena, accompanied by the major, appeared +in the court-yard, and flew to meet her husband. But he seemed sad, +disappointed, and angry. He clasped his wife in his arms, and was +silent. + +[Illustration] + +"Well, Edward!" she exclaimed. + +"Well, my dear Helena," he replied, "those people have no hearts!" + +"They refused?" + +"Yes, they refused me a vessel: they spoke of the millions vainly spent +in searching for Franklin; they declared the document was vague and +unintelligible; they said that the shipwreck of these unfortunates had +happened two years ago, and that there was little chance of finding +them. They maintained too, that, if prisoners of the Indians, they must +have been carried into the interior of the country; that they could not +ransack all Patagonia to find three men,--three Scotchmen; the search +would be vain and perilous, and would cost the lives of more men than +it would save. In short, they gave all the absurd reasons of people who +mean to refuse. They remembered the captain's projects, and I fear that +the unfortunate man is forever lost!" + +"My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing herself at the +feet of Lord Glenarvan. + +"Your father! What, Miss----?" said he, surprised at seeing a young +girl at his feet. + +"Yes, Edward, Miss Grant and her brother," replied Lady Helena; "the +two children of Captain Grant, who have thus been condemned to remain +orphans." + +"Ah, miss!" answered Lord Glenarvan, "if I had known of your +presence----" + +He said no more. A painful silence, interrupted only by sobs, reigned +in the court-yard. No one raised his voice, neither Lord Glenarvan, +Lady Helena, the major, nor the servants of the castle, who were +standing about even at this early hour. But by their attitude they all +protested against the conduct of the officials. + +After several moments the major resumed the conversation, and, +addressing Lord Glenarvan, said,-- + +"Then you have no more hope?" + +"None." + +"Well," cried young Robert, "I will go to these people, and--we shall +see----" + +He did not finish his threat, for his sister stopped him; but his +clinched hands indicated his intentions. + +"No, Robert," said she, "no; let us thank these kind people for what +they have done for us. Let us always keep them in remembrance; but now +we must take our departure." + +"Mary!" cried Lady Helena. + +"Miss, where would you go?" said Lord Glenarvan. + +"I am going to throw myself at the feet of the Queen," replied the +young girl, "and we shall see if she will be deaf to the prayers of two +children imploring help for their father." + +Lord Glenarvan shook his head; not that he doubted the clemency of Her +Gracious Majesty, but he doubted whether Mary Grant would gain access +to her; for but few suppliants reach the steps of a throne. + +Lady Helena understood her husband's thoughts. She knew that the young +girl might make a fruitless journey, and she pictured to herself these +two children leading henceforth a cheerless existence. Then it was that +she conceived a grand and noble idea. + +"Mary Grant," she exclaimed, "wait, my child; listen to what I am about +to say." + +The young girl held her brother by the hand, and was preparing to go. +She stopped. + +Then Lady Helena, with tearful eye, but firm voice and animated +features, advanced towards her husband. + +[Sidenote: "NOBLY PLANNED."] + +"Edward," said she, "when Captain Grant wrote that letter, and cast +it into the sea, he confided it to the care of God himself, who has +brought it to us. Without doubt He designed to charge us with the +safety of these unfortunates." + +"What do you mean, Helena?" inquired Lord Glenarvan, whilst all waited +in silence. + +"I mean," replied Lady Helena, "that we ought to consider ourselves +happy in beginning our married life with a good action. You, my dear +Edward, to please me, have planned a pleasure voyage. But what pleasure +can be more genuine or more beneficent than to save these unfortunates +whom hope has almost abandoned?" + +"Helena!" cried Lord Glenarvan. + +"Yes, you understand me, Edward. The Duncan is a good, staunch vessel. +It can brave the Southern seas; it can make the tour of the world,--and +it will, if necessary! Let us start, Edward,--let us go in search of +Captain Grant!" + +At these courageous words Lord Glenarvan had extended his arms to his +wife. He smiled. He pressed her to his heart, while Mary and Robert +kissed her hands. + +And during this touching scene the servants of the castle, affected and +enthusiastic, uttered from their hearts this cry of gratitude,-- + +"Hurrah for the lady of Luss! Hurrah! three times hurrah, for Lord and +Lady Glenarvan!" + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE DEPARTURE OF THE DUNCAN. + + +It has been already said that Lady Helena had a brave and generous +soul. What she had just done was an undeniable proof of it, and Lord +Glenarvan had good reason to trust in this noble woman, who was +capable of comprehending and following him. The idea of sailing to +the rescue of Captain Grant had already taken possession of him when +he saw his petition rejected at London; but he could not have thought +of separating from her. Yet, since she desired to go herself, all +hesitation was at an end. The servants of the castle had received her +proposal with cries of joy; the safety of their brother Scots was at +stake, and Lord Glenarvan joined heartily in the hurrahs that greeted +the lady of Luss. + +The scheme once resolved upon, there was not an hour to lose. That +very day Lord Glenarvan sent to Captain Mangles orders to bring the +Duncan to Glasgow, and make every preparation for a voyage to the South +Seas, which might become one of circumnavigation. Moreover, in her +plans Lady Helena had not overestimated the qualities of the Duncan: +of first-class construction with regard to strength and swiftness, she +could without injury sustain a long voyage. + +[Sidenote: FITTING FOR SEA.] + +The Duncan was a steam yacht of one hundred and ten tons burden. +She had two masts,--a foremast with fore-sail, main-sail, foretop +and foretop-gallant sails; and a mainmast, carrying a main-sail and +fore-staff. Her rigging was, therefore, sufficient, and she could +profit by the wind like a simple clipper; but she relied especially +upon her mechanical power. Her engine was of an effective force of one +hundred and sixty horse power, and was constructed on a new plan. It +possessed apparatus for overheating, which gave its steam a very great +tension. It was a high-pressure engine, and produced motion by a double +screw. The Duncan under full steam could acquire a speed equal to any +vessel of that day. Indeed, during her trial trip in the Frith of +Clyde, she had made, according to the log, seventeen knots an hour. She +was, therefore, fully capable of circumnavigating the world; and her +captain had only to occupy himself with the internal arrangement. + +His first care was to increase his store-room, and take in the +greatest possible quantity of coal, for it would be difficult to renew +their supplies on the voyage. The same precaution was taken with the +steward's room, and provisions for two years were stowed away. Money, +of course, was not wanting, and a pivot-gun was furnished, which was +fixed at the forecastle. You do not know what may happen, and it is +always best to have the means of defense in your reach. + +Captain Mangles, we must say, understood his business. Although he +commanded only a pleasure yacht, he was ranked among the ablest of +the Glasgow captains. He was thirty years of age, with rather rough +features, indicating courage and kindness. When a child, the Glenarvan +family had taken him under their care, and made him an excellent +seaman. He had often given proofs of skill, energy, and coolness during +his long voyages, and when Lord Glenarvan offered him the command of +the Duncan, he accepted it with pride and pleasure, for he loved the +lord of Malcolm Castle as a brother, and until then had vainly sought +an opportunity to devote himself to his service. + +The mate, Tom Austin, was an old sailor worthy of all confidence; and +the crew of the Duncan was composed of twenty-five men, including +the captain and mate. They all belonged to the county of Dumbarton, +were all tried seamen, sons of the tenants of the family, and formed +on shipboard a genuine clan of honest people, who of course were not +without the national bagpipe. Lord Glenarvan had, in them, a band of +faithful subjects, happy in their avocation, devoted, courageous, and +skillful in the use of arms, as well as in the management of a ship, +while they were ready to follow him on the most perilous expeditions. +When they learned where they were going, they could not restrain their +joyous emotion, and the echoes of the rocks of Dumbarton awoke to their +cries of enthusiasm. + +Captain Mangles, while occupied in lading and provisioning his craft, +did not forget to prepare Lord and Lady Glenarvan's apartments for a +long voyage. He likewise provided cabins for Captain Grant's children, +for Lady Helena could not refuse Mary permission to accompany her on +the expedition. + +As for young Robert, he would have hidden in the hold sooner than +not go; even if he had been compelled to serve as cabin-boy, like +Lord Nelson and Sir John Franklin, he would have embarked on board +the Duncan. To think of opposing such a little gentleman! It was +not attempted. They were even obliged to take him other than as +passenger, for as cabin-boy or sailor he _would serve_. The captain was +accordingly commissioned to teach him the duties of a seaman. + +"Good!" said Robert; "and let him not spare a few blows of the rope's +end if I do not walk straight." + +"Be easy, my boy," replied Glenarvan, without adding that the use of +the "cat-o'-nine-tails" was prohibited, and moreover quite needless, on +board the Duncan. + +[Sidenote: GLASGOW GOSSIP.] + +To complete the roll of the passengers, it will be sufficient to +describe Major MacNabb. The major was a man of fifty, of calm, +regular features, who did as he was bid; of an excellent and superior +character, modest, taciturn, peaceable, and mild; always agreeing +with anything or any one, disputing nothing, and neither contradicting +himself nor exaggerating. He would mount with measured step the +staircase to his bed-chamber, even were a cannon-ball behind him; and +probably to his dying day would never find an opportunity to fly into a +passion. + +This man possessed, in a high degree, not only the common courage of +the battle-field (that physical bravery due only to nervous strength), +but, better still, moral courage, that is to say, firmness of soul. If +he had a fault, it was that of being absolutely Scotch from head to +foot, a pure-blooded Caledonian, an infatuated observer of the ancient +customs of his country. Through his relationship to the Glenarvans he +lived at Malcolm Castle; and as major and military man it was very +natural that he should be found on board the Duncan. + +Such, then, were the passengers of this yacht, summoned by unforeseen +circumstances to accomplish one of the most surprising voyages of +modern times. Since her arrival at the wharf at Glasgow, she had +monopolized the public attention. A considerable number came every day +to visit her. They were interested in her alone, and spoke only of her, +to the great umbrage of the other captains of the port, among others +Captain Burton, commanding the Scotia, a magnificent steamer, moored +beside the Duncan, and bound for Calcutta. The Scotia, from her size, +had a right to consider the Duncan as a mere fly-boat. Nevertheless, +all the attraction centred in Lord Glenarvan's yacht, and increased +from day to day. + +The time of departure approached. Captain Mangles had shown himself +skillful and expeditious. A month after her trial trip in the Frith of +Clyde, the Duncan, laden, provisioned, and equipped, was ready to put +to sea. The 25th of August was appointed for the time of departure, +which would enable the yacht to reach the southern latitudes by the +beginning of spring. Lord Glenarvan, when his plan was matured, did +not neglect to make investigations into the hardships and perils of the +voyage; yet he did not hesitate on this account, but prepared to leave +Malcolm Castle. + +On the 24th of August, Lord and Lady Glenarvan, Major MacNabb, Mary and +Robert Grant, Mr. Olbinett, the steward of the yacht, and his wife, who +was in the service of Lady Glenarvan, left the castle, after taking an +affectionate farewell of their family servants. Several hours afterward +they found themselves on board. Many of the population of Glasgow +welcomed with sympathetic admiration the young and courageous lady who +renounced the pleasures of a life of luxury, and sailed to the rescue +of the shipwrecked sailors. + +The apartments of Lord Glenarvan and his wife occupied the entire stern +of the vessel. They consisted of two bed-chambers, a parlor, and two +dressing-rooms, adjoining which was an open square inclosed by six +cabins, five of which were occupied by Mary and Robert Grant, Mr. and +Mrs. Olbinett, and Major MacNabb. As for the cabins of the captain and +the mate, they were situated in the forecastle, and opened on the deck. +The crew were lodged between-decks very comfortably, for the yacht of +course carried nothing but her coal, provisions, and armament. + +The Duncan was to start on the night of the 24th, as the tide fell at +three o'clock in the morning. But first those who were present were +witness to a touching scene. At eight in the evening Lord Glenarvan and +his companions, the entire crew, from the firemen to the captain, all +who were to take part in this voyage of sacrifice, left the yacht, and +betook themselves to Saint Mungo, the ancient cathedral of Glasgow. +This antique church, an uninjured relic in the midst of the ruins +caused by the Reformation, and so marvelously described by Walter +Scott, received beneath its massive arches the owners and sailors of +the Duncan. + +[Sidenote: PRAYER, AND PROGRESS.] + +A numerous throng accompanied them. There in the spacious aisle, +filled with tombs of the great and good, the Rev. Mr. Morton implored +the blessing of Heaven, and commended the expedition to the care of +Providence. For a moment the voice of Mary Grant arose in the old +church. The young girl was praying for her benefactors, and shedding +before God the sweet tears of gratitude. The assembly retired under the +influence of a deep emotion. + +At eleven, every one was on board. The captain and the crew occupied +themselves with the final preparations. At midnight the fires were +kindled, and soon clouds of black smoke mingled with the vapors of the +night; the sails of the Duncan had been carefully reefed in a canvas +sheathing, which served to protect them from injury. The wind blew from +the southeast, and did not favor the progress of the vessel; but at two +o'clock the ship began to heave under the action of her boilers. The +manometer indicated a pressure of four atmospheres, and the overheated +steam whistled through the escape-valves. The sea was tranquil, and +soon daylight enabled them to distinguish the passes of the Clyde +between the buoys and beacons, whose lights were gradually extinguished +as the morning dawned. + +Captain Mangles informed Lord Glenarvan, who at once came on deck. Very +soon the ebb-tide was felt. The Duncan gave a few shrill whistles, +slackened her cables, and separated from the surrounding vessels. Her +screw was set in motion, which propelled her into the channel of the +river. The captain had taken no pilot. He was perfectly acquainted with +the navigation of the Clyde, and no one could have commanded better. At +a sign from him the yacht started. With his right hand he controlled +the engine, and with his left the tiller, with silent but unerring +skill. + +[Illustration: The Rev. Mr. Morton implored the blessing of Heaven, and +commended the expedition to the care of Providence.] + +[Sidenote: A CHANGE OF SCENE.] + +Soon the last workshops on the shore gave place to villas, built here +and there upon the hills, and the sounds of the city died away in the +distance. An hour afterwards, the Duncan passed the rocks of Dumbarton; +two hours later she was in the Frith of Clyde; and at six o'clock in +the morning she doubled Cantyre Point, emerged from the North Channel, +and gained the open sea. + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER. + + +During the first day's voyage the sea was quite rough, and the wind +freshened towards evening. The Duncan rolled considerably, so that +the ladies did not appear on deck, but very wisely remained in their +cabins. The next day the wind changed a point, and the captain set the +main-, fore-, and foretop-sails, thus causing less perception of the +rolling and pitching motion. + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant were able before daybreak to join Lord +Glenarvan, the major, and the captain, on deck. The sunrise was +magnificent. The orb of day, like a gilded metal disk, rose from the +ocean, as from an immense and silvery basin. The ship glided in the +midst of a splendid iridescence, and you would truly have thought that +her sails expanded under the influence of the sun's rays, whilst even +the crew of the yacht silently admired this reappearance of the orb of +day. + +"What a magnificent spectacle!" said Lady Helena, at last. "This is +the beginning of a beautiful day. May the wind not prove contrary, but +favor the progress of the Duncan!" + +"No better weather could be desired, my dear Helena," replied Lord +Glenarvan; "we have no reason to complain of the commencement of the +voyage." + +"Will it be a long one, my dear Edward?" + +"That is for the captain to answer," said he. "Are we progressing well? +Are you satisfied with your vessel, captain?" + +"Very well indeed," was the answer. "She is a marvelous craft, and a +sailor likes to feel her under his feet. Never were hull and engine +more in unison. See how smooth her wake is, and how easily she rides +the waves. We are moving at the rate of seventeen knots an hour. If +this continues, we shall cross the line in ten days, and in five weeks +shall double Cape Horn." + +"You hear, Mary," said Lady Helena: "in five weeks!" + +"Yes," replied the young girl, "I hear; and my heart beat quickly at +the words of the captain." + +"And how do you bear this voyage, Miss Mary?" inquired Lord Glenarvan. + +"Very well, my lord; I do not experience very many discomforts. +Besides, I shall soon be accustomed to it." + +"And young Robert?" + +[Sidenote: COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS.] + +"Oh, Robert!" replied Captain Mangles: "when he is not engaged with the +engine he is perched at mast-head. I tell you he is a boy who mocks +sea-sickness. Only look at him!" + +At a gesture of the captain, all eyes were turned towards the mainmast, +and every one could perceive Robert, suspended by the stays of the +foretop-gallant sail, a hundred feet aloft. Mary could not restrain a +motion of fear. + +"Oh, be easy, miss!" said Captain Mangles. "I will answer for him, and +promise you I will present, in a short time, a famous sailor to Captain +Grant; for we shall find that worthy captain." + +"May Heaven hear you, sir!" replied the young girl. + +"My dear child," said Lord Glenarvan, "there is in all this something +providential, which ought to give us hope. We are not merely going, we +are led; we are not seeking blindly, we are guided. And then see all +these brave people enrolled in the service of so good a cause. Not only +shall we succeed in our enterprise, but it will be accomplished without +difficulty. I have promised Lady Helena a pleasure voyage; and, if I am +not mistaken, I shall keep my word." + +"Edward," said Lady Glenarvan, "you are the best of men." + +"Not so; but I have the best of crews, on the best of ships. Do you not +wonder at our Duncan, Miss Mary?" + +"On the contrary, my lord," answered the young girl, "I don't so much +wonder as admire; for I am well acquainted with ships." + +"Ah! indeed!" + +"When a mere child, I played on my father's ships. He ought to have +made a sailor of me. If it were necessary, perhaps I should not now be +embarrassed in taking a reef or twisting a gasket." + +"What is that you're saying, miss?" exclaimed the captain. + +"If you talk so," continued Lord Glenarvan, "you will make a great +friend of Captain John; for he thinks nothing in the world can equal +the life of a sailor. He sees no other, even for a woman. Is it not so, +John?" + +"Undoubtedly, your lordship," replied the young captain; "and yet, I +confess, Miss Grant is better in her place on deck, than taking a reef +in the top-sail. But still I am very much flattered to hear her speak +so." + +"And especially when she admires the Duncan!" added Glenarvan. + +"Right, my lord; for she deserves it." + +"Upon my word," said Lady Helena, "since you are so proud of your +yacht, you make me anxious to examine her to the very hold, and see how +our brave sailors are quartered between-decks." + +"Admirably," replied the captain; "they are quite at home there." + +"Indeed they are, my dear Helena," said Lord Glenarvan. "This yacht +is a part of our old Caledonia,--a detached portion of the county of +Dumbarton, traveling by special favor, so that we have not left our +country. The Duncan is Malcolm Castle, and the ocean is Loch Lomond." + +"Well, then, my dear Edward, do the honors of the castle," said Lady +Helena. + +"I am at your disposal, madam," answered her husband; "but first let me +inform Olbinett." + +The steward of the yacht was an excellent manager, a Scotchman, who +deserved to have been a Frenchman from his self-importance, and, +moreover, fulfilled his duties with zeal and intelligence. He was at +once ready for his master's commands. + +"Olbinett, we are going to make a tour of the vessel before breakfast," +said Glenarvan, as if a journey to Tarbet or Loch Katrine was in +question. "I hope we shall find the table ready on our return." + +Olbinett bowed gravely. + +[Illustration: This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been +forty years old. He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head +was large and thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth +wide, and his chin blunt.] + +"Do you accompany us, major?" asked Lady Helena. + +"If you order it," replied MacNabb. + +"Oh!" said Lord Glenarvan, "the major is absorbed in the smoke of his +cigar; we must not disturb him, for I assure you he is an inveterate +smoker, Miss Mary; he smokes all the time, even in his sleep." + +The major made a sign of assent, and the passengers descended +between-decks. + +MacNabb remained alone, talking to himself, according to his custom, +but never contradicting himself. Enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke, +he stood motionless, gazing back at the wake of the yacht. After a few +moments of contemplation, he turned and found himself face to face with +a new character. If _anything_ could have surprised him, it must have +been this meeting, for the passenger was absolutely unknown to him. + +[Sidenote: A TELESCOPIC APPARITION.] + +This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been forty years old. +He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head was large and +thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth wide, and +his chin blunt. As for his eyes, they were hidden behind enormous +eye-glasses, and his look seemed to have that indecision peculiar +to nyctalops. His countenance indicated an intelligent and lively +person, while it had not the crabbed air of those stern people who from +principle never laugh, and whose stupidity is hidden beneath a serious +guise. The nonchalance and amiable freedom of this unknown nonentity +clearly proved that he knew how to take men and things at their best +advantage. Even without his speaking you felt that he was a talker; but +he was abstracted, after the manner of those who do not see what they +are looking at or hear what they are listening to. He wore a traveling +cap, stout yellow buskins and leather gaiters, pantaloons of maroon +velvet, and a jacket of the same material, whose innumerable pockets +seemed stuffed with note-books, memoranda, scraps, portfolios, and a +thousand articles as inconvenient as they were useless, not to speak +of a telescope which he carried in a sling. + +The curiosity of this unknown being was a singular contrast to the +calmness of the major. He walked around MacNabb, and gazed at him +questioningly, whilst the latter did not trouble himself whence the +stranger came, whither he was going, or why he was on board the Duncan. + +When this enigmatical character saw his approaches mocked by the +indifference of the major, he seized his telescope, which at its full +length measured four feet; and motionless, with legs straddled, like a +sign-post on a highway, he pointed his instrument to the line where sky +and water met. After a few moments of examination, he lowered it, and +resting it on the deck, leaned upon it as upon a cane. But immediately +the joints of the instrument closed, and the newly discovered +passenger, whose point of support suddenly failed, was stretched at the +foot of the mainmast. + +[Illustration] + +Any one else in the major's place would at least have smiled, but he +did not even wink. The unknown then assumed his rle. + +"Steward!" he cried, with an accent that betokened a foreigner. + +He waited. No one appeared. + +"Steward!" he repeated, in a louder tone. + +Mr. Olbinett was passing just then on his way to the kitchen under the +forecastle. What was his astonishment to hear himself thus addressed by +this tall individual, who was utterly unknown to him! + +"Where did this person come from?" said he to himself. "A friend of +Lord Glenarvan? It is impossible." + +However, he came on deck, and approached the stranger. + +"Are you the steward of the vessel?" the latter asked him. + +"Yes, sir," replied Olbinett; "but I have not the honor----" + +"I am the passenger of cabin number six." + +"Number six?" repeated the steward. + +"Certainly; and your name is----?" + +"Olbinett." + +"Well, Olbinett, my friend," answered the stranger of cabin number six, +"I must think of dinner, and acutely, too. For thirty-six hours I have +eaten nothing, or, rather, have slept, which is pardonable in a man +come all the way from Paris to Glasgow. What hour do you dine, if you +please?" + +"At nine o'clock," answered Olbinett, mechanically. + +The stranger attempted to consult his watch; but this took some time, +for he did not find it till he came to his ninth pocket. + +[Sidenote: CONFUSION WORSE CONFOUNDED.] + +"Well," said he, "it is not yet eight o'clock; therefore, Olbinett, a +biscuit and a glass of sherry for the present; for I am fainting with +hunger." + +Olbinett listened without understanding. Moreover, the unknown kept +talking, and passed from one subject to another with extreme volubility. + +"Well," said he, "has not the captain risen yet? And the mate? What is +he doing? Is he asleep, too? Fortunately, the weather is beautiful, the +wind favorable, and the ship goes on quite by herself----" + +Just as he said this, Captain Mangles appeared at the companion-way. + +"Here is the captain," said Olbinett. + +"Ah, I am delighted," cried the stranger, "delighted to make your +acquaintance, Captain Burton!" + +If any one was ever astounded, John Mangles certainly was, not less at +hearing himself called "Captain Burton," than at seeing this stranger +on board his vessel. + +The latter continued, with more animation: + +"Permit me to shake hands with you, and if I did not do so day before +yesterday, it was that no one might be embarrassed at the moment of +departure. But to-day, captain, I am truly happy to meet you." + +Captain Mangles opened his eyes in measureless astonishment, looking +first at Olbinett, and then at the new comer. + +"Now," continued the latter, "the introduction is over, and we are old +friends. Let us have a talk; and tell me, are you satisfied with the +Scotia?" + +"What do you mean by the Scotia?" asked the captain, at last. + +"Why, the Scotia that carries us: a good ship, whose commander, the +brave Captain Burton, I have heard praised no less for his physical +than his moral qualities. Are you the father of the great African +traveler of that name? If so, my compliments!" + +"Sir," replied Captain Mangles, "not only am I not the father of the +traveler Burton, but I am not even Captain Burton." + +"Ah!" said the unknown, "it is the mate of the Scotia then, Mr. +Burdness, whom I am addressing at this moment?" + +"Mr. Burdness?" replied Captain Mangles, who began to suspect the +truth. But was he talking to a fool, or a rogue? This was a question in +his mind, and he was about to explain himself intelligibly, when Lord +Glenarvan, his wife, and Miss Grant came on deck. + +The stranger perceived them, and cried,-- + +"Ah! passengers! passengers! excellent! I hope, Mr. Burdness, you are +going to introduce me----" + +And advancing with perfect ease, without waiting for the captain,-- + +"Madam" said he to Miss Grant, "Miss" to Lady Helena, "Sir" he added, +addressing Lord Glenarvan. + +"Lord Glenarvan," said Captain Mangles. + +"My lord," continued the unknown, "I beg your pardon for introducing +myself, but at sea we must relax a little from etiquette. I hope we +shall soon be acquainted, and that, in the society of these ladies, the +passage of the Scotia will seem as short to us as agreeable." + +Lady Helena and Miss Grant could not find a word to answer. They were +completely bewildered by the presence of this intruder. + +"Sir," said Glenarvan, at length, "whom have I the honor of addressing?" + +"Jacques Eliacim Franois Marie Paganel, secretary of the Geographical +Society of Paris; corresponding member of the societies of Berlin, +Bombay, Darmstadt, Leipsic, London, St. Petersburg, Vienna, and New +York; honorary member of the Royal Geographical and Ethnographical +Institute of the East Indies, who, after passing twenty years of his +life in studying geography, designs now to enter upon a roving life, +and is directing his course to India to continue there the labors of +the great travelers." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JACQUES PAGANEL IS UNDECEIVED. + + +The secretary of the Geographical Society must have been an agreeable +person, for all this was said with much modesty. Lord Glenarvan, +moreover, knew perfectly whom he had met. The name and merit of Jacques +Paganel were well known to him. His geographical labors, his reports +on modern discoveries, published in the bulletins of the Society, his +correspondence with the entire world, had made him one of the most +distinguished scientific men of France. Thus Glenarvan extended his +hand very cordially to his unexpected guest. + +"And now that our introduction is over," added he, "will you permit me, +Monsieur Paganel, to ask you a question?" + +"Twenty, my lord," replied Jacques Paganel; "it will always be a +pleasure to converse with you." + +"You arrived on board this vessel the day before yesterday?" + +"Yes, my lord, day before yesterday, at eight o'clock in the evening. +I took a cab from the Caledonian Railway to the Scotia, in which I had +engaged cabin number six at Paris. The night was dark. I saw no one on +board. Feeling fatigued by thirty hours of travel, and knowing that +a good way to avoid sea-sickness is to go to bed on embarking, and +not stir from your bunk for the first days of the voyage, I retired +immediately, and have conscientiously slept thirty-six hours, I assure +you." + +Jacques Paganel's hearers now knew the reason of his presence on board. +The Frenchman, mistaking the vessel, had embarked while the crew of +the Duncan were engaged in the ceremony at Saint Mungo. Everything was +explained. But what would the geographer say, when he learned the name +and destination of the vessel on which he had taken passage? + +"So, Monsieur Paganel," said Glenarvan, "you have chosen Calcutta as +your centre of action?" + +"Yes, my lord. To see India is an idea that I have cherished all my +life. It is my brightest dream, which shall be realized at last in the +country of the elephants and the Thugs." + +"Then you would not care to visit another country?" + +"No, my lord; it would be even disagreeable, for I have letters from +Lord Somerset to the governor-general of India, and a mission from the +Geographical Society which I must fulfil." + +"Ah! you have a mission?" + +"Yes, a useful and curious voyage to undertake, the programme of +which has been arranged by my scientific friend and colleague, M. +Vivien de Saint Martin. It is to follow in the steps of the brothers +Schlagintweit, and many other celebrated travelers. I hope to succeed +where Missionary Krick unfortunately failed in 1846. In a word, I wish +to discover the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo, which waters Thibet, +and finally to settle whether this river does not join the Brahmapootra +in the northeast part of Assam. A gold medal is promised to that +traveler who shall succeed in supplying this much-needed information on +Indian geography." + +Paganel was grandiloquent. He spoke with a lofty animation, and was +carried away in the rapid flight of imagination. It would have been +as impossible to check him as to stay the Rhine at the Falls of +Schaffhausen. + +"Monsieur Jacques Paganel," said Lord Glenarvan, after a moment +of silence, "that is certainly a fine voyage, and one for which +science would be very grateful; but I will not further prolong your +ignorance. For the present, you must give up the pleasure of seeing +India." + + +"Give it up! And why?" + +"Because you are turning your back upon the Indian peninsula." + +"How? Captain Burton----" + +"I am not Captain Burton," replied John Mangles. + +"But the Scotia?" + +"This vessel is not the Scotia." + +Paganel's amazement cannot be depicted. He looked first at Lord +Glenarvan, always serious; then at Lady Helena and Miss Grant, whose +features expressed a sympathetic disappointment; and finally at Captain +Mangles, who was smiling, and the imperturbable major. Then, raising +his shoulders and drawing down his glasses from his forehead to his +eyes, he exclaimed,-- + +"What a joke!" + +But at that his eyes fell upon the steering wheel, on which were +inscribed these two words, thus: + +[Illustration] + +"The Duncan! the Duncan!" he cried in a tone of real despair; and, +leaping down the companion-way, he rushed to his cabin. + +When the unfortunate geographer had disappeared, no one on board, +except the major, could retain gravity, and the laugh was communicated +even to the sailors. To mistake the railroad was not so bad; to take +the train to Dumbarton, instead of Edinburgh, would do. But to mistake +the vessel, and be sailing to Chili, when he wished to go to India, was +the height of absent-mindedness. + +[Sidenote: ABSENT-MINDEDNESS.] + +"On the whole, I am not astonished at this on the part of Jacques +Paganel," said Glenarvan; "he is noted for such blunders. He once +published a celebrated map of America, in which he located Japan. +However, he is a distinguished scholar, and one of the best geographers +of France." + +[Illustration] + +"But what are we going to do with the poor gentleman?" asked Lady +Helena. "We cannot take him to Patagonia." + +"Why not?" replied MacNabb gravely. "We are not responsible for his +errors. Suppose he were in a railroad car, would it stop for him?" + +"No; but he could get out at the first station," answered Lady Helena. + +"Well," said Glenarvan, "he can do so now, if he pleases, at our first +landing." + +At this moment Paganel, woeful and humble, reappeared on deck, after +convincing himself that his baggage was on board. He kept repeating +those fatal words: "The Duncan! the Duncan!" He could find no others +in his vocabulary. He went to and fro, examining the rigging of the +yacht, and questioning the mute horizon of the open sea. At last he +returned to Lord Glenarvan. + +[Illustration] + +"And this Duncan is going----?" he asked. + +"To America, Monsieur Paganel." + +"And where especially?" + +"To Concepcion." + +"To Chili! to Chili!" cried the unfortunate geographer. "And my mission +to India! But what will M. de Quatrefages say, the President of the +Central Commission? How shall I represent myself at the sessions of the +Society?" + +[Sidenote: COURTESY AND CONVERSE.] + +"Come, monsieur," said Glenarvan, "do not despair. Everything can +be arranged, and you will only have to submit to a delay of little +consequence. The Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo will wait for you in the mountains +of Thibet. We shall soon reach Madeira, and there you will find a +vessel to take you back to Europe." + +"I thank you, my lord, and must be resigned. But we can say this is an +extraordinary adventure, which would not have happened but for me. And +my cabin which is engaged on board the Scotia?" + +"Oh, as for the Scotia, I advise you to give her up for the present." + +"But," said Paganel after examining the vessel again, "the Duncan is a +pleasure yacht." + +"Yes, sir," replied Captain Mangles, "and belongs to his lordship, Lord +Glenarvan----" + +"Who begs you to make free use of his hospitality," said Glenarvan. + +"A thousand thanks, my lord," replied Paganel; "I am truly sensible +to your courtesy. But permit me to make a simple remark. India is a +beautiful country. It offers marvelous surprises to travelers. These +ladies have probably never visited it. Well, the man at the helm needs +only to give a turn to the wheel, and the Duncan will go as easily to +Calcutta as Concepcion. Now, since this is a pleasure voyage----" + +The negative reception that met Paganel's proposal did not permit him +to develop it. He paused. + +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena at length, "if this were only a +pleasure voyage, I would answer: 'Let us all go to India,' and Lord +Glenarvan would not disapprove. But the Duncan is going to recover +some shipwrecked sailors, abandoned on the coast of Patagonia; and she +cannot change so humane a course." + +In a few moments the Frenchman was acquainted with the situation of +affairs, and learned, not without emotion, the providential discovery +of the documents, the story of Captain Grant, and Lady Helena's +generous proposal. + +"Madam," said he, "permit me to admire your conduct in all this, and to +admire it without reserve. May your yacht continue on her course; I +would reproach myself for delaying her a single day." + +"Will you then join in our search?" asked Lady Helena. + +"It is impossible, madam; I must fulfil my mission. I shall disembark +at your first landing." + +"At Madeira then," said Captain Mangles. + +"At Madeira let it be. I shall be only one hundred and eighty leagues +from Lisbon, and will wait there for means of further conveyance." + +"Well, Monsieur Paganel," said Glenarvan, "it shall be as you desire; +and, for my part, I am happy that I can offer you for a few days the +hospitalities of my vessel. May you not grow weary of our company." + +"Oh, my lord," exclaimed the geographer, "I am still too happy in being +so agreeably disappointed. However, it is a very ludicrous situation +for a man who takes passage for India, and is sailing to America." + +In spite of this mortifying reflection, Paganel made the best use of a +delay that he could not avoid. He showed himself amiable, and even gay; +he enchanted the ladies with his good humor, and before the end of the +day he was the friend of every one. At his request the famous document +was shown to him. He studied it carefully, long and minutely. No other +interpretation appeared to him possible. Mary Grant and her brother +inspired him with the liveliest interest. He gave them good hopes. His +way of distinguishing the events, and the undeniable success that he +predicted for the Duncan, elicited a smile from the young girl. + +[Sidenote: THIS, OR THAT, OR NEITHER.] + +As to Lady Helena, when he learned that she was the daughter of William +Tuffnel, there was an outburst of surprise and admiration. He had known +her father. What a bold discoverer! How many letters they had exchanged +when the latter was corresponding member of the Society! He it was who +had introduced him to M. Malte-Brun. What a meeting! and how much +pleasure to travel with the daughter of such a man! Finally, he asked +Lady Helena's permission to kiss her, to which she consented, although +it was perhaps a little "improper." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +THE GEOGRAPHER'S RESOLUTION. + + +Meanwhile the yacht, favored by the currents, was advancing rapidly +towards the equator. In a few days the island of Madeira came in view. +Glenarvan, faithful to his promise, offered to land his new guest here. + +"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will not be formal with you. Before +my arrival on board, did you intend to stop at Madeira?" + +"No," said Glenarvan. + +"Well, permit me to profit by the consequences of my unlucky blunder. +Madeira is an island too well known. Everything has been said and +written about it; and it is, moreover, rapidly declining in point of +civilization. If, then, it is all the same to you, let us land at the +Canaries." + +"Very well, at the Canaries," replied Glenarvan. "That will not take us +out of our way." + +"I know it, my dear lord. At the Canaries, you see, there are three +groups to study, not to speak of the Peak of Teneriffe, which I have +always desired to see. This is a fine opportunity. I will profit by +it; and, while waiting for a vessel, will attempt the ascent of this +celebrated mountain." + +"As you please, my dear Paganel," replied Glenarvan, who could not help +smiling, and with good reason. + +The Canaries are only a short distance from Madeira, scarcely two +hundred and fifty miles, a mere trifle for so good a vessel as the +Duncan. + +The same day, at two o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Mangles and +Paganel were walking on the deck. The Frenchman pressed his companion +with lively questions concerning Chili. All at once the captain +interrupted him, and pointing towards the southern horizon, said,-- + +"Mr. Paganel!" + +"My dear captain," replied the geographer. + +"Please cast your eyes in that direction. Do you see nothing?" + +"Nothing." + +"You are not looking right. It is not on the horizon, but above, in the +clouds." + +"In the clouds? I look in vain." + +"Stop, now, just on a line with the end of the bowsprit." + +"I see nothing." + +"You do not wish to see. However that may be, although we are forty +miles distant, you understand, the Peak of Teneriffe is visible above +the horizon." + +Whether Paganel wished to see or not, he had to yield to the evidence +some hours afterwards, or, at least, confess himself blind. + +"You perceive it now?" said his companion. + +"Yes, yes, perfectly!" replied Paganel. "And that," added he in a +contemptuous tone, "is what you call the Peak of Teneriffe?" + +"The same." + +"It appears to be of very moderate height." + +"Yet it is eleven thousand feet above the level of the sea." + +"Not so high as Mont Blanc." + +"Very possibly; but when you come to climb it, you will find it, +perhaps, high enough." + +[Illustration: They could scarcely see the city, which was on an +elevated plain in the form of a terrace, resting on volcanic rocks +three hundred feet in height. The appearance of the island through this +rainy curtain was misty.] + +"Oh! climb it, my dear captain? What is the use, I ask you, after +Humboldt and Bonpland? What can I do after these great men?" + +[Illustration: Peak of Teneriffe.] + +"Indeed," replied Captain Mangles, "there is nothing left but to wander +about. It is a pity, for you would be very tired waiting for a vessel +at Teneriffe. You cannot look for many distractions there." + +"Except my own," said Paganel, laughing. "But, my dear captain, have +not the Cape Verd Islands important landings?" + +"Certainly. Nothing is easier than to land at Villa-Praa." + +"Not to speak of an advantage that is not to be despised," answered +Paganel; "that the Cape Verd Islands are not far from Senegal, where I +shall find fellow-countrymen." + +"As you please, Mr. Paganel," replied Captain Mangles. "I am certain +that geographical science will gain by your sojourn in these islands. +We must land there to take in coal; you will, therefore, cause us no +delay." + +[Sidenote: DECLINED, WITH THANKS.] + +So saying, the captain gave the order to pass to the southeast of the +Canaries. The celebrated peak was soon left on the larboard; and the +Duncan, continuing her rapid course, cut the Tropic of Cancer the next +morning at five o'clock. The weather there changed. The atmosphere +had the moisture and oppressiveness of the rainy season, disagreeable +to travelers, but beneficial to the inhabitants of the African +islands, who have no trees, and consequently need water. The sea was +boisterous, and prevented the passengers from remaining on deck; but +the conversation in the cabin was not less animated. + +The next day Paganel began to collect his baggage preparatory to +his approaching departure. In a short time they entered the bay of +Villa-Praa, and anchored opposite the city in eight fathoms of +water. The weather was stormy and the surf high, although the bay was +sheltered from the winds. The rain fell in torrents so that they could +scarcely see the city, which was on an elevated plain in the form of a +terrace, resting on volcanic rocks three hundred feet in height. The +appearance of the island through this rainy curtain was misty. + +Shipping the coal was not accomplished without great difficulty, and +the passengers saw themselves confined to the cabin, while sea and +sky mingled their waters in an indescribable tumult. The weather was, +therefore, the topic of conversation on board. Each one had his say +except the major, who would have witnessed the deluge itself with +perfect indifference. Paganel walked to and fro, shaking his head. + +"It is an imperative fact," said he. + +"It is certain," replied Glenarvan, "that the elements declare +themselves against you." + +"I will see about that." + +"You cannot face such a storm," said Lady Helena. + +"I, madam? Certainly. I fear only for my baggage and instruments. They +will all be lost." + +"Our landing is the only thing doubtful," resumed Glenarvan. "Once +at Villa-Praa, you will not have very uncomfortable quarters; rather +uncleanly, to be sure, in the company of monkeys and swine, whose +surroundings are not always agreeable; but a traveler does not regard +that so critically. Besides, you can hope in seven or eight months to +embark for Europe." + +"Seven or eight months!" exclaimed Paganel. + +"At least that. The Cape Verd Islands are very rarely frequented +during the rainy season. But you can employ your time profitably. This +archipelago is still little known. There is much to do, even now." + +"But," replied Paganel in a pitiful tone, "what could I do after the +investigations of the geologist Deville?" + +"That is really a pity," said Lady Helena. "What will become of you, +Monsieur Paganel?" + +Paganel was silent for a few moments. + +"You had decidedly better have landed at Madeira," rejoined Glenarvan, +"although there is no wine there." + +"My dear Glenarvan," continued Paganel at last, "where shall you land +next?" + +"At Concepcion." + +"Alas! but that would bring me directly away from India!" + +"No; for when you have passed Cape Horn you approach the Indies." + +"I very much doubt it." + +"Besides," continued Glenarvan with the greatest gravity, "as long as +you are at the Indies, what difference does it make whether they are +the East or the West?" + +"'What difference does it make'?" + +"The inhabitants of the Pampas of Patagonia are Indians as well as the +natives of the Punjab." + +"Eh! my lord," exclaimed Paganel, "that is a reason I should never have +imagined!" + +[Sidenote: BAIT FOR A TRAVELLER.] + +"And then, my dear Paganel, you know that you can gain the gold medal +in any country whatever. There is something to do, to seek, to +discover, everywhere, in the chains of the Cordilleras as well as the +mountains of Thibet." + +"But the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo?" + +"Certainly. You can replace that by the Rio Colorado. This is a river +very little known, and one of those which flow on the map too much +according to the fancy of the geographer." + +"I know it, my dear lord; there are errors of several degrees. I do not +doubt that at my request the Society would have sent me to Patagonia as +well as to India; but I did not think of it." + +"The result of your continual abstraction." + +"Well, Monsieur Paganel, shall you accompany us?" asked Lady Helena in +her most persuasive tone. + +"And my mission, madam?" + +"I inform you that we shall pass through the Strait of Magellan," +continued Glenarvan. + +"My lord, you are a tempter." + +"I add that we shall visit Port Famine." + +"Port Famine!" cried the Frenchman, assailed on all sides; "that port +so celebrated in geographical fasts!" + +"Consider also, Monsieur Paganel," continued Lady Helena, "that in this +enterprise you will have the right to associate the name of France with +that of Scotland." + +"Yes; doubtless." + +"A geographer may be very serviceable to our expedition; and what is +more noble than for science to enlist in the service of humanity?" + +"That is well said, madam." + +"Believe me, try chance, or rather Providence. Imitate us. It has sent +us this document; we have started. It has cast you on board the Duncan; +do not leave her." + +"And do you, indeed, wish me, my good friends?" replied Paganel. "Well, +you desire me to stay very much?" + +"And you, Paganel, you are dying to stay," retorted Glenarvan. + +"Truly," cried the geographer, "but I fear I am very indiscreet." + +Thus far the Duncan had acquitted herself admirably: in every way her +powers for steaming or sailing had been sufficiently tested, and her +captain and passengers were alike satisfied with her performance and +with one another. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THROUGH THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN. + + +The joy on board was general, when Paganel's resolution was known. +Young Robert threw himself on his neck with very demonstrative +delight. The worthy geographer almost fell backwards. "A rough little +gentleman," said he; "I will teach him geography." As Captain Mangles +had engaged to make him a sailor, Glenarvan a man of honor, the major a +boy of coolness, Lady Helena a noble and generous being, and Mary Grant +a pupil grateful towards such patrons, Robert was evidently to become +one day an accomplished gentleman. + +The Duncan soon finished shipping her coal, and then leaving these +gloomy regions she gained the current from the southeast coast of +Brazil, and, after crossing the equator with a fine breeze from the +north, she entered the southern hemisphere. The passage was effected +without difficulty, and every one had good hopes. On this voyage in +search of Captain Grant, the probabilities increased every day. Their +captain was one of the most confident on board; but his confidence +proceeded especially from the desire that he cherished so strongly at +heart, of seeing Miss Mary happy and consoled. He was particularly +interested in this young girl; and this feeling he concealed so well, +that, except Miss Grant and himself, no one on board the Duncan had +perceived it. + +As for the learned geographer, he was probably the happiest man in the +southern hemisphere. He passed his time in studying the maps with which +he covered the cabin-table; and then followed daily discussions with +Mr. Olbinett, so that he could scarcely set the table. + +But Paganel had all the passengers on his side except the major, +who was very indifferent to geographical questions, especially at +dinner-time. Having discovered a whole cargo of odd books in the mate's +chests, and among them a number of Cervantes' works, the Frenchman +resolved to learn Spanish, which nobody on board knew, and which would +facilitate his search on the shores of Chili. Thanks to his love for +philology, he did not despair of speaking this new tongue fluently on +arriving at Concepcion. He therefore studied assiduously, and was heard +incessantly muttering heterogeneous syllables. During his leisure hours +he did not fail to give young Robert practical instruction, and taught +him the history of the country they were rapidly approaching. + +In the meantime the Duncan was proceeding at a remarkable rate. She +cut the Tropic of Capricorn, and her prow was headed toward the strait +of the celebrated geographer. Now and then the low shores of Patagonia +were seen, but like an almost invisible line on the horizon. They +sailed along the coast for more than ten miles, but Paganel's famous +telescope gave him only a vague idea of these American shores. + +The vessel soon found herself at the head of the strait, and entered +without hesitation. This way is generally preferred by steam-vessels +bound for the Pacific. Its exact length is three hundred and +seventy-six miles. Ships of the greatest tonnage can always find deep +water, even near its shores, an excellent bottom, and many springs of +water. The rivers abound in fish, the forest in game, there are safe +and easy landings at twenty places, and, in short, a thousand resources +that are wanting in the Strait of Lemaire, and off the terrible rocks +of Cape Horn, which are continually visited by storms and tempests. + +[Illustration: Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves.] + +During the first hours of the passage, till you reach Cape Gregory, +the shores are low and sandy. The entire passage lasted scarcely +thirty-six hours, and this moving panorama of the two shores well +rewarded the pains the geographer took to admire it under the radiant +beams of the southern sun. No inhabitant appeared on the shores of the +continent; and only a few Fuegians wandered along the barren rocks of +Terra del Fuego. + +At one moment the Duncan rounded the peninsula of Brunswick between +two magnificent sights. Just here the strait cuts between stupendous +masses of granite. The base of the mountains was hidden in the heart +of immense forests, while their summits, whitened with eternal snow, +were lost in the clouds. Towards the southeast Mount Taru towered +six thousand five hundred feet aloft. Night came, preceded by a long +twilight, the light melting away insensibly by gentle degrees, while +the sky was studded with brilliant stars. + +In the midst of this partial obscurity, the yacht boldly continued on +her course, without casting anchor in the safe bays with which the +shores abound. Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves. At others her propeller would +beat the waters of the great rivers, starting geese, ducks, snipe, +teal, and all the feathered tribes of the marshes. Soon deserted ruins +appeared, and fallen monuments, to which the night lent a grand aspect; +these were the mournful remains of an abandoned colony, whose name +will be an eternal contradiction to the fertility of the coasts and +the rich game of the forests. It was Port Famine, the place that the +Spaniard Sarmiento colonized in 1581 with four hundred emigrants. Here +he founded the city of San Felipe. But the extreme severity of the cold +weakened the colony; famine devoured those whom the winter had spared, +and in 1587 the explorer Cavendish found the last of these four hundred +unfortunates dying of hunger amid the ruins of a city only six years in +existence. + +[Sidenote: CHEERLESS MEMORIES.] + +The vessel coasted along these deserted shores. At daybreak she sailed +in the midst of the narrow passes, between beeches, ash-trees, and +birches, from the bosom of which emerged ivy-clad domes, cupolas +tapestried with the hardy holly, and lofty spires, among which the +obelisk of Buckland rose to a great height. Far out in the sea sported +droves of seals and whales of great size, judging by their spouting, +which could be seen at a distance of four miles. At last they doubled +Cape Froward, still bristling with the ices of winter. On the other +side of the strait, on Terra del Fuego, rose Mount Sarmiento to the +height of six thousand feet, an enormous mass of rock broken by bands +of clouds which formed as it were an aerial archipelago in the sky. + +[Illustration: Port Famine.] + +Cape Froward is the real end of the American continent, for Cape Horn +is only a lone rock in the sea. Passing this point the strait narrowed +between Brunswick Peninsula, and Desolation Island. Then to fertile +shores succeeded a line of wild barren coast, cut by a thousand inlets +of this tortuous labyrinth. + +The Duncan unerringly and unhesitatingly pursued its capricious +windings, mingling her columns of smoke with the mists on the rocks. +Without lessening her speed, she passed several Spanish factories +established on these deserted shores. At Cape Tamar the strait widened. +The yacht rounded the Narborough Islands, and approached the southern +shores. At last, thirty-six hours after entering the strait, the rocks +of Cape Pilares were discerned at the extreme point of Desolation +Island. An immense open glittering sea extended before her prow, and +Jacques Paganel, hailing it with an enthusiastic gesture, felt moved +like Ferdinand Magellan himself, when the sails of the Trinidad swelled +before the breezes of the Pacific. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE COURSE DECIDED. + + +Eight days after doubling Cape Pilares the Duncan entered at full speed +the Bay of Talcahuana, a magnificent estuary, twelve miles long and +nine broad. The weather was beautiful. Not a cloud is seen in the sky +of this country from November to March, and the wind from the south +blows continually along these coasts, which are protected by the chain +of the Andes. + +Captain Mangles, according to Lord Glenarvan's orders, had kept close +to the shore of the continent, examining the numerous wrecks that lined +it. A waif, a broken spar, a piece of wood fashioned by the hand of +man, might guide the Duncan to the scene of the shipwreck. But nothing +was seen, and the yacht continued her course and anchored in the harbor +of Talcahuana forty-two days after her departure from the waters of the +Clyde. + +[Sidenote: LEARNING SPANISH!] + +Glenarvan at once lowered the boat, and, followed by Paganel, landed +at the foot of the palisade. The learned geographer, profiting by the +circumstance, would have made use of the language which he had studied +so conscientiously; but, to his great astonishment, he could not make +himself understood by the natives. + +"The accent is what I need," said he. + +"Let us go to the Custom-house," replied Glenarvan. + +There they were informed by means of several English words, accompanied +by expressive gestures, that the British consul resided at Concepcion. +It was only an hour's journey. Glenarvan easily found two good horses, +and, a short time after, Paganel and he entered the walls of this great +city, which was built by the enterprising genius of Valdivia, the +valiant companion of Pizarro. + +How greatly it had declined from its ancient splendor! Often pillaged +by the natives, burnt in 1819, desolate, ruined, its walls still +blackened with the flames of devastation, eclipsed by Talcahuana, it +now scarcely numbered eight thousand souls. Under the feet of its +idle inhabitants the streets had grown into prairies. There was no +commerce, no activity, no business. The mandolin resounded from every +balcony, languishing songs issued from the lattices of the windows, and +Concepcion, the ancient city of men, had become a village of women and +children. + +Glenarvan appeared little desirous of seeking the causes of this +decline--though Jacques Paganel attacked him on this subject--and, +without losing an instant, betook himself to the house of J. R. +Bentock, Esq., consul of Her Britannic Majesty. This individual +received him very courteously, and when he learned the story of Captain +Grant undertook to search along the entire coast. + +The question whether the Britannia had been wrecked on the shores of +Chili or Araucania was decided in the negative. No report of such an +event had come either to the consul, or his colleagues in other parts +of the country. + +But Glenarvan was not discouraged. He returned to Talcahuana, and, +sparing neither fatigue, trouble, or money, he sent men to the coast, +but their search was in vain. The most minute inquiries among the +people of the vicinity were of no avail. They were forced to conclude +that the Britannia had left no trace of her shipwreck. + +[Illustration: In Concepcion.] + +[Sidenote: "TRY AGAIN!"] + +Glenarvan then informed his companions of the failure of his endeavors. +Mary Grant and her brother could not restrain their grief. It was now +six days since the arrival of the Duncan at Talcahuana. The passengers +were together in the cabin. Lady Helena was consoling, not by her +words--for what could she say?--but by her caresses, the two children +of the captain. Jacques Paganel had taken up the document again, and +was regarding it with earnest attention, as if he would have drawn from +it new secrets. For an hour he had examined it thus, when Glenarvan, +addressing him, said,-- + +"Paganel, I appeal to your sagacity. Is the interpretation we have made +of this document incorrect? Is the sense of these words illogical?" + +Paganel did not answer. He was reflecting. + +"Are we mistaken as to the supposed scene of the shipwreck?" continued +Glenarvan. "Does not the name Patagonia suggest itself at once to the +mind?" + +Paganel was still silent. + +"In short," said Glenarvan, "does not the word _Indian_ justify us +still more?" + +"Perfectly," replied MacNabb. + +"And therefore, is it not evident that these shipwrecked men, when they +wrote these lines, expected to be prisoners of the Indians?" + +"There you are wrong, my dear lord," said Paganel, at last; "and if +your other conclusions are just, the last at least does not seem to me +rational." + +"What do you mean?" asked Lady Helena, while all eyes were turned +towards the geographer. + +"I mean," answered Paganel, emphasizing his words, "that Captain Grant +is _now prisoner of the Indians_: and I will add that the document +leaves no doubt on this point." + +"Explain yourself, sir," said Miss Grant. + +"Nothing is easier, my dear Mary. Instead of reading _they will be +prisoners_, read _they are prisoners_, and all will be clear." + +"But that is impossible," replied Glenarvan. + +"Impossible? And why, my noble friend?" asked Paganel, smiling. + +"Because the bottle must have been thrown when the vessel was breaking +on the rocks. Hence the degrees of longitude and latitude apply to the +very place of shipwreck." + +"Nothing proves it," said Paganel, earnestly; "and I do not see why +the shipwrecked sailors, after being carried by the Indians into the +interior of the country, could not have sought to make known by means +of this bottle the place of their captivity." + +"Simply, my dear Paganel, because to throw a bottle into the sea it is +necessary, at least, that the sea should be before you." + +"Or, in the absence of the sea," added Paganel, "the rivers which flow +into it." + +An astonished silence followed this unexpected, yet reasonable, answer. +By the flash that brightened the eyes of his hearers Paganel knew that +each of them had conceived a new hope. Lady Helena was the first to +resume the conversation. + +"What an idea!" she exclaimed. + +"What a _good_ idea!" added the geographer, simply. + +"Your advice then?" asked Glenarvan. + +"My advice is to find the thirty-seventh parallel, just where it meets +the American coast, and follow it, without deviating half a degree, to +the point where it strikes the Atlantic. Perhaps we shall find on its +course the survivors of the Britannia." + +"A feeble chance," replied the major. + +"However feeble it may be," continued Paganel, "we ought not to neglect +it. If I am right that this bottle reached the sea by following the +current of a river, we cannot fail to come upon the traces of the +prisoners. Look, my friends, look at the map of this country, and I +will convince you beyond a doubt." + +[Sidenote: NIL DESPERANDUM!] + +So saying, Paganel spread out before them upon the table a large map of +Chili and the Argentine Provinces. "Look," said he, "and follow me in +this passage across the American continent. Let us pass over the narrow +strip of Chili and the Cordilleras of the Andes, and descend into the +midst of the Pampas. Are rivers, streams, water-courses, wanting in +these regions? No. Here are the Rio Negro, the Rio Colorado, and their +affluents, cut by the thirty-seventh parallel, all of which might have +served to transport the document. There, perhaps, in the midst of a +tribe, in the hands of settled Indians, on the shores of these unknown +rivers, in the gorges of the sierras, those whom I have the right to +call our friends are awaiting an interposition of Providence. Ought +we, then, to disappoint their hopes? Do you not think we should follow +across these countries an unswerving course? And if, contrary to all +expectation, I am still mistaken, is it not our duty to trace this +parallel to the very end, and, if necessary, make upon it the tour of +the world?" + +These words, spoken with a noble enthusiasm, excited a deep emotion +among Paganel's hearers. All rose to shake hands with him. + +"Yes, my father is there!" cried Robert Grant, devouring the map with +his eyes. + +"And wherever he is," replied Glenarvan, "we shall find him, my child. +Nothing is more consistent than our friend Paganel's interpretation, +and we must follow without hesitation the course he has indicated. +Either Captain Grant is in the hands of countless Indians, or is +prisoner in a feeble tribe. In the latter case, we will rescue him. In +the former, after ascertaining his situation, we will join the Duncan +on the eastern coast, sail to Buenos Ayres, and with a detachment, +organized by the major, can overcome all the Indians of the Argentine +Plains." + +"Yes, yes, your lordship," answered Captain Mangles; "and I will add +that this passage of the continent will be without peril." + +"Without peril, or fatigue," continued Paganel. "How many have already +accomplished it who had scarcely our means for success, and whose +courage was not sustained by the grandeur of the undertaking!" + +"Sir, sir," exclaimed Mary Grant, in a voice broken with emotion, "how +can I thank a devotion that exposes you to so many dangers?" + +"Dangers!" cried Paganel. "Who uttered the word _danger_?" + +"Not I!" replied Robert Grant, with flashing eye and determined look. + +"Danger!" repeated Paganel; "does such a thing exist? Moreover, what is +the question? A journey of scarcely three hundred and fifty leagues, +since we shall proceed in a straight line; a journey which will be +accomplished in a favorable latitude and climate; in short, a journey +whose duration will be only a month at most. It is a mere walk." + +"Monsieur Paganel," asked Lady Helena at last, "do you think that, if +the shipwrecked sailors have fallen into the power of the Indians, +their lives have been spared?" + +"Certainly I do, madam. The Indians are not cannibals; far from that, +one of my countrymen whom I knew in the Society was three years +prisoner among the Indians of the Pampas. He suffered, was ill-treated, +but at last gained the victory in this trying ordeal. A European is +a useful person in these countries. The Indians know his value, and +esteem him very highly." + +"Well then, there is no more hesitation," said Glenarvan; "we must +start, and that, too, without delay. What course shall we take?" + +"An easy and agreeable one," replied Paganel. "A few mountains to begin +with; then a gentle descent on the eastern slope of the Andes; and at +last a level, grassy, sandy plain, a real garden." + +"Let us see the map," said the major. + +"Here it is, my dear MacNabb. We shall begin at the end of the +thirty-seventh parallel on the coast of Chili. After passing through +the capital of Araucania, we shall strike the Cordilleras, and +descending their steep declivities across the Rio Colorado, we shall +reach the Pampas. Passing the frontiers of Buenos Ayres, we shall +continue our search until we reach the shores of the Atlantic." + +[Sidenote: A STROLL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.] + +Thus speaking and developing the programme of the expedition, Paganel +did not even take the trouble to look at the map spread before him. +And he had no need to; educated in the schools of Frzier, Molina, +Humboldt, and Miers, his unerring memory could neither be deceived nor +baffled. After finishing his plan, he added: + +"Therefore, my dear friends, the course is straight. In thirty days we +shall accomplish it, and arrive before the Duncan on the eastern shore, +since the westerly winds will delay her progress." + +"The Duncan then," said Captain Mangles, "will cross the thirty-seventh +parallel between Cape Corrientes and Cape St. Antonio?" + +"Exactly." + +"And whom would you constitute the members of such an expedition?" +asked Glenarvan. + +"The fewer the better. The only point is to ascertain the situation of +Captain Grant, and not to engage in combat with the Indians. I think +that Lord Glenarvan, as our chief, the major, who would yield his place +to no one, your servant Jacques Paganel----" + +"And I!" cried Robert Grant. + +"Robert?" said Mary. + +"And why not?" answered Paganel. "Travels develop youth. We four, then, +and three sailors of the Duncan----" + +"What," exclaimed Captain Mangles, "your lordship does not intercede +for me?" + +"My dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we shall leave the ladies on +board, the dearest objects we have in the world. Who would watch over +them, if not the devoted captain of the Duncan?" + +"We cannot accompany you, then," said Lady Helena, whose eyes were +dimmed by a mist of sadness. + +"My dear wife," replied Glenarvan, "our journey will be performed with +unusual rapidity, our separation will be short, and----" + +[Illustration: The mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful fellow, and +Mulready, were the fortunate ones.] + +[Sidenote: GOOD AFTERNOON!] + +"Yes, yes; I understand you," answered Lady Helena. "Go, then, and may +you succeed in your enterprise." + +"Besides, this is not a journey," added Paganel. + +"What is it, then?" asked Lady Helena. + +"A passage, nothing more. We shall pass, that is all, like honest +men, over the country and do all the good possible. '_Transire +benefaciendo_' is our motto." + +With these words the discussion ended. The preparations were begun that +very day, and it was resolved to keep the expedition secret, in order +not to alarm the Indians. The 14th of October was fixed for the day of +departure. + +When they came to choose the sailors who were to go, they all offered +their services, and Glenarvan was forced to make a choice. He preferred +to have them draw lots, that he might not mortify such brave men. This +was accordingly done; and the mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful +fellow, and Mulready, were the fortunate ones. + +Lord Glenarvan had displayed great energy in his preparations, for he +wished to be ready at the day appointed; and he was. Captain Mangles +likewise supplied his ship with coal, that he might put to sea at any +moment. He wished to gain the Argentine shore before the travelers. +Hence there was a real rivalry between Glenarvan and the captain, which +was of advantage to both. + +At last, on the 14th of October, at the time agreed upon, every one was +ready. At the moment of departure the passengers of the yacht assembled +in the cabin. The Duncan was on the point of starting, and already her +propeller was agitating the quiet waters of Talcahuana Bay. Glenarvan, +Paganel, MacNabb, Robert Grant, Tom Austin, Wilson and Mulready, armed +with carbines and Colt's revolvers, were preparing to leave the vessel. +Guides and mules were waiting for them on shore. + +"It is time," said Lord Glenarvan at last. + +"Go, then, my husband!" replied Lady Helena, restraining her emotion. + +He pressed her to his breast, while Robert threw himself upon the neck +of his sister. + +"And now, dear companions," said Jacques Paganel, "one last clasp of +the hand to last us till we reach the shores of the Atlantic." + +It was not asking much, but these were clasps which would strengthen +the hopes of the worthy geographer. + +They then returned to the deck, and the seven travelers left the +vessel. They soon reached the wharf, which the yacht approached within +less than half a cable's length. + +Lady Helena cried for the last time,-- + +"My friends, God help you!" + +"And he will help us, madam," answered Jacques Paganel; "for, I assure +you, we shall help ourselves." + +"Forward!" shouted Captain Mangles to his engineer. + +"_En route_!" returned Glenarvan; and at the same instant that the +travelers, giving reins to their animals, followed the road along the +shore, the Duncan started again at full speed on the highway of the +ocean. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +TRAVELING IN CHILI. + + +The native troop engaged by Glenarvan consisted of three men and a boy. +The leader of the muleteers was an Englishman who had lived in the +country for twenty years. His occupation was to let mules to travelers, +and guide them across the passes of the Andes. Then he consigned them +to the care of a "laqueano" (Argentine guide), who was familiar with +the road over the Pampas. + +[Sidenote: THE PROCESSION FORMED.] + +This Englishman had not so forgotten his native tongue, in the company +of mules and Indians, that he could not converse with the travelers. +Hence it was easy for Glenarvan to make known his wishes, and for +the muleteer to execute his orders, of which circumstance the former +availed himself, since Paganel had not yet succeeded in making himself +understood. + +This leader, or "catapaz," in the language of Chili, was assisted by +two native peons and a boy of twelve. The peons had charge of the +mules laden with the baggage of the party, and the boy led the madrina +(little mare), which wore small bells, and went in advance of the other +ten mules. The travelers were mounted on seven, and the catapaz on one, +of these animals, while the two others carried the provisions and a +few rolls of cloth designed to insure the good-will of the chiefs of +the plains. The peons traveled on foot according to their custom. This +journey in South America was, therefore, to be performed under the most +favorable conditions of safety and speed. + +[Illustration] + +Crossing the Andes is not an ordinary journey. It cannot be undertaken +without employing those hardy mules, of which the most preferable +belong to the Argentine Republic. These excellent animals have attained +in that country a development superior to their pristine quality and +strength. They are not very particular about their food, drink only +once a day, and easily make ten leagues in eight hours. + +There are no taverns on this route, from one ocean to the other. You +eat dried meat, rice seasoned with allspice, and whatever game can be +captured on the way. In the mountains the torrents, and in the plains +the rivers, furnish water, generally flavored with a few drops of rum, +of which each has a supply in an ox-horn called "chiffle." However, +care must be taken not to indulge too much in alcoholic drinks, which +are specially injurious in a region where the nervous system is +peculiarly excited. + +As for your bedding, it consists merely of the native saddle called +"recado." This saddle is made of sheep-skins tanned on one side and +covered with wool on the other, and is supported by broad girths +elaborately embroidered. A traveler wrapped in one of these warm +coverings can brave with impunity the dampness of the nights, and enjoy +the soundest repose. + +Glenarvan, who knew how to travel and conform to the customs of +different countries, had adopted the Chilian costume for himself and +his friends. Paganel and Robert, two children (a large and a small +one), felt no pleasure in introducing their heads into the national +poncho (a large blanket with a hole in the centre), and their legs +into leathern stirrups. They would rather have seen their mules +richly caparisoned, with the Arab bit in their mouths, a long bridle +of braided leather for a whip, and their heads adorned with metal +ornaments and the "alforjas" (double saddle-bags containing the +provisions). + +[Sidenote: LAND AND WATER.] + +Paganel, always absent-minded, received three or four kicks from his +excellent animal just as he was mounting. Once in the saddle, however, +with his inseparable telescope in a sling and his feet confined in the +stirrups, he confided himself to the sagacity of his beast, and had +no reason to repent. As for young Robert, he showed from the first a +remarkable capacity for becoming an excellent horseman. + +[Illustration] + +They started. The day was magnificent, the sky was perfectly clear, +and the atmosphere sufficiently refreshed by the sea-breezes in spite +of the heat of the sun. The little party followed at a rapid pace the +winding shores of the bay, and made good progress the first day across +the reeds of old dried marshes. Little was said. The parting farewells +had left a deep impression upon the minds of all. They could still see +the smoke of the Duncan as she gradually disappeared on the horizon. +All were silent, except Paganel; this studious geographer kept asking +himself questions, and answering them, in his new language. + +The catapaz was, moreover, quite a taciturn man, whose avocation had +not made him loquacious. He scarcely spoke to his peons, for they +understood their duty very well. Whenever a mule stopped, they urged +him with a guttural cry. If this did not suffice, a good pebble thrown +with sure aim overcame his obstinacy. If a girth gave way or a bridle +was loosened, the peon, taking off his poncho, enveloped the head of +the animal, which, when the injury was repaired, resumed its pace. + +The custom of the muleteers is to set out at eight o'clock in the +morning after breakfast, and travel thus till it is time to rest at +four o'clock in the afternoon. Glenarvan, accordingly, conformed +to this custom. Precisely when the signal to halt was given by the +catapaz, the travelers arrived at the city of Arauco, situated at the +southern extremity of the bay, without having left the foam-washed +shore of the ocean. They would have had to proceed twenty miles farther +to the west to reach the limits of the thirty-seventh parallel; but +Glenarvan's agents had already traversed that part of the coast +without meeting with any signs of shipwreck. A new exploration became, +therefore, useless, and it was decided that the city of Arauco should +be chosen as their point of departure. From this their course was to +be directed towards the east in a rigorously straight line. The little +party entered the city and took up their quarters in the open court of +a tavern, whose accommodations were still in a rudimentary state. + +While supper was preparing, Glenarvan, Paganel and the catapaz took a +walk among the thatch-roofed houses. Except a church and the remains +of a convent of Franciscans, Arauco presented nothing interesting. +Glenarvan attempted to make some inquiries, but failed, while Paganel +was in despair at not being able to make himself understood by the +inhabitants. But, since they spoke Araucanian, his Spanish served him +as little as Hebrew. + +[Sidenote: ONWARD, AND ONWARD STILL.] + +The next day, the madrina at the head, and the peons in the rear, the +little troop resumed the line of the thirty-seventh parallel towards +the east. They now crossed the fertile territory of Araucania, rich in +vineyards and flocks. But gradually solitude ensued. Scarcely, from +mile to mile, was there a hut of "rastreadores" (Indian horse-tamers). +Now and then they came upon an abandoned relay-station, that only +served as a shelter to some wanderer on the plains; and, by means of a +ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the mountains visible in the distance. + +At four o'clock in the afternoon, after a journey of thirty-five miles, +they halted in the open country under a group of giant myrtles. The +mules were unharnessed, and left to graze at will upon the rich herbage +of the prairie. The saddle-bags furnished the usual meat and rice, +the pelions spread on the ground served as covering, the saddles as +pillows, and each one found on these improvised beds a ready repose, +while the peons and the catapaz watched in turn. + +As the weather continued pleasant, all the travelers, not excepting +Robert, were still in good health; and, since the journey had begun +under such favorable auspices, they thought it best to profit by it, +and push on. The following day they advanced rapidly, crossed without +accident Bell Rapids, and at evening encamped on the banks of the Rio +Biobio. There were thirty-five miles more to travel before they were +out of Chili. + +The country had not changed. It was still rich in amaryllis, violets, +date-trees, and golden-flowered cactuses. A few animals, among +others the ocelot, inhabited the thickets. A heron, a solitary owl, +thrushes and snipes wary of the talons of the hawk, were the only +representatives of the feathered tribe. + +Of the natives few were seen; only some "guassos" (degenerate children +of the Indians and Spanish), galloping on horses which they lacerated +with the gigantic spurs that adorned their naked feet, and passing +like shadows. They met on the way no one who could inform them, and +inquiries were therefore utterly impossible. + +[Sidenote: AN ASTONISHED CATAPAZ.] + +Glenarvan thought that Captain Grant, if prisoner of the Indians, must +have been carried by them beyond the Andes. Their search could be +successful only in the Pampas. They must be patient, and travel on +swiftly and continuously. + +[Illustration: By means of a ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the +mountains visible in the distance.] + +They advanced in the same order as before, which Robert with difficulty +kept, for his eagerness led him to press forward, to the great +annoyance of his animal. Nothing but a command from Glenarvan would +keep the young boy at his place in the line. The country now became +more uneven; and several hillocks indicated that they were approaching +the mountains. + +Paganel still continued his study of Spanish. + +"What a language it is!" exclaimed he; "so full and sonorous!" + +"But you are making progress, of course?" replied Glenarvan. + +"Certainly, my dear lord. Ah! if there were only no accent! But, alas! +there is one!" + +In studying this language, Paganel did not, however, neglect his +geographical observations. In these, indeed, he was astonishingly +clever, and could not have found his superior. When Glenarvan +questioned the catapaz about some peculiarity of the country, his +learned companion would always anticipate the answer of the guide, who +then gazed at him with a look of amazement. + +That same day they met a road which crossed the line that they had +hitherto pursued. Lord Glenarvan naturally asked its name of their +guide, and Paganel as naturally answered,-- + +"The road from Yumbel to Los Angelos." + +Glenarvan looked at the catapaz. + +"Exactly," replied he. + +Then, addressing the geographer, he said,-- + +"You have traveled in this country?" + +"Certainly," replied Paganel gravely. + +"On a mule?" + +"No; in an arm-chair." + +The catapaz did not understand, for he shrugged his shoulders and +returned to the head of the troop. + +At five o'clock in the afternoon they stopped in a shallow gorge, a +few miles above the little town of Loja; and that night the travelers +encamped at the foot of the first slopes of the Andes. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +ELEVEN THOUSAND FEET ALOFT. + + +The route through Chili had as yet presented no serious obstacles; but +now the dangers that attend a journey across the mountains suddenly +increased, the struggle with the natural difficulties was about to +begin in earnest. + +An important question had to be decided before starting. By what pass +could they cross the Andes with the least departure from the prescribed +course? The catapaz was questioned on this subject. + +"I know," he replied, "of but two passes that are practicable in this +part of the Andes." + +"Doubtless the pass of Arica," said Paganel, "which was discovered by +Valdivia Mendoza." + +"Exactly." + +"And that of Villarica, situated to the south of Nevado." + +"You are right." + +"Well, my friend, these two passes have only one difficulty; they will +carry us to the south, or the north, farther than we wish." + +"Have you another pass to propose?" asked the major. + +"Yes," replied Paganel; "the pass of Antuco." + +"Well," said Glenarvan; "but do you know this pass, catapaz?" + +[Sidenote: ATTAINING TO EMINENCE.] + +"Yes, my lord, I have crossed it, and did not propose it because it is +only a cattle-track for the Indian herdsmen of the eastern slopes." + +"Never mind, my friend," continued Glenarvan; "where the herds of the +Indians pass, we can also; and, since this will keep us in our course, +let us start for the pass of Antuco." + +The signal for departure was immediately given, and they entered the +valley of Los Lejos between great masses of crystalized limestone, and +ascended a very gradual slope. Towards noon they had to pass around +the shores of a small lake, the picturesque reservoir of all the +neighboring streams which flowed into it. + +Above the lake extended vast "llanos," lofty plains, covered with +grass, where the herds of the Indians grazed. Then they came upon a +swamp which extended to the south and north, but which the instinct +of the mules enabled them to avoid. Soon Fort Ballenare appeared on a +rocky peak which it crowned with its dismantled walls. The ascent had +already become abrupt and stony, and the pebbles, loosened by the hoofs +of the mules, rolled under their feet in a rattling torrent. + +The road now became difficult, and even perilous. The steepness +increased, the walls on either side approached each other more and +more, while the precipices yawned frightfully. The mules advanced +cautiously in single file, with their noses to the ground, scenting the +way. + +Now and then, at a sudden turn, the madrina disappeared, and the little +caravan was then guided by the distant tinkling of her bell. Sometimes, +too, the capricious windings of the path would bend the column into +two parallel lines, and the catapaz could talk to the peons, while a +crevasse, scarcely two fathoms wide, but two hundred deep, formed an +impassable abyss between them. + +Under these conditions it was difficult to distinguish the course. The +almost incessant action of subterranean and volcanic agency changes +the road, and the landmarks are never the same. Therefore the catapaz +hesitated, stopped, looked about him, examined the form of the rocks, +and searched on the crumbling stones for the tracks of Indians. + +[Illustration] + +Glenarvan followed in the steps of his guide. He perceived, he _felt_, +his embarrassment, increasing with the difficulties of the way. He did +not dare to question him, but thought that it was better to trust to +the instinct of the muleteers and mules. + +For an hour longer the catapaz wandered at a venture, but always +seeking the more elevated parts of the mountain. At last he was forced +to stop short. They were at the bottom of a narrow valley,--one of +those ravines that the Indians call "quebradas." A perpendicular wall +of porphyry barred their exit. + +[Sidenote: CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN.] + +The catapaz, after searching vainly for a passage, dismounted, folded +his arms, and waited. Glenarvan approached him. + +"Have you lost your way?" he asked. + +"No, my lord," replied the catapaz. + +"But we are not at the pass of Antuco?" + +"We are." + +"Are you not mistaken?" + +"I am not. Here are the remains of a fire made by the Indians, and the +tracks left by their horses." + +"Well, they passed this way?" + +"Yes; but we cannot. The last earthquake has made it impracticable." + +"For mules," replied the major; "but not for men." + +"That is for you to decide," said the catapaz. "I have done what I +could. My mules and I are ready to turn back, if you please, and search +for the other passes of the Andes." + +"But that will cause a delay." + +"Of three days, at least." + +Glenarvan listened in silence to the words of the catapaz, who had +evidently acted in accordance with his engagement. His mules could go +no farther; but when the proposal was made to retrace their steps, +Glenarvan turned towards his companions, and said,-- + +"Do you wish to go on?" + +"We will follow you," replied Tom Austin. + +"And even precede you," added Paganel. "What is it, after all? To scale +a chain of mountains whose opposite slopes afford an unusually easy +descent. This accomplished, we can find the Argentine laqueanos, who +will guide us across the Pampas, and swift horses accustomed to travel +over the plains. Forward, then, without hesitation." + +"Forward!" cried his companions. + +"You do not accompany us?" said Glenarvan to the catapaz. + +"I am the muleteer," he replied. + +"As you say." + +"Never mind," said Paganel; "on the other side of this wall we shall +find the pass of Antuco again, and I will lead you to the foot of the +mountain as directly as the best guide of the Andes." + +Glenarvan accordingly settled with the catapaz, and dismissed him, his +peons, and his mules. The arms, the instruments, and the remaining +provisions, were divided among the seven travelers. By common consent +it was decided that the ascent should be undertaken immediately, and +that, if necessary, they should travel part of the night. Around the +precipice to the left wound a steep path that mules could not ascend. +The difficulties were great; but, after two hours of fatigue and +wandering, Glenarvan and his companions found themselves again in the +pass of Antuco. + +They were now in that part of the Andes properly so called, not far +from the main ridge of the mountains; but of the path traced out, of +the pass, nothing could be seen. All this region had just been thrown +into confusion by the recent earthquakes. + +They ascended all night, climbed almost inaccessible plateaus, and +leaped over broad and deep crevasses. Their arms took the place of +ropes, and their shoulders served as steps. The strength of Mulready +and the skill of Wilson were often called into requisition. Many times, +without their devotion and courage, the little party could not have +advanced. + +Glenarvan never lost sight of young Robert, whose youth and eagerness +led him to acts of rashness, while Paganel pressed on with all the +ardor of a Frenchman. As for the major, he only moved as much as +was necessary, no more, no less, and mounted the path by an almost +insensible motion. Did he perceive that he had been ascending +for several hours? It is not certain. Perhaps he imagined he was +descending. + +[Sidenote: PRACTICING "EXCELSIOR."] + +At five o'clock in the morning the travelers had attained a height of +seven thousand five hundred feet. They were now on the lower ridges, +the last limit of arborescent vegetation. At this hour the aspect of +these regions was entirely changed. Great blocks of glittering ice, of +a bluish color in certain parts, rose on all sides, and reflected the +first rays of the sun. + +[Illustration] + +The ascent now became very perilous. They no longer advanced without +carefully examining the ice. Wilson had taken the lead, and with his +foot tested the surface of the glaciers. His companions followed +exactly in his footsteps, and avoided uttering a word, for the least +sound might have caused the fall of the snowy masses suspended eight +hundred feet above their heads. + +They had reached the region of shrubs, which, four hundred and fifty +feet higher, gave place to grass and cactuses. At eleven thousand feet +all traces of vegetation disappeared. The travelers had stopped only +once to recruit their strength by a hasty repast, and with superhuman +courage they resumed the ascent in the face of the ever-increasing +dangers. + +[Illustration: Two hours more of terrible exertion followed. They kept +ascending, in order to reach the highest summit of this part of the +mountain.] + +[Sidenote: SOMEWHAT SERIOUS.] + +The strength of the little troop, however, in spite of their courage, +was almost gone. Glenarvan, seeing the exhaustion of his companions, +regretted having engaged in the undertaking. Young Robert struggled +against fatigue, but could go no farther. + +Glenarvan stopped. + +"We must take a rest," said he, for he clearly saw that no one else +would make this proposal. + +"Take a rest?" replied Paganel; "how? where? we have no shelter." + +"It is indispensable, if only for Robert." + +"No, my lord," replied the courageous child; "I can still walk--do not +stop." + +"We will carry you, my boy," said Paganel, "but we must, at all +hazards, reach the eastern slope. There, perhaps, we shall find some +hut in which we can take refuge. I ask for two hours more of travel." + +"Do you all agree?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Yes," replied his companions. + +"I will take charge of the brave boy," added the equally brave Mulready. + +They resumed their march towards the east. Two hours more of terrible +exertion followed. They kept ascending, in order to reach the highest +summit of this part of the mountain. + +Whatever were the desires of these courageous men, the moment now came +when the most valiant failed, and dizziness, that terrible malady of +the mountains, exhausted not only their physical strength but their +moral courage. It is impossible to struggle with impunity against +fatigues of this kind. Soon falls became frequent, and those who fell +could only advance by dragging themselves on their knees. + +Exhaustion was about to put an end to this too prolonged ascent; and +Glenarvan was considering with terror the extent of the snow, the cold +which in this fatal region was so much to be dreaded, the shadows that +were deepening on the solitary peaks, and the absence of a shelter for +the night, when the major stopped him, and, in a calm tone, said,-- + +"A hut!" + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A SUDDEN DESCENT. + + +Any one but MacNabb would have passed by, around, or even over this +hut a hundred times without suspecting its existence. A projection on +the surface of the snow scarcely distinguished it from the surrounding +rocks. It was necessary to uncover it; after half an hour of persistent +labor, Wilson and Mulready had cleared away the entrance to the +"casucha," and the little party stepped in. + +[Sidenote: A "RESTAURANT" REOPENED.] + +This casucha, constructed by the Indians, was made of adobes, a kind +of bricks dried in the sun. Ten persons could easily find room inside, +and, if its walls had not been sufficiently water-tight in the rainy +season, at this time, at least, they were some protection against the +severity of the cold. There was, besides, a sort of fireplace with a +flue of bricks very poorly laid, which enabled them to kindle a fire, +and thus withstand the external temperature. + +"Here is a shelter, at least," said Glenarvan, "even if it is not +comfortable. Providence has led us hither, and we cannot do better than +accept this fortune." + +"Why," replied Paganel, "it is a palace. It only wants sentries and +courtiers. We shall get along admirably here." + +"Especially when a good fire is blazing on the hearth," said Tom +Austin; "for, if we are hungry, we are none the less cold it seems to +me; and, for my part, a good fagot would delight me more than a slice +of venison." + +"Well, Tom," said Paganel, "we will try to find something combustible." + +"Something combustible on the top of the Andes?" said Mulready, shaking +his head doubtfully. + +"Since a chimney has been made in this hut," replied the major, "there +is probably something here to burn." + +"Our friend is right," added Glenarvan. "Prepare everything for supper; +and I will play the part of wood-cutter." + +"I will accompany you with Wilson," said Paganel. + +"If you need me----," said Robert, rising. + +"No, rest yourself, my brave boy," replied Glenarvan. "You will be a +man when others are only children." + +Glenarvan, Paganel, and Wilson went out of the hut. It was six o'clock +in the evening. The cold was keen and cutting, in spite of the calmness +of the air. The azure of the sky was already fading, and the sun +shedding his last rays on the lofty peaks of the mountains. + +Reaching a hillock of porphyry, they scanned the horizon in every +direction. They had now gained the summit of the Andes, which commanded +an extended prospect. To the east the sides of the mountains declined +by gentle gradations, down which they could see the peons sliding +several hundred feet below. In the distance extended long lines of +scattered rocks and stones that had been crowded back by glacial +avalanches. The valley of the Colorado was already growing dim in the +increasing twilight; the elevations of land, the crags and the peaks, +illumined by the rays of the sun, gradually faded, and darkness covered +the whole eastern slope of the Andes. + +Towards the north undulated a succession of ridges that mingled +together insensibly. To the south, however, the view was magnificent; +and, as night descended, the grandeur was inimitable. Looking down +into the wild valley of Torbido, you saw Mount Antuco, whose yawning +crater was two miles distant. The volcano, like some enormous monster, +belched forth glowing smoke mingled with torrents of bright flame. The +circle of the mountains that inclosed it seemed to be on fire. Showers +of incandescent stones, clouds of reddish vapors, and streams of lava, +united in glittering columns. A loud rumbling that increased every +moment, and was followed by a dazzling flash, filled this vast circuit +with its sharp reverberations, while the sun, his light gradually +fading, disappeared as a star is extinguished in the shadows of the +horizon. + +[Sidenote: FOOD BROUGHT TO THE DOOR.] + +Paganel and Glenarvan would have remained a long time to contemplate +this magnificent struggle of the fires of earth with those of heaven, +and the improvised wood-cutters were becoming admirers of nature; but +Wilson, less enthusiastic, reminded them of their situation. Wood was +wanting, it is true, but fortunately a scanty and dry moss clothed the +rocks. An ample supply was taken, as well as of a plant whose roots +were quite combustible. This precious fuel was brought to the hut, and +piled in the fire-place; but it was difficult to kindle the fire, and +especially to keep it burning. + +When the viands were prepared, each one drank several mouthfuls of +hot coffee with delight. As for the dried meat, it appeared a little +unsatisfactory, which provoked on the part of Paganel a remark as +useless as it was true. + +"Indeed," said he, "I must confess a llama-steak would not be bad just +now." + +"What!" cried the major, "are you not content with our supper, Paganel?" + +"Enchanted, my good major; but I acknowledge a plate of venison would +be welcome." + +"You are a sybarite," said MacNabb. + +"I accept the title, major; but you yourself, whatever you may say, +would not be displeased with a beefsteak." + +"Probably not." + +"And if you were asked to take your post at the cannon, you would go +without a word." + +"Certainly: and, although it pleases you----" + +His companions had not heard any more, when distant and prolonged howls +were heard. They were not the cries of scattered animals, but those of +a herd approaching with rapidity. Would Providence, after furnishing +them with shelter, give them their supper? Such was the thought of the +geographer. But Glenarvan humbled his joy somewhat by observing that +the animals of the Andes were never met with in so elevated a region. + +"Whence comes the noise, then?" asked Tom Austin. "Hear how it +approaches!" + +"An avalanche!" said Mulready. + +"Impossible! these are real howls!" replied Paganel. + +"Let us see," cried Glenarvan. + +"Let us see like hunters," answered the major, as he took his rifle. + +All rushed out of the hut. Night had come. It was dark, but the sky was +studded with stars. The moon had not yet shown her disk. The peaks +on the north and east were lost in the darkness, and the eye only +perceived the grotesque outlines of a few towering rocks. + +The howls--those of terrified animals--were redoubled. They came from +the dark side of the mountain. What was going on? + +Suddenly there came a furious avalanche, but one of living creatures, +mad with terror. The whole plateau seemed to tremble. There were +hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these animals. Were they wild beasts +of the Pampas, or only llamas? The whole party had only time to throw +themselves to the earth, while this living whirlwind passed a few feet +above them. + +At this moment the report of a fire-arm was heard. The major had shot +at a venture. He thought that a large animal fell a few paces from +him, while the whole herd, carried along by their resistless motion, +disappeared down the slopes illumined by the volcano. + +"Ah, I have them!" cried a voice, that of Paganel. + +"What have you?" asked Glenarvan. + +"My glasses, to be sure!" + +"You are not wounded?" + +"No, a little kick,--but by what?" + +"By this," replied the major, dragging after him the animal he had shot. + +Each one hastened to gain the hut; and by the light of the fire +MacNabb's prize was examined. It was a pretty animal, resembling a +little camel without a hump. It had a small head, flat body, long legs +and claws, fine coffee-colored hair, and its breast was spotted with +white. + +Scarcely had Paganel looked at it when he exclaimed,-- + +"It is a guanaco!" + +"What is that?" asked Glenarvan. + +"An animal that eats itself." + +"And is it good?" + +[Sidenote: "A DISH FOR THE GODS."] + +"Delicious! a dish for the gods! I knew well that you would like fresh +meat for supper. And what meat this is! But who will dress the animal?" + +"I will," said Wilson. + +"Well, I will engage to broil it," replied Paganel. + +"You are a cook, then, Monsieur Paganel?" said Robert. + +"Certainly, my boy. A Frenchman is always a cook." + +In a little while Paganel placed large slices of meat on the coals, +and, in a short time, served up to his companions this appetizing +viand. No one hesitated, but each attacked it ravenously. To the great +amazement of the geographer, a general grimace accompanied by a "pwah!" +followed the first mouthful. + +"It is horrible!" said one. + +"It is not eatable!" replied another. + +The poor geographer, whatever was the difficulty, was forced to agree +that this steak was not acceptable even to starving men. They therefore +began to launch jokes at him, and deride his "dish for the gods," while +he himself sought a reason for this unaccountable result. + +"I have it!" he cried. "I have it!" + +"Is the meat too old?" asked MacNabb, calmly. + +"No, my intolerant major; but it has traveled too much. How could I +forget that?" + +"What do you mean?" asked Tom Austin. + +"I mean that the animal is not good unless killed when at rest. I +can affirm from the taste that it has come from a distance, and, +consequently, the whole herd." + +"You are certain of this?" said Glenarvan. + +"Absolutely so." + +"But what event could have terrified these animals so, and driven them +at a time when they ought to be peacefully sleeping in their lairs." + +"As to that, my dear Glenarvan," said Paganel, "it is impossible for me +to say. If you believe me, let us search no farther. For my part I am +dying for want of sleep. Let us retire, major!" + +"Very well, Paganel." + +Thereupon each wrapped himself in his poncho, the fuel was replenished +for the night, and soon all but Glenarvan were buried in profound +repose. + +He alone did not sleep. A secret uneasiness held him in a state of +wakeful fatigue. He could not help thinking of that herd, flying in one +common direction, of their inexplicable terror. They could not have +been pursued by wild beasts: at that height there were scarcely any, +and yet fewer hunters. What fright had driven them over the abysses +of Antuco, and what was the cause of it? He thought of their strange +situation, and felt a presentiment of coming danger. + +However, under the influence of a partial drowsiness, his ideas +gradually modified, and fear gave place to hope. He saw himself in +anticipation, on the morrow, on the plain at the foot of the Andes. +There his actual search was to begin; and success was not, perhaps, far +distant. He thought of Captain Grant and his two sailors, delivered +from a cruel slavery. + +These images passed rapidly before his mind, every instant interrupted +by a flash of fire, a spark, a flame, illumining the faces of his +sleeping companions, and casting a flickering shadow over the walls of +the hut. Then his presentiments returned with more vividness, while +he listened vaguely to the external sounds so difficult to explain on +these solitary summits. + +At one moment he thought he heard distant rumblings, dull and +threatening like the rollings of thunder. These sounds could be caused +only by a tempest, raging on the sides of the mountain. He wished to +convince himself, and left the hut. + +The moon had risen, and the sky was clear and calm. Not a cloud was to +be seen either above or below, only now and then the moving shadows of +the flames of the volcano. At the zenith twinkled thousands of stars, +while the rumblings still continued. They seemed to approach, and run +along the chain of the mountains. + +[Illustration: The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the +crash of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered +all communication with each other impossible.] + +Glenarvan returned more uneasy than before, seeking to divine what +relation there was between these subterranean noises and the flight of +the guanacos. He looked at his watch; it was two o'clock. + +However, having no certain knowledge of immediate danger, he did not +wake his companions, whom fatigue held in a deep repose, but fell +himself into a heavy sleep that lasted several hours. + +All at once a violent crash startled him to his feet. It was a +deafening roar, like the irregular noise of innumerable artillery +wagons rolling over a hollow pavement. Glenarvan suddenly felt the +earth tremble beneath his feet. He saw the hut sway and start open. + +"Look out!" he cried. + +His companions, awakened and thrown into confusion, were hurried down +a rapid descent. The day was breaking, and the scene was terrible. The +form of the mountains suddenly changed, their tops were truncated, +the tottering peaks disappeared, as if a pitfall had opened at their +base. A mass, several miles in extent, became detached entire, and slid +towards the plain. + +"An earthquake!" cried Paganel. + +He was not mistaken. It was one of those phenomena frequent on the +mountain frontier of Chili. This portion of the globe is disturbed +by subterranean fires, and the volcanoes of this chain afford only +insufficient outlets for the confined vapors. + +In the meantime the plateau, to which seven stunned and terrified men +clung by the tufts of moss, glided with the rapidity of an express. +Not a cry was possible, not a movement of escape. They could not hear +each other. The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the crash +of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered all +communication with each other impossible. + +[Sidenote: A STEEP GRADIENT.] + +At one time the mass would slide without jolts or jars; at another, +seized with a pitching and rolling motion like the deck of a vessel +shaken by the billows, it would run along the edge of the abysses +into which the fragments of the mountain fell, uproot the trees of +centuries, and level with the precision of an enormous scythe all the +inequalities of the eastern slope. + +How long this indescribable scene lasted, no one could tell; in what +abyss all were to be engulfed, no one was able to foresee. Whether they +were all there alive, or whether one of them was lying at the bottom of +a crevasse, no one could say. Stunned by the swiftness of the descent, +chilled by the keenness of the cold, blinded by the whirlwinds of snow, +they panted, exhausted and almost inanimate, and only clung to the +rocks by the supreme instinct of preservation. + +All at once a shock of unusual violence arrested their gliding vehicle. +They were thrown forward and rolled upon the last declivities of the +mountains. The plateau had stopped short. + +[Illustration] + +For a few moments no one stirred. At last one rose, deafened by the +shock, but yet firm. It was the major. He shook off the snow that +blinded him, and looked around. His companions were not very far from +one another. He counted them. All but one lay on the ground. The +missing one was Robert Grant. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +PROVIDENTIALLY RESCUED. + + +The eastern side of the Andes consists of long slopes, declining +gradually to the plain upon which a portion of the mass had suddenly +stopped. In this new country, garnished with rich pastures and adorned +with magnificent vegetation, an incalculable number of apple-trees, +planted at the time of the conquest, glowed with their golden fruit +and formed true forests. It seemed as if a part of beautiful Normandy +had been cast into these monotonous regions, and under any other +circumstances the eye of a traveler would have been struck with this +sudden transition from desert to oasis, from snowy peak to verdant +prairie, from winter to summer. + +The earth had regained an absolute immobility, and the earthquake had +ceased. But without doubt the subterranean forces were still exerting +their devastating action at a distance, for the chain of the Andes is +always agitated or trembling in some part. This time, however, the +commotion had been of extreme violence. The outline of the mountains +was entirely changed; a new view of summits, crests, and peaks was +defined against the azure of the sky; and the guide of the Pampas would +have sought in vain for his accustomed landmarks. + +[Sidenote: COMEDY CHANGED TO TRAGEDY.] + +A wonderfully beautiful day was breaking. The rays of the sun, issuing +from their watery bed in the Atlantic, glittered over the Argentine +plains and were already silvering the waves of the other ocean. It was +eight o'clock in the morning. + +Glenarvan and his companions, revived by the aid of the major, +gradually recovered consciousness. Indeed, they had only undergone +a severe giddiness. The mountain was descended, and they would have +applauded a means of locomotion which had been entirely at nature's +expense, if one of the feeblest, Robert Grant, had not been missing. +Every one loved the courageous boy: Paganel was particularly attached +to him; the major, too, in spite of his coldness; but especially +Glenarvan. + +When the latter learned of Robert's disappearance, he was desperate. He +pictured to himself the poor child engulfed in some abyss, and calling +vainly for him whom he considered his second father. + +"My friends," said he, scarcely restraining his tears, "we must search +for him, we must find him! We cannot abandon him thus! Every valley, +every precipice, every abyss must be explored to the very bottom! You +shall tie a rope around me and let me down! I will do it, you hear me, +I will! May Heaven grant that Robert is still living! Without him, +how could we dare find his father? What right have we to save Captain +Grant, if his rescue costs the life of his child?" + +His companions listened without speaking. They felt that he was seeking +in their looks some ray of hope, and they lowered their eyes. + +"Well," continued Glenarvan, "you understand me; you are silent! You +have no more hope!" + +A few moments of silence ensued, when MacNabb inquired: + +"Who of you, my friends, remembers when Robert disappeared?" + +To this question no answer was given. + +"At least," continued the major, "you can tell with whom the boy was +during the descent." + +"With me," replied Wilson. + +"Well, at what moment did you last see him with you? Recall the +circumstances. Speak." + +"This is all that I remember. Robert Grant was at my side, his hand +grasping a tuft of moss, less than two minutes before the shock that +caused our descent." + +"Less than two minutes? Remember, Wilson, the minutes may have seemed +long to you. Are you not mistaken?" + +"I think not--yes, it is so, less than two minutes." + +"Well," said MacNabb; "and was Robert on your right, or on your left?" + +"On my left. I remember that his poncho flapped in my face." + +"And where were you situated in reference to us?" + +"On the left also." + +"Then Robert could have disappeared only on this side," said the major, +turning towards the mountain, and pointing to the right. "And also +considering the time that has elapsed since his disappearance, the +child must have fallen at a high part of the mountain. There we must +search, and, by taking different ways, we shall find him." + +Not a word more was said. The six men, scaling the declivities of the +mountain, stationed themselves at different heights along the ridge, +and began their search. They kept always to the right of their line of +descent, sounding the smallest fissures, descending to the bottom of +precipices half filled with fragments of the mass; and more than one +came forth with his garments in shreds, his feet and hands lacerated, +at the peril of his life. + +[Sidenote: A SLEEPLESS NIGHT.] + +All this portion of the Andes, except a few inaccessible plateaus, +was carefully explored for many hours without one of these brave men +thinking of rest. But it was a vain search. The child had not only +found death in the mountains, but also a tomb, the stone of which, +made of some enormous rock, was forever closed over him. + +Towards noon Glenarvan and his companions, bruised and exhausted, found +themselves again in the valley. The former was a prey to the most +violent grief. He scarcely spoke, and from his lips issued only these +words, broken by sighs,--"I will not go; I will not go!" + +Each understood this determination, and respected it. + +"We will wait," said Paganel to the major and Tom Austin. "Let us take +some rest, and recruit our strength. We shall need it, whether to begin +our search or continue our journey." + +"Yes," replied MacNabb, "let us remain, since Edward wishes it. He +hopes: but what does he hope?" + +"God knows!" said Tom Austin. + +"Poor Robert!" replied Paganel, wiping his eyes. + +Trees thronged the valley in great numbers. The major chose a group of +lofty carob-trees, under which was established a temporary encampment. +A few blankets, the arms, a little dried meat, and some rice, was +all that remained to the travelers. A stream, which flowed not far +off, furnished water, still muddy from the effects of the avalanche. +Mulready kindled a fire on the grass, and soon presented to his master +a warm and comforting repast. But Glenarvan refused it, and remained +stretched on his poncho in profound prostration. + +Thus the day passed. Night came, clear and calm as the preceding. While +his companions lay motionless, although wakeful, Glenarvan reascended +the mountain. He listened closely, still hoping that a last cry might +reach him. He ventured alone and afar, pressing his ear to the ground, +listening, restraining the beatings of his heart, and calling in a +voice of despair. + +The whole night long he wandered on the mountain. Sometimes Paganel, +sometimes the major, followed him, ready to help him on the slippery +summits, or on the edge of the chasms, where his rashness led him. But +his last efforts were fruitless; and to the cry of "Robert! Robert!" a +thousand times repeated, echo alone replied. + +Day dawned, and it was necessary to go in search of Glenarvan on +the mountain, and bring him in spite of his reluctance back to the +encampment. His despair was terrible. Who would now dare to speak +to him of departure, and propose leaving this fatal valley? But the +provisions were failing. They would soon meet the Argentine guides +and horses to take them across the Pampas. To retrace their steps was +more difficult than to advance. Besides, the Atlantic was the place +appointed to meet the Duncan. All these reasons did not permit a longer +delay, and it was for the interest of all that the hour for departure +should be no longer deferred. + +MacNabb attempted to draw Glenarvan from his grief. For a long time he +spoke without his friend appearing to hear him. Glenarvan shook his +head. At length, words escaped his lips. + +"Go?" said he. + +"Yes, go." + +"One hour more!" + +"Well, one hour more," replied the worthy major. + +When it had passed, Glenarvan asked for another. You would have thought +a condemned man was praying for his life. Thus it continued till about +noon, when MacNabb, by the advice of all, would no longer hesitate, and +told Glenarvan that they must go, the lives of his companions depended +upon a prompt decision. + +"Yes, yes," replied Glenarvan, "we will go, we will go!" + +But as he spoke his eyes were turned away from MacNabb. His gaze was +fixed upon a black speck in the air. Suddenly his hand rose, and +remained immovable, as if petrified. + +"There! there!" cried he. "See! see!" + +[Illustration: The bird had raised him by his garments, and was now +hovering in mid-air at least one hundred and fifty feet above the +encampment. He had perceived the travelers, and was violently striving +to escape with his heavy prey.] All eyes were raised towards the sky, +in the direction so imperatively indicated. At that moment the black +speck visibly increased. It was a bird hovering at a measureless height. + +"A condor," said Paganel. + +"Yes, a condor," replied Glenarvan. "Who knows? He is coming, he is +descending! Let us wait." + +What did Glenarvan hope? Was his reason wandering? He had said, "Who +knows?" Paganel was not mistaken. The condor became more distinct every +moment. + +This magnificent bird, long revered by the Incas, is the king of +the southern Andes. In these regions he attains an extraordinary +development. His strength is prodigious; and he often precipitates +oxen to the bottom of the abysses. He attacks sheep, goats, and calves +wandering on the plain, and carries them in his talons to a great +height. Sometimes he hovers at an elevation beyond the limit of human +vision, and there this king of the air surveys, with a piercing look, +the regions below, and distinguishes the faintest objects with a power +of sight that is the astonishment of naturalists. + +What had the condor seen? A corpse,--that of Robert Grant? "Who knows?" +repeated Glenarvan, without losing sight of him. The enormous bird +approached, now hovering, now falling with the swiftness of inert +bodies. He soon described circles of larger extent, and could be +perfectly distinguished. He measured fifteen feet across his wings, +which supported him in the air almost without motion, for it is the +peculiarity of these great birds to sail with a majestic calmness +unlike all others of the winged tribes. + +The major and Wilson had seized their rifles, but Glenarvan stopped +them with a gesture. The condor was approaching in the circles of his +flight a sort of inaccessible plateau a quarter of a mile distant. +He was turning with a vertical rapidity, opening and closing his +formidable claws, and shaking his cartilaginous neck. + +[Sidenote: SOMETHING WORSE.] + +"There! there!" cried Glenarvan. + +Then suddenly a thought flashed through his mind. + +"If Robert is still living!" exclaimed he, with a cry of terror, "this +bird! Fire, my friends, fire!" + +But he was too late. The condor had disappeared behind the lofty +boulders. A second passed that seemed an eternity. Then the enormous +bird reappeared, heavily laden, and rising slowly. + +A cry of horror was uttered. In the claws of the condor an inanimate +body was seen suspended and dangling. It was Robert Grant. The bird had +raised him by his garments, and was now hovering in mid-air at least +one hundred and fifty feet above the encampment. He had perceived the +travelers, and was violently striving to escape with his heavy prey. + +[Illustration] + +"May Robert's body be dashed upon these rocks," cried Glenarvan, +"rather than serve----" + +He did not finish, but, seizing Wilson's rifle, attempted to take aim +at the condor. But his arm trembled; he could not sight the piece. His +eyes were dimmed. + +"Let me try," said the major. + +With clear eye, steady hand, and motionless body, he aimed at the bird, +that was already three hundred feet above him. But he had not pressed +the trigger, when a report resounded in the valley. A light smoke +curled up between two rocks, and the condor, shot in the head, fell, +slowly turning, sustained by his broad outspread wings. He had not +released his prey, and at last reached the ground, ten paces from the +banks of the stream. + +"Quick! quick!" said Glenarvan; and without seeking whence this +providential shot had come, he rushed towards the condor. His +companions closely followed him. + +[Illustration] + +[Sidenote: "THE LOST IS FOUND."] + +When they arrived the bird was dead, and the body of Robert was hidden +under its great wings. Glenarvan threw himself upon the child, released +him from the talons of the condor, stretched him on the grass, and +pressed his ear to his breast. + +Never did a wilder cry of joy issue from human lips than when Glenarvan +rose, exclaiming: + +"He lives! he lives!" + +In an instant Robert was stripped of his garments, and his face bathed +with fresh water. He made a movement, opened his eyes, looked around, +and uttered a few words: + +"You, my lord--my father!----" + +Glenarvan could not speak. Emotion stifled him, and, kneeling, he wept +beside this child so miraculously saved. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THALCAVE. + + +After the great danger that he had just escaped, Robert incurred +another, no less great,--that of being overwhelmed with caresses. +However feeble he was still, not one of these good people could refrain +from pressing him to his heart. But it must be confessed that these +well-meant embraces are not fatal, for the boy did not die. + +When his rescue was certain, thought reverted to his rescuer, and the +major very naturally thought of looking around him. Fifty paces from +the stream, a man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on one +of the first ledges of the mountain. A long gun lay at his feet. This +individual, who had so suddenly appeared, had broad shoulders, and +long hair tied with leathern thongs. His height exceeded six feet, and +his bronzed face was red between his eyes and mouth, black below his +eyelids, and white on his forehead. After the manner of the Patagonians +of the frontiers, the native wore a splendid cloak, decorated with +red arabesques, made of the skin of a guanaco, its silky fur turned +outward, and sewed with ostrich-tendons. Under his cloak a tippet of +fox-skin encircled his neck and terminated in a point in front. At his +girdle hung a little bag containing the colors with which he painted +his face. His leggings were of ox-hide, and fastened to the ankle with +straps regularly crossed. + +The figure of this Patagonian was fine, and his face denoted real +intelligence in spite of the colors that adorned (!) it. He waited in +an attitude full of dignity, and, seeing him so motionless and stern on +his pedestal of rocks, you would have taken him for a statue. + +The major, as soon as he perceived him, pointed him out to Glenarvan, +who hastened towards him. The Patagonian took two steps forward; +Glenarvan took his hand, and pressed it. There was in the latter's +look, in his physiognomy, such a feeling, such an expression of +gratitude, that the native could not mistake it. He inclined his head +gently, and uttered a few words that neither the major nor his friend +could understand. + +The Patagonian, after regarding the strangers attentively, now changed +the language; but whatever it was, this new idiom was no better +understood than the first. However, certain expressions which he used +struck Glenarvan. They seemed to belong to the Spanish language, of +which he knew several common words. + +"Spanish?" said he. + +The Patagonian nodded. + +"Well," said the major, "this is our friend Paganel's business. It is +fortunate that he thought of learning Spanish." + +Paganel was called. He came at once and with all the grace of a +Frenchman saluted the Patagonian, to which the latter paid no +attention. The geographer was informed of the state of affairs, and was +only too glad to use his diligently-acquired knowledge. + +[Sidenote: SOMETHING WRONG.] + +"Exactly," said he. And opening his mouth widely in order to articulate +better, he said, in his best Spanish,-- + +"You--are--a--brave--man." + +The native listened, but did not answer. + +"He does not understand," said the geographer. + +"Perhaps you do not pronounce well," replied the major. + +"Very true! Curse the pronunciation!" + +And again Paganel began, but with no better success. + +"I will change the expression," said he. And pronouncing with +magisterial slowness, he uttered these words,-- + +"A--Patagonian,--doubtless?" + +The native remained mute as before. + +"Answer!" added Paganel. + +The Patagonian did not reply. + +"Do--you--understand?" cried Paganel, violently enough to damage his +organs of speech. + +It was evident that the Indian did not understand, for he answered, but +in Spanish,-- + +"I do not understand." + +It was Paganel's turn now to be astonished, and he hastily put on his +glasses, like one irritated. + +"May I be hanged," said he, "if I understand a word of this infernal +jargon! It is certainly Araucanian." + +"No," replied Glenarvan; "this man answered in Spanish." + +And, turning to the Patagonian, he repeated,-- + +"Spanish?" + +"Yes," replied the native. + +Paganel's surprise became amazement. The major and Glenarvan looked at +him quizzingly. + +"Ah, my learned friend!" said the major, while a half smile played +about his lips, "you have committed one of those blunders peculiar to +you." + +"What!" cried the geographer, starting. + +"Yes, it is plain that this Patagonian speaks Spanish." + +"He?" + +[Illustration: A man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on +one of the first ledges of the mountain. This individual had broad +shoulders, and long hair tied with leathern thongs.] + +[Sidenote: A PENINSULAR BABEL.] + +"Yes. By mistake you have learnt another language, while thinking that +you studied----" + +MacNabb did not finish. A loud "Oh!" from the geographer, accompanied +by shrugs of the shoulders, cut him short. + +"Major, you are going a little too far," said Paganel in a very dry +tone. + +"To be sure, since you do not understand." + +"I do not understand because this native speaks so badly!" answered the +geographer, who began to be impatient. + +"That is to say, he speaks badly, because you do not understand," +returned the major, calmly. + +"MacNabb," said Glenarvan, "that is not a probable supposition. However +abstracted our friend Paganel may be, we cannot suppose that his +blunder was to learn one language for another." + +"Now, my dear Edward, or rather you, my good Paganel, explain to me +what the difficulty is." + +"I will not explain," replied Paganel, "I insist. Here is the book +in which I practice daily the difficulties of the Spanish language! +Examine it, major, and you will see whether I impose upon you." + +So saying, Paganel groped in his numerous pockets. After searching a +few moments, he drew forth a volume in a very bad state, and presented +it with an air of assurance. The major took the book, and looked at it. + +"Well, what work is this?" he asked. + +"The Lusiad," replied Paganel; "an admirable poem which----" + +"The Lusiad!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my friend, the Lusiad of the immortal Camons, nothing more or +less." + +"Camons!" repeated Glenarvan; "but, unfortunate friend, Camons was +a Portuguese! It is Portuguese that you have been studying for six +weeks." + +"Camons! Lusiad! Portuguese!" + +Paganel could say no more. His eyes wandered, while a peal of Homeric +laughter rang in his ears. + +The Patagonian did not wink; he waited patiently for the explanation of +this event, which was totally incomprehensible to him. + +"Insensate! fool!" cried Paganel, at last. "What! is it so? Is it not +a mere joke? Have I done this? It is the confusion of languages, as at +Babel. My friends! my friends! to start for India and arrive at Chili! +to learn Spanish and speak Portuguese! this is too much, and, if it +continues, I shall some day throw myself out of the window instead of +my cigar." + +To hear Paganel take his blunder thus, to see his comical actions, it +was impossible to keep serious. Besides, he set the example himself. + +"Laugh, my friends," said he, "laugh with a will! you cannot laugh as +much as I do at myself." + +And he uttered the most formidable peal of laughter that ever issued +from the mouth of a geographer. + +"But we are none the less without an interpreter," said the major. + +"Oh, do not be troubled," replied Paganel. "The Portuguese and Spanish +resemble each other so much that I made a mistake. However, this very +resemblance will soon enable me to rectify my error, and in a short +time I will thank this worthy Patagonian in the language he speaks so +well." + +Paganel was right, for he could soon exchange a few words with the +native. He even learned that his name was Thalcave, a word which +signifies in Araucanian "the thunderer." This surname was doubtless +given to him for his skill in the use of fire-arms. + +[Sidenote: BETTER PROSPECTS.] + +But Glenarvan was particularly rejoiced to discover that the Patagonian +was a guide, and, moreover, a guide of the Pampas. There was, +therefore, something so providential in this meeting that the success +of the enterprise seemed already an accomplished fact, and no one any +longer doubted the rescue of Captain Grant. + +In the meantime the travelers and the Patagonian had returned to +Robert. The latter stretched his arms towards the native, who, without +a word, placed his hand upon his head. He examined the child and felt +his wounded limbs. Then, smiling, he went and gathered on the banks +of the stream a few handfuls of wild celery, with which he rubbed the +boy's body. Under this treatment, performed with an extreme gentleness, +the child felt his strength revive, and it was plain that a few hours +would suffice to restore him. + +It was therefore decided that that day and the following night should +be passed at the encampment. Besides, two important questions remained +to be settled--food, and means of conveyance. Provisions and mules were +both wanting. + +Fortunately Thalcave solved the difficulty. This guide, who was +accustomed to conduct travelers along the Patagonian frontiers, and +was one of the most intelligent baqueanos of the country, engaged to +furnish Glenarvan all that his little party needed. He offered to take +him to a "tolderia" (encampment) of Indians, about four miles distant, +where they would find everything necessary for the expedition. This +proposal was made partly by gestures, partly by Spanish words which +Paganel succeeded in understanding. It was accepted, and Glenarvan and +his learned friend, taking leave of their companions, reascended the +stream under the guidance of the Patagonian. + +They proceeded at a good pace for an hour and a half, taking long +strides to keep up to the giant Thalcave. All the region was charming, +and of a rich fertility. The grassy pastures succeeded each other, +and could easily have fed thousands of cattle. Large ponds, united by +a winding chain of streams, gave these plains a verdant moisture. +Black-headed swans sported on the mirror-like surface, and disputed the +empire of the waters with numberless ostriches that gamboled over the +plains, while the brilliant feathered tribes were in wonderful variety. + +[Illustration] + +Jacques Paganel proceeded from admiration to ecstasy. Exclamations +of delight continually escaped his lips, to the astonishment of the +Patagonian, who thought it very natural that there should be birds in +the air, swans on the lakes, and grass on the prairies. The geographer +had no reason to regret his walk, or complain of its length. He +scarcely believed himself started, or that the encampment would soon +come in sight. + +This tolderia was at the bottom of a narrow valley among the mountains. +Here in huts of branches lived thirty wandering natives, grazing +large herds of milch cows, sheep, cattle and horses. Thus they roamed +from one pasture to another, always finding a repast ready for their +four-footed companions. + +[Sidenote: GLENARVAN GOING TO MARKET.] + +Thalcave took upon himself the negotiation, which was not long. In +return for seven small Argentine horses, all saddled, a hundred pounds +of dried meat, a few measures of rice, and some leathern bottles for +water, the Indians received twenty ounces of gold, the value of which +they perfectly understood. Glenarvan would have bought another horse +for the Patagonian, but he intimated that it was unnecessary. + +[Illustration] + +The bargain concluded, Glenarvan took leave of his new "providers," as +Paganel expressed it, and returned to the encampment. His arrival was +welcomed by cries of joy at sight of the provisions and horses. Every +one ate with avidity. Robert partook of some nourishment; he had almost +entirely regained his strength, and the remainder of the day was passed +in perfect rest. Various subjects were alluded to: the absent dear +ones, the Duncan, Captain Mangles, his brave crew, and Harry Grant who +was, perhaps, not far distant. + +As for Paganel, he did not leave the Indian. He became Thalcave's +shadow, and could not remain quiet in the presence of a real +Patagonian, in comparison with whom he would have passed for a dwarf. +He overwhelmed the grave Indian with Spanish phrases, to which the +latter quietly listened. The geographer studied this time without a +book, and was often heard repeating words aloud. + +"If I do not get the accent," said he to the major, "you must not be +angry with me. Who would have thought that one day a Patagonian would +teach me Spanish!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +NEWS OF THE LOST CAPTAIN. + + +At eight o'clock the next morning Thalcave gave the signal for +departure. The slope was gradual, and the travelers had only to descend +a gentle declivity to the sea. + +When the Patagonian declined the horse that Glenarvan offered him, the +latter thought that he preferred to go on foot, according to the custom +of certain guides; and indeed, his long legs ought to have made walking +easy. But he was mistaken. + +At the moment of departure Thalcave whistled in a peculiar manner. +Immediately a magnificent Argentine horse, of superb form, issued from +a small wood near by, and approached at the call of his master. The +animal was perfectly beautiful. His brown color indicated a sound, +spirited and courageous beast. He had a small and elegantly poised +head, widely opening nostrils, a fiery eye, large hams, swelling +withers, broad breast, long pasterns, in short, all the qualities that +constitute strength and suppleness. The major, like a perfect horseman, +admired unreservedly this specimen of the horses of the plains. This +beautiful creature was called Thaouka, which means "bird" in the +Patagonian language, and he justly merited this appellation. + +[Sidenote: A FRESH START.] + +When Thalcave was in the saddle, the horse pranced with spirited grace, +and the Patagonian, a skillful rider, was magnificent to behold. His +outfit comprised two weapons of the chase, the "bolas" and the lasso. +The bolas consists of three balls tied together by a leathern string, +which are fastened to the front of the saddle. The Indians frequently +throw them the distance of a hundred paces at the animal or enemy that +they are pursuing, and with such precision that they twist about their +legs and bring them to the ground. It is, therefore, in their hands a +formidable instrument, and they handle it with surprising dexterity. +The lasso, on the contrary, does not leave the hand that wields it. It +consists simply of a leathern thong thirty feet in length, terminating +in a slip-noose which works upon an iron ring. The right hand throws +the slip-noose, while the left hand holds the remainder of the lasso, +the end of which is firmly tied to the saddle. A long carbine in a +sling completed the Patagonian's armament. + +Thalcave, without observing the admiration caused by his natural +grace, ease and courage, took the lead, and the party advanced, now +at a gallop, and now at a walk, for their horses seemed entirely +unaccustomed to trotting. Robert mounted with much boldness, and +speedily convinced Glenarvan of his ability to keep his seat. + +On issuing from the gorges of the Andes, they encountered a great +number of sand-ridges, called "medanos," real waves incessantly +agitated by the wind, when the roots of the herbage did not confine +them to the earth. This sand is of an extreme fineness; and, at the +least breath, they saw it float away in light clouds, or form regular +sand-columns which rose to a considerable height. This spectacle caused +pleasure as well as annoyance to the eyes. Pleasure, for nothing was +more curious than these columns, wandering over the plain, struggling, +mingling, sinking and rising in inexpressible confusion; and annoyance, +since an impalpable dust emanated from these innumerable medanos and +penetrated the eyelids, however tightly they were closed. + +[Illustration] + +This phenomenon continued during a great part of the day. Nevertheless, +they advanced rapidly, and towards six o'clock the Andes, forty miles +distant, presented a darkish aspect already fading in the mists of the +evening. + +The travelers were a little fatigued with their journey, and, +therefore, saw with pleasure the approach of the hour for retiring. +They encamped on the shores of a turbulent stream, enclosed by lofty +red cliffs. Toward noon of the next day, the sun's rays became very +oppressive, and at evening a line of clouds on the horizon indicated +a change in the weather. The Patagonian could not be deceived, and +pointed out to the geographer the western portion of the sky. + +"Good, I know," said Paganel, and addressing his companions: "A change +in the weather is about to take place. We shall have a 'pampero.'" + +[Sidenote: TALKING LIKE A BOOK.] + +He explained that this pampero is frequent on the Argentine Plains. It +is a very dry wind from the southwest. Thalcave was not mistaken, and +during the night, which was quite uncomfortable for people sheltered +with a simple poncho, the wind blew with great violence. The horses lay +down on the ground, and the men near them in a close group. Glenarvan +feared they would be delayed if the storm continued; but Paganel +reassured him after consulting his barometer. + +"Ordinarily," said he, "this wind creates tempests, which last for +three days; but when the barometer rises as it does now, you are free +from these furious hurricanes in a few hours. Be assured, then, my dear +friend; at break of day the sky will have resumed its usual clearness." + +"You talk like a book, Paganel," replied Glenarvan. + +"And I am one," replied Paganel, "which you are free to consult as much +as you please." + +He was not mistaken. At one o'clock in the morning the wind suddenly +subsided, and every one was able to enjoy an invigorating sleep. The +next morning they rose bright and fresh, especially Paganel, who +displayed great cheerfulness and animation. + +During this passage across the continent, Lord Glenarvan watched with +scrupulous attention for the approach of the natives. He wished to +question them concerning Captain Grant, by the aid of the Patagonian, +with whom Paganel had begun to converse considerably. But they +followed a path little frequented by the Indians, for the trails over +the Pampas, which lead from the Argentine Republic to the Andes, are +situated too far to the north. If by chance a wandering horseman +appeared in the distance, he fled rapidly away, little caring to come +in contact with strangers. + +However, although Glenarvan, in the interest of his search, regretted +the absence of the Indians, an incident took place which singularly +justified the interpretation of the document. + +Several times the course pursued by the expedition crossed paths on +the Pampas, among others quite an important road--that from Carmen to +Mendoza--distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun. There were thousands of them, and, without +doubt, more than one human skeleton had added its bones to those of +these humbler animals. + +Hitherto Thalcave had made no remark concerning the line so rigorously +followed. He understood, however, that if they kept no definite +course over the Pampas, they would not come to cities or villages. +Every morning they advanced towards the rising sun, without deviating +from the straight line, and every evening the setting sun was behind +them. In his capacity of guide, Thalcave must, therefore, have been +astonished to see that not only he did not guide them, but that they +guided him. Nevertheless, if he was astonished, with the reserve +natural to the Indians he made no remark. But to-day arriving at the +above-mentioned road, he stopped his horse, and turned towards Paganel. + +"Road to Carmen," said he. + +"Yes, my good Patagonian," replied the geographer, in his purest +Spanish; "road to Carmen and Mendoza." + +"We do not take it?" resumed Thalcave. + +"No," answered Paganel. + +"And we are going----?" + +"Always to the east." + +"That is going nowhere." + +"Who knows?" + +Thalcave was silent, and gazed at the geographer with profound +surprise. He did not admit, however, that Paganel was joking the least +in the world. An Indian, with his natural seriousness, never imagines +that you are not speaking in earnest. + +"You are not going to Carmen then?" he added, after an instant of +silence. + +[Sidenote: A PROFESSORIAL DIFFICULTY.] + +"No," replied Paganel. + +"Nor to Mendoza?" + +"No." + +At this moment Glenarvan, rejoining Paganel, asked what Thalcave said, +and why he had stopped. + +When he had told him, Glenarvan said,-- + +"Could you not explain to him the object of our expedition, and why we +must always proceed toward the east?" + +"That would be very difficult," answered Paganel, "for an Indian +understands nothing of geography." + +"But," said the major seriously, "is it the history, or the historian, +that he cannot understand?" + +"Ah, MacNabb," said Paganel, "you still doubt my Spanish!" + +"Try, my worthy friend." + +"Very well." + +Paganel turned to the Patagonian, and began a discourse, frequently +interrupted for want of words and from the difficulty of explaining to +a half-ignorant savage details which were rather incomprehensible to +him. + +The geographer was just then a curious sight. He gesticulated, +articulated, and exerted himself in a hundred ways, while great +drops of sweat rolled down his face. When his tongue could no longer +move, his arm came to his aid. He dismounted, and traced on the +sand a geographical map, with lines of latitude and longitude, the +two oceans, and the road to Carmen. Never was professor in such +embarrassment. Thalcave watched these manoeuvres without showing whether +he comprehended or not. + +The lesson in geography lasted more than half an hour. At last Paganel +ceased, wiped his face, which was wet with perspiration, and looked at +the Patagonian. + +"Did he understand?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"We shall see," replied Paganel; "but, if he did not, I give it up." + +[Sidenote: "PERHAPS!"] + +Thalcave did not stir. He no longer spoke. His eyes were fixed upon +the figures traced on the sand, which the wind was gradually effacing. + +[Illustration: An important road--that from Carmen to +Mendoza--distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun.] + +"Well?" asked Paganel. + +Thalcave did not appear to hear him. Paganel already saw an ironical +smile forming upon the lips of the major, and, wishing to save +his reputation, had begun with renewed energy his geographical +demonstrations, when the Patagonian stopped him with a gesture. + +"You are searching for a prisoner?" he said. + +"Yes," replied Paganel. + +"And exactly on the line from the setting to the rising sun?" said +Thalcave, indicating by a comparison, in the Indian manner, the course +from west to east. + +"Yes, yes, that is it!" + +"And it is your God," said the Patagonian, "who has confided to the +waves of the vast ocean the secrets of the prisoner?" + +"God himself." + +"May his will be accomplished then!" replied Thalcave, with a certain +solemnity. "We will go to the east, and, if necessary, even to the sun." + +Paganel, in his exultation over his pupil, immediately translated to +his companions the replies of the Indian. + +Glenarvan requested Paganel to ask the Patagonian if he had heard +of any strangers falling into the hands of the Indians, which was +accordingly done. + +"Perhaps," replied the Patagonian. + +As soon as this word was translated, Thalcave was surrounded by the +seven travelers, who gazed at him with questioning looks. Paganel, +excited and scarcely finding his words, resumed these interesting +interrogatories, while his eyes, fixed upon the grave Indian, strove +to anticipate his reply before it issued from his lips. Every word the +Patagonian said he repeated in English, so that his companions heard +the Indian speak, as it were, in their own language. + +"And this prisoner?" inquired Paganel. + +"He was a stranger," replied Thalcave slowly; "a European." + +"You have seen him?" + +"No, but he is mentioned in the accounts of the Indians. He was a brave +man." + +"You understand, my friends," said Paganel; "a courageous man!" + +"My father!" cried Robert Grant. + +Then, addressing Paganel: + +"How do you say 'It is my father,' in Spanish?" he asked. + +"_Es mio padre_," answered the geographer. + +Immediately Robert, taking Thalcave's hands, said in a sweet voice,-- + +"_Es mio padre!_" + +"_Suo padre!_" replied the Patagonian, whose look brightened. + +He took the boy in his arms, lifted him from his horse, and gazed at +him with the most curious sympathy. His intelligent countenance became +suffused with a peaceful emotion. + +But Paganel had not finished his inquiries. Where was this prisoner? +What was he doing? When had Thalcave heard of him? All these questions +thronged his mind at once. He did not have to wait long for answers, +but learnt that the European was a slave of one of the Indian tribes +that scour the plains. + +"But where was he last?" asked Paganel. + +"With the cazique Calfoucoura," answered Thalcave. + +"On the line we have been following?" + +"Yes." + +"And who is this cazique?" + +"The chief of the Poyuches Indians; a man with two tongues and two +hearts." + +[Sidenote: A SCIENTIFIC BATH.] + +"That is to say, false in word and in deed," said Paganel, after +translating to his companions this beautiful metaphor of the Indian +language. "And can we rescue our friend?" he added. + +"Perhaps so, if your friend is still in the hands of the Indians." + +"And when did you hear of him?" + +"A long time ago, and, since then, the sun has brought back two summers +to the sky." + +Glenarvan's joy could not be described. This answer coincided exactly +with the date of the document. But one question remained to be asked. + +"You speak of a prisoner," said Paganel; "but were there not three?" + +"I do not know," replied Thalcave. + +"And you know nothing of their actual situation?" + +"Nothing." + +This last word ended the conversation. It was possible that the three +prisoners had been separated a long time. But the substance of the +Patagonian's information was that the Indians spoke of a European who +had fallen into their power. The date of his captivity, the place where +he must have been, everything, even to the Patagonian phrase used to +express his courage, related evidently to Captain Harry Grant. + +Their progress was now somewhat slow and difficult; their next object +being to reach and cross the river Colorado, to which at length +their horses brought them. Here Paganel's first care was to bathe +"geographically" in its waters, which are colored by a reddish clay. He +was surprised to find the depth so great as it really was, this being +the result of the snow having melted rapidly under the first heat of +summer. The width likewise of this stream was so considerable that it +was almost impossible for their horses to swim across; but they happily +discovered a sort of weir-bridge, of wattles looped and fastened +together, which the Indians were in the habit of using; and by its aid +the little troop was enabled to pass over to the left bank, where they +rested for the night. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +A SERIOUS NECESSITY. + + +They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk pace among +the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the Indians +as a shelter during the storms. At certain distances, but less and +less frequent, pools of shallow water contributed to the growth of +willows and a certain plant which is found in the neighborhood of +fresh water. Here the horses drank their fill, to fortify themselves +for the journey. Thalcave, who rode in advance, beat the bushes, and +thus frightened away the "cholinas" (vipers), while the agile Thaouka +bounded over all obstacles, and aided his master in clearing a passage +for the horses that followed. + +[Illustration: They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk +pace among the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the +Indians as a shelter during the storms.] + +Early in the afternoon, the first traces of animals were +encountered--the bones of an innumerable drove of cattle, in whitened +heaps. These fragments did not extend in a winding line, such as +animals exhausted and falling one by one would leave behind them. Thus +no one, not even Paganel, knew how to explain this chain of skeletons +in a space comparatively circumscribed. He therefore questioned +Thalcave, who was not at a loss for a reply. + +"What is this?" they asked, after Paganel had inquired of the Indian. + +"The fire of heaven," replied the geographer. + +"What! the lightning could not have produced such a disaster," said Tom +Austin, "and stretched five hundred head of cattle on the earth!" + +But Thalcave reaffirmed it, and he was not mistaken; for the storms of +the Pampas are noted for their violence. + +At evening they stopped at an abandoned rancho, made of interlaced +branches plastered with mud and covered with thatch. This structure +stood within an inclosure of half-rotten stakes which, however, +sufficed to protect the horses during the night against the attacks of +the foxes. Not that they had anything to fear personally from these +animals, but the malicious beasts gnawed the halters, so that the +horses could escape. + +A few paces from the rancho, a hole was dug which served as a kitchen +and contained half-cooled embers. Within, there was a bench, a bed of +ox-hide, a saucepan, a spit, and a pot for boiling mat. The mat is +a drink very much in use in South America. It is the Indian's tea, +consisting of a decoction of leaves dried in the fire, and is imbibed +through a straw. At Paganel's request, Thalcave prepared several +cups of this beverage, which very agreeably accompanied the ordinary +eatables, and was declared excellent. + +[Sidenote: A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE.] + +The next day they resumed their journey towards the east. About noon +a change took place in the appearance of the Pampas, which could +not escape eyes wearied with its monotony. The grass became more and +more scanty, and gave place to sickly burdocks and gigantic thistles; +while stunted nettles and other thorny shrubs grew here and there. +Heretofore, a certain moisture, preserved by the clay of the prairie, +freshened the meadows; the vegetation was thick and luxuriant. But now +a patchy growth, bare in many places, exposed the earth, and indicated +the poverty of the soil. These signs of increasing dryness could not be +mistaken, and Thalcave called attention to them. + +[Illustration] + +"I am not sorry at this change," said Tom Austin; "to see always grass, +nothing but grass, becomes tiresome before long." + +"But where there is grass there is water," replied the major. + +"Oh, we are not in want," said Wilson, "and shall find some river on +our course." + +However, when Wilson said that the supply of water would not fail +he had not calculated for the unquenchable thirst that consumed his +companions all that day; and, when he added that they would meet with +some stream in their journey he had anticipated too much. Indeed, not +only were rivers wanting, but even the artificial wells dug by the +Indians were empty. On seeing these indications of dryness increase +from mile to mile, Paganel asked Thalcave where he expected to find +water. + +"At Lake Salinas," replied the Indian. + +"And when shall we arrive there?" + +"To-morrow evening." + +The natives ordinarily, when they travel on the Pampas, dig wells, and +find water a few feet below the surface; but the travelers, destitute +of the necessary implements, could not employ this expedient. It was +therefore necessary to obtain a supply in some other way, for, if they +did not absolutely suffer from the tormenting desire for drink, no one +could entirely allay his thirst. + +At evening they halted, after a journey of thirty miles. Every one +relied upon a good night to recruit himself after the fatigues of +the day; but they were greatly annoyed by a very persistent swarm of +mosquitoes, which disappeared, however, after the wind changed. + +If the major preserved his calmness in the midst of the petty +annoyances of life, Paganel, on the contrary, could not treat the +matter so indifferently. He fought the mosquitoes, and sadly regretted +the absence of his acid-water, which would have soothed the pain of +their bites. Although the major endeavored to console him, he awoke in +a very bad humor. + +However, he was very easily persuaded to set out at daybreak, for it +was important to arrive at Lake Salinas the same day. The horses were +very much exhausted: they were dying of thirst; and, although their +riders had denied themselves on their account, still their share of +water had been very limited. The dryness was to-day even greater, and +the heat no less intolerable, with the dusty wind, the simoom of the +Pampas. + +[Sidenote: INDIANS AHEAD!] + +During the day the monotony of the journey was interrupted. Mulready, +who rode in advance, turned back, signaling the approach of a party of +Indians. This meeting elicited different opinions. Glenarvan thought +of the information that these natives might furnish concerning the +shipwrecked seamen of the Britannia. Thalcave, for his part, scarcely +enjoyed meeting in his journey the wandering Indians of the plains. +He considered them plunderers and robbers, and only sought to avoid +them. According to his orders, the little party collected together, and +made ready their fire-arms. It was necessary to be prepared for any +emergency. + +The Indian detachment was soon perceived. It consisted of only ten +men, which fact reassured the Patagonian. They approached within a +hundred paces, so that they could be easily distinguished. Their high +foreheads, prominent rather than receding, their tall forms, and their +olive color, showed them to be magnificent types of the Indian race. +They were clad in the skins of guanacos, and carried various weapons of +war and the chase, while their dexterity in horsemanship was remarkable. + +[Illustration] + +Having halted, they appeared to hold a conference, crying and +gesticulating. Glenarvan advanced toward them; but he had not proceeded +two yards, when the detachment wheeled about and disappeared with +incredible swiftness. The tired horses of the travelers could never +have overtaken them. + +"The cowards!" cried Paganel. + +"They fly too fast for honest men," said MacNabb. + +"What are these Indians?" inquired Paganel of Thalcave. + +"Gauchos!" replied the Patagonian. + +"Gauchos!" repeated Paganel, turning toward his companions, "Gauchos! +We had no need, then, to take such precautions. There was nothing to +fear!" + +"Why?" asked the major. + +"Because the Gauchos are inoffensive peasants." + +"Do you think so, Paganel?" + +"Certainly. They took us for robbers, and fled." + +Glenarvan was quite disappointed in not speaking with them, as he +expected to obtain additional tidings of the lost sailors; but it +was necessary to push on, if they would reach their destination that +evening. + +At eight o'clock Thalcave, who had gone a little in advance, announced +that the lake so long desired was in sight. A quarter of an hour +afterward the little party descended the high banks. But here a serious +disappointment awaited them,--the lake was dry! + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +IN SEARCH OF WATER. + + +Lake Salinas terminates the cluster of lagoons that adjoin the Ventana +and Guamini mountains. Numerous expeditions are made to this place +to obtain supplies of salt, with which these waters are strongly +impregnated. But now the water had evaporated under the heat of the +sun, and the lake was only a vast glittering basin. + +When Thalcave announced the presence of a drinkable liquid at Lake +Salinas, he meant the streams of fresh water that flow from it in +many places. But at this time its affluents were as dry as itself. +The burning sun had absorbed everything. Hence, the consternation was +general when the thirsty party arrived at the parched shores of Lake +Salinas. + +It was necessary to take counsel. The little water in the leathern +bottles was half spoiled, and could not quench their thirst, which +began to make itself acutely felt. Hunger and fatigue gave place to +this imperative want. A "roukah," a kind of upright tent, of leather, +which stood in a hollow, and had been abandoned by the natives, served +as a refuge for the travelers, while their horses, stretched on the +muddy shores of the lake, ate the saline plants and dry reeds, although +reluctantly. + +When each had sat down in the roukah, Paganel asked Thalcave's advice +as to what was best to be done. A rapid conversation, of which +Glenarvan caught a few words, ensued between the geographer and the +Indian. Thalcave spoke calmly, while Paganel gesticulated for both. +This consultation lasted a few minutes, and then the Patagonian folded +his arms. + +"What did he say?" inquired Glenarvan. "I thought I understood him to +advise us to separate." + +"Yes, into two parties," replied Paganel. "Those of us whose horses are +so overcome with fatigue and thirst that they can scarcely move will +continue the journey as well as possible. Those who are better mounted, +on the contrary, will ride in advance, and reconnoitre the Guamini +River, which empties into Lake San Lucas. If there is sufficient water +there, they will wait for their companions on the banks of the stream; +if not, they will return to save the rest a useless journey." + +"And then?" asked Tom Austin. + +"Then we must go southward to the first branches of the Ventana +mountains, where the rivers are numerous." + +"The plan is good," replied Glenarvan, "and we will follow it without +delay. My horse has not suffered so much yet from want of water, and I +offer to accompany Thalcave." + +"Oh, my lord, take me!" cried Robert, as if a pleasure excursion were +in question. + +"But can you keep up with us, my child?" + +"Yes, I have a good beast that asks nothing better than to go in +advance. Will you, my lord? I beseech you!" + +"Come then, my boy," said Glenarvan, delighted not to be separated from +Robert. "And we three," he added, "will be very stupid if we do not +discover some clear and fresh stream." + +"And I?" said Paganel. + +"Oh, you, my dear Paganel!" replied the major, "you will remain with +the reserve detachment. You know the course, the Guamini River, and the +Pampas, too well to abandon us. Neither Wilson, Mulready, nor myself +are capable of rejoining Thalcave at his rendezvous, unless we advance +confidently under the guidance of the brave Jacques Paganel." + +[Illustration: "Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you +when you have found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand +and pressed it to his lips.] + +"I resign," said the geographer, very much flattered to obtain a higher +command. + +"But no distractions!" added the major. "Do not lead us where we have +nothing to do, and bring us back to the shores of the Pacific!" + +"You would deserve it, my intolerable major," said Paganel, smiling. +"But tell me, my dear Glenarvan, how will you understand Thalcave's +language?" + +"I suppose," answered Glenarvan, "that the Patagonian and I will not +need to talk. Besides, with the few Spanish words that I know, I shall +succeed well enough on an emergency in giving him my opinion and +understanding his." + +"Go then, my worthy friend," replied Paganel. + +"Let us eat first," said Glenarvan, "and sleep till the hour of +departure." + +They ate supper without drink, which was rather unrefreshing, and then +fell asleep. Paganel dreamed of torrents, cascades, streams, rivers, +ponds, brooks, nay even full bottles, in short, of everything which +generally contains water. It was a real nightmare. + +The next morning at six o'clock the horses were saddled. They gave them +the last drink of water left, which they took with more dislike than +pleasure, for it was very nauseating. The three horsemen then mounted. + +"_Au revoir!_" said the major, Austin, Wilson, and Mulready. + +Soon the Patagonian, Glenarvan, and Robert (not without a certain +throbbing of the heart) lost sight of the detachment confided to the +sagacity of the geographer. + +[Sidenote: THE YOUNG SAILOR ON HORSEBACK.] + +Thalcave was right in first proceeding towards the Guamini, since this +stream lay on the prescribed course, and was the nearest. The three +horses galloped briskly forward. These excellent beasts perceived, +doubtless, by instinct, whither their masters were guiding them. +Thaouka, especially, showed a spirit that neither fatigue nor thirst +could overcome. The other horses followed, at a slower pace, but +incited by his example. + +The Patagonian frequently turned his head to look at Robert Grant, and, +seeing the young boy firm and erect, in an easy and graceful position, +testified his satisfaction by a word of encouragement. + +"Bravo, Robert!" said Glenarvan. "Thalcave seems to congratulate you. +He praises you, my boy!" + +"And why, my lord?" + +"Because of the way you ride." + +"Oh, I merely keep firm; that is all," replied Robert, who blushed with +pleasure at hearing himself complimented. + +"That is the main point, Robert," said Glenarvan; "but you are too +modest, and I am sure you cannot fail to become an accomplished +equestrian." + +"Well," said Robert, "but what will papa say, who wishes to make a +sailor of me?" + +"The one does not interfere with the other. If all horsemen do not make +good sailors, all sailors may certainly make good horsemen. To ride on +the yards, you must learn to keep yourself firm. As for knowing how to +manage your horse, that comes more easily." + +"Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you when you have +found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand and pressed it +to his lips. + +"You love him well, Robert?" + +"Yes, my lord; he was so kind to sister and me. He thought only of us, +and every voyage brought us a memento of the countries he visited, and, +what was better, tender caresses and kind words, on his return. Ah! +you will love him too, when you know him! Mary resembles him. He has a +sweet voice like her. It is singular for a sailor, is it not?" + +"Yes, very singular, Robert," said Glenarvan. + +"I see him still," replied the boy, as if speaking to himself. "Good +and brave papa! He rocked me to sleep on his knees, when I was little, +and kept humming an old Scottish song which is sung around the lakes of +our country. I sometimes recall the air, but indistinctly. How we loved +him, my lord! Well, I think one must be very young to love his father +well." + +"And old to reverence him, my child," replied Glenarvan, quite moved by +the words that came from this young heart. + +During this conversation, their horses had relaxed their pace and +fallen behind the other; but Thalcave called them, and they resumed +their former gait. It was soon evident, however, that, with the +exception of Thaouka, the horses could not long maintain this speed. At +noon it was necessary to give them an hour's rest. + +Glenarvan grew uneasy. The signs of dryness did not diminish, and the +want of water might result in disastrous consequences. Thalcave said +nothing, but probably thought that if the Guamini was dry it would then +be time to despair, if indeed an Indian's heart has ever experienced +such an emotion. + +They therefore kept on, and by use of whip and spur the horses were +induced to continue their journey, but they could not quicken their +pace. Thalcave might easily have gone ahead, for in a few hours Thaouka +could have carried him to the banks of the stream. He doubtless thought +of it, but probably did not like to leave his two companions alone in +the midst of this desert, and, that he might not outstrip them, he +forced Thaouka to lessen his speed. It was not, however, without much +resistance, prancing and neighing, that Thalcave's horse consented to +keep pace with the others. It was not so much the strength as the voice +of his master which restrained him; the Indian actually talked to his +horse; and the animal, if he did not answer, at least comprehended +him. The Patagonian must have used excellent arguments, for, after +"discussing" some time, Thaouka yielded, and obeyed his master's +commands. + +[Sidenote: GAINED AT LAST.] + +But, if Thaouka understood Thalcave, Thalcave had none the less +understood Thaouka. The intelligent animal, through his superior +instincts, had perceived a moisture in the air. He inhaled it eagerly, +and kept moving his tongue, as if it were steeped in a grateful liquid. +The Patagonian could not be deceived; water was not far distant. + +He therefore encouraged his companions by explaining the impatience of +his horse, which the others were not long in understanding. They made a +final effort, and galloped after the Indian. + +About three o'clock a bright line appeared in a hollow of the plain. It +trembled under the rays of the sun. + +"Water!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Water, yes, water!" cried Robert. + +They had no more need to urge their horses. The poor beasts, feeling +their strength renewed, rushed forward with an irresistible eagerness. +In a few moments they had reached the Guamini River, and, saddled as +they were, plunged to their breasts into the cooling stream. Their +masters imitated their example, without reluctance, and took an +afternoon bath which was as healthful as it was pleasant. + +[Illustration] + +"Ah, how good it is!" said Robert, as he quenched his thirst in the +middle of the river. + +"Be moderate, my boy," said Glenarvan, who did not set a good example. + +Nothing was heard but the sound of rapid drinking. As for Thalcave, +he drank quietly, without hurrying, long and deeply, till they might +perhaps fear that the stream would be drained. + +"Well," said Glenarvan, "our friends will not be disappointed in their +expectations. They are sure, on arriving at the Guamini, to find an +abundance of clear water, if Thalcave leaves any!" + +"But could we not go to meet them?" asked Robert. "We could spare them +several hours of anxiety." + +"Doubtless, my boy; but how carry the water? Wilson has charge of the +water-bottles. No, it is better to wait, as we agreed. Calculating the +necessary time, and the slow pace of the horses, our friends will be +here at night. Let us, then, prepare them a safe shelter and a good +repast." + +Thalcave had not waited for Glenarvan's orders to search for a place +to encamp. He had very fortunately found on the banks of the river a +"ramada," a kind of inclosure designed for a cattle-fold and shut in +on three sides. The situation was excellent for the purpose, so long +as one did not fear to sleep in the open air; and that was the least +anxiety of Thalcave's companions. Thus they did not seek a better +retreat, but stretched themselves on the ground in the sun to dry their +water-soaked garments. + +"Well, since here is shelter," said Glenarvan, "let us think of supper. +Our friends must be satisfied with the couriers whom they have sent +forward; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, they will have no reason +to complain. I think an hour's hunting will not be time lost. Are you +ready, Robert?" + +"Yes, my lord," replied he, with gun in hand. + +[Sidenote: AN EVENING'S SPORT.] + +Glenarvan had conceived this idea because the banks of the Guamini +seemed to be the haunt of the game of the surrounding plains. +"Tinamous," a kind of partridge, plovers called "teru-teru," yellow +rails, and water-fowl of magnificent green were seen rising in flocks. +As for quadrupeds, they did not make their appearance; but Thalcave, +pointing to the tall grass and thick coppice, explained that they +were hidden there. The hunters had only to take a few steps to find +themselves in one of the best game-coverts in the world. + +[Illustration] + +They began to hunt, therefore, and, disdaining the feathered tribe, +their first attempts were made upon the large game of the Pampas. Soon +hares and guanacos, like those that had attacked them so violently on +the Andes, started up before them by hundreds; but these very timid +animals fled with such swiftness that it was impossible to come within +gun-shot. The hunters, therefore, attacked other game that was less +fleet. A dozen partridges and rails were brought down, and Glenarvan +shot a peccary, which was very good eating. + +In less than half an hour they had obtained without difficulty all the +game they needed. Robert captured a curious animal called an armadillo, +which was covered with a sort of helmet of movable bony pieces and +measured a foot and a half in length. It was very fat, and would be an +excellent dish, as the Patagonian said; while Robert was proud of his +success. + +As for Thalcave, he showed his companions a "nandou" hunt. This bird, +peculiar to the Pampas, is a kind of ostrich, whose swiftness is +marvelous. + +The Indian did not try to decoy so nimble an animal, but urged his +horse to a gallop, straight towards the bird, so as to overtake it +at once, for, if the first attack should fail, the nandou would soon +fatigue both horse and rider with its giddy backward and forward +movements. + +Thalcave, arriving at a proper distance, launched his "bolas" with a +strong hand, and so skillfully that they twisted about the legs of +the ostrich and paralyzed its efforts. In a few moments it lay on +the ground. The Indian soon captured his prize and contributed it +to the common repast. The string of partridges, Thalcave's ostrich, +Glenarvan's peccary, and Robert's armadillo were brought back to camp. +The ostrich and the peccary were immediately stripped of their skin +and cut into small slices. As for the armadillo, it is a dainty animal +which carries its roasting dish with it, and it was, accordingly, +placed in its own bony covering on the glowing embers. + +The three hunters were satisfied with the partridges for supper, and +kept the rounds of beef for their friends. This repast was washed down +with clear water, which was then considered superior to all the wines +in the world. + +The horses were not forgotten. A great quantity of dry fodder, piled in +the ramada, served them for food and bedding. + +[Sidenote: DESERT SILENCE.] + +When everything was ready, Glenarvan, Robert, and the Indian wrapped +themselves in their ponchos, and stretched their limbs on a bundle of +alfafares, the usual bed of the hunters of the Pampas. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE RED WOLVES. + + +Night came,--the night of the new moon, only the uncertain light of +the stars illumined the plain. On the horizon the zodiacal light faded +away in a dark mist. The waters of the Guamini flowed without a murmur, +while birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles reposed after the fatigues of +the day. The silence of the desert reigned on the vast expanse of the +Pampas. + +Glenarvan, Robert, and Thalcave had yielded to the common law, and, +stretched on their thick beds of grass, they enjoyed a refreshing +sleep. The horses, overcome with fatigue, had lain down on the ground: +Thaouka alone, like a true blooded horse, slept standing, spirited in +repose as in action, and ready to start at the least sign from his +master. Perfect tranquillity reigned within the inclosure, and the +embers of the night-fire, as they gradually died out, cast their last +rays over the silent obscurity. + +About ten o'clock, after a short sleep, the Indian awoke. His eyes +became fixed beneath his lowered eyebrows, and his head was turned in a +listening attitude towards the plain. He seemed endeavoring to detect +some scarcely perceptible sound. A vague uneasiness was soon expressed +on his face, usually so calm. Had he perceived the approach of prowling +Indians, or the coming of jaguars, water-tigers, and other formidable +beasts which are numerous in the neighborhood of rivers? This last +possibility doubtless appeared plausible to him, for he cast a rapid +glance over the combustible materials piled in the inclosure, and his +anxiety increased. In fact, all this dry bedding would quickly be +consumed, and could not long intimidate the audacious animals. + +According to this conjecture, Thalcave had only to await the progress +of events, which he did, half reclining, his head resting on his hands, +his elbows on his knees, his eyes motionless, in the attitude of a man +whom a sudden anxiety has awakened from sleep. + +An hour passed. Any other person but Thalcave, reassured by the outward +silence, would have lain down again. But where a stranger would have +suspected nothing, the highly-trained senses and natural instinct of +the Indian foresaw the coming danger. + +While he was listening and watching, Thaouka gave a low neigh. His +nose was stretched towards the entrance to the ramada. The Patagonian +suddenly started. + +"Thaouka has scented some enemy," said he. + +He arose and scanned the plain attentively. Silence still reigned, but +not tranquillity. Thalcave discerned shadows moving noiselessly among +the tufts of grass. Here and there glittered luminous points, which +spread on all sides, now fading away, and now gleaming forth again. You +would have thought fantastic elves were dancing on the surface of an +immense lagoon. A stranger would doubtless have taken these flitting +sparks for glow-worms, which shine, when night comes, in many parts of +the Pampas. But Thalcave was not deceived; he knew with what enemies he +had to deal. He loaded his carbine, and took a position near the first +stakes of the inclosure. + +He did not wait long. A strange cry, a mingling of barks and howls, +resounded over the plain. The report of the carbine answered it, +and was followed by a hundred frightful yelps. Glenarvan and Robert +suddenly awoke. + +[Sidenote: FEARFUL ODDS.] + +"What is the matter?" asked Robert. + +"Indians?" said Glenarvan. + +"No," replied Thalcave, "aguaras." + +Robert looked at Glenarvan. + +"Aguaras?" said he. + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "the red wolves of the Pampas." + +Both seized their weapons, and joined the Indian. The latter pointed +to the plain, from which arose a series of formidable howls. Robert +involuntarily took a step backward. + +"You are not afraid of the wolves, my boy?" said Glenarvan. + +"No, my lord," replied Robert, in a firm tone. "With you I fear +nothing." + +"So much the better. These aguaras are not very formidable beasts; and +were it not for their numbers I should not even think of them." + +"What does it matter?" replied Robert. "We are well armed. Let them +come." + +"And they shall be well received." + +Speaking thus, Glenarvan endeavored to reassure the lad; but he did +not think without a secret terror of that dense horde of exasperated +beasts. Perhaps there were hundreds of them; and these three, however +well armed, could not advantageously contend against so many and such +antagonists. + +By the howls that resounded over the Pampas, and by the multitude of +shadows that flitted about the plain, Glenarvan could not be mistaken +as to the number. These animals had scented a sure prey, horse-flesh or +human flesh, and not one among them would return to his lair without +having his portion. The situation was, therefore, very alarming. + +Meanwhile the circle of wolves grew gradually narrower. The horses, +awakened, gave signs of the liveliest terror. Thaouka alone pawed the +ground, seeking to break his halter, and ready to rush out. His master +succeeded in calming him only by whistling continually. + +Glenarvan and Robert had stationed themselves so as to defend the +entrance of the ramada, and with their loaded rifles were about to fire +at the first ranks of wolves, when Thalcave turned aside their weapons +already poised for a shot. + +"What does Thalcave wish?" asked Robert. + +"He prohibits us from firing," answered Glenarvan. + +"Why?" + +"Perhaps he does not consider it the proper time." + +This was not, however, the motive which actuated the Indian, but a +graver reason, which Glenarvan understood when Thalcave, raising his +powder-flask and inverting it, showed that it was almost empty. + +"Well?" said Robert. + +"We must economize our ammunition. Our hunt to-day has cost us dear, +and we are deficient in powder and shot. We have not twenty charges +left." + +The boy answered nothing. + +"You are not afraid, Robert?" + +"No, my lord." + +"Very well, my boy." + +At this moment another report resounded. Thalcave had brought down a +too bold enemy. The wolves that were advancing in close ranks recoiled, +and gathered together again a hundred paces from the inclosure. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST HOUR.] + +Glenarvan, at a sign from the Indian, took his place at once, while the +latter, collecting the bedding, grass, and all combustible materials, +piled them at the entrance of the ramada and threw on a burning ember. +Soon a curtain of flame was defined against the dark background of the +sky, and through the openings the plain appeared illumined by great +moving reflections. Glenarvan could therefore judge of the great number +of animals against which they had to defend themselves. Never had so +many wolves been seen together before, nor so excited by rapacity. The +fiery barrier that Thalcave had just opposed to them had redoubled +their fury. Some, however, advanced to the very fire, crowded by +the rear ranks, and burned their paws. From time to time a shot was +necessary to check the howling horde, and at the end of an hour fifteen +bodies lay on the prairie. + +The besieged were now in a situation relatively less dangerous. So long +as their supplies lasted, so long as the barrier of fire stood at the +entrance to the ramada, invasion was not to be feared. But what was to +be done if all these methods of repelling the wolves should fail at the +same time? + +Glenarvan gazed at Robert, and felt his heart beat quick with +excitement. He forgot himself, and thought only of this poor child, who +displayed a courage beyond his years. Robert was pale, but his hand did +not leave his weapon, and he awaited with firm bearing the assault of +the enraged wolves. + +Meantime, Glenarvan, after coolly considering the situation, resolved +to do something decisive. + +"In one hour," said he, "we shall have no more powder, shot, or fire. +We must not wait till then to make a sally." + +He turned towards Thalcave, and, recalling a few words of Spanish, +began a conversation with the Indian, frequently interrupted by the +cracks of the rifle. + +It was not without difficulty that these two men succeeded in +understanding each other. Glenarvan, fortunately, knew the habits of +the red wolf. Without this knowledge he could not have interpreted the +words and gestures of the Patagonian. + +Nevertheless, a quarter of an hour passed before he could give to +Robert the meaning of Thalcave's answer. He had questioned the Indian +concerning their situation. + +"And what did he answer?" inquired Robert. + +"He said that, cost what it may, we must hold out till daybreak. The +aguara goes out only at night, and when morning comes he returns to +his lair. He is the wolf of darkness, a cowardly beast that fears the +daylight." + +"Well, let us defend ourselves till day." + +"Yes, my boy, and with our knives if we can no longer use our guns." + +Already Thalcave had set the example, and when a wolf approached the +fire, the long knife of the Patagonian was thrust through the flames +and drawn back again red with blood. + +However, the means of defense were failing. About two o'clock in the +morning, Thalcave threw into the fire the last armful of fuel, and the +besieged had only five charges left. + +Glenarvan cast about him a sorrowful glance. He thought of the child +who was there, of his companions, of all whom he loved. Robert said +nothing; perhaps the danger did not appear imminent to his hopeful +spirit. But Glenarvan pictured to himself that terrible event, now +apparently inevitable, the being devoured alive! He was not master of +his emotion; he drew the child to his breast, he clasped him to his +heart, he pressed his lips to his forehead, while tears flowed from his +eyes. + +Robert gazed at him with a smile. "I am not afraid," said he. + +"No, my boy, no," replied Glenarvan; "and you are right. In two hours, +day will appear, and we shall be saved! Well done, Thalcave, my brave +Patagonian!" cried he, as the Indian killed with the butt of his gun +two enormous beasts that were attempting to cross the glowing barrier. + +[Sidenote: A DYING HOPE.] + +But at this moment the dying light of the fire showed him the aguaras +advancing in a dense body to assail the ramada. The dnouement of the +bloody drama was approaching. The fire gradually subsided, for want +of fuel; the flames sank; the plain, before illumined, now relapsed +into shadow, and in the shadow reappeared the terrible eyes of the red +wolves. A few moments more, and the whole drove would rush into the +inclosure. + +[Illustration] + +Thalcave discharged his carbine for the last time, stretched out one +more of their enemies, and, as his ammunition was exhausted, folded +his arms. His head sank upon his breast; he appeared to be questioning +himself. Was he searching for some bold, novel, or rash scheme for +repelling this furious herd? Glenarvan did not venture to ask him. + +At this moment a change took place in the action of the wolves. They +seemed to be retreating, and their howls, so deafening before, suddenly +ceased. An ominous silence reigned over the plain. + +"They are going," said Robert. + +"Perhaps," replied Glenarvan, who was listening with intentness. + +But Thalcave shook his head. He knew well that the animals would not +abandon a certain prey until at daybreak they returned to their holes +and dens. + +However, the tactics of their enemies had evidently changed, they no +longer endeavored to force the entrance of the ramada; but their new +manoeuvres were already causing a still more imminent danger. + +The wolves, abandoning their design of penetrating the inclosure by +this entrance, which was defended by weapon and fire, went to the +back of the ramada and sought to assail it in the rear. Their claws +were soon heard rattling against the half-decayed wood. Already their +powerful paws and bloody mouths had forced their way between the +shattered stakes. The horses, bewildered and panic-stricken, broke +their halters and dashed into the inclosure. Glenarvan seized Robert +in his arms, to defend him to the last extremity; and he would have +attempted a rash flight, and rushed out of the ramada, had not his eyes +fallen upon the Indian. + +Thalcave, turning like a deer, had suddenly approached his horse, +which was neighing with impatience, and was beginning to saddle him +carefully, forgetting neither strap nor buckle. He seemed no longer to +care for the howls, that were now redoubled. Glenarvan gazed at him +with a dark foreboding. + +"He is leaving us!" cried he, seeing Thalcave gather up his reins as +though he were about to mount. + +"He? never!" said Robert. + +In truth the Indian was about to make a venture, not to leave his +friends, but to save them by sacrificing himself. Thaouka was ready. +He champed his bit; he pranced; his eyes, full of a fiery spirit, shot +forth lightning flashes; he understood his master. + +Just as the Indian was seizing the mane of his horse, Glenarvan caught +him by the arm with a convulsive grasp. + +"You are going?" said he, pointing to the plain, which was now deserted. + +"Yes," replied the Indian, who comprehended the gesture of his +companion; and, with vehement gesticulations which were however +perfectly intelligible, he added a few words in Spanish, which +signified: "Thaouka--good horse--swift--will draw the wolves after him." + +[Illustration: Frightful howls resounded. The wolves, starting on the +track of the horse, fled into the darkness with a terrible speed.] + +"Ha! Thalcave!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Quick, quick!" continued the Indian; while Glenarvan said to Robert, +in a voice broken by emotion,-- + +"Robert, my lad, you hear! He will sacrifice himself for us; he will +rush out over the plain, and turn aside the fury of the wolves upon +himself." + +"Friend Thalcave," replied Robert, looking imploringly at the +Patagonian, "friend Thalcave, do not leave us!" + +"No," said Glenarvan, "he will not leave us." + +And, turning to the Indian, he added, pointing to the terrified horses +crowding against the stakes,-- + +"Let us go together." + +"No," said the Indian, who was not mistaken as to the meaning of these +words. "Bad beasts--frightened--Thaouka--good horse." + +"Very well," said Glenarvan. "Thalcave shall not leave, Robert. He +shows me what I have to do. It is my duty to go, and his to remain with +you." + +Then, seizing Thaouka's bridle, he added,-- + +"I will go." + +"No," replied the Patagonian, calmly. + +"I tell you," cried Glenarvan, taking the bridle from the hands of the +Indian, "I will go. Save this boy! I trust him to you, Thalcave!" + +Glenarvan, in his excitement, mingled English and Spanish together. But +what matters the language? In such a terrible situation, signs tell +all, and men quickly understand each other. + +[Sidenote: SAFETY FOR TWO.] + +However, Thalcave resisted, and the discussion was prolonged. The +danger was increasing every moment. Already the broken stakes were +yielding to the teeth and claws of the wolves. But neither Glenarvan +nor Thalcave appeared willing to yield. The Indian had drawn Glenarvan +towards the entrance of the inclosure. He pointed to the plain, now +free from wolves. In his animated language, he explained that not a +moment was to be lost; that the danger, if this plan failed, would be +greater for those who remained; in short, that he alone knew Thaouka +well enough to employ his marvelous agility and speed for the common +safety. Glenarvan blindly persisted in his resolve to sacrifice +himself, when suddenly he was pushed violently back. Thaouka pranced, +reared on his hind legs, and all at once, with a spring, cleared the +barrier of fire and the rampart of bodies, while a boyish voice cried,-- + +"God save you, my lord!" + +Glenarvan and Thalcave had scarcely time to perceive Robert, who, +clinging to the horse's mane, disappeared in the darkness. + +"Robert, unfortunate!" cried Glenarvan. + +But these words the Indian himself could not hear. Frightful howls +resounded. The wolves, starting on the track of the horse, fled into +the darkness with a terrible speed. + +Thalcave and Glenarvan rushed out of the ramada. Already the plain had +resumed its tranquillity, and they could scarcely distinguish a moving +line which undulated afar in the shadows of the night. + +Glenarvan sank upon the ground, overcome, in despair, clasping his +hands. He gazed at Thalcave, who smiled with his accustomed calmness. + +"Thaouka--good horse--brave child--he will be saved!" he repeated, +nodding his head. + +"But if he falls?" said Glenarvan. + +"He will not fall!" + +In spite of Thalcave's confidence, his companion passed the night in +terrible anguish. He was no longer even mindful of the danger still to +be feared from the wolves. He would have gone in search of Robert, but +the Indian restrained him, and explained that their horses could not +overtake the boy, that Thaouka must have distanced his enemies, and +could not be found in the darkness. They must wait for day to start in +search of Robert. + +At four o'clock in the morning day began to break. The mists of the +horizon were soon tinged with pale rays. A sparkling dew covered the +plain, and the tall grass began to wave under the first breezes of the +dawn. + +The moment of departure had arrived. + +"Forward!" said the Indian. + +Glenarvan did not reply, but sprang upon Robert's horse, and the two +were soon galloping towards the west in the direction from which their +companions were to come. + +For an hour they traveled thus with great speed, gazing around for +Robert, and dreading at each step to behold his mangled body. Glenarvan +tortured the flanks of his horse with his spurs. Suddenly shots were +heard, and reports at regular intervals, like signals for recognition. + +[Illustration] + +"It is they!" cried Glenarvan. + +Thalcave and he urged their horses to a more rapid pace, and a few +moments afterwards they joined the party led by Paganel. + +[Sidenote: LIVELY GRATITUDE.] + +To Glenarvan's joy, Robert was there, alive, borne by the noble +Thaouka, who neighed with pleasure at seeing his master. + +"Ah, my boy! my boy!" cried Glenarvan, with unspeakable tenderness; and +Robert and he, dismounting, rushed into each other's arms. + +Then it was the Indian's turn to clasp to his breast the courageous son +of Captain Grant. + +"He lives! he lives!" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +"Yes," replied Robert, "thanks to Thaouka." + +The Indian had not waited for these words of gratitude to embrace his +horse, but at that very moment he spoke to him and embraced him, as +if human blood flowed in the veins of the noble animal. Then, turning +towards Paganel, he pointed to young Robert. + +"A brave boy!" said he. + +Glenarvan, however, asked, even while he admired the lad,-- + +"Why, my son, did you not let Thalcave or me try this last chance of +saving you?" + +"My lord," replied he, in accents of the liveliest gratitude, "was it +not my duty to sacrifice myself, when Thalcave has saved my life, and +you are going to save my father?" + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +STRANGE SIGNS. + + +After their first outbursts of joy at meeting were over, Paganel, +Austin, Wilson, and Mulready--all who had remained behind, except the +major--were conscious of one thing, namely, that they were suffering +from thirst. Fortunately, the Guamini flowed at no great distance. +They accordingly continued their journey, and at seven o'clock in the +morning the little party arrived at the ramada. On seeing its entrance +strewn with the bodies of the wolves, it was easy to understand the +violence of the attack and the vigor of the defense. The travelers, +after fully quenching their thirst, devoted their attention to +breakfast in the inclosure. The ostrich-steaks were declared excellent, +and the armadillo, roasted in its own covering, was a delicious dish. + +"To eat reasonably of this," said Paganel, "would be ingratitude +towards Providence. We really must eat immoderately." + +And he did so accordingly,--but was not sick, thanks to the clear water +of the Guamini, which appeared to possess superior digestive properties. + +[Sidenote: AEROSTATIC EXPERIMENTS.] + +At ten o'clock Glenarvan gave the signal for departure. The +water-bottles were filled, and they set out. The horses, being greatly +revived, evinced much spirit, and maintained an easy and almost +continuous canter. The next morning they crossed the boundary which +separates the Argentine Plains from the Pampas. Here Thalcave hoped +to meet the chiefs in whose hands he doubted not that he should find +Harry Grant and rescue him and his two companions from slavery. + +Since they had left the Guamini, the travelers noticed, with great +satisfaction, a considerable change in the temperature, thanks to the +cold winds of Patagonia, which cause continual currents of air. Neither +man nor beast had any reason to complain, after suffering so much from +dryness and heat. They therefore pushed on with courage and confidence. +But, whatever might have been said, the country seemed to be entirely +uninhabited, or, to use a more exact word, "disinhabited." + +Frequently they skirted the shores of fresh-water lagoons, on whose +banks, in the shelter of the bushes, tiny wrens skipped and melodious +larks warbled, in company with the brilliant-plumaged tanagers. These +pretty birds gayly fluttered about, heedless of the haughty starlings +that strutted on the banks like soldiers with their epaulettes and red +breasts. In the thorny coppices the nests of the annubis swung like +hammocks, and on the shores of the lagoons magnificent flamingoes, +marching in regular file, spread their fiery-colored wings to the wind. +Their nests were seen, by thousands together, like a small village, in +the shape of truncated cones a foot high. The birds were not startled +at the approach of the travelers, which was contrary to Paganel's +calculations. + +"I have been curious for a long time," said he to the major, "to see a +flamingo fly." + +"Well," said MacNabb. + +"Now, since I have an opportunity, I shall profit by it." + +"Do so, Paganel." + +"Come with me, major, and you too, Robert; I need witnesses." + +And Paganel, leaving his companions to go on, proceeded towards the +flock of flamingoes, followed by Robert and the major. Arriving within +range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for he would not needlessly +destroy even a bird), and all the flamingoes flew away, while the +geographer gazed at them attentively through his glasses. + +"Well," said he to the major, when the flock had disappeared, "did you +see them fly?" + +"Certainly," replied MacNabb; "you could not do otherwise, unless you +were blind. But let us hasten on, for we have fallen a mile behind." + +When he had joined his companions, Paganel found Glenarvan in excited +conversation with the Indian, whom he did not appear to understand. +Thalcave had frequently stopped to examine the horizon, and each time +his countenance expressed a lively astonishment. Glenarvan, not seeing +his ordinary interpreter present, had attempted, but in vain, to +question the Patagonian. So, as soon as he perceived the geographer at +a distance, he cried,-- + +"Come, friend Paganel, Thalcave and I can scarcely succeed in +understanding each other." + +Paganel conversed a few moments with the Indian, and, turning to +Glenarvan, said,-- + +"Thalcave is astonished at a circumstance that is really strange." + +"What?" + +"At meeting neither Indians, nor any traces of them, on these plains, +which are usually furrowed with their trails, whether they are driving +home the cattle stolen from the ranchos, or going to the Andes to sell +their zorillo carpets and whips of braided leather." + +"And to what does Thalcave attribute this abandonment?" + +"He cannot tell; he is astonished. That is all." + +"But what Indians did he expect to find in this part of the Pampas?" + +"The very ones who have had foreign prisoners; those natives who are +commanded by the caziques Calfoucoura, Catriel, and Yanchetruz." + +"Who are these caziques?" + +[Illustration: Arriving within range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for +he would not needlessly destroy even a bird), and all the flamingoes +flew away, while the geographer gazed at them attentively through his +glasses.] + +"Chiefs of tribes that were very powerful thirty years ago, before they +were driven beyond the sierras. Since that time they have been subdued +as much as an Indian can be, and now scour the Pampas as well as the +province of Buenos Ayres. I am therefore astonished, like Thalcave, +at not encountering traces of them in a country where they generally +pursue the calling of plunderers." + +"Well, then," inquired Glenarvan, "what course ought we to take?" + +"I will see," replied Paganel. + +After a few moments' conversation with Thalcave, he said,-- + +"This is his advice, which seems to me very wise. We must continue our +journey to the east as far as Fort Independence; and there, if we have +no news of Captain Grant, we shall at least know what has become of the +Indians of the plain." + +"Is Fort Independence far?" + +"No; it is situated at Tandil, sixty miles distant." + +"And when shall we arrive there?" + +"On the evening of the day after to-morrow." + +Glenarvan was quite disconcerted at finding no Indians on the Pampas, +a circumstance which was little expected. There are ordinarily too +many of them. Some special cause must therefore have removed them. +But a serious question was to be considered. If Captain Grant was a +prisoner of one of these tribes, had he been carried to the north or +to the south? This problem harassed Glenarvan. It was advisable at all +hazards to keep track of the captain. In short, it was better to follow +Thalcave's advice and reach the village of Tandil, where at least they +could obtain information. + +About four o'clock in the afternoon they approached a hill that might +have passed for a mountain in so level a country. It was Tapalquem +Sierra, and at its foot the travelers encamped for the night. + +[Sidenote: GALLOPING GAUCHOS.] + +The passage of this mountain was accomplished the next day with the +greatest ease. They followed the sandy undulations of a gradually +sloping terrace, which certainly did not present difficulties to +people who had scaled the Andes, and the horses scarcely relaxed their +rapid pace. At noon they reached the abandoned Fort Tapalquem, the +first of the chain of forts built on the southern frontier against the +plundering natives. But not a shadow of an Indian did they encounter, +to the increasing surprise of Thalcave; although, towards the middle of +the day, three rovers of the plain, well armed and mounted, gazed for +a moment at the little party, but prevented their approach, galloping +away with incredible rapidity. Glenarvan was furious. + +"Gauchos," said the Patagonian. + +"Ah! Gauchos," replied MacNabb. "Well, Paganel, what do you think of +these creatures?" + +"I think they look like famous bandits," answered Paganel. + +"And hence of course are, my dear geographer?" + +"Of course, my dear major." + +Paganel's avowal was followed by a general laugh, which did not +disconcert him at all. + +According to Thalcave's orders, they advanced in close ranks, and +at evening encamped in a spacious abandoned rancho, where the chief +Catriel generally assembled his bands of natives. From an examination +of the ground and the absence of fresh tracks, the Patagonian knew that +it had not been occupied for a long time. + +The next morning Glenarvan and his companions found themselves again +on the plain. The first estancias (vast establishments for raising +cattle), which border upon the Tandil, were descried; but Thalcave +resolved not to stop, but to keep straight on to Fort Independence, +where he wished to obtain information, especially concerning the +singular condition of this abandoned country. + +The trees, so rare since leaving the Andes, now reappeared. The greater +part of these have been planted since the arrival of the Europeans +on the American continent. They generally surround "corrals," vast +cattle-inclosures protected with stakes. Here thousands of cattle, +sheep, cows, and horses, branded with the mark of the owner, graze +and fatten, while large numbers of huge dogs keep watch. The soil is +admirably adapted to raising cattle, and yields an excellent fodder. + +The people lead the life of the shepherds of the Bible. Their flocks +are perhaps even more numerous than those which fed on the plains of +Mesopotamia; but the family element is wanting, and the owners of the +great folds of the Pampas have little to recommend themselves or their +manner of life. + +Paganel explained all these particulars to his companions, and even +succeeded in interesting the major. + +Thalcave, meanwhile, hastened their progress, as he wished to arrive +that evening at Fort Independence. The horses, urged on by their +masters, and following the example of Thaouka, dashed through the +tall grass. They passed several farms, fortified and defended by deep +ditches. The principal house was provided with an elevated terrace, +from which the inmates could fire upon the plunderers of the plain. +Glenarvan might perhaps have obtained here the information that he +sought; but it was wisest to go to the village of Tandil. They did not +stop, therefore, and soon the feet of the horses struck the grassy +sward of the first mountain slopes. An hour afterward the village +appeared at the bottom of a narrow gorge crowned by the embattled walls +of Fort Independence. + +[Illustration: In fact, they were a dozen young children and boys who +were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a striped shirt +confined at the waist by a leathern girdle.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +A FALSE TRAIL. + + +Paganel, after giving his companions a brief account of the village of +Tandil, added that they could not fail to obtain information there; +moreover, the fort was always garrisoned by a detachment of national +troops. Glenarvan, accordingly, put the horses into the stable of a +"fonda;" and Paganel, the major, Robert, and he, under the guidance of +Thalcave, proceeded towards Fort Independence. + +After ascending the ridges of the mountains for a short time, they +arrived at the postern, rather carelessly guarded by a native sentinel. +They passed without difficulty, and inferred either great negligence or +extreme security. A few soldiers were exercising on the parade-ground +of the fort, the oldest of whom was not more than twenty and the +youngest scarcely ten. In fact, they were a dozen young children and +boys who were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a +striped shirt confined at the waist by a leathern girdle. The mildness +of the climate justified this light costume. Each of these young +soldiers carried a gun and a sword, which were too long and heavy for +the little fellows. All had a certain family resemblance, and the +corporal who commanded resembled them too: they were twelve brothers, +who were parading under the orders of the thirteenth. + +[Sidenote: AN ARGENTINE COMMANDANT.] + +Paganel was not astonished. He remembered his Argentine statistics, and +knew that in this country the average number of children in a family +exceeds nine. But what surprised him exceedingly was to see these +little soldiers practicing the French tactics, and to hear the orders +of the corporal given in his own native language. + +"This is singular," said he. + +But Glenarvan had not come to see boys drill, still less to occupy +himself with their nationality or relationship. He did not, therefore, +give Paganel time to express further astonishment, but besought him +to ask for the commander of the fortress. Paganel did so, and one of +the soldiers proceeded towards a small building which served as the +barracks. + +A few moments after, the commander appeared in person. He was a man +of fifty, robust, with a military air, thick whiskers, prominent +cheek-bones, gray hair, and commanding look, so far as one could judge +through the clouds of smoke that issued from his short pipe. + +Thalcave, addressing him, introduced Lord Glenarvan and his companions. +While he spoke, the commander kept scrutinizing Paganel with quite +embarrassing persistence. The geographer did not know what the trooper +meant, and was about to ask him, when the latter unceremoniously seized +his hand, and said, in a joyous tone, in his own language,-- + +"A Frenchman?" + +"Yes, a Frenchman," replied Paganel. + +"Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a Frenchman," +cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with rather painful +violence. + +"One of your friends?" asked the major of Paganel. + +"Yes," replied he, with national pride; "we have friends in all parts +of the world!" + +[Illustration: "Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a +Frenchman," cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with +rather painful violence.] + +[Sidenote: RAISING A REGIMENT.] + +He then entered into conversation with the commander. Glenarvan would +gladly have put in a word in regard to his affairs, but the soldier +was telling his story, and was not in the mood to be interrupted. +This honest man had left France a long time before; and the native +language was no longer perfectly familiar to him: he had forgotten, +if not words, at least the manner of combining them. As his visitors +soon learned, he had been a sergeant in the French army. Since the +foundation of the fort he had not left it, and commanded it by +appointment from the Argentine government. He was by parentage a +Basque, and his name was Manuel Ipharaguerre. A year after his arrival +in the country, Sergeant Manuel was naturalized, joined the Argentine +army, and married an honest Indian woman, who had twins,--boys, to be +sure, for the sergeant's worthy consort would never present him with +daughters. Manuel did not think of any other calling than that of the +soldier, and hoped, in time, with the help of God, to offer to the +republic a whole battalion of young soldiers. + +"You have seen them?" said he. "Charming fellows! Good soldiers! Jos! +Juan! Miguel! Pepe! Pepe is only seven years old, and is already biting +his cartridge!" + +Pepe, hearing himself complimented, joined his two little feet, and +presented arms with perfect precision. + +"He will do!" added the sergeant. "He will be a major--or +brigadier-general one day!" + +This story lasted a quarter of an hour, to Thalcave's great +astonishment. The Indian could not understand how so many words could +come from a single throat. No one interrupted the commander; and even +a French sergeant had to conclude at last, though not without forcing +his guests to accompany him to his dwelling. Here they were introduced +to Madame Ipharaguerre, who appeared to be "a good-looking person," if +this expression may be employed in regard to an Indian. + +When he had exhausted himself, the sergeant asked his guests to what he +owed the honor of their visit. And now it was their turn to explain. + +Paganel, opening the conversation in French, told him of their journey +across the Pampas, and ended by asking why the Indians had abandoned +the country. + +"War!" replied the sergeant. + +"War?" + +"Yes, civil war." + +"Civil war?" rejoined Paganel. + +"Yes, war between Paraguay and Buenos Ayres," answered the sergeant. + +"Well?" + +"Why, all the Indians of the north are in the rear of General Flores, +and those of the plains are plundering." + +"But the caziques?" + +"The caziques with them." + +This answer was reported to Thalcave, who shook his head. Indeed, +he either did not know, or had forgotten, that a civil war, which +was afterwards to involve Brazil, was decimating two-thirds of the +republic. The Indians had everything to gain in these internal +struggles, and could not neglect such fine opportunities for plunder. +The sergeant, therefore, was not mistaken in attributing this desertion +of the Pampas to the civil war that was being waged in the northern +part of the Argentine Provinces. + +But this event disconcerted Glenarvan's hopes. If Captain Grant was +a prisoner of the caziques, he must have been carried by them to the +northern frontiers. Yet how and where to find him? Must they attempt +a perilous and almost useless search to the northern limits of the +Pampas? It was a serious matter, which was to be earnestly considered. + +However, one important question was still to be asked of the sergeant, +and the major thought of this, while his companions were looking at +each other in silence. + +"Have you heard of any Europeans being retained as prisoners by the +caziques of the Pampas?" + +Manuel reflected for a few moments, like a man who recalls events to +recollection. + +"Yes," said he, at length. + +"Ah!" cried Glenarvan, conceiving a new hope. + +[Sidenote: REVELATIONS.] + +Paganel, MacNabb, Robert, and he now surrounded the sergeant. + +"Speak, speak!" cried they, gazing at him with eagerness even in their +looks. + +"Several years ago," replied Manuel, "yes,--that is it,--European +prisoners--but have never seen them." + +"Several years ago?" said Glenarvan. "You are mistaken. The date of the +shipwreck is definite. The Britannia was lost in June, 1862, less than +two years ago." + +"Oh, more than that, my lord!" + +"Impossible!" cried Paganel. + +"Not at all. It was when Pepe was born. There were two men." + +"No, three!" said Glenarvan. + +"Two," replied the sergeant, in a positive tone. + +"Two?" exclaimed Glenarvan, very much chagrined. "Two Englishmen?" + +"No," continued the sergeant. "Who speaks of Englishmen? It was a +Frenchman and an Italian." + +"An Italian who was massacred by the Indians?" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, and I learned afterwards--Frenchman saved." + +"Saved!" exclaimed Robert, whose very life seemed to hang on the +sergeant's lips. + +"Yes, saved from the hands of the Indians," replied Manuel. + +Each looked to the geographer, who beat his brow in despair. + +"Ah! I understand," said he, at last. "All is clear, all is explained." + +"But what is to be done?" asked Glenarvan, with as much anxiety as +impatience. + +"My friends," answered Paganel, taking Robert's hands, "we must submit +to a severe misfortune. We have followed a false trail! The captive +in question is not the captain, but one of my countrymen (whose +companion, Marco Vazello, was actually assassinated by the Indians), +a Frenchman who often accompanied these cruel savages to the banks of +the Colorado, and who, after fortunately escaping from their hands, +returned to France. While thinking that we were on the track of Captain +Grant, we have fallen upon that of young Guinnard." + +A profound silence followed this declaration. The mistake was palpable. +The sergeant's story, the nationality of the prisoner, the murder +of his companion, and his escape from the hands of the Indians, all +accorded with the evident facts. Glenarvan gazed at Thalcave with a +bewildered air. The Indian then resumed the conversation. + +"Have you never heard of three English captives?" he asked the sergeant. + +"Never," replied Manuel. "It would have been known at Tandil. I should +have heard of it. No, it cannot be." + +Glenarvan, after this formal response, had nothing more to do at Fort +Independence. He and his friends, therefore, departed, not without +thanking the sergeant and shaking hands with him. + +Glenarvan was in despair at this complete overthrow of his hopes. +Robert walked beside him in silence, with tearful eyes, while his +protector could not find a single word to console him. Paganel +gesticulated and talked to himself. The major did not open his lips. +As for Thalcave, his Indian pride seemed humbled at having gone astray +on a false trail. No one, however, thought of reproaching him for so +excusable an error. + +They returned to the encampment, saddened indeed. Still, not one of +the courageous and devoted men regretted so many hardships uselessly +endured, so many dangers vainly incurred. But each saw all hope of +success annihilated in an instant. Could they find Captain Grant +between Tandil and the sea? No. If any prisoner had fallen into the +hands of the Indians on the Atlantic coast, Sergeant Manuel would +certainly have been informed. An event of such a nature could not +have escaped the natives who trade from Tandil to Carmen. Among the +traders of the Argentine Plains everything is known and reported. There +was therefore but one course now to take,--to join, without delay, the +Duncan at Cape Medano, the appointed rendezvous. + +[Illustration: More than once during the journey, the attention and +interest of all, but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the +curious illusion of the mirage.] + +In the meantime, Paganel had asked Glenarvan for the document, by +relying on which their search had resulted so unfortunately. He +read it again with unconcealed vexation, seeking to discover a new +interpretation. + +"This document is, at all events, clear," said Glenarvan. "It explains +in the most definite manner the shipwreck of the captain and the place +of his captivity." + +"No," replied the geographer, stamping with his foot, "a hundred times +no! Since Captain Grant is not on the Pampas, he is not in America. +This document ought to tell where he is; and it shall, my friends, or I +am no longer Jacques Paganel." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +THE FLOOD. + + +[Sidenote: OMENS AND MIRAGES.] + +Fort Independence is one hundred and fifty miles from the shores of +the Atlantic. But for unforeseen and unexpected delays, Glenarvan +could have rejoined the Duncan in four days. He could not, however, +reconcile himself to the idea of returning on board without Captain +Grant, and failing so completely in his search; and did not therefore, +as usual, give the orders for departure. But the major assumed the +task of saddling the horses, renewing the provisions, and making his +arrangements for the journey. Thanks to his activity, the little party, +at eight o'clock in the morning, was on its way down the grassy slopes +of the Tandil Sierra. + +Glenarvan, with Robert at his side, galloped on in silence. His +lordship's bold and resolute character did not permit him to accept +this disappointment calmly. His heart beat violently, and his brain was +on fire. Paganel, tormented by the mystery of the document, arranged +the words in every way, as if to draw from them a new meaning. Thalcave +silently resigned himself to Thaouka's sagacity. The major, always +confident, performed his duties like a man upon whom discouragement can +have no effect. Tom Austin and his two sailors shared their master's +annoyance. Once, when a timid hare crossed the path in front of them, +the superstitious Scotchmen gazed at one another. + +"A bad omen," said Wilson. + +"Yes, in the Highlands," replied Mulready. + +"What is bad in the Highlands is no better here," added Wilson, +sententiously. + +About noon the travelers had descended the mountains and gained the +undulating plains that extend to the sea; the boundless prairie spread +its broad carpet of verdure before them. + +More than once during the journey the attention and interest of all, +but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the curious illusion of +the mirage, by which was presented in the sky, at the limits of the +horizon, a semblance of the estancias, the poplars and willows near +them, and other objects; the images being so much like the reality that +it required a strong effort to realize their deceptive character. + +The weather hitherto had been fine, but now the sky assumed a less +pleasing aspect. Masses of vapor, generated by the high temperature +of the preceding days, condensed into thick clouds and threatened to +dissolve in showers of rain. Moreover, the proximity of the Atlantic, +and the west wind, which here reigns supreme, rendered the climate of +this region peculiarly moist. However, for that day at least the heavy +clouds did not break; and at evening the horses, after traveling forty +miles, halted on the edge of a deep "caada," an immense natural ditch +filled with water. A shelter was wanting, but the ponchos served for +tents as well as clothing, and peaceful slumbers enwrapped all. + +The next day, as they progressed farther, the presence of subterranean +streams betrayed itself more noticeably, and moisture was seen in every +depression of the ground. Soon they came to large ponds, some already +deep and others just forming. So long as there were only lagoons, the +horses could easily extricate themselves; but with these treacherous +swamps it was more difficult. Tall grass obstructed them, and it was +necessary to incur the danger before it could be understood. These +quagmires had been already fatal to more than one human being. + +Robert, who had ridden half a mile in advance, returned at a gallop, +crying,-- + +"Monsieur Paganel! Monsieur Paganel! A forest of horns!" + +"What!" replied the geographer, "have you found a forest of horns?" + +"Yes, yes; or at least a field." + +"A field! you are dreaming, my boy," said Paganel, shrugging his +shoulders. + +"I am not dreaming," retorted Robert; "you shall see for yourself. This +is a strange country! People sow horns, and they spring up like corn! I +should like very well to have some of the seed." + +"But he speaks seriously," said the major. + +"Yes, major, you shall see." + +Robert was not mistaken, and soon they found themselves before a vast +field of horns, regularly planted. + +"Well?" said Robert. + +"This is something singular," replied Paganel, turning towards the +Indian with a questioning look. + +[Sidenote: AN ANXIOUS INDIAN.] + +"The horns come from the ground," explained Thalcave; "and the cattle +are under it." + +"What!" cried Paganel, "is there a whole drove in this mire?" + +"Yes," answered the Patagonian. + +In fact, a vast herd had perished in this bog, which had given way +beneath them. Hundreds of cattle had thus met their death, side by +side, by suffocation in this vast quagmire. This circumstance, which +sometimes takes place on the plains, could not be ignored by the +Indian, and it was a warning which it was proper to heed. They passed +around this immense hecatomb, which would have satisfied the most +exacting gods of antiquity; and an hour after the field of horns was +far behind. + +Thalcave now began to observe with an anxious air the state of things +around him. He frequently stopped, and rose in his stirrups. His tall +form enabled him to survey a wide range; but, perceiving nothing that +could enlighten him, he resumed his undeviating course. A mile farther, +he stopped again, and, turning from the beaten track, proceeded a short +distance, first to the north, then to the south, and then resumed his +place at the head of the party, without saying either what he hoped or +what he feared. + +These manoeuvres, many times repeated, puzzled Paganel and annoyed +Glenarvan. The geographer was accordingly requested to interrogate +the Indian, which he did at once. Thalcave replied that he was +astonished to see the plain so soaked with moisture. Never within his +recollection, since he had performed the office of guide, had his feet +trodden a soil so saturated. Even in the season of the great rains the +Argentine plain was always easily passed. + +"But to what do you attribute this increasing moisture?" asked Paganel. + +"I know not," replied the Indian; "and what if I did?" + +"Do the mountain streams, when swollen with the rains, ever overflow +their banks?" + +"Sometimes." + +"And now, perhaps?" + +"Perhaps," said Thalcave. + +Paganel was forced to be contented with this answer, and communicated +to Glenarvan the result of the conversation. + +"And what does Thalcave advise?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"What is to be done?" asked Paganel of the Patagonian. + +"Advance quickly," replied the Indian. + +This advice was easier to give than to follow. The horses were quickly +fatigued with treading a soil that sank beneath them deeper and deeper +as they progressed, so that this part of the plain might have been +compared to an immense basin in which the invading waters would rapidly +accumulate. It was advisable, therefore, to cross without delay these +sloping terraces that an inundation would have instantly transformed +into a lake. + +They hastened their pace, though there was no great depth to the water +which spread out in a sheet beneath the horses' feet. About two o'clock +the flood-gates of the heavens opened, and tropical torrents of rain +descended. Never was a finer opportunity presented for showing oneself +a philosopher. There was no chance of escaping this deluge, and it was +better for the travelers to receive it stoically. Their ponchos were +soon dripping, and their hats wet them still more, like roofs whose +gutters have overflowed. The fringes of the saddle-cloths seemed so +many liquid streams; and the horsemen, bespattered by their animals, +whose hoofs splashed in the water at every step, rode in a double +shower, which came from the ground as well as the sky. + +[Sidenote: HYDROPATHIC TREATMENT.] + +It was in this wretchedly cold and exhausted state that they arrived, +towards evening, at a very miserable rancho. Only people who were not +fastidious could have given it the name of a shelter, only travelers in +distress would consent to occupy it. But Glenarvan and his companions +had no choice. They therefore cowered down in the abandoned hut which +would not have satisfied even a poor Indian of the plains. A sorry +fire of grass, which gave out more smoke than heat, was kindled with +difficulty. The torrents of rain made havoc without, and large drops +oozed through the mouldy thatch. The fire was extinguished twenty +times, and twenty times did Wilson and Mulready struggle against the +invading water. + +The supper was very meagre and comfortless, and every one's appetite +failed. The major alone did justice to the water-soaked repast, and did +not lose a mouthful: he was superior to misfortune. As for Paganel, +like a Frenchman, he tried to joke; but now he failed. + +"My jokes are wet," said he: "they miss fire." + +However, as it was more agreeable--if possible, under the +circumstances--to sleep, each one sought in slumber a temporary +forgetfulness of his fatigues. + +The night was stormy. The sides of the rancho cracked as if they would +break, while the frail structure bent beneath the gusts of wind and +threatened to give way at every shock. The unfortunate horses neighed +in terror without, exposed to the inclemency of the tempest; and their +masters did not suffer less in their miserable shelter. However, sleep +drowned all their troubles at last. Robert first closed his eyes, +reclining his head on Lord Glenarvan's shoulder; and soon all the +inmates of the rancho slept under the protection of God. + +They woke the next morning at the call of Thaouka, who, always ready, +neighed without, and struck the wall of the hut vigorously with his +hoof, as though to give the signal for departure. They owed him too +much not to obey him, and they accordingly resumed their journey. + +The rain had ceased, but the hard earth held what had fallen. On the +impenetrable clay, pools, marshes, and ponds overflowed and formed +immense "baados" of treacherous depth. Paganel, on consulting his map, +judged rightly that the Grande and Nivarota Rivers, into which the +waters of the plain usually flow, must have mingled together in one +broad stream. + +An extremely rapid advance, therefore, became necessary. The common +safety was at stake. If the inundation increased, where could they find +a refuge? The vast circle of the horizon did not offer a single point, +and on this level plain the progress of the water must be rapid. The +horses were urged to their utmost speed. Thaouka took the lead, and +might have borne the name of sea-horse, for he pranced as if he had +been in his native element. + +Suddenly, about six o'clock in the evening, he manifested signs of +extreme agitation. He turned frequently towards the vast expanse to the +south; his neighs were prolonged, his nostrils keenly snuffed the air, +and he reared violently. Thalcave, whom his antics could not unseat, +managed his steed without difficulty. The froth from the horse's mouth +was mingled with blood under the action of the firmly-closed bit, and +yet the spirited animal could not be calm. If free, his master felt but +too well that he would have fled away at full speed towards the north. + +"What is the matter with Thaouka?" asked Paganel. "Has he been bitten +by those voracious blood-suckers of the Argentine waters?" + +"No," replied the Indian. + +"Is he terrified, then, at some danger?" + +"Yes, he has scented danger." + +"What?" + +"I do not know." + +Although the eye did not yet reveal the peril that Thaouka divined, +the ear could already detect it. A low murmur, like the sound of a +rising tide, was heard as from the limit of the horizon. The wind blew +in damp gusts laden with spray; the birds, as if fleeing from some +unknown phenomenon, shot swiftly through the air; and the horses, +wading to their knees, felt the first impulse of the current. Soon a +mingled roar, like bellowing, neighing, and bleating, resounded half +a mile to the south, and immense herds appeared, tumbling, rising, +and rushing, a confused mass of terrified beasts, and fled by with +frightful rapidity. It was scarcely possible to distinguish them in the +midst of the clouds of spray dashed up by their flight. + +[Illustration: "The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his +horse towards the north.] + +"Quick! quick!" cried Thalcave, in a piercing voice. + +"What is it?" said Paganel. + +"The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his horse towards +the north. + +"The inundation!" cried Paganel; and his companions, with him at their +head, fled away in the track of Thaouka. + +It was time. Five miles to the south a high and broad wall of water +was rushing over the plain, which was fast becoming an ocean. The tall +grass disappeared as before the scythe, and the tufts of mimosas, torn +up by the current, separated and formed floating islands. The mass of +waters spread itself in broad waves of irresistible power. The dikes of +the great rivers had evidently given way, and perhaps the waters of the +Colorado and Rio Negro were now mingling in a common stream. + +The wall of water descried by Thalcave advanced with the speed of a +race-horse. The travelers fled before it like a cloud driven by the +storm. Their eyes sought in vain a place of refuge. Sky and water +mingled together on the horizon. The horses, excited by the danger, +dashed along in a mad gallop, so that their riders could scarcely keep +their seats. Glenarvan frequently glanced behind him. + +"The water is overtaking us," he thought. + +"Quick! quick!" cried Thalcave. + +[Sidenote: THE ARK.] + +The unfortunate beasts were urged to a swifter pace. From their flanks, +lacerated with the spur, flowed bright red streams, which marked +their course on the water by long, crimson lines. They stumbled in +the hollows of the ground; they were entangled in the hidden grass; +they fell and rose again continually. The depth of the water sensibly +increased. Long surges announced the on-rush of the mass of water that +tossed its foaming crests less than two miles distant. + +For a quarter of an hour this final struggle against the most terrible +of elements was prolonged. The fugitives could keep no account of the +distance they had traversed; but, judging by the rapidity of their +flight, it must have been considerable. + +Meantime the horses, immersed to their breasts, could no longer +advance without extreme difficulty. Glenarvan, Paganel, Austin, all +believed themselves lost, victims of the horrible death of unfortunates +abandoned at sea. Their animals began to lose their footing; six feet +of water was sufficient to drown them. + +We must forbear to picture the acute anguish of these eight men +overtaken by a rising inundation. They felt their powerlessness to +struggle against these convulsions of nature, superior to human +strength. Their safety was no longer in their own hands. + +Five minutes after, the horses were swimming, while the current alone +carried them along with irresistible force and furious swiftness. All +safety seemed impossible, when the voice of the major was heard. + +"A tree!" said he. + +"A tree!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, yonder!" replied Thalcave, and he pointed northward to a kind of +gigantic walnut-tree, which rose solitary from the midst of the waters. + +His companions had no need to be urged. This tree that was opportunely +presented to them they must reach at all hazards. The horses probably +could not accomplish the distance; but the men, at least, could be +saved,--the current would carry them. + +At that moment Tom Austin's horse gave a stifled neigh and disappeared. +His rider, extricating himself from the stirrups, began to swim +vigorously. + +"Cling to my saddle!" cried Glenarvan to him. + +"Thanks, my lord," replied he, "my arms are strong." + +"Your horse, Robert?" continued Glenarvan, turning towards the boy. + +"All right, my lord, all right! He swims like a fish." + +"Attention!" cried the major, in a loud voice. + +This word was scarcely pronounced, when the enormous wall of water +reached them. A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide. When the deluge had passed, the men regained the surface, and +rapidly counted their numbers; but the horses, except Thaouka, had +disappeared forever. + +"Courage! courage!" cried Glenarvan, who supported Paganel with one arm +and swam with the other. + +"All right! all right!" replied the worthy geographer; "indeed I am not +sorry----" + +What was he not sorry for? No one ever knew; for the poor man was +forced to swallow the end of his sentence in half a pint of muddy water. + +The major calmly advanced, taking a regular stroke of which the most +skillful swimmer would not have been ashamed. The sailors worked their +way along like porpoises in their native element. As for Robert, he +clung to Thaouka's mane, and was thus drawn along. The horse proudly +cut the waters, and kept himself instinctively on a line with the tree, +towards which the current bore him, and which was now not far distant. + +In a few moments the entire party reached it. It was fortunate; for, if +this refuge had failed, all chance of safety would have vanished, and +they must have perished in the waves. The water was up to the top of +the trunk where the main branches grew, so that it was easy to grasp +them. + +Thalcave, leaving his horse, and lifting Robert, seized the first limb, +and soon his powerful arms had lodged the exhausted swimmers in a place +of safety. But Thaouka, carried away by the current, was rapidly +disappearing. He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly. + +[Illustration: A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide.] + +"Do you abandon him?" said Paganel. + +"I?" cried the Indian, and, plunging into the tempestuous waters, he +reappeared some distance from the tree. A few moments after, his arm +rested upon the neck of Thaouka, and horse and horseman swam away +together towards the misty horizon of the north. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +A SINGULAR ABODE. + + +The tree upon which Glenarvan and his companions had just found refuge +resembled a walnut-tree. It had the same shining foliage and rounded +form. It was the "ombu," which is met with only on the Argentine +Plains. It had an enormous, twisted trunk, and was confined to the +earth not only by its great roots, but also by strong shoots which held +it most tenaciously. It had thus resisted the force of the inundation. + +[Sidenote: AN ORNITHOLOGICAL OMNIUM-GATHERUM.] + +This ombu measured one hundred feet in height, and might have covered +with its shade a circumference of three hundred and sixty feet. All +the upper part rested on three great branches, which forked from the +top of the trunk, that was six feet in diameter. Two of these branches +were nearly perpendicular, and supported the immense canopy of foliage, +whose crossed, twisted, and interlaced limbs, as if woven by the hand +of a basket-maker, formed an impenetrable shelter. The third branch, +on the contrary, extended almost horizontally over the roaring waters; +its leaves were bathed in them, while it seemed a promontory to this +island of verdure surrounded by an ocean. There was abundant space, +also, in the interior of this gigantic tree. The foliage, which was +not very dense at its outer circumference, left large openings like +sky-lights, and made it well ventilated and cool. At sight of these +branches rising in innumerable ramifications towards the clouds, while +the parasitic convolvuli bound them to each other, and the rays of the +sun shone through the interstices of the leaves, you would really have +thought that the trunk of this ombu bore upon itself alone an entire +forest. + +On the arrival of the fugitives, a feathered population flew away to +the top branches, protesting by their cries against so flagrant a +usurpation of their dwelling. These birds, that had themselves sought +refuge upon this solitary ombu, were seen by hundreds,--blackbirds, +starlings, and many other richly-feathered varieties; and when they +flew away it seemed as if a gust of wind had stripped the tree of its +leaves. + +Such was the asylum offered to Glenarvan's little party. Robert and the +nimble Wilson were scarcely perched in the tree, before they hastened +to climb to the topmost branches. Their heads protruded above the dome +of verdure. From this lofty position the view embraced a wide range. +The ocean created by the inundation surrounded them on all sides, +and their eyes could discern no limit. No other tree emerged from +the watery surface; the ombu, alone in the midst of the unconfined +waters, groaned at every shock. At a distance, borne along by the +impetuous current, floated uprooted trunks, twisted branches, thatch +torn from some demolished rancho, beams swept by the waters from the +roofs of cattle-folds, bodies of drowned animals, bloody skins, and, +on a swaying tree, a whole family of growling jaguars that clung with +their claws to this fragile raft. Still farther off, a black speck +almost invisible attracted Wilson's attention. It was Thalcave and his +faithful Thaouka, disappearing in the distance. + +[Illustration: He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly.] + +[Sidenote: A COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.] + +"Thalcave, friend Thalcave!" cried Robert, stretching out his hands +towards the courageous Patagonian. + +"He will be saved, Mr. Robert," said Wilson; "but let us join Lord +Glenarvan." + +A moment after, Robert and the sailor descended the three stories +of branches and found themselves among their companions. Glenarvan, +Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were seated astraddle, or +dangling in the branches, according to their own inclinations. Wilson +gave an account of their visit to the top of the tree. All shared his +opinion in regard to Thalcave. The only question was, whether Thalcave +would save Thaouka, or Thaouka Thalcave. + +The present situation of these refugees was undeniably insecure. The +tree would not probably give way to the force of the current, but the +rising waters might reach the top branches, for the depression of +the soil made this part of the plain a deep reservoir. Glenarvan's +first care, therefore, was to establish, by means of notches, points +of comparison which enabled him to note the different heights of the +water. The flood was now stationary, and it appeared to have reached +its greatest elevation. This was encouraging. + +"And now what shall we do?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Build our nest, of course," replied Paganel. + +"Build our nest!" cried Robert. + +"Certainly, my boy, and live the life of birds, since we cannot live +the life of fishes." + +"Very well," said Glenarvan; "but who will give us our beakful?" + +"I," replied the major. + +All eyes were turned towards MacNabb, who was comfortably seated in a +natural arm-chair formed of two pliant branches, and with one hand was +holding out the wet though well-filled saddle-bags. + +"Ah, MacNabb," cried Glenarvan, "this is just like you! You think of +everything, even under circumstances where it is allowable to forget." + +"As soon as it was decided not to be drowned, I concluded not to die of +hunger." + +"I should not have thought of this," said Paganel, innocently; "but I +am so absent-minded!" + +"And what do the saddle-bags contain?" inquired Tom Austin. + +"Provisions for seven men for two days," replied MacNabb. + +"Well," said Glenarvan, "I hope that the inundation will be +considerably lower twenty-four hours hence." + +"Or that we shall find some means of gaining _terra firma_," added +Paganel. + +"Our first business, then, is to breakfast," said Glenarvan. + +"After drying ourselves," observed the major. + +"And fire?" said Wilson. + +"Why, we must make one," replied Paganel. + +"Where?" + +"At the top of the trunk, of course." + +"With what?" + +"With dead wood that we shall cut in the tree." + +"But how kindle it?" said Glenarvan. "Our tinder is like a wet sponge." + +"We will manage that," answered Paganel; "a little dry moss, a ray of +sunlight, the lens of my telescope, and you will see by what a fire I +will dry myself. Who will go for wood in the forest?" + +"I!" cried Robert, and, followed by his friend Wilson, he disappeared +like a cat in the depths of the foliage. + +[Sidenote: GOING BIRD'S-NESTING.] + +During their absence Paganel found dry moss in sufficient quantity; he +availed himself of a ray of sunlight, which was easy, for the orb of +day now shone with a vivid brightness, and then, with the aid of his +lens, he kindled without difficulty the combustible materials which +were laid on a bed of leaves in the fork of the branches. It was a +natural fireplace, with no danger of conflagration. + +Wilson and Robert soon returned with an armful of dead wood, which was +cast on the fire. Paganel, to cause a draught, placed himself above the +fireplace, his long legs crossed in the Arab fashion; then, moving his +body rapidly up and down, he produced, by means of his poncho, a strong +current of air. The wood kindled, and a bright, roaring flame soon rose +from this improvised oven. Each dried himself in his own way, while the +ponchos, hung on the branches, swung to and fro in the breeze. + +They now breakfasted, sparingly however, for they had to allow for the +following day. The immense basin might not perhaps be empty so soon as +Glenarvan hoped, and, moreover, the provisions were limited. The tree +bore no fruit; but fortunately it afforded a remarkable supply of fresh +eggs, thanks to the numerous nests that loaded the branches, not to +speak of their feathered occupants. These resources were by no means to +be despised. The question now was, therefore, in case of a prolonged +stay, how to secure comfortable quarters. + +"Since the kitchen and dining-room are on the ground floor," said +Paganel, "we will sleep in the first story. The house is large, the +rent reasonable, and we must take our ease. I perceive that above there +are natural cradles, in which, when we have once laid ourselves, we +shall sleep as well as in the best beds in the world. We have nothing +to fear; moreover, we will keep watch, and there are enough of us to +repulse all the wild animals." + +"Only we have no arms," said Tom Austin. + +"I have my revolvers," said Glenarvan. + +"And I mine," replied Robert. + +"What use," continued Tom Austin, "if Mr. Paganel does not find the +means of manufacturing powder?" + +"It is not necessary," replied MacNabb, showing a full flask. + +"Where did you get that, major?" inquired Paganel. + +"Of Thalcave. He thought it might be useful to us, and gave it to me +before going back to Thaouka." + +"Brave and generous Indian!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes," added Tom Austin, "if all the Patagonians are fashioned after +this model, I pay my respects to Patagonia." + +"I desire that the horse be not forgotten," said Paganel. "He forms +part of the Patagonian, and, if I am not greatly mistaken, we shall see +them again." + +"How far are we from the Atlantic?" inquired the major. + +"Not more than forty miles," answered Paganel. "And now, my friends, +since each is free to act, I ask permission to leave you. I am going to +choose an observatory above, and, with the aid of my telescope, will +keep you acquainted with what goes on here." + +The geographer was allowed to go. He very adroitly swung himself +from branch to branch, and disappeared behind the thick curtain of +foliage. His companions at once occupied themselves with making the +sleeping-room and preparing their beds, which was neither a difficult +nor a lengthy task. As there were no bedclothes to fix nor furniture to +arrange, each soon resumed his place by the fire. + +They then conversed, but not about their present condition, which they +must patiently endure. They returned to the inexhaustible subject of +Captain Grant's recovery. If the waters subsided, in three days the +travelers would be again on board the Duncan. But the captain and his +two sailors, those unfortunate castaways, would not be with them; and +it even seemed after this failure, after this vain search in South +America, as if all hope of finding them were irrevocably lost. Whither +direct a new search? What, too, would be the grief of Lady Helena and +Mary Grant on learning that the future had no hope in store for them! + +"Poor sister!" exclaimed Robert; "all is over for us!" + +[Illustration: Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were +seated astraddle, or dangling in the branches, according to their own +inclinations.] + +Glenarvan, for the first time, had no consoling answer to make. +What hope could he give the child? Had he not followed with rigorous +exactitude the directions of the document? + +"At all events," said he, "this thirty-seventh degree of latitude is +no vain indication. Have we not supposed, interpreted, and ascertained +that it relates to the shipwreck or the captivity of Captain Grant? +Have we not read it with our own eyes?" + +"All that is true, my lord," replied Tom Austin; "nevertheless our +search has not succeeded." + +"It is discouraging as well as annoying," said Glenarvan. + +"Annoying if you will," replied MacNabb, in a calm tone, "but not +discouraging. Precisely because we thus have a definite item, we must +thoroughly exhaust all its instructions." + +"What do you mean?" inquired Glenarvan. "What do you think ought to be +done?" + +"A very simple and reasonable thing, my dear Edward. Let us turn our +faces towards the east, when we are on board the Duncan, and follow +the thirty-seventh parallel even around to our starting-point, if +necessary." + +"Do you think, my dear major, that I have not thought of this?" replied +Glenarvan. "Indeed I have, a hundred times. But what chance have we of +succeeding? Is not leaving the American continent departing from the +place indicated by Captain Grant himself, from Patagonia, so clearly +named in the document?" + +"Do you wish to begin your search in the Pampas again," replied the +major, "when you are sure that the shipwreck of the Britannia did not +take place on the Pacific or Atlantic coast?" + +Glenarvan did not answer. + +"And however feeble the chance of finding Captain Grant by following +this latitude may be, still ought we not to attempt it?" + +"I do not deny it," replied Glenarvan. + +[Sidenote: APPLIED GEOGRAPHY.] + +"And you, my friends," added the major, addressing the sailors, "are +you not of my opinion?" + +"Entirely," answered Tom Austin, while Wilson and Mulready nodded +assent. + +"Listen to me, my friends," continued Glenarvan, after a few moments +of reflection, "and you too, Robert, for this is a serious question. +I shall do everything possible to find Captain Grant, as I have +undertaken to do, and shall devote my entire life, if necessary, +to this object. All Scotland would join me to save this noble man +who sacrificed himself for her. I too think, however slight may +be the chance, that we ought to make the tour of the world on the +thirty-seventh parallel; and I shall do so. But this is not the point +to be settled: there is a much more important one, and it is this: +Ought we once and for all to abandon our search on the American +continent?" + +This question, so directly asked, was unanswered. No one dared to +declare his opinion. + +"Well?" resumed Glenarvan, addressing the major more especially. + +"My dear Edward," replied MacNabb, "it would involve too great a +responsibility to answer you now. The case requires consideration. +But first of all I desire to know what countries the thirty-seventh +parallel crosses." + +"That is Paganel's business," replied Glenarvan. + +"Let us ask him, then," said the major. + +The geographer was no longer to be seen, as he was hidden by the thick +foliage. It was necessary to call him. + +"Paganel! Paganel!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Present!" answered a voice which seemed to come to them from the sky. + +"Where are you?" + +"In my tower." + +"What are you doing?" + +"Surveying the wide horizon." + +"Can you come down a moment?" + +"Do you need me?" + +"Yes." + +"What for?" + +"To know what countries the thirty-seventh parallel crosses." + +"Nothing easier," replied Paganel; "I need not even disturb myself to +tell you." + +"Very well, then." + +"Leaving America, the thirty-seventh parallel crosses the Atlantic." + +"Good." + +"It strikes Tristan d'Acunha Island." + +"Well?" + +"It passes two degrees to the south of the Cape of Good Hope." + +"And then?" + +"It runs across the Indian Ocean." + +"And then?" + +"It grazes St. Paul's Island of the Amsterdam group." + +"Go on." + +"It cuts Australia across the province of Victoria." + +"Proceed." + +"Leaving Australia----" + +This last sentence was not finished. Did the geographer hesitate? +Did he know no more? No; but a startling cry was heard in the top of +the tree. Glenarvan and his friends grew pale as they gazed at each +other. Had a new calamity happened? Had the unfortunate Paganel fallen? +Already Wilson and Mulready were hastening to his assistance, when a +long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to branch. His hands +could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead? They did not know; but +he was about to fall into the roaring waters, when the major, with a +strong hand, arrested his progress. + +"Very much obliged, MacNabb!" cried Paganel. + +"Why, what is the matter with you?" said the major. + +[Illustration: A long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to +branch. His hands could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead?] + +"What has got into you? Is this another of your eternal distractions?" + +"Yes, yes," replied Paganel, in a voice choked with emotion (and +leaves). "Yes, a distraction,--phenomenal this time." + +"What is it?" + +"We have been mistaken! We are still mistaken!" + +"Explain yourself." + +"Glenarvan, major, Robert, my friends," cried Paganel, "all you who +hear me, we are seeking Captain Grant where he is not." + +"What do you say?" cried Glenarvan. + +"Not only where he is not," added Paganel, "but even where he has never +been." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +PAGANEL'S DISCLOSURE. + + +A profound astonishment greeted these unexpected words. What did the +geographer mean? Had he lost his senses? He spoke, however, with +such conviction that all eyes were turned towards Glenarvan. This +declaration of Paganel was a direct answer to the question the former +had asked. But Glenarvan confined himself to a negative gesture, +indicating disbelief in the geographer, who, as soon as he was master +of his emotion, resumed. + +"Yes," said he, in a tone of conviction, "yes, we have gone astray in +our search, and have read in the document what is not written there." + +"Explain yourself, Paganel," said the major; "and more calmly." + +[Sidenote: A NEW IDEA.] + +"That is very simple, major. Like you, I was in error; like you, I +struck upon a false interpretation. When, but a moment ago, at the top +of this tree, in answer to the question, at the word 'Australia' an +idea flashed through my mind, and all was clear." + +"What!" cried Glenarvan, "do you pretend that Captain Grant----" + +"I pretend," replied Paganel, "that the word _Austral_ in the document +is not complete, as we have hitherto supposed, but the root of the word +_Australia_." + +"This is something singular," said the major. + +"Singular!" replied Glenarvan, shrugging his shoulders; "it is simply +impossible!" + +"Impossible," continued Paganel, "is a word that we do not allow in +France." + +"What!" added Glenarvan, in a tone of the greatest incredulity, "do you +pretend, with that document in your possession, that the shipwreck of +the Britannia took place on the shores of Australia?" + +"I am sure of it!" replied Paganel. + +"By my faith, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "this is a pretension that +astonishes me greatly, coming from the secretary of a geographical +society." + +"Why?" inquired Paganel, touched in his sensitive point. + +"Because, if you admit the word Australia, you admit at the same time +that there are Indians in that country, a fact which has not yet been +proved." + +Paganel was by no means surprised at this argument. He seemingly +expected it, and began to smile. + +"My dear Glenarvan," said he, "do not be too hasty in your triumph. +I am going to defeat you completely, as no Englishman has ever been +defeated." + +"I ask nothing better. Defeat me, Paganel." + +"Listen, then. You say that the Indians mentioned in the document +belong exclusively to Patagonia. The incomplete word _indi_ does not +mean Indians, but natives (_indignes_). Now do you admit that there +are natives in Australia?" + +It must be confessed that Glenarvan now gazed fixedly at Paganel. + +"Bravo, Paganel!" said the major. + +"Do you admit my interpretation, my dear lord?" + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "if you can prove to me that the imperfect +word _gonie_ does not relate to the country of the Patagonians." + +"No," cried Paganel, "it certainly does not mean Patagonia. Read +anything you will but that." + +"But what?" + +"_Cosmogonie! thogonie! agonie!_" + +"_Agonie!_" cried the major. + +"That is indifferent to me," replied Paganel; "the word has no +importance. I shall not even search for what it may signify. The +principal point is that _Austral_ means Australia, and we must have +been blindly following a false trail, not to have discovered before so +evident a meaning. If I had found the document, if my judgment had not +been set aside by your interpretation, I should never have understood +it otherwise." + +This time cheers, congratulations, and compliments greeted Paganel's +words. Austin, the sailors, the major, and Robert especially, were +delighted to revive their hopes, and applauded the worthy geographer. +Glenarvan, who had gradually been undeceived, was, as he said, almost +ready to surrender. + +"One last remark, my dear Paganel, and I have only to bow before your +sagacity." + +"Speak!" + +"How do you arrange these newly-interpreted words, and in what way do +you read the document?" + +[Illustration: The hunt promised well, and gave hopes of culinary +wonders.] + +"Nothing is easier. Here is the document," said Paganel, producing the +precious paper that he had studied so conscientiously for several +days. A profound silence ensued, while the geographer, collecting his +thoughts, took his time to answer. His finger followed the incomplete +lines on the document, while, in a confident tone, he expressed himself +in the following terms: + + +"'June 7th, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered after'--let +us put, if you wish, 'two days, three days,' or, 'a long struggle,'--it +matters little, it is quite unimportant,--'on the coast of Australia. +Directing their course to shore, two sailors and Captain Grant +endeavored to land,' or 'did land on the continent, where they will +be,' or 'are prisoners of cruel natives. They cast this document,' and +so forth. Is it clear?" + +"It is clear," replied Glenarvan, "if the word _continent_ can be +applied to Australia, which is only an island." + +"Be assured, my dear Glenarvan, the best geographers are agreed in +naming this island the Australian continent." + +"Then I have but one thing to say, my friends," cried Glenarvan. "To +Australia, and may Heaven assist us!" + +"To Australia!" repeated his companions, with one accord. + +"Do you know, Paganel," added Glenarvan, "that your presence on board +the Duncan is a providential circumstance?" + +"Well," replied Paganel, "let us suppose that I am an envoy of +Providence, and say no more about it." + +[Sidenote: A FESTIVE BANQUET.] + +Thus ended this conversation, that in the future led to such great +results. It completely changed the moral condition of the travelers. +They had caught again the thread of the labyrinth in which they had +thought themselves forever lost. A new hope arose on the ruins of +their fallen projects. They could fearlessly leave behind them this +American continent, and already all their thoughts flew away to the +Australian land. On reaching the Duncan, they would not bring despair +on board, and Lady Helena and Mary Grant would not have to lament the +irrevocable loss of the captain. Thus they forgot the dangers of their +situation in their new-found joy, and their only regret was that they +could not start at once. + +It was now four o'clock in the afternoon, and they resolved to take +supper at six. Paganel wished to celebrate this joyful day by a +splendid banquet. As the bill of fare was very limited, he proposed +to Robert that they should go hunting "in the neighboring forest," +at which idea the boy clapped his hands. They took Thalcave's +powder-flask, cleaned the revolvers, loaded them with fine shot, and +started. + +"Do not go far," said the major, gravely, to the two huntsmen. + +After their departure Glenarvan and MacNabb went to consult the notches +on the tree, while Wilson and Mulready revived the smouldering embers. + +Arriving at the surface of this immense lake, they saw no sign of +abatement. The waters seemed to have attained their highest elevation; +but the violence with which they rolled from south to north proved that +the equilibrium of the Argentine rivers was not yet established. Before +the liquid mass could lower, it must first become calm, like the sea +when flood-tide ends and ebb begins. They could not, therefore, expect +a subsidence of the waters so long as they flowed towards the north +with such swiftness. + +While Glenarvan and the major were making these observations, reports +resounded in the tree, accompanied by cries of joy almost as noisy. +The clear treble of Robert contrasted sharply with the deep bass of +Paganel, and the strife was which should be the most boyish. The hunt +promised well, and gave hopes of culinary wonders. + +When the major and Glenarvan returned to the fire, they had to +congratulate Wilson upon an excellent idea. The honest sailor had +devoted himself to fishing with wonderful success, with the aid of +a pin and a piece of string. Several dozen of little fish, delicate +as smelts, called "mojarras," wriggled in a fold of his poncho, and +seemed likely to make an exquisite dish. + +At this moment the hunters descended from the top of the tree. Paganel +carefully carried some black swallows' eggs and a string of sparrows, +which he meant afterwards to serve up as larks. Robert had adroitly +brought down several pairs of "hilgueros,"--little green-and-yellow +birds, which are excellent eating, and very much in demand in the +Montevideo market. The geographer, who knew many ways of preparing +eggs, had to confine himself this time to cooking them in the hot +ashes. However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. The dried +meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast sparrows and +hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered. + +The conversation was very animated. Paganel was greatly complimented in +his twofold capacity of hunter and cook, and accepted these encomiums +with the modesty that belongs to true merit. Then he gave himself up to +singular observations on the magnificent tree that sheltered them with +its foliage, and whose extent, as he declared, was immense. + +"Robert and I," said he jokingly, "imagined ourselves in the open +forest during the hunt. One moment I thought we should be lost. I could +not find my way. The sun was declining towards the horizon. I sought +in vain to retrace my steps. Hunger made itself felt acutely. Already +the gloomy coppices were resounding with the growls of ferocious +beasts,--but no, there are no ferocious beasts, and I am sorry." + +"What!" cried Glenarvan, "you are sorry there are no ferocious beasts?" + +"Certainly." + +"But, when you have everything to fear from their ferocity----" + +"Ferocity does not exist,--scientifically speaking," replied the +geographer. + +[Illustration: However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. +The dried meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast +sparrows and hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered.] + +"Ha! this time, Paganel," said the major, "you will not make me admit +the utility of ferocious beasts. What are they good for?" + +"Major," cried Paganel, "they are good to form classifications, orders, +families, genera, sub-genera, species----" + +"Very fine!" said MacNabb. "I should not have thought of that! If I +had been one of Noah's companions at the time of the deluge, I should +certainly have prevented that imprudent patriarch from putting into +the ark pairs of tigers, lions, bears, panthers, and other animals as +destructive as they were useless." + +"Should you have done so?" inquired Paganel. + +"I should." + +"Well, you would have been wrong in a zoological point of view." + +"But not in a human one." + +"This is shocking," continued Paganel; "for my part, I should have +preserved all the animals before the deluge of which we are so +unfortunately deprived." + +"I tell you," replied MacNabb, "that Noah was right in abandoning them +to their fate, admitting that they lived in his time." + +"I tell you that Noah was wrong," retorted Paganel, "and deserves the +malediction of scholars to the end of time." + +The listeners to this argument could not help laughing at seeing the +two friends dispute about what Noah ought to have done or left undone. +The major, who had never argued with any one in his life, contrary to +all his principles, was every day at war with Paganel, who must have +particularly excited him. + +Glenarvan, according to his custom, interrupted the debate, and said,-- + +[Sidenote: WANTED, A JAGUAR!] + +"However much it is to be regretted, in a scientific or human point of +view, that we are deprived of ferocious animals, we must be resigned +to-day to their absence. Paganel could not hope to encounter any in +this aerial forest." + +"No," replied the geographer, "although we beat the bush. It is a pity, +for it would have been a glorious hunt. A ferocious man-eater like the +jaguar! With one blow of his paw he can twist the neck of a horse. When +he has tasted human flesh, however, he returns to it ravenously. What +he likes best is the Indian, then the negro, then the mulatto, and then +the white man." + +"However that may be, my good Paganel," said Glenarvan, "so long as +there are no Indians, mulattoes, or negroes among us, I rejoice in +the absence of your dear jaguars. Our situation is not, of course, so +agreeable----" + +"What!" cried Paganel, "you complain of your lot?" + +"Certainly," replied Glenarvan. "Are you at your ease in these +uncomfortable and uncushioned branches?" + +"I have never been more so, even in my own study. We lead the life of +birds; we sing and flutter about. I almost think that men were destined +to live in the trees." + +"They only want wings," said the major. + +"They will make them some day." + +"In the meantime," replied Glenarvan, "permit me, my dear friend, to +prefer the sand of a park, the floor of a house, or the deck of a +vessel to this aerial abode." + +"Glenarvan," said Paganel, "we must take things as they come. If +favorable, so much the better; if unfavorable, we must not mind it. I +see you long for the comforts of Malcolm Castle." + +"No, but----" + +"I am certain that Robert is perfectly happy," interrupted Paganel, to +secure one advocate, at least, of his theories. + +"Yes, Monsieur Paganel!" cried the boy, in a joyful tone. + +"It is natural at his age," replied Glenarvan. + +"And at mine," added the geographer. "The less ease we have, the fewer +wants; the fewer wants, the happier we are." + +"Well," said the major, "here is Paganel going to make an attack upon +riches and gilded splendor." + +"No, my dear major," continued Paganel; "but, if you wish, I will tell +you, in this connection, a little Arab story that occurs to me." + +"Yes, yes, Monsieur Paganel," cried Robert. + +"And what will your story prove?" asked the major. + +"What all stories prove, my brave companion." + +"Not much, then," replied MacNabb. "But go on, Scheherezade, and tell +one of those stories that you relate so well." + +"There was once upon a time," said Paganel, "a son of the great +Haroun-al-Raschid who was not happy. He accordingly consulted an old +dervish, who told him that happiness was a very difficult thing to +find in this world. 'However,' added he, 'I know an infallible way +to procure you happiness.' 'What is it?' inquired the young prince. +'It is,' replied the dervish, 'to put on the shirt of a happy man.' +Thereupon the prince embraced the old man, and set out in search of his +talisman. He visited all the capitals of the earth; he tried the shirts +of kings, emperors, princes, and nobles; but it was a useless task, he +was no happier. Then he put on the shirts of artists, warriors, and +merchants, but with no more success. He had thus traveled far, without +finding happiness. At last, desperate from having tried so many shirts, +he was returning very sadly one beautiful day to the palace of his +father, when he spied in the field an honest laborer, who was joyously +singing as he ploughed. 'Here is, at all events, a man who possesses +happiness,' said he to himself, 'or happiness does not exist on earth.' +He approached him. 'Good man,' said he, 'are you happy?' 'Yes,' replied +the other. 'You wish for nothing?' 'No.' 'You would not change your lot +for that of a king?' 'Never!' 'Well, sell me your shirt!' 'My shirt! I +have none!'" + +[Illustration: They were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to +have courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one +has neither palace nor cottage.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +BETWEEN FIRE AND WATER. + + +Jacques Paganel's story had a very great success. He was greatly +applauded, but each retained his own opinion, and the geographer +obtained the result common to most discussions,--of convincing nobody. +However, they were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to have +courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one has +neither palace nor cottage. + +During the course of this confabulation evening had come on. Only a +good sleep could thoroughly refresh, after this eventful day. The +inmates of the tree felt themselves not only fatigued by the sudden +changes of the inundation, but especially overcome by the heat, which +had been excessive. Their feathered companions had already set the +example; the hilgueros, those nightingales of the Pampas, had ceased +their melodious warblings, and all the birds had disappeared in the +recesses of the foliage. The best plan was to imitate them. + +But before "retiring to their nest," as Paganel said, Glenarvan, +Robert, and he climbed to the observatory, to examine for the last +time the watery expanse. It was about nine o'clock. The sun had just +set in the sparkling mists of the horizon, and all the western part +of the firmament was bathed in a warm vapor. The constellations, +usually so dazzling, seemed veiled in a soft haze. Still they could +be distinguished, and Paganel pointed out to Robert, for Glenarvan's +benefit, that zone where the stars are most brilliant. + +[Sidenote: PHILOSOPHY AND PONCHOS.] + +While the geographer was discoursing thus, the whole eastern horizon +assumed a stormy aspect. A dense and dark band, clearly defined, +gradually rose, dimming the light of the stars. This cloud of +threatening appearance soon invaded almost the entire vault of the sky. +Its motive power must have been inherent in itself, for there was not +a breath of wind. Not a leaf stirred on the tree, not a ripple curled +the surface of the waters. Even the air seemed to fail, as if some +huge pneumatic machine had rarefied it. A strong electric current was +perceptible in the atmosphere, and every creature felt it course along +the nerves. Glenarvan, Paganel, and Robert were sensibly affected by +these electric currents. + +"We shall have a storm," said Paganel. + +"You are not afraid of thunder?" asked Glenarvan of the boy. + +"Oh, no, my lord," replied Robert. + +"Well, so much the better; for the storm is now not far distant." + +"And it will be violent," continued Paganel, "so far as I can judge +from the state of the sky." + +"It is not the storm that troubles me," said Glenarvan, "but the +torrents of rain with which it will be accompanied. We shall be +drenched to the skin again. Whatever you may say, Paganel, a nest +cannot suffice a man, as you will soon learn to your cost." + +"Oh, yes, it can, with philosophy," briskly replied the geographer. + +"Philosophy does not prevent you from getting wet." + +"No, but it warms you." + +"Well, then," said Glenarvan, "let us join our friends and persuade +them to envelop us with their philosophy and their ponchos as closely +as possible, and especially to lay in a stock of patience, for we shall +need it." + +So saying, he gave another look at the threatening sky. The mass of +clouds now covered it entirely. A faint line of light towards the +horizon was scarcely discernible in the dimness. The sombre appearance +of the water had increased, and between the dark mass below and the +clouds above there was scarcely a separation. At the same time all +perception seemed dulled; and a leaden torpor rested upon both eyes and +ears, while the silence was profound. + +"Let us go down," said Glenarvan; "the lightning will soon be here." + +His two companions and himself slid down the smooth branches, and were +somewhat surprised to find themselves in a remarkable kind of twilight, +which was produced by myriads of luminous objects that crossed each +other and buzzed on the surface of the water. + +"Phosphorescences?" said Glenarvan. + +"No," replied Paganel, "but phosphorescent insects, real +glow-worms,--living diamonds, and not expensive, of which the ladies of +Buenos Ayres make magnificent ornaments for themselves." + +"What!" cried Robert, "are these things, that fly like sparks, insects?" + +"Yes, my boy." + +Robert caught one of the brilliant creatures. Paganel was right. It +was a kind of large beetle, an inch in length, to which the Indians +give the name of "tuco-tuco." This curious insect threw out flashes at +two points situated in front of its sheath, and its light would have +enabled one to read in the darkness. Paganel, on bringing it close to +his watch, saw that it was ten o'clock. + +Glenarvan now joined the major and the three sailors, and gave them +instructions for the night. A terrible storm was to be expected. After +the first rollings of the thunder, the wind would doubtless break forth +and the tree be violently shaken. It was, therefore, advisable for +every one to tie himself firmly to the bed of branches that had been +appropriated to him. If they could not avoid the torrents of the sky, +they must at least guard against those of the earth, and not fall +into the rapid current that broke against the trunk of the tree. They +wished each other good night without much hope of passing one, and then +each, getting into his aerial resting-place, wrapped himself in his +poncho and waited for sleep. + +[Illustration: The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, +darting perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six +times in the same place; others spread in zigzag lines, and produced on +the dark vault of the heavens astonishing jets of arborescent flame.] + +But the approach of a mighty tempest brings to the hearts of most +sentient beings a vague anxiety of which the bravest cannot divest +themselves. The occupants of the tree, agitated and fearful, could not +close their eyes, and the first thunder-clap found them all awake. +It took place about eleven o'clock, resembling a distant rumbling. +Glenarvan climbed to the end of the branch, and peered out from the +foliage. The dark firmament was fitfully illumined by vivid and +brilliant flashes, which the waters brightly reflected, and which +disclosed great rifts in the clouds. Glenarvan, after surveying the +zenith and the horizon, returned to his couch. + +"What do you think, Glenarvan?" asked Paganel. + +"I think that the storm is beginning, and, if it continues, it will be +terrible." + +"So much the better," replied the enthusiastic Paganel. "I like a fine +spectacle, especially when I cannot avoid it. Only one thing would make +me anxious, if anxiety served to avert danger," added he, "and that +is, that the culminating point of this plain is the ombu upon which we +are perched. A lightning-conductor would be very useful here, for this +very tree among all those of the Pampas is the one that particularly +attracts the lightning. And then, as you are aware, my friends, +meteorologists advise us not to take refuge under trees during a storm." + +"Well," said the major, "that is timely advice." + +"It must be confessed, Paganel," replied Glenarvan, "that you choose a +good time to tell us these encouraging things!" + +"Bah!" replied Paganel; "all times are good to receive information. Ah, +it is beginning!" + +[Sidenote: AN EXTRAORDINARY STORM.] + +Violent thunder-claps interrupted this conversation, and their +intensity increased till they reached the most deafening peals. +They soon became sonorous, and made the atmosphere vibrate in rapid +oscillations. The firmament was on fire, and during this commotion +it was impossible to distinguish from what electric spark emanated +the indefinitely-prolonged rumblings that reverberated throughout the +abysses of the sky. + +The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, darting +perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six times in +the same place; others, separating into a thousand different branches, +spread in zigzag lines and produced on the dark vault of the heavens +astonishing jets of arborescent flame. Soon the sky, from east to +north, was crossed by a phosphorescent band of intense brilliancy. This +illumination gradually overspread the entire horizon, lighting up the +clouds like a bonfire, and was reflected in the mirror-like waters, +forming what seemed to be an immense circle of fire, of which the tree +occupied the centre. + +Glenarvan and his companions watched this terrific spectacle in +silence. Sheets of dazzling light glided towards them, and blinding +flashes followed in rapid succession, now showing the calm countenance +of the major, then the speculative face of Paganel or the energetic +features of Glenarvan, and again the frightened look of Robert or the +unconcerned expression of the sailors. The rain, however, did not fall +as yet, nor had the wind risen. But soon the flood-gates of the heavens +opened, and the rain came down in torrents, the drops, as they struck +the surface of the water, rebounding in thousands of sparks illuminated +by the incessant lightning. + +Did this rain predict the end of the storm? Were Glenarvan and his +companions to be released with a few thorough drenchings? At the height +of this struggle of the elements, suddenly there appeared at the end +of the branch which extended horizontally, a flaming globe, of the +size of a fist, and surrounded by a black smoke. This ball, after +revolving a few moments, burst like a bombshell, and with a noise that +was distinguishable in the midst of the general tumult. A sulphurous +vapor filled the atmosphere. There was a moment of silence, and then +Tom Austin was heard crying,-- + +"The tree is on fire!" + +He was right. In a moment the flame, as if it had been communicated +to an immense piece of fireworks, spread along the west side of the +tree. The dead limbs, the nests of dry grass, and finally the live wood +itself, furnished material for the devouring element. + +The wind now rose and fanned the flames into fury. Glenarvan and his +friends, speechless with terror, and venturing upon limbs that bent +beneath their weight, hastily took refuge in the other, the eastern +part of the tree. + +Meantime the boughs shriveled, crackled, and twisted in the fire like +burning serpents. The glowing fragments fell into the rushing waters +and floated away in the current, sending forth flashes of ruddy light. +The flames at one moment would rise to a fearful height, to be lost +in the aerial conflagration, and the next, beaten back by the furious +hurricane, would envelop the tree like a robe of molten gold. + +Glenarvan, Robert, the major, Paganel, and the sailors, were terrified. +A thick smoke was stifling them; an intolerable heat was scorching +them. The fire was extending to the lower part of the tree on their +side; nothing could stop or extinguish it; and they felt themselves +irrevocably doomed to the torture of those victims who are confined +within the burning sides of a sacrificial fire-basket. + +At last their situation was no longer tenable, and of two deaths they +were forced to choose the least cruel. + +"To the water!" cried Glenarvan. + +[Illustration: In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the +ombu, and enveloped it in its watery folds.] + +Wilson, whom the flames had reached, had already plunged into the +current, when they heard him cry, in tones of the greatest terror,-- + +"Help! help!" + +Austin rushed towards him and assisted him to regain the trunk. + +"What is the matter?" + +"Caymans! caymans!" replied Wilson. And, in truth, the foot of the +tree was seen to be surrounded by the most formidable monsters. +Their scales glittered in broad plates of light, sharply defined +by the conflagration. Their flat tails, their pointed heads, their +protruding eyes, their jaws, extending back of their ears, all these +characteristic signs were unmistakable. Paganel recognized the +voracious alligators peculiar to America, and called caymans in Spanish +countries. There were a dozen of them, beating the water with their +powerful tails, and attacking the tree with their terrible teeth. + +At this sight the unfortunate travelers felt themselves lost indeed. A +horrible death was in store for them,--to perish either by the flames +or by the teeth of the alligators. There are circumstances in which +man is powerless to struggle, and where a raging element can only be +repulsed by another equally strong. Glenarvan, with a wild look, gazed +at the fire and water leagued against him, not knowing what aid to +implore of Heaven. + +The storm had now begun to abate; but it had developed in the air a +great quantity of vapor, which the electric phenomena were about to +set in violent commotion. To the south an enormous water-spout was +gradually forming,--an inverted cone of mist, uniting the raging waters +below to the stormy clouds above. It advanced revolving with frightful +rapidity, collected at its centre a liquid column, and by a powerful +attraction, caused by its gyratory motion, drew towards it all the +surrounding currents of air. + +[Sidenote: A STRANGE BARK.] + +In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the ombu and enveloped +it in its watery folds. The tree was shaken to its very base, so that +Glenarvan might have thought that the alligators had attacked it +with their powerful jaws and were uprooting it from the ground. His +companions and he, clinging to one another, felt the mighty tree give +way and fall, and saw its flaming branches plunge into the tumultuous +waters with a frightful hiss. It was the work of a second. The +water-spout had passed, to exert elsewhere its destructive violence, +and pumping the waters of the plain as if it would exhaust them. + +The tree now, loosened from its moorings, floated onward under the +combined impulses of wind and current. The alligators had fled, except +one which crawled along the upturned roots and advanced with open jaws; +but Mulready, seizing a large brand, struck the creature so powerful +a blow that he broke its back. The vanquished animal sank in the +eddies of the torrent, still lashing his formidable tail with terrible +violence. + +Glenarvan and his companions, delivered from these voracious creatures, +took refuge on the branches to leeward of the fire, while the tree, +wrapped by the blast of the hurricane in glowing sheets of flame, +floated on like a burning ship in the darkness of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +THE RETURN ON BOARD. + + +For two hours the tree floated on the immense lake without reaching +_terra firma_. The flames had gradually died out, and thus the +principal danger of this terrible voyage had vanished. The current, +still keeping its original direction, flowed from southwest to +northeast; the darkness, though illumined now and then by flashes, had +become profound, and Paganel sought in vain for his bearings. But the +storm was abating, the large drops of rain gave place to light spray +that was scattered by the wind, while the huge distended clouds were +crossed by light bands. + +The tree advanced rapidly on the impetuous torrent, gliding with +surprising swiftness, as if some powerful propelling means were +inclosed within its trunk. There was as yet no certainty that they +would not float on thus for many days. About three o'clock in the +morning, however, the major observed that the roots now and then struck +the bottom. Tom Austin, by means of a long branch, carefully sounded, +and declared that the water was growing shallow. Twenty minutes later, +a shock was felt, and the progress of the tree was checked. + +"Land! land!" cried Paganel, in ringing tones. + +The ends of the charred branches had struck against a hillock on the +ground, and never were navigators more delighted to land. Already +Robert and Wilson, having reached a firm plateau, were uttering shouts +of joy, when a well-known whistle was heard. The sound of a horse's +hoofs was heard upon the plain, and the tall form of the Indian emerged +from the darkness. + +[Illustration: The sound of a horse's hoofs was heard upon the plain, +and the tall form of the Indian emerged from the darkness.] + + +"Thalcave!" cried Robert. + +"Thalcave!" repeated his companions, as with one voice. + +"Friends!" said the Patagonian, who had waited for them there, knowing +that the current would carry them as it had carried him. + +At the same moment he raised Robert in his arms and clasped him to his +breast. Glenarvan, the major, and the sailors, delighted to see their +faithful guide again, shook his hands with the most earnest cordiality. +The Patagonian then conducted them to an abandoned estancia. Here +a good fire was burning, which revived them, and on the coals were +roasting succulent slices of venison, to which they did ample justice. +And when their refreshed minds began to reflect, they could scarcely +believe that they had escaped so many perils,--the fire, the water, and +the formidable alligators. + +Thalcave, in a few words, told his story to Paganel, and ascribed to +his intrepid horse all the honor of having saved him. Paganel then +endeavored to explain to him the new interpretation of the document, +and the hopes it led them to entertain. Did the Indian understand the +geographer's ingenious suppositions? It was very doubtful; but he saw +his friends happy and very confident, and he desired nothing more. + +It may be easily believed that these courageous travelers, after their +day of rest on the tree, needed no urging to resume their journey. At +eight o'clock in the morning they were ready to start. They were too +far south to procure means of transport, and were therefore obliged +to travel on foot. The distance, however, was only forty miles, and +Thaouka would not refuse to carry from time to time a tired pedestrian. +In thirty-six hours they would reach the shores of the Atlantic. + +[Sidenote: IN THE DARK.] + +As soon as refreshed the guide and his companions left behind them +the immense basin, still covered with the waters, and proceeded across +elevated plains, on which, here and there, were seen groves planted by +Europeans, meadows, and occasionally native trees. Thus the day passed. + +The next morning, fifteen miles before reaching the ocean, its +proximity was perceptible. They hastened on in order to reach Lake +Salado, on the shores of the Atlantic, the same day. They were +beginning to feel fatigued, when they perceived sand-hills that hid the +foaming waves, and soon the prolonged murmur of the rising tide struck +upon their ears. + +"The ocean!" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, the ocean!" replied Thalcave. + +And these wanderers, whose strength had seemed almost about to fail, +climbed the mounds with wonderful agility. But the darkness was +profound, and their eyes wandered in vain over the gloomy expanse. They +looked for the Duncan, but could not discern her. + +"She is there, at all events," said Glenarvan, "waiting for us." + +"We shall see her to-morrow," replied MacNabb. + +Tom Austin shouted seaward, but received no answer. The wind was very +strong, and the sea tempestuous. The clouds were driving from the west, +and the foaming crests of the waves broke over the beach in masses of +spray. If the Duncan was at the appointed rendezvous, the lookout man +could neither hear nor be heard. The coast afforded no shelter. There +was no bay, no harbor, no cove; not even a creek. The beach consisted +of long sand-banks that were lost in the sea, and the vicinity of +which is more dangerous than that of the rocks in the face of wind and +tide. These banks, in fact, increase the waves; the sea is peculiarly +boisterous around them, and ships are sure to be lost if they strike on +these bars in heavy storms. + +It was therefore very natural that the Duncan, considering this coast +dangerous, and knowing it to be without a port of shelter, kept at a +distance. Captain Mangles must have kept to the windward as far as +possible. This was Tom Austin's opinion, and he declared that the +Duncan was not less than five miles at sea. + +The major, accordingly, persuaded his impatient relative to be +resigned, as there was no way of dissipating the thick darkness. And +why weary their eyes in scanning the gloomy horizon? He established a +kind of encampment in the shelter of the sand-hills; the remains of +the provisions furnished them a final repast; and then each, following +the major's example, hollowed out a comfortable bed in the sand, and, +covering himself up to his chin, was soon wrapped in profound repose. + +Glenarvan watched alone. The wind continued strong, and the ocean still +showed the effects of the recent storm. The tumultuous waves broke +at the foot of the sand-banks with the noise of thunder. Glenarvan +could not convince himself that the Duncan was so near him; but as for +supposing that she had not arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it +was impossible, for such a ship there were no delays. The storm had +certainly been violent and its fury terrible on the vast expanse of the +ocean, but the yacht was a good vessel and her captain an able seaman; +she must, therefore, be at her destination. + +These reflections, however, did not pacify Glenarvan. When heart and +reason are at variance, the latter is the weaker power. The lord of +Malcolm Castle seemed to see in the darkness all those whom he loved, +his dear Helena, Mary Grant, and the crew of the Duncan. He wandered +along the barren coast which the waves covered with phosphorescent +bubbles. He looked, he listened, and even thought that he saw a fitful +light on the sea. + +"I am not mistaken," he soliloquized; "I saw a ship's light, the +Duncan's. Ah! why cannot my eyes pierce the darkness?" + +[Illustration: Glenarvan watched alone. He could not convince himself +that the Duncan was so near him; but as for supposing that she had not +arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it was impossible, for such a ship +there were no delays.] + +Then an idea occurred to him. Paganel called himself a nyctalops; he +could see in the night. + +The geographer was sleeping like a mole in his bed, when a strong hand +dragged him from his sandy couch. + +"Who is that?" cried he. + +"I." + +"Who?" + +"Glenarvan. Come, I need your eyes." + +"My eyes?" replied Paganel, rubbing them vigorously. + +"Yes, your eyes, to distinguish the Duncan in this darkness. Come." + +"And why my eyes?" said Paganel to himself, delighted, nevertheless, to +be of service to Glenarvan. + +He rose, shaking his torpid limbs in the manner of one awakened from +sleep, and followed his friend along the shore. Glenarvan requested +him to survey the dark horizon to seaward. For several moments Paganel +conscientiously devoted himself to this task. + +"Well, do you perceive nothing?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Nothing. Not even a cat could see two paces before her." + +"Look for a red or a green light, on the starboard or the larboard +side." + +"I see neither a red nor a green light. All is darkness," replied +Paganel, whose eyes were thereupon involuntarily closed. + +For half an hour he mechanically followed his impatient friend in +absolute silence, with his head bowed upon his breast, sometimes +raising it suddenly. He tottered along with uncertain steps, like those +of a drunken man. At last Glenarvan, seeing that the geographer was in +a state of somnambulism, took him by the arm, and, without waking him, +led him back to his sand-hole, and comfortably deposited him therein. + +At break of day they were all started to their feet by the cry,-- + +[Sidenote: IMPATIENCE.] + +"The Duncan! the Duncan!" + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" replied Glenarvan's companions, rushing to the shore. + +The Duncan was indeed in sight. Five miles distant, the yacht was +sailing under low pressure, her main-sails carefully reefed, while her +smoke mingled with the mists of the morning. The sea was high, and a +vessel of her tonnage could not approach the shore without danger. + +Glenarvan, provided with Paganel's telescope, watched the movements of +the Duncan. Captain Mangles could not have perceived them, for he did +not approach, but continued to coast along with only a reefed top-sail. + +At this moment Thalcave, having loaded his carbine heavily, fired it in +the direction of the yacht. They gazed and listened. Three times the +Indian's gun resounded, waking the echoes of the shore. + +At last a white smoke issued from the side of the yacht. + +"They see us!" cried Glenarvan. "It is the Duncan's cannon." + +A few moments after, a heavy report rang out on the air, and the +Duncan, shifting her sail and putting on steam, was seen to be +approaching the shore. By the aid of the glass they saw a boat leave +the ship's side. + +"Lady Helena cannot come," said Tom Austin: "the sea is too rough." + +"Nor Captain Mangles," replied MacNabb: "he cannot leave his vessel." + +"My sister! my sister!" cried Robert, stretching his arms towards the +yacht, which rolled heavily. + +"I hope I shall soon get on board!" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +"Patience, Edward! You will be there in two hours," replied MacNabb. + +Glenarvan now joined Thalcave, who, standing with folded arms alongside +of Thaouka, was calmly gazing at the waves. + +Glenarvan took his hand, and, pointing to the yacht, said,-- + +"Come!" + +The Indian shook his head. + +"Come, my friend!" continued Glenarvan. + +"No," replied Thalcave, gently. "Here is Thaouka, and there are the +Pampas!" he added, indicating with a sweep of his hand the vast expanse +of the plains. + +It was clear that the Indian would never leave the prairies, where the +bones of his fathers whitened. Glenarvan knew the strong attachment +of these children of the desert to their native country. He therefore +shook Thalcave's hand, and did not insist; not even when the Indian, +smiling in his peculiar way, refused the price of his services, +saying,-- + +"It was done out of friendship." + +His lordship, however, desired to give the brave Indian something which +might at least serve as a souvenir of his European friends. But what +had he left? His arms, his horses, everything had been lost in the +inundation. His friends were no richer than himself. For some moments +he was at a loss how to repay the disinterested generosity of the brave +guide; but at last a happy idea occurred to him. He drew from his +pocket-book a costly medallion inclosing an admirable portrait, one of +Lawrence's master-pieces, and presented it to Thalcave. + +"My wife," said Glenarvan. + +Thalcave gazed with wonder at the portrait, and pronounced these simple +words,-- + +"Good and beautiful!" + +Then Robert, Paganel, the major, Tom Austin, and the two sailors +bade an affectionate adieu to the noble Patagonian, who clasped each +one in succession to his broad breast. All were sincerely sorry at +parting with so courageous and devoted a friend. Paganel forced him +to accept a map of South America and the two oceans, which the +Indian had frequently examined with interest. It was the geographer's +most precious possession. As for Robert, he had nothing to give but +caresses, which he freely lavished upon his deliverer and upon Thaouka. + +[Illustration: They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the +shore by the ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the +Indian was seen through the foam of the waves.] + +At that instant the Duncan's boat approached, and, gliding into the +narrow channel between the sand-banks, grounded on the beach. + +"My wife?" asked Glenarvan. + +"My sister?" cried Robert. + +"Lady Helena and Miss Grant await you on board," replied the cockswain. +"But we have not a moment to lose, my lord, for the tide is beginning +to ebb." + +The last acknowledgments were given, and Thalcave accompanied his +friends to the boat. Just as Robert was about to embark, the Indian +took him in his arms and gazed at him tenderly. + +"Now go," said he; "you are a man!" + +"Adieu, my friend, adieu!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Shall we ever see each other again?" asked Paganel. + +"Who knows?" replied Thalcave, raising his arms towards heaven. + +They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the shore by the +ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the Indian was +seen through the foam of the waves. Then his tall form grew indistinct, +and soon became invisible. An hour afterwards they reached the Duncan. +Robert was the first to spring upon the deck, where he threw himself +upon his sister's neck, while the crew of the yacht filled the air with +their joyous shouts. + +Thus had our travelers accomplished the journey across South America +on a rigorously straight line. Neither mountains nor rivers had turned +them aside from their course; and, although they were not forced to +struggle against the evil designs of men, the relentless fury of the +elements had often tested their generous intrepidity to its utmost +powers of endurance. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +A NEW DESTINATION. + + +The first moments were consecrated to the happiness of meeting. +Lord Glenarvan did not wish the joy in the hearts of his friends to +be chilled by tidings of their want of success. His first words, +therefore, were,-- + +"Courage, my friends, courage! Captain Grant is not with us, but we are +sure to find him." + +It needed only such an assurance to restore hope to the passengers of +the Duncan. Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was approaching +the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From the deck +they endeavored to count those who were returning. At one time the +young girl would despair; at another she would think she saw her +father. Her heart beat quickly; she could not speak; she could scarcely +stand. Lady Helena supported her, while Captain Mangles stood beside +her in silence. His keen eyes, accustomed to distinguish distant +objects, could not discern the captain. + +"He is there! he is coming! my father!" murmured the young girl. + +But as the boat gradually drew near, the illusion vanished. Not only +Lady Helena and the captain, but Mary Grant, had now lost all hope. It +was, therefore, time for Glenarvan to utter his assuring words. + +[Sidenote: "BREAKFAST!"] + +After the first embraces, all were informed of the principal incidents +of the journey; and, first of all, Glenarvan made known the new +interpretation of the document, due to the sagacity of Jacques Paganel. +He also praised Robert, of whom his sister had a right to be proud. +His courage, his devotion, and the dangers that he had overcome, were +conspicuously set forth by his noble friend, so that the boy would not +have known where to hide himself, if his sister's arms had not afforded +him a sure refuge. + +[Illustration: Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was +approaching the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From +the deck they endeavored to count those who were returning.] + +"You need not blush, Robert," said Captain Mangles; "you have behaved +like the worthy son of Captain Grant." + +He stretched out his arms towards Mary's brother, and pressed his lips +to the boy's cheeks, which were still wet with tears. + +They then spoke of the generous Thalcave. Lady Helena regretted that +she could not have shaken hands with the brave Indian. MacNabb, after +the first outbursts of enthusiasm, repaired to his cabin to shave +himself. As for Paganel, he flitted hither and thither, like a bee, +extracting the honey of compliments and smiles. He wished to embrace +all on board the Duncan, and, beginning with Lady Helena and Mary +Grant, ended with Mr. Olbinett, the steward, who could not better +recognize such politeness than by announcing breakfast. + +"Breakfast!" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, Mr. Paganel," replied Olbinett. + +"A real breakfast, on a real table, with table-cloth and napkins?" + +"Certainly." + +"And shall we not eat hard eggs, or ostrich steaks?" + +"Oh, Mr. Paganel!" replied the worthy steward, greatly embarrassed. + +"I did not mean to offend you, my friend," said the geographer; "but +for a month our food has been of that sort, and we have dined, not at +a table, but stretched on the ground, except when we were astride of +the trees. This breakfast that you have just announced seemed to me, +therefore, like a dream, a fiction, a chimera." + +"Well, we will test its reality, Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady +Helena, who could not help laughing. + +"Accept my arm," said the gallant geographer. + +"Has your lordship any orders to give?" inquired Captain Mangles. + +"After breakfast, my dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we will discuss +in council the programme of the new expedition." + +The passengers and the young captain then descended to the cabin. +Orders were given to the engineer to keep up steam, that they might +start at the first signal. The major and the travelers, after a rapid +toilette, seated themselves at the table. Ample justice was done to +Mr. Olbinett's repast, which was declared excellent and even superior +to the splendid banquets of the Pampas. Paganel called twice for every +dish, "through absent-mindedness," as he said. This unfortunate word +led Lady Helena to inquire if the amiable Frenchman had occasionally +shown his habitual failing. The major and Lord Glenarvan looked at each +other with a smile. As for Paganel, he laughed heartily, and promised +"upon his honor" not to commit a single blunder during the entire +voyage. He then in a very comical way told the story of his mistake in +the study of Spanish. + +"After all," he added, in conclusion, "misfortunes are sometimes +beneficial, and I do not regret my error." + +"And why, my worthy friend?" asked the major. + +"Because I not only know Spanish, but Portuguese also. I speak two +languages instead of one." + +"By my faith, I should not have thought of that," replied MacNabb. "My +compliments, Paganel, my sincere compliments!" + +[Sidenote: TABLE-TALK IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC.] + +Paganel was applauded, but did not lose a single mouthful. He did not, +however, notice one peculiarity observed by Glenarvan, and that was the +young captain's attentions to his neighbor, Mary Grant. A slight sign +from Lady Helena to her husband told him how matters stood. He gazed at +the two young people with affectionate sympathy, and finally addressed +the captain, but upon a different subject. + +"How did you succeed with your voyage, captain?" he inquired. + +"Excellently," replied the captain; "only I must inform your lordship +that we did not return by way of the Strait of Magellan." + +"What!" cried Paganel, "you doubled Cape Horn, and I was not there!" + +"Hang yourself!" said the major. + +"Selfish fellow! you give me this advice in order that you may share my +rope!" retorted the geographer. + +"Well, my dear Paganel," added Glenarvan, "unless we are endowed with +ubiquity, we cannot be everywhere. Since you crossed the Pampas, you +could not at the same time double Cape Horn." + +"Nevertheless, I am sorry," replied the geographer. + +Captain Mangles now told the story of his voyage, and was congratulated +by Glenarvan, who, addressing Mary Grant, said,-- + +"My dear young lady, I see that Captain John pays his homage to your +noble qualities, and I am happy to find that you are not displeased +with his ship." + +"Oh, how could I be?" replied Mary, gazing at Lady Helena, and perhaps +also at the young captain. + +"My sister loves you, Mr. Captain," cried Robert, "and I do too." + +"And I return your love, my dear boy," replied Captain Mangles, a +little confused by Robert's words, which also brought a slight blush to +the face of the young girl. + +Then, changing the conversation to a less embarrassing subject, the +captain added,-- + +"Since I have related the Duncan's voyage, will not your lordship give +us a few particulars of your travels, and the exploits of our young +hero?" + +No recital could have been more agreeable to Lady Helena and Miss +Grant, and Glenarvan hastened to satisfy their curiosity. He told, word +for word, all about their journey from ocean to ocean. The passage +of the Andes, the earthquake, Robert's disappearance, his capture by +the condor, Thalcave's fortunate shot, the adventure with the wolves, +the boy's devotion, the meeting with Sergeant Manuel, the inundation, +their refuge in the tree, the lightning, the fire, the alligators, +the water-spout, the night on the shores of the Atlantic, all these +incidents, cheerful or serious, excited alternately the joy and terror +of his hearers. Many a circumstance was related that brought Robert +the caresses of his sister and Lady Helena. Never was boy more highly +praised, or by more enthusiastic friends. + +"Now, my friends," remarked Lord Glenarvan, when he had finished his +recital, "let us think of the present. Let us return to the subject of +Captain Grant." + +When breakfast was over, the party repaired to Lady Helena's +state-room, and, taking seats around a table loaded with maps and +charts, resumed the conversation. Glenarvan explained that the +shipwreck had not taken place on the shores either of the Pacific or +the Atlantic, and that, consequently, the document had been wrongly +interpreted so far as Patagonia was concerned; that Paganel, by a +sudden inspiration, had discovered the mistake and proved that they had +been following a false trail. The geographer was accordingly asked to +explain the French document, which he did to the satisfaction of every +one. When he had finished his demonstration, Glenarvan announced that +the Duncan would immediately set sail for Australia. + +The major, however, before the order was given, asked permission to +make a single remark. + +"Speak, major," said Glenarvan. + +"My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the arguments of my +friend Paganel, still less to refute them. I consider them rational, +sagacious, and worthy of our whole attention. But I desire to submit +them to a final examination, that their validity may be incontestable." + +[Illustration: "My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the +arguments of my friend Paganel, still less to refute them."] + +No one knew what the prudent MacNabb meant, and his hearers listened +with some anxiety. + +"Go on, major," said Paganel: "I am ready to answer all your questions." + +"Nothing can be simpler," said the major. "Five months ago, in +the Frith of Clyde, when we studied the three documents, their +interpretation seemed clear to us. No place but the western coast of +Patagonia could, we thought, have been the scene of the shipwreck. We +had not even the shadow of a doubt on the subject." + +"Very true," added Glenarvan. + +"Afterwards," resumed the major, "when Paganel, in a moment of +providential absent-mindedness, embarked on board our vessel, the +documents were submitted to him, and he unhesitatingly sanctioned our +search upon the American coast." + +"You are right," observed the geographer. + +"And, nevertheless, we are mistaken," said the major. + +"Yes, we are mistaken," repeated Paganel; "but to be mistaken is only +to be human, while it is the part of a madman to persist in his error." + +"Wait, Paganel," continued the major; "do not get excited. I do not +mean that our search ought to be prolonged in America." + +"What do you ask, then?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"Simply the acknowledgment that Australia now seems to be the scene of +the Britannia's shipwreck as much as South America did before." + +"Granted," replied Paganel. + +"Who knows, then," resumed the major, "whether, after Australia, +another country may not offer us the same probabilities, and whether, +when this new search proves vain, it may not seem evident that we ought +to have searched elsewhere?" + +[Sidenote: FRIENDS IN COUNCIL.] + +Glenarvan and Paganel glanced at each other. The major's remarks were +strictly correct. + +"I desire, therefore," added MacNabb, "that a final test be made before +we start for Australia. Here are the documents and maps. Let us examine +successively all points that the thirty-seventh parallel crosses, and +see if there is not some other country to which the document has as +precise a reference." + +"Nothing is easier," replied Paganel. + +The map was placed before Lady Helena, and all showed themselves ready +to follow Paganel's demonstration. After carefully examining the +documents, it was unanimously agreed that Paganel's interpretation was +the correct one. + +"I leave you, therefore, my friends," said he, in conclusion, "to +decide whether all the probabilities are not in favor of the Australian +continent." + +"Evidently," replied the passengers and the captain with unanimity. + +"Captain," said Glenarvan, "have you sufficient provisions and coal?" + +"Yes, my lord, I procured ample supplies at Talcahuana, and, besides, +we can lay in a fresh stock of fuel at Cape Town." + +"One more remark," said the major. + +"A thousand, if you please!" + +"Whatever may be the guarantees for success in Australia, will it not +be well to call for a day or two, in passing, at the islets of Tristan +d'Acunha and Amsterdam? They are situated so near our strict line of +search, that it is worth our while to ascertain if there be on them any +trace of the shipwreck of the Britannia." + +"The unbeliever!" said Paganel. + +"I do not want to have to return to them, monsieur, if Australia does +not after all realize our newly-conceived expectations." + +"The precaution is not a bad one," said Glenarvan. + +[Illustration: At sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, +seemingly separated from all the rest of the rocky group.] + +[Illustration: A few hours of their united toil resulted in the death +of a large number of seals who were "caught napping."] + +"And I do not wish to dissuade you; quite the contrary," replied the +geographer. + +"Well, then, we will adopt it, and start forthwith," said Lord +Glenarvan. + +"Immediately, my lord," replied the captain, as he went on deck, while +Robert and Mary Grant uttered the liveliest expressions of gratitude; +and the Duncan, leaving the American coast and heading to the east, was +soon swiftly ploughing the waves of the Atlantic. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +TRISTAN D'ACUNHA AND THE ISLE OF AMSTERDAM. + + +[Sidenote: LOOKING ALOFT.] + +The Duncan now had before her a broad stretch of ocean but little +traversed by navigators. Between the shores of South America and the +little speck in the ocean known by the name of Tristan d'Acunha, there +was no probability of her meeting with any strange sail; and under some +circumstances, or in some company, the days might have been monotonous +and the hours might have hung wearily. But so ardent was the desire +for success, and so accomplished, yet varied, were the characters of +those who composed the little assembly, that the voyage on the South +Atlantic, though devoid of striking incident, was by no means wanting +in interest. Much of the time was spent on deck, where the ladies' +cabins were now located, Mary Grant especially training her hand, head, +and heart in feeling, thought, and action. The geographer set to work +on a composition entitled "Travels of a Geographer on the Argentine +Pampas;" but many a blank page did he leave. Tho Scottish peer (when +tired of examining for the thousandth time all that belonged to his +yacht) could look at the books and documents which he had brought with +him, intending to peruse them carefully. And as to the major he was +never in company and never out of company; his cigar insured, nothing +else was wanted. + +Ever and anon many miles of the ocean would be covered by masses of +sea-weed; these different species of alg would afford subject for +research; specimens must be preserved, authorities must be consulted, +and as one result at least all would become wiser. Then a discussion +would ensue on some geographical problem, and maps that were not +attainable were of course appealed to by each disputant, though the +subject in question was often of very trivial moment. It was in the +midst of a debate of this kind, during the evening, that a sailor cried +out,-- + +"Land ahead!" + +"In what direction?" asked Paganel. + +"To windward," replied the sailor. + +The landsmen's eyes were strained, but to no purpose. The geographer's +telescope was brought into requisition, but with no avail. "I do not +see the land," said its owner. + +"Look into the clouds," said the captain. + +"Ah!" replied Paganel, struck with the idea, and shortly with the +reality also; for there was the barren mountain-top of Tristan d'Acunha. + +"Then," said he, "if I remember aright, we are eighty miles from it. Is +not that the distance from which this mountain is visible?" + +"Exactly so," replied the captain. + +A few hours brought them much nearer to the group of high and steep +rocks, and at sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, seemingly +separated from all the rest of the rocky group, and reflecting the +glory of the blue heavens and of the rising orb on the placid sea at +its base. + +There are three islets in this group,--Tristan d'Acunha, Inaccessible, +and Rossignol; but it was only at the first + +[Illustration: Our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot.] + +[Illustration: Inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook fish, +Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically."] of these that the Duncan called. Inquiry was made +of the authorities (for these islets are governed by a British official +from the Cape of Good Hope) if there were any tidings of the Britannia. +But nothing was known of such a ship; they were told of the shipwrecks +which had occurred, but there was nothing that afforded a clue to that +which they sought. They spent some hours in examination of the fauna +and flora, which were not very extensive. They saw and were seen by the +sparse population that subsist here, and in the afternoon of the same +day the yacht left the islands and islanders so rarely visited. + +Whilst the passengers had been thus engaged, Lord Glenarvan had allowed +his crew to employ their time advantageously to themselves in capturing +some of the seals which are so plentiful in these latitudes. A few +hours of their united toil resulted in the death of a large number +of seals who were "caught napping," and in the stowing away, for the +profit of the crew when they should reach the Australian market, +several barrels of the oil obtained from their carcases. + +Still onward on the same parallel lay the course of the Duncan, +towards the Isles of Amsterdam and St. Paul; and the same subjects +of conversation, study, and speculation engaged them all, until, one +morning, they espied the first mentioned island, far ahead; and as they +drew nearer, a peak rose clearly before their vision which strongly +reminded them of the Peak of Teneriffe they had beheld a few months +before. + +[Sidenote: WARM SPRINGS AND WARM TALK.] + +The Isle of Amsterdam or St. Peter, and the Isle of St. Paul, have been +visited by very few, and but little is known of them. The latter is +uninhabited; but our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot. Here again inquiry was made, but in vain, +for any information of the Britannia, her voyage, or her shipwreck. +Neither on the Isle of Amsterdam nor on that of St. Paul, which the +whalers and seal-fishers sometimes visit, had there been any trace of +the catastrophe. + +Desolate as these lonely islands appeared to our travelers, they still +were not devoid of objects of interest. They were meagre enough in +vegetation and in animal life; but there were warm springs which well +repaid a visit. Captain Mangles found the temperature of their waters +to be 166 Fahrenheit; and, inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook +fish, Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically." + +When they resumed their course, though many miles were before them, +there was a growing sense of anticipation; they were not to pause again +until the "Australian continent" was reached; and more and more did +the conversation and discussions tend towards this continent as their +subject. On one occasion so certain was Paganel as to the ease with +which they would be able to pursue their search, when they arrived, +that he asserted that more than fifty geographers had already made the +course clear for them. + +"What! fifty, do you say?" asked the major, with an air of doubt. + +"Yes, MacNabb, decidedly," said the geographer, piqued at the hesitancy +to believe him. + +"Impossible!" replied the major. + +"Not at all; and if you doubt my veracity, I will cite their names." + +"Ah!" said the major, quietly, "you clever people stick at nothing." + +"Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle against my telescope +that I cannot name at least fifty Australian explorers?" + +"Of course, Paganel, if you like," replied MacNabb, seeing that he +could not now recede from his position without incurring the ridicule +of the company. + +[Illustration: "Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle +against my telescope that I cannot name at least fifty Australian +explorers?"] + +[Illustration: "Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia.] + +"Well, then," said Paganel to Lady Helena and Miss Grant, "come and +be umpires, and Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia, with the names of its discoverers and the +dates of their explorations, as fluently as though his sole calling in +life was to be professor of Australian history. Rapidly he mentioned +the first twenty who found or traversed the Austral shores; as rapidly +did the names of the second score flow from his lips; and after the +prescribed fifty had been enumerated, he kept on as though his list +were inexhaustible. + +"Enough, enough, Monsieur Paganel!" said Lady Helena. "You have shown +that there is nothing, great or small, about Australia, of which you +are ignorant." + +"Nay, madam," said the geographer, with a bow. + +Then, with a peculiar expression, he smiled as he said to the major, +"We will talk about the rifle at another time." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +THE STORM ON THE INDIAN OCEAN. + + +Two days after this conversation, Captain Mangles took an observation, +and the passengers saw, to their great satisfaction, upon consulting +the map, that they were in the vicinity of Cape Bernouilli, which +they might expect to reach in four days. The west wind had hitherto +favored the progress of the yacht, but for several days it had shown a +tendency to fail, and now there was a perfect calm. The sails flapped +idly against the masts, and had it not been for her powerful screw, the +Duncan would have been becalmed on the ocean. + +[Sidenote: FOREBODINGS OF DISASTER.] + +This state of things might be prolonged indefinitely. At evening +Glenarvan consulted the captain on the subject. The latter, whose +supply of coal was rapidly diminishing, appeared much disturbed at the +subsidence of the wind. He had covered his ship with canvas, and set +his studding- and main-sails, that he might take advantage of the least +breeze; but, in nautical language, there was not enough wind "to fill a +hat." + +"At all events," said Glenarvan, "we need not complain. It is better to +be without wind than to have a contrary one." + +"Your lordship is right," replied Captain Mangles; "but I dread some +sudden change in the weather. We are now in the neighborhood of the +trade-winds, which, from October to April, blow from the northeast, and +our progress will, therefore, be very much retarded." + +"But what can we do, captain? If this misfortune occurs, we must submit +to it. It will only be a delay, after all." + +"Probably, if a storm does not come upon us too." + +"Do you fear bad weather?" asked Glenarvan, looking at the sky, which, +however, was cloudless. + +"Yes," replied the captain. "I tell your lordship, but would conceal my +apprehensions from Lady Helena and Miss Grant." + +"You act wisely. What do you apprehend?" + +"There are signs of a great storm. Do not trust the appearance of the +sky, my lord; nothing is more deceptive. For two days the barometer +has fallen to an alarming degree. This is a warning that I cannot +disregard. I particularly fear the storms of the South Seas, for I have +been already exposed to them." + +"John," replied Glenarvan, "the Duncan is a stout vessel, and her +captain a skillful seaman. Let the storm come; we will take care of +ourselves." + +Captain Mangles, while giving expression to his fears, was by no means +forgetful of his duty as a sailor. The steady fall of the barometer +caused him to take every measure of precaution. The sky, as yet, gave +no indication of the approaching tempest; but the warnings of his +infallible instrument were not to be disregarded. + +The young captain accordingly remained on deck all night. About eleven +o'clock the sky grew threatening towards the south. All hands were +immediately called on deck, to take in the sails. At midnight the wind +freshened. The creaking of the masts, the rattling of the rigging, +and the groaning of bulkheads informed the passengers of the state of +affairs. Paganel, Glenarvan, the major, and Robert came on deck to +render assistance if it should be needed. Over the sky, that they had +left clear and studded with stars, now rolled thick clouds broken by +light bands and spotted like the skin of a leopard. + +"Has the storm broken upon us?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Not yet, but it will presently," replied the captain. + +At that moment he gave the order to reef the top-sail. The sailors +sprang into the windward rattlings, and with difficulty accomplished +their task. Captain Mangles wished to keep on as much sail as possible, +to support the yacht and moderate her rolling. After these precautions +had been taken, he told the mate and the boatswain to prepare for the +assault of the tempest, which could not be long in breaking forth. +Still, like an officer at the storming of a breach, he did not leave +the point of observation, but from the upper deck endeavored to draw +from the stormy sky its secrets. + +[Sidenote: AN ADDED CALAMITY.] + +It was now one o'clock in the morning. Lady Helena and Miss Grant, +aroused by the unusual bustle, ventured to come on deck. The wind was +sharply whistling through the cordage, which, like the strings of a +musical instrument, resounded as if some mighty bow had caused their +rapid vibrations; the pulleys clashed against each other; the ropes +creaked with a sharp sound in their rough sockets; the sails cracked +like cannon, and vast waves rolled up to assail the yacht, as it +lightly danced on their foaming crests. + +When the captain perceived the ladies, he approached and besought them +to return to the cabin. Several waves had already been shipped, and the +deck might be swept at any moment. The din of the elements was now so +piercing that Lady Helena could scarcely hear the young captain. + +"Is there any danger?" she managed to ask him during a momentary lull +in the storm. + +"No, madam," replied he; "but neither you nor Miss Mary can remain on +deck." + +The ladies did not oppose an order that seemed more like an entreaty, +and returned to the cabin just as a wave, rolling over the stern, +shook the compass-lights in their sockets. The violence of the wind +redoubled; the masts bent under the pressure of sail, and the yacht +seemed to rise on the billows. + +"Brail up the main-sail!" cried the captain; "haul in the top-sails and +jibs!" + +The sailors sprang to their places; the halyards were loosened, the +brails drawn down, the jibs taken in with a noise that rose above the +storm, and the Duncan, whose smoke-stack belched forth torrents of +black smoke, rolled heavily in the sea. + +Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and Robert gazed with admiration and +terror at this struggle with the waves. They clung tightly to the +rigging, unable to exchange a word, and watched the flocks of stormy +petrels, those melancholy birds of the storm, as they sported in the +raging winds. + +At that moment a piercing sound was heard above the roar of +the hurricane. The steam was rapidly escaping, not through the +escape-valve, but through the pipes of the boiler. The alarm-whistle +sounded with unusual shrillness; the yacht gave a terrible lurch, and +Wilson, who was at the helm, was overthrown by an unexpected blow +of the wheel. The vessel was in the trough of the sea, and no longer +manageable. + +"What is the matter?" cried Captain Mangles, rushing to the stern. + +"The ship is careening!" replied Austin. + +"Is the rudder unhinged?" + +"To the engine! to the engine!" cried the engineer. + +The captain rushed down the ladder. A cloud of steam filled the +engine-room; the pistons were motionless in their cylinders, and the +cranks gave no movement to the shaft. The engineer, seeing that all +efforts were useless, and fearing for his boilers, had let out the +steam through the escape-valve. + +"What has happened?" asked the captain. + +"The screw is either bent or entangled," replied the engineer; "it will +not work." + +"Is it impossible to free it?" + +"Impossible, at present." + +To attempt to repair the accident at that moment was out of the +question. The screw would not move, and the steam, being no longer +effective, had escaped through the valves. The captain was, therefore, +forced to rely on his sails, and seek the aid of the wind, which had +been hitherto his most dangerous enemy. + +He came on deck, and, briefly informing Glenarvan of the situation, +begged him to return to the cabin with the others; but the latter +wished to remain. + +"No, my lord," replied Captain Mangles, in a firm tone: "I must be +alone here with my crew. Go! The ship may be in danger, and the waves +would drench you unmercifully." + +"But we may be of use----" + +"Go, go, my lord; you must! There are times when I am master on board. +Retire, as I wish!" + +[Sidenote: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUED.] + +For John Mangles to express himself so authoritatively, the situation +must have been critical. Glenarvan understood that it was his duty to +obey. He therefore left the deck, followed by his three companions, and +joined the ladies in the cabin, who were anxiously awaiting the result +of this struggle with the elements. + +"My brave John is an energetic man," remarked Glenarvan as he entered. + +Meantime Captain Mangles lost no time in extricating the ship from +her perilous situation. He resolved to keep towards the Cape, that he +might deviate as little as possible from his prescribed course. It was, +therefore, necessary to brace the sails obliquely to the wind. The +top-sail was reefed, a kind of fore-sail rigged on the main-stay, and +the helm crowded hard aport. The yacht, which was a stanch and fleet +vessel, started like a spirited horse that feels the spur, and proudly +breasted the angry billows. + +The rest of the night was passed in this situation. They hoped that the +tempest would abate by break of day. Vain hope! At eight o'clock in the +morning it was still blowing hard, and the wind soon became a hurricane. + +The captain said nothing, but he trembled for his vessel and those +whom she carried. The Duncan now and then gave a fearful lurch; her +stanchions cracked, and sometimes the yards of the mainmast struck the +crests of the waves. At one moment the crew thought the yacht would +not rise again. Already the sailors, hatchet in hand, were rushing +to cut away the fore-shrouds, when they were violently torn from +their fastenings by the blast. The ship righted herself, but, without +support on the waves, she was tossed about so terribly that the masts +threatened to break at their very foundations. She could not long +endure such rolling; she was growing weak, and soon her shattered sides +and opening seams must give way for the water. + +[Illustration: Then, impelled by the hurricane, the billows outran +her; they leaped over the taffrail, and the whole deck was swept with +tremendous violence.] + +[Sidenote: NEARING THE END.] + +Captain Mangles had but one resource,--to rig a storm-jib. He succeeded +after several hours' labor, but it was not until three o'clock in the +afternoon that the jib was hauled to the main-stay and set to the +wind. With this piece of canvas the Duncan flew before the wind +with inconceivable rapidity. It was necessary to keep up the greatest +possible speed, for upon this alone depended her safety. Sometimes, +outstripping the waves, she cut them with her slender prow and plunged +beneath them, like an enormous sea-monster, while the water swept +her deck from stem to stern. At other times her swiftness barely +equaled that of the surges, her rudder lost all power, and she gave +terrific lurches that threatened to capsize her. Then, impelled by the +hurricane, the billows outran her; they leaped over the taffrail, and +the whole deck was swept with tremendous violence. + +The situation was indeed alarming. The captain would not leave his +post for an instant. He was tortured by fears that his impassive face +would not betray, and persistently sought to penetrate with his gaze +the gathering gloom. And he had good cause for fear. The Duncan, driven +out of her course, was running towards the Australian coast with a +swiftness that nothing could arrest. He felt, too, as if by instinct, +that a strong current was drawing him along. At every moment he feared +the shock of a reef upon which the yacht would be dashed into a +thousand pieces, and he calculated that the shore was not more than a +dozen miles to leeward. + +Finally he went in search of Lord Glenarvan, consulted with him in +private, explained their actual situation, viewed it with the coolness +of a sailor who is ready for any emergency, and ended by saying that he +should be obliged perhaps to run the Duncan ashore. + +"To save those she carries, if possible, my lord," he added. + +"Very well, captain," replied Glenarvan. + +"And Lady Helena and Miss Grant?" + +"I will inform them only at the last moment, when all hope is gone of +keeping at sea. You will tell me." + +"I will, my lord." + +Glenarvan returned to the ladies, who, without knowing all the danger, +felt it to be imminent. They displayed, however, a noble courage, equal +at least to that of their companions. Paganel gave himself up to the +most unreasonable theories concerning the direction of atmospheric +currents, while the major awaited the end with the indifference of a +Mussulman. + +About eleven o'clock the hurricane seemed to moderate a little, the +heavy mists were gradually dissipated, and through the openings the +captain could see a low land at least six miles to leeward. He steered +directly for it. Huge waves rolled to a prodigious height, and he knew +that they must have a firm point of support to reach such an elevation. + +"There are sand-bars here," said he to Tom Austin. + +"That is my opinion," replied the mate. + +"We are in the hands of God," continued the captain. "If He does not +himself guide the Duncan over the bar, we are lost." + +"It is high tide now, captain; perhaps we may do it." + +"But see the fury of those waves! What ship could resist them? God help +us, my friend!" + +Meantime the Duncan dashed towards the shore with terrible swiftness. +Soon she was only two miles from the sand-bars. The mists still +continued to conceal the land. Nevertheless Captain Mangles thought he +perceived, beyond this foaming barrier, a tranquil haven, where the +Duncan would be in comparative safety. But how to reach it? + +He called the passengers on deck, for he did not wish, when the hour +of shipwreck had come, that they should be confined in the cabin. +Glenarvan and his companions gazed at the awful sea. Mary Grant grew +pale. + +"John," said Glenarvan in a low tone to the young captain, "I will try +to save my wife, or will perish with her. Do you take charge of Miss +Grant." + +[Sidenote: OILY INFLUENCES.] + +"Yes, your lordship," was the prompt reply. + +The Duncan was now only a few cable-lengths from the sand-bars. As it +was high tide, there would doubtless have been sufficient water to +enable the yacht to cross these dangerous shoals; but the enormous +waves upon which she rose and fell would infallibly have wrecked her. +Was there then any means of allaying these billows, of calming this +tumultuous sea? + +A sudden idea occurred to the captain. + +"The oil!" cried he; "pour on oil, men, pour on oil!" + +These words were quickly understood by all the crew. They were about +to employ a method that sometimes succeeds. The fury of the sea can +often be appeased by covering it with a sheet of oil, which floats +on the surface and destroys the shock of the waters. The effect is +instantaneous, but transient. As soon as a ship has crossed this +treacherous sea, it redoubles its fury; and woe to those who would +venture to follow. + +The barrels containing the supply of seal-oil were hoisted into the +forecastle by the crew, to whom the danger gave new strength. Here +they were stove in with a blow of the hatchet, and suspended over the +starboard rattlings. + +"Hold on!" cried the captain, waiting for the favorable moment. + +In a few seconds the yacht reached the entrance to the pass, which was +barred by a terrible line of foam. + +"Let go!" cried the young captain. + +The barrels were inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil. +Immediately the unctuous liquid leveled the foaming surface of the sea, +and the Duncan sailed on calm waters, and was soon in a quiet harbor +beyond the terrible sand-bars; and then the ocean, released from its +fetters, bounded after its escaped prey with indescribable fury. + +[Illustration: "Let go!" cried the young captain. The barrels were +inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +A HOSPITABLE COLONIST. + + +The captain's first care was to secure anchorage. He moored the vessel +in five fathoms of water. The bottom was good, a hard gravel, affording +an excellent hold. There was no danger of drifting, or of stranding at +low tide. The Duncan, after so many hours of peril, was now in a sort +of creek sheltered by a high promontory from the fury of the wind. + +Lord Glenarvan shook the hand of the young captain, saying,-- + +"Thanks, John!" + +And Captain Mangles felt himself fully rewarded by these simple words. +Glenarvan kept to himself the secret of his anguish, and neither Lady +Helena, Mary Grant, nor Robert suspected the magnitude of the perils +they had just escaped. + +One important point remained to be settled. On what part of the +coast had the Duncan been cast by the storm? How could she regain +her prescribed course? How far were they from Cape Bernouilli? Such +were the first questions addressed to the captain, who at once took +his bearings and noted his observations on the map. The Duncan had +not deviated very far from her route. She was at Cape Catastrophe, on +the southern coast of Australia, not three hundred miles from Cape +Bernouilli. + +But could the Duncan's injuries be repaired? This was the question to +decide. The captain wished to know the extent of the damage. It was +discovered, by diving, that a flange of the screw was bent and came +in contact with the stern-post. Hence it was impossible for the screw +to rotate. This injury was considered serious enough to necessitate +going into dry-dock, which of course could not be done in their present +locality. + +Glenarvan and the captain, after mature reflection, resolved that +the Duncan should follow the western shore, seeking traces of the +Britannia, should stop at Cape Bernouilli, where further information +could be obtained, and then continue southward to Melbourne, where her +injuries could be repaired; and, as soon as this was done, that she +should cruise along the eastern shores to finish the search. + +This arrangement was approved, and Captain Mangles resolved to take +advantage of the first favorable wind. He did not have to wait long. +Towards evening the hurricane had entirely subsided, and a moderate +breeze was blowing from the southwest. Preparations were made for +getting under way; new sails were set, and at four o'clock in the +morning the sailors heaved at the capstan, the anchor was weighed, and +the Duncan, with all sails set, cruised close to windward along the +coast. + +They arrived at Cape Bernouilli without finding the least trace of the +lost vessel. But this failure proved nothing. Indeed, during the two +years since the shipwreck, the sea might have scattered or destroyed +the fragments of the brig. Besides, the natives, who scent shipwrecks +as a vulture does a corpse, might have carried away every vestige of +it. Harry Grant and his two companions, therefore, without doubt, had +been taken prisoners the moment the waves cast them ashore, and been +carried into the interior of the country. + +[Sidenote: HOPING AGAINST HOPE.] + +But here one of Paganel's ingenious suppositions failed. So long as +they were in the Argentine territory, the geographer could rightly +maintain that the latitude of the document referred to the place of +captivity,--not to the scene of the shipwreck. Indeed, the great rivers +of the Pampas and their numerous affluents could easily bear the +document to the sea. In this part of Australia, on the contrary, few +streams cross the thirty-seventh parallel, and the principal Australian +rivers--the Murray, the Yara, the Torrens, and the Darling--either flow +into each other, or empty into the ocean by mouths where navigation +is active. What probability was there, then, that a fragile bottle +could have descended these continually navigated waters, and reached +the Indian Ocean? This consideration could not escape such sagacious +minds. Paganel's supposition, plausible in Patagonia, was illogical +in Australia. The geographer perceived this in a discussion on the +subject with the major. It was clear that the latitude applied only to +the place of shipwreck, and that consequently the bottle had been cast +into the sea where the Britannia was wrecked,--on the western coast of +Australia. + +However, as Glenarvan justly observed, this interpretation did not +preclude the possibility of Captain Grant's captivity, who, moreover, +had intimated as much by the words "where they will be prisoners of the +cruel Indians." But there was no more reason for seeking the prisoners +on the thirty-seventh parallel than on any other. + +This conclusion, after much discussion, was finally accepted, and it +was decided that, if no traces of the Britannia were found at Cape +Bernouilli, Lord Glenarvan should return to Europe, relinquishing all +hope of finding the object of their search. + +This resolution occasioned profound grief to the children of the lost +captain. As the boats containing the whole of the party were rowed +ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be probably +decided; irrevocably, we may say, for Paganel, in a former discussion, +had clearly demonstrated that the shipwrecked seamen would have reached +their country long ago, if their vessel had stranded on the other, the +eastern coast. + +[Sidenote: A NEW PROSPECT.] + +"Hope! hope! never cease to hope!" said Lady Helena to the young girl +seated beside her, as they approached the shore. "The hand of God will +never fail us." + +[Illustration: As the boats containing the whole of the party were +rowed ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be +probably decided.] + +"Yes, Miss Mary," said the captain; "when men have exhausted human +resources, then Heaven interposes, and, by some unforeseen event, opens +to them new ways." + +"God grant it, captain!" replied Mary. + +The shore was now only a cable's length distant. The cape terminated in +gentle declivities extending far out into the sea. The boat entered a +small creek, between banks of coral in process of formation, which in +time would form a chain of reefs along the southern coast of the island. + +The passengers of the Duncan disembarked on a perfectly barren shore. +Steep cliffs formed a lofty sea-wall, and it would have been difficult +to scale this natural rampart without ladders or cramping-irons. +Fortunately, the captain discovered a breach half a mile southward, +caused by a partial crumbling of the cliffs. Probably the sea, during +violent equinoctial storms, had beaten against this fragile barrier, +and thus caused the fall of the upper portions of the mass. + +Glenarvan and his companions entered this opening, and reached the +summit of the cliffs by a very steep ascent. Robert climbed an abrupt +declivity with the agility of a cat, and arrived first at the top, +to the great chagrin of Paganel, who was quite mortified at seeing +himself outstripped by a mere lad of twelve. However, he distanced the +peaceable major; but that worthy was utterly indifferent to his defeat. + +The little party surveyed the plain that stretched out beneath them. +It was a vast, uncultivated tract, covered with bushes and brushwood, +and was compared by Glenarvan to the glens of the Scottish lowlands, +and by Paganel to the barren lands of Brittany. But though the country +along the coast was evidently uninhabited, the presence of man, not the +savage, but the civilized worker, was betokened by several substantial +structures in the distance. + +"A mill!" cried Robert. + +True enough, at no great distance apparently, the sails of a mill were +seen. + +"It is indeed a mill," replied Paganel. "Here is a beacon as modest as +it is useful, the sight of which delights my eyes." + +"It is almost a belfry," said Lady Helena. + +"Yes, madam; and while one makes bread for the body, the other +announces bread for the soul. In this respect they resemble each other." + +"Let us go to the mill," replied Glenarvan. + +They accordingly started. After half an hour's walk the soil assumed +a new aspect. The transition from barren plains to cultivated fields +was sudden. Instead of brushwood, quick-set hedges surrounded an +inclosure freshly ploughed. Some cattle, and half a dozen horses, +grazed in pastures encircled by acacias. Then fields of corn were +reached, several acres of land bristling with the yellow ears, haycocks +like great bee-hives, vineyards with blooming inclosures, a beautiful +garden, where the useful and the ornamental mingled; in short, a fair +and comfortable locality, which the merry mill crowned with its pointed +gable and caressed with the moving shadow of its sails. + +At this moment a man of about fifty, of prepossessing countenance, +issued from the principal house, at the barking of three great dogs +that announced the coming of the strangers. Five stout and handsome +boys, his sons, accompanied by their mother, a tall, robust woman, +followed him. This man, surrounded by his healthful family, in the +midst of these new erections, in this almost virgin country, presented +the perfect type of the colonist, who, endeavoring to better his lot, +seeks his fortune and happiness beyond the seas. + +Glenarvan and his friends had not yet introduced themselves, they had +not had time to declare either their names or their rank, when these +cordial words saluted them:-- + +[Sidenote: AN AUSTRALIAN HOME.] + +"Strangers, welcome to the house of Patrick O'Moore." + +"You are an Irishman?" said Glenarvan, taking the hand that the +colonist offered him. + +"I was," replied Mr. O'Moore. "Now I am an Australian. But come in, +whoever you are, gentlemen; this house is at your service." + +The invitation so hospitably given was accepted without ceremony. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant, conducted by Mrs. O'Moore, entered the house, +while the colonist's sons relieved the visitors of their fire-arms. + +A large, cool, airy room occupied the ground-floor of the house, +which was built of stout beams arranged horizontally. Several wooden +benches, built into the walls, and painted in gay colors, ten stools, +two oaken trunks, in which white china and jugs of polished pewter were +arranged, and a long table, at which twenty people could be comfortably +seated, constituted the furniture, worthy of the house and its hardy +inhabitants. + +Dinner was soon served. Dishes of soup smoked between roast beef and +legs of mutton, flanked by large plates of olives, grapes, and oranges. +The host and hostess had such an engaging air, and the fare was so +tempting, so ample, and so abundantly furnished, that it would have +been unbecoming not to accept this rural bounty. The domestics of the +farm, the equals of their master, had already come to partake of the +repast; and the host reserved the place of honor for the strangers. + +"I expected you," said he, quietly, to Lord Glenarvan. + +"You did?" replied the latter, very much surprised. + +"I always expect those who are coming," replied the Irishman. + +Then, in a grave voice, while his household stood respectfully, he +invoked a Divine blessing. Lady Helena was much affected by his perfect +simplicity of manner, and a look from her husband told her that he +likewise was touched by it. + +[Illustration: A fair and comfortable locality, which the merry mill +crowned with its pointed gable and caressed with the moving shadow of +its sails.] + +[Sidenote: THE OLD QUESTION.] + +Ample justice was done to the repast. The conversation was general. +The colonist told his story. It was like that of most deserving and +voluntary emigrants. Many go far to seek their fortunes, and find +only sorrow and disaster; they accuse fate, forgetting to blame their +ignorance, laziness, and vices. The man who is sober and persevering, +economical and honest, is almost sure to succeed. + +This had been the case with Mr. O'Moore. He had left Dundalk, where +he was poor, and, emigrating with his family to Australia, had landed +at Adelaide. At first he engaged in mining, but soon relinquished +this for the less hazardous pursuits of the farmer, in which he had +been successful beyond his highest anticipations. His agricultural +knowledge was a great aid to him. He economized, and bought new lands +with the profits of the first. His family flourished, as well as his +farm. The Irish peasant had become a landed proprietor, and, although +his establishment was only two years old, he owned at that moment five +hundred acres of well-cultivated land and five hundred head of cattle, +was his own master, and as independent as one can be even in the freest +country in the world. + +His guests congratulated him sincerely when his story was finished. He +doubtless expected a similar confidence, but did not urge it. Glenarvan +had an immediate interest in speaking of the Duncan, of his own +presence at Cape Bernouilli, and of the search that they had pursued so +perseveringly. But, like a man who considers the main object in view, +he first questioned his host concerning the shipwreck of the Britannia. + +The Irishman's answer was not cheering. He had never heard of the +ship. No vessel had for some time been lost on the coast; and, as the +shipwreck had occurred only two years before, he could affirm with +absolute certainty that the sailors had not been cast on that part of +the western shore. + +"And now, my lord," added he, "may I be allowed to ask why you have +inquired of me concerning this shipwreck?" + +Glenarvan then told the story of the document, the voyage of the +Duncan, and the attempts made to find Captain Grant. He confessed that +his dearest hopes had been destroyed by Mr. O'Moore's discouraging +information, and that he now despaired of ever finding the shipwrecked +seamen of the Britannia. + +These words produced a gloomy impression upon his hearers. Robert and +Mary listened to them with tearful eyes. Paganel could not find a word +of consolation or hope. Captain Mangles suffered a grief that he could +not subdue. Despair was seizing upon the souls of the noble people whom +the Duncan had vainly brought to these distant shores, when all at once +a voice was heard:-- + +"My lord, praise and thank God! If Captain Grant is living, he is in +Australia." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +THE QUARTERMASTER OF THE BRITANNIA. + + +The astonishment that these words produced cannot be described. +Glenarvan sprang to his feet, and, pushing back his chair, cried,-- + +"Who says that?" + +"I!" replied one of O'Moore's workmen, seated at the end of the table. + +"You, Ayrton?" said the colonist, no less astonished than Glenarvan. + +"I," repeated Ayrton, in an excited but firm tone; "I, a Scotchman like +yourself, my lord, one of the shipwrecked sailors of the Britannia!" + +[Sidenote: A FRESH FACE.] + +Mary Grant, half fainting with emotion, and overcome with happiness, +sank into the arms of Lady Helena; while Captain Mangles, Robert, and +Paganel went towards the man whom their host had called Ayrton. + +He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, of about +forty-five, of more than medium height, and with piercing eyes sunk +deeply beneath his projecting brows. His strength must have been +unusual, even considering his stature, for he was all bone and sinew. +His countenance, full of intelligence and energy, although the features +were stern, prepossessed one in his favor. The sympathy that he +elicited was still more increased by the traces of recent hardships +imprinted upon his face. It was evident that he had suffered much, +although he seemed a man able to brave, endure, and conquer suffering. + +The travelers felt all this at first sight. Ayrton's appearance had +interested them; and Glenarvan, acting as spokesman for all, pressed +him with inquiries. This strange meeting had evidently produced a +bewildering effect, and the first questions were, to some extent, +without order. + +"You are one of the sailors of the Britannia?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord; Captain Grant's quartermaster," replied Ayrton. + +"Saved with him from the shipwreck?" + +"No, my lord. At that terrible moment I was washed overboard and cast +ashore." + +"You are not one of the sailors, then, of whom the document makes +mention?" + +"No; I did not know of the existence of such a document. The captain +must have thrown it overboard after I was gone." + +"But the captain, the captain?" + +"I suppose he was lost, drowned, with the rest of the crew. I thought I +was the sole survivor." + +"But you said that Captain Grant was living!" + +[Illustration: He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, +of about forty-five.] + +[Illustration: "When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling +down the jib, the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, +which was not two cable-lengths distant."] + +"No. I said, 'if the captain is living'----" + +"'He is in Australia,' you added." + +"He can be nowhere else." + +"You do not know, then, where he is?" + +"No, my lord. I repeat that I thought he was buried in the waves or +dashed upon the rocks. You say that perhaps he is still living." + +"What do you know, then?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Simply this, that if Captain Grant is living he is in Australia." + +"Where did the shipwreck take place?" inquired the major. + +This should have been the first question; but, in the excitement of the +moment, Glenarvan, anxious to know where Captain Grant was, had not +inquired where the Britannia was lost. From this point the conversation +assumed a more definite form, and soon the details of the complicated +story appeared clear and exact to the minds of Ayrton's hearers. + +To the major's question Ayrton replied,-- + +"When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling down the jib, +the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, which was not +two cable-lengths distant. The shipwreck, therefore, took place at that +point." + +"In latitude thirty-seven?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Thirty-seven," replied Ayrton. + +"On the west coast?" + +"No. On the east coast." + +"And when?" + +"On the night of June 27th, 1862." + +"The same! the very same!" cried Glenarvan. + +"You see, then, my lord," added Ayrton, "that I was right in saying +that, if Captain Grant still lives, you must seek him in Australia." + +[Sidenote: OLD MEMORIES.] + +"And we will seek, find, and save him, my friend!" cried Paganel. "Ah, +precious document!" added he, with perfect simplicity: "it must be +confessed that you have fallen into the hands of very sagacious people." + +No one noticed these flattering words of Paganel. Glenarvan, Lady +Helena, Mary, and Robert had crowded around Ayrton, and eagerly clasped +his hands. It seemed as if the presence of this man was a guarantee of +the safety of Harry Grant. Since the sailor had escaped the dangers +of shipwreck, why should not the captain be safe and sound? Ayrton +repeated his declaration that if Captain Grant were living he must be +in Australia. He answered with remarkable intelligence and clearness +the many questions that were propounded to him. Miss Mary, while +he spoke, held one of his hands in her own. This sailor had been a +companion of her father, one of the shipwrecked survivors of the +Britannia. He had lived with Harry Grant, had sailed the seas with him, +had braved the same dangers! She could not withdraw her eyes from that +weather-beaten face, and she wept with happiness. + +Hitherto no one had thought of doubting the veracity of the +quartermaster. Only the major, and perhaps Captain Mangles, questioned +whether Ayrton's story merited _entire_ confidence. This unexpected +meeting might be suspicious. To be sure, Ayrton had mentioned facts and +dates that agreed, and striking particulars. But details, however exact +they may be, do not constitute a certainty; and generally, as we know, +falsehood endeavors to strengthen itself by its preciseness. MacNabb, +therefore, reserved his opinion. + +[Illustration: When he came to himself, he was in the hands of the +natives, who carried him into the interior of the country.] + +As for Captain Mangles, his doubts did not stand long before the +assertions of the sailor, and he considered him a real companion of +Captain Grant when he heard him speak to the young girl of her father. +Ayrton knew Mary and Robert perfectly. He had seen them at Glasgow +on the departure of the Britannia. He remembered that they had been +present at the farewell dinner given on board to the friends of the +captain. Sheriff MacIntyre was one of the guests. Robert--scarcely +ten years old--had been confided to the care of Dick Turner, the +boatswain, but had escaped from him and climbed to the top-sail +yard-arm. + +[Illustration: At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached the +hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood.] + +"It is true! it is true!" cried Robert. + +The quartermaster remembered, too, a thousand little circumstances +to which he did not seem to attach so much importance as did Captain +Mangles. When he stopped, Mary said, in her sweet voice,-- + +"Mr. Ayrton, please tell us more about our father." + +Ayrton acceded to the young girl's request. Glenarvan was reluctant to +interrupt him, and yet many more important questions thronged his mind. +But Lady Helena, pointing out to him Mary's joyful excitement, checked +his inquiries. + +[Sidenote: TWO YEARS OF SLAVERY.] + +The quartermaster now told the story of the Britannia and her voyage +across the Pacific. During the period of a year Harry Grant landed +at the principal ports of Oceanica, opposing unjustifiable captures, +and often a victim to the hostility of unjust traders. He found, +however, an important point on the western coast of Papua. Here the +establishment of a Scottish colony appeared to him feasible, and its +prosperity assured. After examining Papua, the Britannia sailed to +Callao for provisions, and left that port on the 30th of May, 1862, to +return to Europe by the way of the Indian Ocean and the Cape. Three +weeks after her departure, a terrible tempest disabled her. It became +necessary to cut away the masts. A leak was discovered in the hold, +which they did not succeed in stopping. The crew were soon overtasked +and exhausted. The pumps could not be worked. For eight days the +vessel was at the mercy of the storm. There were six feet of water +in her hold, and she gradually foundered. The boats had been washed +overboard, and the crew had given themselves up for lost, when on the +night of June 22nd, as Paganel had rightly interpreted, they descried +the eastern coast of Australia. The vessel soon stranded. A violent +shock was felt. At this moment Ayrton, borne by a wave, was cast into +the midst of the breakers, and lost all consciousness. When he came to +himself, he was in the hands of the natives, who carried him into the +interior of the country. Since then he had heard nothing more of the +Britannia, and naturally supposed that she had been wrecked, with all +on board, on the dangerous reefs of Twofold Bay. + +This was Ayrton's story, which elicited more than once exclamations of +sympathy. The major could not justly doubt its correctness; and after +this recital the quartermaster's own experiences possessed a more real +interest. Indeed, thanks to the document, they no longer doubted that +Captain Grant had survived the shipwreck with two of his sailors. From +the fate of the one they could fairly conjecture that of the other. + +Ayrton was invited to tell of his own adventures, which was soon and +simply done. The shipwrecked sailor, prisoner of a native tribe, was +carried into the interior regions watered by the Darling. Here he led +a very wretched existence, because the tribe itself was miserable; but +he was not maltreated. For two long years he endured a painful slavery. +However, the hope of regaining his liberty sustained his courage. He +watched for the least opportunity of escaping, although his flight +would plunge him into the midst of innumerable perils. One night +in October he eluded the vigilance of the natives, and took refuge +in the depths of extensive forests. For a month, living on roots, +edible ferns, and the gum of the mimosa, often overcome by despair, +he wandered in those vast solitudes, with the sun as his guide by +day and the stars by night. In this way he crossed marshes, rivers, +mountains, in short, all that uninhabited portion of country that few +travelers have explored. At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached +the hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood. + +"And if Ayrton is pleased with me," said the Irish colonist, when the +story was finished, "I cannot but be pleased with him. He is an honest +and intelligent man, a good worker, and, if he chooses, this house +shall long be at his service." + +Ayrton thanked Mr. O'Moore, and waited for further questions. He +probably thought, however, that the legitimate curiosity of his hearers +ought to be satisfied. What could he say that had not been repeated +a hundred times already? Glenarvan was, therefore, about to open the +conversation on a new topic, to profit by the information received from +Ayrton, when the major, addressing him, said: + +"You were quartermaster of the Britannia?" + +"Yes," replied Ayrton. + +But perceiving that a certain feeling of distrust, a doubt, however +slight, had suggested this inquiry, he added,-- + +"I saved my contract from the wreck." + +He immediately left the room in search of this authoritative document. +During his absence, which lasted but a few moments, Mr. O'Moore said: + +"My lord, I will answer for it that Ayrton is an honest man. During the +two months that he has been in my employ, I have had no fault to find +with him. I knew the story of his shipwreck and captivity. He is a true +man, and worthy of your entire confidence." + +Glenarvan was about to answer that he had never doubted Ayrton's +honesty, when the latter returned and presented his contract. It was a +paper signed by the owners of the Britannia and Captain Grant, whose +writing Mary recognized immediately. It stated that "Tom Ayrton, able +seaman, was engaged as quartermaster on board the brig Britannia of +Glasgow." There was, therefore, no possible doubt of Ayrton's identity, +for it would have been difficult to suppose that this contract could be +in his hands and not belong to him. + +[Sidenote: ENTANGLEMENTS.] + +"Now," said Glenarvan, "I appeal to you all for advice as to what is +best to be done. Your advice, Ayrton, would be particularly valuable, +and I should be much obliged if you would give it to us." + +The sailor reflected a few moments, and then replied: + +"I thank you, my lord, for the confidence you place in me, and hope to +show myself worthy of it. I have some knowledge of the country, and of +the customs of the natives; and, if I can be of use to you----" + +"Certainly," replied Glenarvan. + +"I think, like you," continued Ayrton, "that Captain Grant and his two +sailors were saved from the shipwreck; but, since they have not reached +the English possessions, since they have not reappeared, I doubt not +that their fate was the same as my own, and that they are prisoners of +the natives." + +"You repeat, Mr. Ayrton, the arguments that I have already +substantiated," said Paganel. "The shipwrecked seamen are evidently +prisoners of the natives, as they feared. But ought we to suppose that, +like you, they have been carried to the north?" + +"It is quite likely, sir," replied Ayrton. "The hostile tribes would +hardly remain in the neighborhood of the English provinces." + +"This fact will complicate our search," said Glenarvan, quite +disconcerted. "How shall we find the traces of the prisoners in the +interior of so vast a continent?" + +A prolonged silence followed this remark. Lady Helena frequently +cast a questioning glance at her companions, but without eliciting a +responsive sign. Paganel himself was silent, contrary to his custom. +His usual ingenuity now failed him. Captain Mangles paced the room with +long strides, as if he had been on the deck of his vessel, involved in +some difficulty. + +"And you, Mr. Ayrton," said Lady Helena, at length, to the +quartermaster, "what would you do?" + +"Madam," replied he, promptly, "I should re-embark on board the Duncan, +and go straight to the place of the shipwreck. There I should act +according to circumstances, or indications that chance might furnish." + +"Very good," said Glenarvan; "but we must wait till the Duncan is +repaired." + +"Ah! you have suffered injuries?" inquired Ayrton. + +"Yes," replies the captain. + +"Serious?" + +"No; but they necessitate repairs which cannot be made on board. One +of the flanges of the screw is bent, and this work can be done only at +Melbourne." + +"Can you not sail?" asked the quartermaster. + +"Yes; but, if the wind is contrary, it would take considerable time +to reach Twofold Bay, and at any rate we should have to return to +Melbourne." + +"Well, let the yacht go to Melbourne," said Paganel, "and we will go +without her to Twofold Bay." + +"But how?" + +"By crossing Australia, as we crossed South America." + +"But the Duncan?" added Ayrton, with singular persistency. + +"The Duncan will join us, or we will join her, according to +circumstances. If Captain Grant is found during our journey, we will +return together to Melbourne. If, on the contrary, we continue our +search to the coast, the Duncan shall join us there. Who has any +objections to make to this plan? Have you, major?" + +"No," replied MacNabb, "if it is practicable." + +"So practicable," said Paganel, "that I propose that Lady Helena and +Miss Grant accompany us." + +"Do you speak seriously, Paganel?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Quite seriously, my lord. It is a journey of three hundred and fifty +miles. At the rate of twelve miles a day it would last scarcely a +month,--long enough to give time for repairing the Duncan." + +"But the ferocious animals?" said Glenarvan, wishing to state all +possible objections. + +[Sidenote: OBSTACLES EXPLAINED AWAY.] + +"There are none in Australia." + +"But the savages?" + +"There are none in the course we shall take." + +"Well, then, the convicts?" + +"There are no convicts in the southern provinces of Australia, but only +in the eastern colonies." + +"Mr. Paganel is perfectly right," said O'Moore; "they have all left the +southern provinces. Since I have lived on this farm, I have not heard +of one." + +"And, for my part, I never met one," added Ayrton. + +"You see, my friends," continued Paganel, "that there are few savages, +no wild beasts, and no convicts. There are not many countries of Europe +of which we could say as much. Well, is it agreed?" + +"What do you think, Helena?" asked Glenarvan. + +"What we all think," replied she, turning towards her companions. +"Forward!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +PREPARATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY. + + +It was not Glenarvan's habit to lose time in adopting and executing a +plan. As soon as Paganel's proposal was accepted, he at once resolved +that the preparations for the journey should be completed as soon as +possible. + +And what was to be the result of this search? The existence of +Harry Grant seemed to have become undeniable, which increased the +probabilities of success. No one expected to find the captain exactly +on the line of the thirty-seventh parallel; but perhaps they would come +upon traces of him, and, at all events, their course would bring them +straight to the scene of the shipwreck, which was the principal point. + +Moreover, if Ayrton would consent to join the travelers, to guide them +through the forests, and to the eastern coast, there was another chance +of success. Glenarvan felt the importance of this arrangement, and was +therefore particularly desirous of obtaining the services of Captain +Grant's companion. He inquired of his host whether he was willing for +him to propose to Ayrton to accompany them. Mr. O'Moore consented, +though not without regret at losing so good an assistant. + +"Well, Ayrton, will you aid us in our search for the sailors of the +Britannia?" + +The quartermaster did not answer immediately; he seemed to hesitate for +a few moments, but finally, after reflecting, said: + +"Yes, my lord, I will follow you; and, if I do not set you upon the +track of Captain Grant, I will at least guide you to the place where +his vessel was wrecked." + +"Thanks," replied Glenarvan. + +"One question, my lord." + +"Ask it." + +"Where will you join the Duncan?" + +"At Melbourne, if we do not cross Australia; on the eastern coast, if +our search is continued so far." + +"But the captain of the Duncan?" + +"He will await my orders at Melbourne." + +"Very well, my lord," said Ayrton; "rely on me." + +"I will," replied Glenarvan. + +The quartermaster was heartily thanked by the travelers. Captain +Grant's children lavished upon him their most grateful caresses. All +were delighted at his decision, except the colonist, who would lose +in him an intelligent and faithful assistant. But he understood the +importance that Glenarvan attached to this new addition to his force, +and was resigned. He had, moreover, engaged to furnish them with the +means of conveyance for the journey, and, this business being settled, +the party returned on board. + +[Illustration: This business being settled, the party returned on +board.] + +Everything was now changed; all hesitation had vanished. These +courageous searchers were no longer to wander on blindly. Harry Grant, +they believed, had found a refuge on the continent, and each heart +was full of the satisfaction that certainty brings when it takes the +place of doubt. In two months, perhaps, the Duncan would land the lost +captain on the shores of Scotland. + +When Captain Mangles seconded the proposal that they should attempt to +cross Australia with the ladies, he supposed that this time he would +accompany the expedition. He therefore consulted Glenarvan on the +subject, and brought forward various arguments in his own favor, such +as his desire to take part in the search for his countryman, and his +usefulness in the undertaking. + +"One question, John," said Glenarvan. "You have absolute confidence in +your mate?" + +"Absolute," replied he. "Tom Austin is a good sailor. He will take the +Duncan to Melbourne, repair her thoroughly, and bring her back at the +appointed time. He is a man devoted to duty and discipline, and will +never take the responsibility of changing or delaying the execution of +an order. You can rely upon him as fully as on myself." + +"Very well, captain," replied Glenarvan; "you shall accompany us; for," +added he, smiling, "you certainly ought to be present when we find Mary +Grant's father." + +"Ah, my lord!" murmured Captain Mangles, with something like a blush +upon his swarthy cheeks. + +[Sidenote: A PALACE-CART.] + +The next day the captain, accompanied by the carpenter and by the +sailors loaded with provisions, returned to the farm of Mr. O'Moore, +who was to assist him in the preparations. All the family were waiting +for him, ready to work under his orders. Ayrton was there, and freely +gave them the benefit of his experience. He and his employer were +agreed on this point, that the ladies ought to make the journey in an +ox-cart, and the gentlemen on horseback. The colonist could procure +them the animals and vehicle. + +The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with an awning, +the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, or tires. +The front wheels were a long way from the hind ones, and were joined +together by a rude contrivance that made it impossible to turn short. +To the body of the cart was attached a pole thirty-five feet long, to +which three pairs of oxen were coupled. The animals, thus arranged, +drew by means of a yoke across their necks, to which the bow was +fastened with an iron pin. It required great skill to manage this long, +narrow, tottering vehicle, and guide the oxen by means of the whip. +But Ayrton had served his apprenticeship at O'Moore's farm, and his +employer guaranteed his dexterity. Upon him, therefore, devolved the +duty of driving. + +The cart, being without springs, was not very easy; but our travelers +were obliged to conform to circumstances as much as they could. As no +change was possible in its rude construction, Captain Mangles arranged +the interior in the most comfortable manner. He divided it into two +compartments by a wooden partition. The rear one was designed for +the provisions, the baggage, and Mr. Olbinett's portable kitchen, +while the forward one was reserved exclusively for the ladies. The +carpenter converted it into a convenient chamber, covered it with a +thick carpet, and furnished it with a dressing-table and two berths for +Lady Helena and Mary Grant. Thick leathern curtains secured privacy, +when necessary, and were a protection against the chilliness of the +night. In rainy weather the men could find shelter under the awning; +but a tent was to serve this purpose at the time of encampment. Captain +Mangles succeeded in crowding into this narrow space all that two +ladies could need, and Lady Helena and Mary Grant did not greatly miss +the comfortable cabins of the Duncan. + +[Sidenote: A RETURN VISIT.] + +As for the men, seven strong horses were apportioned to Lord +Glenarvan, Paganel, Robert Grant, Major MacNabb, Captain Mangles, +and the two sailors, Wilson and Mulready, who accompanied this new +expeditionary party. The horses and oxen grazed near at hand, and could +be easily collected at the moment of departure. + +[Illustration: The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with +an awning, the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, +or tires.] + +Having made his arrangements, and given his orders to the carpenter, +Captain Mangles returned on board with the colonist's family, who +wished to pay Lord Glenarvan a visit. Ayrton thought proper to join +them, and about four o'clock the captain crossed the gangway of the +Duncan. + +Of course, Glenarvan invited his visitors to dinner, and they willingly +accepted his return hospitality. Mr. O'Moore was amazed. The furniture +of the cabins, the tapestry, the upholstery, and the fancy-work of +maple and ebony excited his admiration. Ayrton, on the contrary, gave +only a secondary attention to these costly luxuries. He first examined +the yacht from a sailor's point of view. He explored the hold; he +went down into the engine-room; he looked at the engine, inquired +its effective power and consumption; he visited the coal-house, the +pantry, and the powder-magazine, and took particular interest in the +gun-room and the mounted cannon in the forecastle. Glenarvan now had to +deal with a man who was a critical judge, as he could see by Ayrton's +keen inquiries. At last the quartermaster finished his exploration by +inspecting the masts and rigging; and, after a few moments of general +review, said: + +"You have a fine vessel, my lord." + +"A good one, too," replied Glenarvan. + +"How many tons' burden is she?" + +"Two hundred and ten." + +"Shall I be greatly mistaken," added Ayrton, "if I say that the Duncan +can easily make fifteen knots an hour at full speed?" + +"Say seventeen," interposed the captain, "and you will be nearer +right." + +"Seventeen!" cried the quartermaster: "why, then, no man-of-war, not +even the best, could overtake her." + +"Not one," said the captain. "The Duncan is a real racing yacht, and is +not to be beaten in any way." + +"Not even in sailing?" asked Ayrton. + +"Not even in sailing." + +"Well, my lord, and you, captain, accept the compliments of a sailor +who knows what a vessel is worth." + +"Thanks, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan; "and now remain on board, and it +will be your own fault if the ship is not all you can desire." + +"I will think of it, my lord," said the quartermaster, modestly. + +Mr. Olbinett now approached, and informed Lord Glenarvan that dinner +was ready; and they all adjourned to the saloon. + +"That Ayrton is an intelligent man," said Paganel to the major. + +"Too intelligent!" growled MacNabb, who, without any apparent reason, +disliked the looks and manners of the quartermaster. + +During dinner, Ayrton gave some interesting information concerning +Australia, with which he was perfectly familiar. He inquired the number +of sailors that Glenarvan intended to take with him in his expedition. +When he learned that only two, Wilson and Mulready, were to accompany +them, he seemed astonished. He advised Glenarvan to form his party of +the best seamen of the Duncan. He even insisted upon this point, which +must have removed all suspicion from the mind of the major. + +"But," said Glenarvan, "is there any danger in our journey across +Australia?" + +"None," replied Ayrton. + +[Sidenote: A CHANGE OF RESIDENCE.] + +"Well, then, let us leave on board as many as possible. There must be +men to navigate the Duncan and take charge of her. It is especially +important that she should arrive promptly at the place of meeting, +which we will appoint hereafter. Let us not, therefore, lessen the +crew." + +Ayrton seemed to appreciate this reason, and no longer insisted. + +At evening the party separated. Ayrton and O'Moore's family returned to +their home. The horses and cart were to be ready the next day, and the +travelers were to start at eight o'clock in the morning. + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant now made their last preparations, which were +short and less minute than those of Jacques Paganel. The geographer +passed half the night in unscrewing, cleaning, and screwing on again +the lenses of his telescope. He was still asleep the next morning, when +the major awoke him early with a loud summons. + +The baggage had already been conveyed to the farm through the care of +Captain Mangles. A boat was waiting for the travelers, and they were +not long in embarking. The young captain gave his last orders to Tom +Austin, and instructed him above all to await the commands of Lord +Glenarvan at Melbourne, and execute them scrupulously whatever they +might be. The trusty sailor replied that they might rely on him. In the +name of the crew he offered to his lordship their best wishes for the +success of the expedition. The boat put off, and a thunder of applause +rent the air. In a few moments the party reached the shore, and in no +great length of time arrived at O'Moore's farm. + +Everything was ready. Lady Helena was delighted with her quarters. The +immense cart, with its rude wheels and massive timbers, especially +pleased her. The six oxen yoked in pairs seemed to indicate primeval +simplicity, and were a novel sight. Ayrton, whip in hand, awaited the +orders of his new chief. + +[Illustration: Ayrton and Olbinett took their places respectively in +front and in the rear part of the cart, while Glenarvan, the major, +Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two sailors, mounted their +horses.] + +"I declare!" said Paganel, "this is an admirable vehicle, worth all the +mail-coaches in the world. I know of no better way of traversing the +earth than in this style, like mountebanks. A house that moves when +you please and stops wherever you please is all you can desire." + +[Illustration: The "Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, +and serves to tell of the tortures that our friends had to encounter.] + +"Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady Helena, "I hope to have the pleasure +of receiving you in my parlor." + +"Madam," replied the geographer, "you do me great honor! Have you +chosen a day?" + +"I shall be at home every day for my friends," replied Lady Helena, +smiling, "and you are----" + +"The most devoted of all," added Paganel, gallantly. + +This exchange of compliments was interrupted by the arrival of seven +horses, all harnessed, driven by one of O'Moore's sons. Lord Glenarvan +paid for these new acquisitions, and added many thanks, which the +honest colonist seemed to value as highly as the gold and notes which +he received. + +The signal for departure was now given. Lady Helena and Miss Grant +seated themselves in their compartment, Ayrton and Olbinett took their +places respectively in front and in the rear part of the cart, while +Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two +sailors, all armed with carbines and revolvers, mounted their horses. A +"God bless you" was Mr. O'Moore's parting salute, which was echoed in +chorus by his family. Ayrton uttered a peculiar cry, and started his +long team. The cart moved, the timbers cracked, the axles creaked, and +the farm of the honest hospitable Irishman soon disappeared from view +at the turn of the road. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +AN ACCIDENT. + + +Our travelers made tolerably good progress by their new mode of +conveyance. The heat was great, but endurable, and the road was +quite easy for the horses. They were still in the province of South +Australia, and in this part at least the scenery was not of the +most interesting character. A succession of small hills, with very +dusty tracks, small shrubs, and scant herbage, had to be traversed +for several miles; and when these had been passed they reached the +"Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, and serves to tell +of the tortures that our friends had to encounter. Both the bipeds and +the quadrupeds suffered terribly from the infliction of these flying +pests, whom to avoid was impossible; but there was some consolation for +the former in the spirits of hartshorn, carried in the medicine-chest, +which alleviated the pain caused by the sting of those whom Paganel was +continually consigning to a place and person whom they would not visit. + +But shortly a more pleasant neighborhood was reached. Hedges of +acacias, then a newly cut and better made roadway, then European +imported trees--oaks, olives, and lemons,--then a well-kept fence,--all +these signs told of their approach to Red-gum Station, the home and +settlement of an emigrant engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the +source of so much Australian wealth. It was in itself an establishment +of small importance; but to its owners it was a home, and to its +visitors, on this occasion, it was a hotel, as the "station" generally +is to the traveler. + +[Illustration: Red-gum Station, the home and settlement of an emigrant +engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the source of so much +Australian wealth.] + +[Illustration: The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare +bird,--a "jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; +and its broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in +length.] + +Glenarvan's party invariably found beneath the roof of these solitary +settlers a well-spread and hospitable table; and in the Australian +farmer they always met an obliging host. + +After a night spent at this resting-place the party advanced through a +grove, and at evening encamped on the shores of a brackish and muddy +lake. Mr. Olbinett prepared supper with his usual promptness, and the +travelers--some in the cart and others under the tent--were not long +in falling asleep, in spite of the dismal howlings of the dingos,--the +jackals of Australia. + +The next morning Glenarvan and his companions were greeted with a +magnificent sight. As far as the eye could reach, the landscape seemed +to be one flowery meadow in spring-like luxuriance. The delicate blue +of the slender-leaved flax-plant mingled with the flaming scarlet +of the acanthus, and the ground was clothed with a rich carpet of +green and crimson. After a rapid journey of about ten miles, the cart +wound through tall groups of acacias, mimosas, and white gum-trees. +The vegetable kingdom on these plains did not show itself ungrateful +towards the orb of day, and repaid in perfume and color what it +received in sunshine. + +As for the animal kingdom, it was no less lavish of its products. +Several cassowaries bounded over the plain with unapproachable +swiftness. The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare bird,--a +"jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; and its +broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in length. +The violet and purple colors of its head contrasted strongly with the +lustrous green of its neck, the dazzling white of its breast, and the +vivid red of its long legs. + +[Sidenote: A FOUR-FOOTED ARMY.] + +This bird was greatly admired, and the major would have won the honors +of the day, if young Robert had not encountered a few miles farther +on, and bravely vanquished, an unsightly beast, half hedgehog, half +ant-eater, a chaotic-looking animal, like those of pre-historic +periods. A long, glutinous, extensible tongue hung out of its mouth, +and fished up the ants that constituted its principal food. Of course, +Paganel wished to carry away the hideous creature, and proposed to +put it in the baggage-room; but Mr. Olbinett opposed this with such +indignation that the geographer gave up his idea of preserving this +curious specimen. + +Hitherto few colonists or squatters had been seen. The country seemed +deserted. There was not even the trace of a native; for the savage +tribes wander farther to the north, over the immense wastes watered by +the Darling and the Murray. But now a singular sight was presented to +Glenarvan's party. They were fortunate enough to see one of those vast +herds of cattle which bold speculators bring from the eastern mountains +to the provinces of Victoria and South Australia. + +About four o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Mangles descried, three +miles in advance, an enormous column of dust that spread along the +horizon. What occasioned this? It would have been very difficult to +say. Paganel was inclined to regard it as some phenomenon, for which +his lively imagination already sought a natural cause. But Ayrton +dissipated all his conjectures by declaring that this cloud of dust +proceeded from a drove of cattle. + +The quartermaster was not mistaken. The thick cloud approached, from +the midst of which issued a chorus of bleatings, neighings, and +bellowings, while the human voice mingled in cries and whistles with +this pastoral symphony. A man emerged from the noisy multitude; it was +the commander-in-chief of this four-footed army. Glenarvan advanced to +meet him, and friendly relations were established without ceremony. +The leader, or, to give him his real title, the "stock-keeper," was +proprietor of a part of the herd. His name was Sam Machell, and he +was on his way from the eastern provinces to Portland Bay. His cattle +comprised one thousand oxen, eleven thousand sheep, and seventy-five +horses. All these animals, bought when lean on the plains of the +Blue Mountains, were to be fattened in the healthy pastures of South +Australia, where they would be sold for a large price. + +Sam Machell briefly told his story, while the drove continued its +course through the clumps of mimosas. Lady Helena, Mary Grant, and +the horsemen dismounted, and, seated in the shade of a huge gum-tree, +listened to the stock-keeper's narrative. + +He had set out seven months before, and had made about ten miles a day, +at which rate his journey would last three months longer. To aid him +in this laborious task, he had with him twenty dogs and thirty men. +Five of the men were blacks, who are very skillful in recovering stray +animals. Six carts followed the drove; and the drivers, provided with +stock-whips, the handles of which were eighteen inches and the lashes +nine feet in length, moved among the ranks and maintained order, while +the canine light dragoons hovered about on the wings. + +The travelers were amazed at the discipline of this novel army. The +different classes advanced separately, for wild oxen and sheep do +not associate well; the first will never graze where the second have +passed. Hence it was necessary to place the oxen at the head; and these +accordingly, divided into two battalions, took the lead. Five regiments +of sheep, commanded by five drivers, followed, and the platoon of +horses formed the rear-guard. + +The stock-keeper observed to his hearers that the leaders of the army +were neither dogs nor men, but oxen, whose superiority was recognized +by their mates. They advanced in the front rank with perfect gravity, +choosing the best course by instinct, and thoroughly convinced of their +right to be treated with consideration. + +[Sidenote: AN UNFORESEEN HINDRANCE.] + +Thus the discipline was maintained, for the drove obeyed them without +resistance. If it pleased them to stop, the others were obliged to +yield, and it was useless to attempt to resume the line of march if the +leaders did not give the signal. + +Such was Sam Machell's account, during which a great part of the +herd had advanced in good order. It was now time for him to join his +army, and choose the best pastures. He therefore took leave of Lord +Glenarvan, mounted a fine native horse that one of his men was holding +for him, and a few moments after had disappeared in a cloud of dust, +while the cart, resuming its interrupted journey, stopped at nightfall +at the foot of Mount Talbot. + +The next day they reached the shores of the Wimerra, which is half a +mile wide, and flows in a limpid stream between tall rows of gum-trees +and acacias. Magnificent myrtles raised aloft their long, drooping +branches, adorned with crimson flowers, while thousands of goldfinches, +chaffinches, and golden-winged pigeons, not to speak of chattering +parrots, fluttered about in the foliage. Below, on the surface of the +stream, sported a pair of black swans, shy and unapproachable. + +Meantime the cart had stopped on a carpet of turf whose fringes hung +over the swiftly flowing waters. There was neither raft nor bridge, but +they must cross at all hazard. Ayrton busied himself in searching for +a practicable ford. A quarter of a mile up-stream, the river seemed to +him less deep, and from this point he resolved to reach the other bank. +Various soundings gave a depth of only three feet. The cart could, +therefore, pass over this shallow without running much risk. + +"Is there no other way of crossing the river?" asked Glenarvan of the +quartermaster. + +"No, my lord," replied Ayrton; "but this passage does not seem to me +dangerous. We can extricate ourselves from any difficulty." + +"Shall Lady Helena and Miss Grant leave the cart?" + +"Not at all. My oxen are sure-footed, and I will engage to keep them in +the right track." + +"Well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan, "I trust to you." + +The horsemen surrounded the heavy vehicle, and the party boldly entered +the river. Usually, when these fordings are attempted, the carts are +encircled by a ring of empty barrels, which support them on the water. +But here this buoyant girdle was wanting, and it was, therefore, +necessary to confide to the sagacity of the oxen, guided by the +cautious Ayrton. The major and the two sailors dashed through the rapid +current some distance ahead, while Glenarvan and Captain Mangles, one +on each side of the cart, stood ready to assist the ladies, and Paganel +and Robert brought up the rear. + +Everything went well till they reached the middle of the river, but +here the depth increased, and the water rose above the felloes. The +oxen, if thrown out of their course, might lose their footing and +overturn the unsteady vehicle. Ayrton exerted himself to the utmost. He +leaped into the water, and, seizing the oxen by the horns, succeeded in +keeping them in the right track. + +At this moment an accident, impossible to foresee, took place. A crack +was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming angle; the water reached +the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle threatened to give way. +It was an anxious moment. + +Fortunately a vigorous blow upon the yoke brought the cart nearer the +shore. The river grew shallower, and soon men and beasts were in safety +on the opposite bank. Only the front wheels of the cart were damaged, +and Glenarvan's horse had lost the shoes of his fore-feet. + +This mishap required immediate repair. The travelers gazed at each +other in some degree of perplexity, when Ayrton proposed to go to Black +Point Station, twenty miles to the north, and bring a farrier. + +[Sidenote: FOOD, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL.] + +"Very well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "How much time do you need to make +the journey and return to the encampment?" + +"Fifteen hours," replied Ayrton. + +"Go, then; and, while waiting for your return, we will encamp on the +banks of the Wimerra." + +A few moments after, the quartermaster, mounted on Wilson's horse, +disappeared behind the thick curtain of mimosas. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS. + + +After the departure of Ayrton, and during this compulsory halt, +promenades and conversations became the order of the day. There was +an abundance of agreeable surroundings to talk about, and nature +seemed dressed in one of her most attractive garbs. Birds, novel and +varied in their plumage, with flowers such as they had never before +gazed on, were the constant theme of the travelers' remark; and when, +in addition, they had in Mr. Olbinett one who knew how to spread +before them and make the best of all the culinary novelties that were +within reach, a very substantial foundation was possible for the +"feast of reason and the flow of soul" which followed, and for which, +as usual, they were to no small extent indebted to their learned +historico-geographical professor, whose stock of information was as +varied as it was pleasant. + +[Illustration: A crack was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming +angle; the water reached the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle +threatened to give way. It was an anxious moment.] + +After dinner the traveling party had, as if in anticipation, seated +themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; the young moon was +rising high into the heavens, lengthening the twilight, and prolonging +it into the evening hour; whilst the smoke of the major's cigar was +seen curling upwards, losing itself in the foliage of the tree. + + +[Illustration: After dinner the traveling party had, as if in +anticipation, seated themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; +the young moon was rising high into the heavens, lengthening the +twilight, and prolonging it into the evening hour.] + +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena, "you have never given us the +history that you promised when you supplied us with that long list of +names." + +The gentleman addressed did not require any lengthened entreaties on +this subject, but, with an attentive auditory, and in the grandest +of all lecture-rooms, he rehearsed to them the two great dramas of +Australian travel, which have made the names of Burke and Stuart +immortal in the history of that continent. + +He told them that it was on the 20th of August, 1860, that Robert +O'Hara Burke set out, under the auspices of the Royal Society of +Melbourne, to cross the continent from south to north, and so to reach +the Indian Ocean. Eleven others--including a botanist, an astronomer, +and an army officer--accompanied him, with horses and other beasts of +burden. But the expedition did not long continue so numerous or so well +provided; in consequence of misunderstandings, several returned, and +Burke pressed on with but few followers and fewer aids. Again, on the +20th of November, he still further diminished his numbers by leaving +behind at an encampment several of his companions, that he and three +others might press on towards the north with as little incumbrance as +possible. After a very painful journey across a stony desert, they +arrived at the extreme point reached by Stuart in 1845; and from this +point, after determining as accurately as possible their latitude and +longitude, they again started northward and seaward. + +[Sidenote: LYING DOWN TO DIE.] + +By the 7th of January they had gone so far as to reach the southern +limit of the tropical heat; and now under a scorching sun, deceived by +the mirage, often without water, and then hailing a storm as a source +of refreshment, now and then meeting with the aborigines, who could in +no wise help them, they had indeed a hard road to travel, though having +neither rivers, lakes, nor mountains to bar their path. + +At length, however, there were various signs that they were approaching +the sea; by-and-by they reached the bank of a river which flows into +the Gulf of Carpentaria; and finally Burke and Wills, after terrible +hardships, arrived at the point where the sea-water flowed up to and +inundated the marshes, though the sea-shore itself they did not reach. +With naught but barrenness in sight on either hand, their great desire +was to get back and rejoin their companions; but peril after peril +awaited them, many of which their note-book has preserved an account +of, but many more will be forever unrecorded. The three survivors +(for one of the party had succumbed to the hardships) now strained +every effort to reach the encampment, where they hoped to find their +companions and a store of provisions. On the 21st of April they +gained the goal, but the prize was missing; only seven hours before, +after five months of waiting in vain, their companions had taken +their departure. Of course nothing remained but to follow them with +their feeble strength and scanty means of subsistence; but calamities +still dogged their footsteps, and at last the leader, Burke, lay down +exhausted, saying to his companion, King, "I have not many hours to +live; here are my watch and my notes; when I am dead, place a pistol +in my right hand, and leave me without burial." His forebodings were +realized, and the next morning he died. King, in despair, went in +search of some Australian tribe, for now Wills had begun to sink, +and he shortly afterwards died also. At length the sole survivor was +rescued by an expedition sent out in search of Burke; and thus the sad +tale was told of this Australian tragedy. + +[Illustration: "When I am dead, place a pistol in my right hand, and +leave me without burial." His forebodings were realized, and the next +morning he died.] + +The narrative concerning Stuart was a less melancholy one, though the +trials endured on his expedition were likewise great. Aided by the +parliament of South Australia, he likewise proceeded northward, +in the year 1862, about seven degrees to the west of the line taken +by Burke. He found his route to be a more accessible and easy one +than the other, and was rewarded for his toil when, on the 24th of +July, he beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly unfurled +the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest tree he +could find. His return to the inhabited regions was successfully +accomplished, and his entry into Adelaide, on the 17th of December, was +an ovation indeed. But his health was shattered, and, after receiving +the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society, and returning to his +native Scotland, he died on the 5th of June, 1866. + +[Illustration: He beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly +unfurled the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest +tree he could find.] + +The histories of these Australian travels were lengthy, as told by +Paganel. When he had finished, hope and despair seemed to fight for the +mastery in the breasts of his listeners; but they did not fight long, +for peaceful slumbers soon enwrapped the company, except those whose +turn it was to watch over their fellow-travelers. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +CRIME OR CALAMITY? + + +[Sidenote: THE MISCHIEF REPAIRED.] + +It was not without a certain feeling of apprehension that the major +had seen Ayrton leave the Wimerra to procure a farrier at Black Point +Station. However, he did not breathe a word of his personal suspicions, +but contented himself with exploring the surroundings of the river, +whose tranquillity was undisturbed. As for Glenarvan, his only fear was +to see Ayrton return alone. In the absence of skilled labor, the cart +could not resume its journey, which would be interrupted for several +days perhaps; and his longings for success and eagerness to attain his +end admitted of no delay. + +Fortunately, Ayrton had lost neither his time nor his trouble. The +next morning he reappeared at break of day. A man accompanied him, by +profession a farrier. He was a tall, stout fellow, but of a low and +brutish appearance, which did not prepossess one in his favor. However, +this was of little importance, if he knew his business. At all events +his breath was not wasted in idle words. + +"Is he an efficient workman?" inquired Captain Mangles of the +quartermaster. + +"I know no more than you, captain," replied Ayrton. "We shall see." + +The farrier began his work. He was a man who understood his trade, as +one could see by the way in which he repaired the wheels of the cart. +He labored skillfully and with uncommon energy. + +During the operation, the major noticed that the farrier's wrists were +considerably eroded, and that they were each encircled by a blackish +ring of extravasated blood. These were the marks of recent wounds, +which the sleeves of a miserable woolen shirt but partially concealed. +MacNabb questioned the man about these erosions, which must have been +very painful. He, however, made no reply, but stolidly kept on at his +work. + +Two hours after, the injuries of the cart were repaired. As for +Glenarvan's horse, he was quickly shod. The farrier had taken care to +bring shoes all prepared. There was a peculiarity about them, however, +which did not escape the major. It was a trefoil rudely carved on the +outer rim. He pointed it out to Ayrton. + +"It is the Black Point mark," replied the quartermaster, "which enables +them to follow the tracks of the horses that stray from the station, +and not confound them with others." + +The farrier, having done all that was required of him, now claimed his +wages, and departed without having spoken four words. + +Half an hour later, the travelers were on the move. Beyond the curtain +of mimosas extended a broad, uncovered space, which justly deserved its +name of "open plain." Fragments of quartz and ferruginous rocks lay +among the bushes, tall grass, and hedgerows that protected numerous +flocks. Several miles farther on, the wheels of the cart sank deeply +in the marshy lowlands, through which ran winding creeks, half hidden +beneath a canopy of gigantic rushes. The journey, notwithstanding, was +neither difficult nor tedious. + +Lady Helena invited the horsemen to call upon her in turn, for her +parlor was very small. Each was thus relieved from the fatigue of +horseback riding, and enjoyed the society of this amiable lady, +who, assisted by Miss Mary, performed with perfect grace the honors +of her movable mansion. Captain Mangles was not forgotten in these +invitations, and his rather sober conversation was not at all +displeasing. + +At eleven o'clock they arrived at Carlsbrook, quite an important +municipality. Ayrton thought it best to pass by the city without +entering. Glenarvan was of the same opinion; but Paganel, always +eager for something new, desired to visit the place. Accordingly, +the geographer, taking Robert with him as usual, started on his +explorations, while the cart slowly continued its journey. Their +inspection of the town was very rapid, and shortly afterwards they had +joined their companions. + +While they were passing through this region, the travelers requested +Paganel to give them some account of its progress, and the geographer, +in compliance with their wishes, had just begun a lecture upon the +civilization of the country, when he was interrupted by a shrill +whistle. The party were not a mile from the railroad. A locomotive, +coming from the south, and going slowly, had stopped just where +the road they were following crossed the iron track. At this point +the railway passes over the Lutton on an iron bridge, and thither +Ayrton directed his cart, preceded by the horsemen. The travelers +were attracted, moreover, by a lively feeling of curiosity, for +a considerable crowd was already rushing towards the bridge. The +inhabitants of the neighboring stations, leaving their houses, and the +shepherds their flocks, lined the sides of the track. Frequent cries +were heard. Some serious event must have taken place to cause such +excitement,--a great accident, perhaps. + +[Illustration: A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, but a +running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled with +the fragments of cars and locomotives.] + +Glenarvan, followed by his companions, urged on his horse, and in a few +moments arrived at Camden Bridge. Here the cause of this agitation was +at once manifest. A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, +but a running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled +with the fragments of cars and locomotives. Either the bridge had +given way, or the engine had run off the track; for five coaches out +of six had been precipitated into the bed of the Lutton. The last car, +miraculously preserved by the breaking of its coupling, stood on the +very verge of the abyss. Below was to be seen nothing but a terrible +heap of blackened and bent axle-trees, broken cars, twisted rails, and +charred timbers. The boiler, which had burst at the shock, had thrown +its iron plates to an enormous distance. From this mass of unsightly +objects issued flames and spiral wreaths of steam, mingled with black +smoke. Large spots of blood, scattered limbs, and trunks of burnt +bodies appeared here and there; and no one dared to estimate the number +of victims buried beneath the ruins. + +Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, and Captain Mangles mingled with the +crowd, and listened to the conjectures that passed from one to another. +Each sought to explain the catastrophe, while laboring to save what was +left. + +"The bridge has broken," said one. + +[Sidenote: CAUSES AND EFFECTS.] + +"Broken?" replied others. "That cannot be, for it is still uninjured. +They forgot to close it for the passage of the train, that is all." + +It was a draw-bridge, which had been constructed for the convenience of +the shipping. Had the man on guard, through unpardonable negligence, +forgotten to close it, and thus precipitated the train, at full speed, +into the bed of the Lutton? This supposition seemed plausible, for one +half of the bridge lay beneath the fragments of the cars, while the +other still hung intact in its chains. Doubt was no longer possible; +surely carelessness must have caused the calamity. + +The accident had happened to the night express, which left Melbourne +at forty-five minutes past eleven. It must have been a quarter-past +three in the morning when the train reached Camden Bridge, where this +terrible destruction of life and property took place. The travelers +and employs of the last car at once busied themselves in seeking +assistance; but the telegraph-wires, whose poles lay on the ground, +were no longer available. It took the authorities of Castlemaine three +hours to reach the scene of the disaster; and it was, therefore, six +o'clock in the morning before a corps of workers was organized under +the direction of the surveyor-general of the district, and a detachment +of policemen, commanded by an officer. The squatters had come to their +aid, and exerted themselves to extinguish the fire, which consumed the +heap of ruins with unconquerable fierceness. Several unrecognizable +bodies lay on the edge of the embankment, but it was impossible +to rescue a living being from this furnace. The fire had rapidly +accomplished the work of destruction. Of the travelers in the train, +whose number was not known, only ten survived, those in the last car. +The railroad company had just sent an extra locomotive to convey them +to Castlemaine. + +Meantime, Lord Glenarvan, having made the acquaintance of the +surveyor-general, was conversing with him and the police-officer. The +latter was a tall, thin man, of imperturbable coolness, who, if he +had any feeling, betrayed no sign of it on his impassible features. +He was like a mathematician engaged upon a problem; he was seeking to +elucidate the mystery of the disaster. To Glenarvan's first words, +"This is a great calamity!" he replied, calmly, "It is more than that." + +"More than that!" cried Glenarvan; "and what can be more than that?" + +"It is a crime!" replied the officer, coolly. + +Glenarvan turned to Mr. Mitchell, the surveyor-general, with a +questioning look. + +"That is correct," said the latter; "our examination has convinced us +that the catastrophe is the result of a crime. The last baggage-wagon +was robbed. The surviving travelers were attacked by a party of five or +six malefactors. The bridge was opened intentionally; and, taking into +account this fact with the disappearance of the guard, I cannot but +come to the conclusion that the miserable man was the accomplice of the +criminals." + +The police-officer, at these words, slowly shook his head. + +"You are not of my opinion?" inquired Mr. Mitchell. + +"Not as regards the complicity of the guard." + +"At any rate, this assumed complicity," continued the surveyor-general, +"enables us to attribute the crime to the natives who wander about the +country. Without the guard's assistance these natives could not have +opened the draw-bridge, for they do not understand its working." + +"Exactly," replied the officer. + +"Now, it is known," added Mr. Mitchell, "from the testimony of a +boatman, whose boat passed Camden Bridge at forty minutes past ten in +the evening, that the bridge was closed according to regulation, after +his passage." + +"Quite right." + +[Illustration: In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a +corpse. It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had +pierced him to the heart.] + +"Therefore the complicity of the guard seems to me to be proved +incontestably." + +The officer again made a gesture of dissent. + +"Then you do not attribute the crime to the natives?" inquired +Glenarvan. + +"I do not." + +"To whom, then?" + +At this moment a loud uproar was heard half a mile up the river. A +crowd had formed, which rapidly increased, and was now approaching the +station. In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a corpse. +It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had pierced +him to the heart. The assassins had dragged the body some distance from +Camden Bridge, doubtless intending by this means to mislead the police +in their first investigations. This discovery clearly justified the +doubts of the officer. The natives had no hand in the crime. + +"Those who struck the blow," said he, "are persons already familiar +with the use of these little instruments." + +As he spoke he displayed a pair of "darbies," a kind of manacles +consisting of a double ring of iron, furnished with a padlock. + +"Before long," added he, "I shall have the pleasure of presenting them +with these bracelets as a new year's gift." + +"Then you suspect----?" + +"People who have 'traveled free on Her Majesty's vessels.'" + +"What! convicts?" cried Paganel, who recognized the phrase employed in +the Australian colonies. + +"I thought," observed Glenarvan, "that those who have been transported +had no right to stay in the province of Victoria." + +"Ah, well," replied the officer, "if they have not the right, they take +it! Sometimes they escape; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, these +fellows have come direct from Perth. Well, they shall return again, you +may be sure." + +[Sidenote: A RAILROAD SLEEPER.] + +Mr. Mitchell nodded approvingly at the words of the officer. At this +moment the cart arrived at the railroad crossing. Glenarvan, wishing +to spare the ladies the spectacle at Camden Bridge, took leave of the +surveyor-general, and made a sign to his companions to follow him. + +"There is no occasion," said he, "for us to interrupt our journey." + +On reaching the cart, Glenarvan simply told Lady Helena that a railroad +accident had taken place, without mentioning the part that the convicts +had played in the catastrophe. He reserved this matter that he might +question Ayrton in private. The little party then crossed the track, +not far above the bridge, and resumed their route towards the east. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +FRESH FACES. + + +They had not proceeded far before they reached a native cemetery, +pleasantly situated and with abundance of shady trees. Here for a +time they halted, and, whilst Robert and Paganel were exploring, Lord +and Lady Glenarvan almost stumbled over a queer object. It was human, +indigenous, and sleeping; but at first this was all that they could +decide, until, as the eyes opened and the sleeper roused to active +life, they saw before them a boy of eight years, with a notice pinned +to the back of his jacket which read as follows: "TOLIN*, to be +conducted to Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid." + +[Illustration: A boy of eight years, with a notice pinned to the back +of his jacket which read as follows: "Tolin, to be conducted to +Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid."] + +Here, it would seem, was another waif that Providence had cast in their +path. They questioned him, and his answers were pertinent and clear. He +had been educated in the Wesleyan Methodist day-school at Melbourne, +and was now going for a time to visit his parents, who were living +with the rest of their tribe in Lachlan. He had been in the train to +which the accident had happened, and had, with childlike confidence, +troubled less about his fate than did those of older years. Going to a +little distance, and laying himself on the grass, he had soon fallen +into the slumber from which our travelers had aroused him. + +[Illustration: Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and +Tolin had to answer many a question. He came out of his examination +very creditably.] + +Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and Tolin had to answer +many a question. He came out of his examination very creditably; the +reverence with which he spoke of the Creator and of the Bible produced +a very favorable impression on the Scottish heads of the expedition, +whilst the fact that he had taken "the first prize in geography" was +sufficient introduction to Monsieur Paganel, who forthwith tested his +knowledge, greatly to his own satisfaction, and considerably to the +credit of his young pupil. The curiosity of his discoverers having been +fully satisfied, Tolin was made welcome, and partook with the others +of the general repast. Many were the plans and purposes concerning +him, and much wonder was expressed as to how they could speed him on +his way; but in the morning it was discovered that he had solved the +problem for himself, and a bouquet of fresh leaves and flowers, laid by +the side of Lady Helena's seat, was the only memento that Tolin had +left. + +[Sidenote: A GOLDEN CITY.] + +The party were now approaching the district which, in the years 1851 +and 1852, was so much talked of throughout the civilized world, +and attracted from all parts so many reckless adventurers and +fortune-hunters. The line of the thirty-seventh parallel, on which they +were traveling, led them through the diggings and municipality of Mount +Alexander, which was one of the most successful spots for the digger at +the commencement of the gold fever, in consequence of the comparatively +level nature of the ground and the general richness of the soil, so +different from some other localities where only once in a while was +some enormous nugget to be found. As they drew near to the streets of +this hastily-built town, Ayrton and Mulready, who were in charge of the +cart, were sent forward, whilst the others walked through the place to +inspect what there might be of interest, as well as to ascertain what +might be learned concerning the object of their expedition. + +Thus, in this strange gathering of all nationalities and creeds and +professions, the regular inhabitants beheld a still more extraordinary +sight than that every day afforded them: folks who to the refinement +which education and civilization give added both the earnestness +of the worker and the freshness and vigor of the pleasure-seeking +tourist. In the streets, in connection with the strange sign-boards and +announcements, the novel erections and purposes to which some of them +were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary for every one. + +Still more did he expatiate upon the thousand-and-one topics of +interest when they visited the bank building, which here is the +centre of more than one agency connected with this great gold-bearing +district. Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be seen +specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold has +been found, whether in combination with clay or other minerals, or--as +it is sometimes, to the great joy of the finder, discovered--_pur +et simple_. Here also were models, diagrams, and even the tools +themselves, to illustrate the different methods by which the object +of search was dug out, or washed, or crushed, or tested. Here also +was an almost unequaled collection of precious stones, gems of all +sorts, making the gallery in which they were placed a real Golconda +for its wealth and attractions. Besides all this, here was the centre +of the varied agencies by which the reports were brought in from the +companies established for mining purposes, and also from each isolated +worker, of the space purchased, the number of feet or yards dug, the +ore extracted, the comparative richness or poverty of the soil here, +there, and elsewhere, which in their summarized and aggregate form have +greatly helped to a correct knowledge of the comparative and absolute +gold-bearing value of various spots. Then, in addition to the usual +operations of a banking establishment, it was here that the ore was +stored, from hence that it was sent, under government escort and with +government guarantee, subject to a fixed, though moderate, charge, +so that the transport to Melbourne, which at first was a dangerous +and expensive "middle passage," was now as easily and inexpensively +accomplished as is the transmission of freight from London to Paris. + +[Illustration: In the streets, in connection with the strange +sign-boards and announcements, the novel erections and purposes to +which some of them were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary +for every one.] + +Over the whole of this establishment they were conducted by the most +courteous and obliging of officials, and the services thus rendered +charmed the Frenchman, who was none the less loquacious, and was in +truth able even to enlighten his guides. + +[Illustration: Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be +seen specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold +has been found.] + +[Sidenote: PLEASING PROGRESS.] + +But his joy culminated when, after some time spent in the hotel, the +party left the town, and passed through the "diggings," properly so +called. It was difficult to persuade Paganel and Robert--who kept +together--to come on, in order that they might not leave Ayrton and +Mulready too long in suspense. Now the Frenchman would see just the key +that he needed to understand a point not before clear to him; anon you +might see him as in the illustration, when he had picked up a pebble +and was sure that it was in itself so interesting as a mineralogical +specimen that he must treasure it up for the Bank of France, so that +his own land might have at least one part of Australia. All this was +done with such a mingling of childish good-nature and scientific and +national pride that it was useless to do anything but laugh, and an +irrepressible smile came over even the major's features. At length, +however, by drawing him into a lecture, they succeeded in persuading +him to follow them; and, as they left the diggings, he told them the +history of the prophecies, the discovery, and the spread of knowledge +as to the rich auriferous deposits of this part of Australia. He +could give them facts and incidents and dates as to the ingress into +Melbourne, and the exodus therefrom to the diggings, in the year 1852; +he told them how the energy and the love of order which characterize +the English-speaking peoples had reduced to system, method, +subordination, the chaotic surgings and restlessness which marked the +first weeks and months of this new era; and he detailed, as though +he had studied the subject to the entire neglect of other matters, +the working of the system,--how the land was registered, what was the +sum paid in the aggregate, how the taxes were collected, wherein the +system had been found faulty. All this occupied much time, and, before +he had finished, the cart was in sight, in which Lady Helena and Miss +Grant reseated themselves, and for the remainder of the day and the +succeeding night their progress was in the accustomed order. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +A WARNING. + + +At sunrise the travelers left the gold regions and crossed the +frontiers of the county of Talbot. Their line of travel now struck +the dusty roads of the county of Dalhousie. Half the journey was +accomplished. In fifteen days more of travel equally rapid the little +party would reach the shores of Twofold Bay. Moreover, every one was in +good health. Paganel's assertions as to the salubrity of this climate +were verified. There was little or no moisture, and the heat was quite +endurable. Neither men nor animals complained. + +[Illustration: Anon you might see him as in the illustration, when +he had picked up a pebble and was sure that it was in itself so +interesting as a mineralogical specimen that he must treasure it up for +the Bank of France.] [Sidenote: A PILLARED GROVE.] + +Only one change had been made in the line of march since leaving +Camden Bridge. The criminal disaster on the railway, when made known +to Ayrton, had induced him to take precautions hitherto needless. +The horsemen were not to lose sight of the cart. During the hours of +encampment one of them was always on guard. Morning and evening the +priming of the fire-arms was renewed. It was certain that a band of +malefactors were scouring the country; and, although nothing gave cause +for immediate suspicion, still it was necessary to be ready for any +emergency. + +In truth they had reason to act thus. An imprudence, or negligence +even, might cost them dear. Glenarvan, moreover, was not alone in +giving heed to this state of affairs. In the isolated towns and +stations the inhabitants and squatters took precautions against any +attack or surprise. The houses were closed at nightfall. The dogs were +let loose within the palisades, and barked at the slightest alarm. +There was not a shepherd, collecting his numerous flocks on horseback +for the evening return, who did not carry a carbine suspended from the +pommel of his saddle. The news of the crime committed at Camden Bridge +was the reason for this excessive caution, and many a colonist who had +formerly slept with open doors and windows now carefully locked his +house at twilight. + +After awhile, the cart entered a grove of giant trees, the finest +they had hitherto seen. There was a cry of admiration at sight of the +eucalyptuses, two hundred feet high, whose spongy bark was five inches +in thickness. The trunks measured twenty feet in circumference, and +were furrowed by streams of odorous sap. Not a branch, not a twig, not +a wanton shoot, not even a knot, disfigured their perfect symmetry. +They could not have issued smoother from the hand of the turner. They +were like so many columns exactly mated, and could be counted by +hundreds, spreading at a vast height into capitals of finely-shaped +branches adorned with vertical leaves, from which hung solitary +flowers, whose calices were like inverted urns. + +Under this evergreen canopy the air circulated freely. A continual +ventilation absorbed the moisture of the earth, and horses, herds of +cattle, and carts could easily pass between these trees, which were +widely separated and arranged in straight rows. It was neither a +wood with thickets crowded and obstructed by brambles, nor a virgin +forest barricaded with fallen trunks and entangled with inextricable +parasites, where only axe and fire can clear a way for the pioneers. +A carpet of herbage below, and a sheet of verdure above; long vistas +of noble pillars; little shade or coolness; a peculiar light, like +the rays that sift through a delicate tissue; shadows sharply defined +upon the ground: all this constituted a strange sight. The forests of +Oceanica are entirely different from those of the New World, and the +eucalyptus--the "tara" of the aborigines--is the most perfect tree of +the Australian flora. + +The shade is not dense, nor the darkness profound, beneath these domes +of verdure, owing to a strange peculiarity in the arrangement of the +leaves of the eucalyptus. Not one presents its face to the sun, but +only its sharp edge. The eye sees nothing but profiles in this singular +foliage. Thus the rays of the sun glide to the earth as if they had +passed between the slats of a window-blind. + +Every one observed this and seemed surprised. Why this particular +arrangement? This question was naturally addressed to Paganel, who +replied like a man who is never at fault. + +"What astonishes me," said he, "is not the freak of nature, for she +knows what she does; but botanists do not always know what they say. +Nature was not mistaken in giving to these trees this singular foliage; +but men are wrong in calling them eucalyptuses." + +"What does the word mean?" asked Mary Grant. + +"It comes from the Greek words [Greek: eu kalypt], signifying _I cover +well_. But you all see that the eucalyptus covers badly." + +[Sidenote: A SILENT MARCH.] + +"Just so, my dear Paganel," replied Glenarvan; "and now tell us why the +leaves grow thus." + +"In this country, where the air is dry," said Paganel, "where rains +are rare and the soil is parched, the trees need neither wind nor +sun. Hence these narrow leaves seek to defend themselves against the +elements and preserve themselves from too great an evaporation. They +therefore present their edges, and not their faces, to the action of +the solar rays. There is nothing more intelligent than a leaf." + +"Nor more selfish," remarked the major. "They thought only of +themselves, and not at all of travelers." + +The entire party was inclined to be of MacNabb's opinion, except +Paganel, who, as he wiped his face, congratulated himself upon +traveling beneath these shadowless trees. However, this arrangement of +foliage was to be regretted; for the journey through these forests is +frequently very long and painful, since nothing protects the traveler +from the heat of the sun. + +All day long our travelers pursued their way under these interminable +arches. They met neither quadruped nor human being. A few cockatoos +inhabited the tops of the trees; but at that height they could scarcely +be distinguished, and their chattering was an almost inaudible murmur. +Sometimes a flock of parrots would shoot across a distant vista, +illumining it with a rapid flash of variegated light. But generally a +deep silence reigned in this vast temple of verdure, and the measured +tread of the horses, a few words exchanged now and then in desultory +conversation, the creaking of the cart-wheels, and from time to time a +cry from Ayrton as he urged on his sluggish team, were the only sounds +that disturbed this vast solitude. + +[Illustration: They were like so many columns exactly mated, and could +be counted by hundreds.] + +At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that bore the marks +of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, for the flames +had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire length. +Having only this shell of bark remaining, they no longer suffered +severely from this treatment. However, this lamentable habit of the +squatters and natives will finally destroy these magnificent trees, and +they will disappear like the cedars of Lebanon, so many centuries old, +consumed by the careless fires of wandering encampments. + +[Illustration: At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that +bore the marks of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, +for the flames had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire +length.] + +Olbinett, according to Paganel's advice, kindled a fire in one of these +tubular trunks. He obtained a draught at once, and the smoke soon +disappeared in the dark mass of foliage. The necessary precautions were +taken for the night, and Ayrton, Mulready, Wilson, and Captain Mangles +watched by turns till sunrise. + +During all the next day the interminable forest presented its long, +monotonous avenues, till it seemed as if it would never end. Towards +evening, however, the rows of trees became thinner; and a few miles +farther on, upon a small plain, appeared a collection of regularly +built houses. + +"Seymour!" cried Paganel. "This is the last place we shall meet with +before leaving the province of Victoria." + +"Is it an important town?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"Madam," replied he, "it is a simple parish that would like to become a +municipality." + +"Shall we find a comfortable hotel?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I hope so," answered the geographer. + +"Well, then, let us go into the town; for the ladies will not be sorry, +I imagine, to rest here one night." + +"My dear Edward," replied Lady Helena, "Mary and I accept; but on the +condition that it shall cause no trouble or delay." + +"None at all," said Lord Glenarvan. "Moreover, our oxen are fatigued. +To-morrow we will start at break of day." + +[Sidenote: A TALK AFTER SUPPER.] + +It was now nine o'clock. The moon was approaching the horizon, and her +rays were dimmed by the gathering mist. The darkness was increasing. +The whole party, accordingly, entered the broad street of Seymour under +the guidance of Paganel, who always seemed to be perfectly acquainted +with what he had never seen. But his instinct directed him, and he went +straight to Campbell's North British Hotel. Horses and oxen were taken +to the stable, the cart was put under the shed, and the travelers were +conducted to quite comfortable apartments. + +At ten o'clock the guests took their seats at a table, over which +Olbinett had cast his experienced eye. Paganel had just explored the +town, in company with Robert, and now related his nocturnal impressions +in a very laconic style. He had seen absolutely nothing. + +However, a man less absent-minded would have observed a certain +excitement in the streets of Seymour. Groups were formed here and +there, which gradually increased. People talked at the doors of the +houses, and questioned each other with an air of anxiety. Various daily +papers were read aloud, commented upon, and discussed. These signs, +one might suppose, could not have escaped the most careless observer; +Paganel, however, had suspected nothing. + +The major, on the contrary, without even leaving the hotel, had +ascertained the fears that were agitating the little community. Ten +minutes' conversation with the loquacious landlord had informed him; +but he did not utter a word. Not until supper was over, and Lady +Helena, Mary, and Robert had retired to their chambers, did the major +say to his companions: + +"They have traced the authors of the crime committed at Camden Bridge." + +"Have they been arrested?" asked Ayrton, quickly. + +"No," replied MacNabb, without seeming to notice the eagerness of the +quartermaster. + +"So much the worse," added Ayrton. + +"Well," inquired Glenarvan, "to whom do they attribute the crime?" + +"Read," said the major, handing to Glenarvan a copy of the _Australian +and New Zealand Gazette_, "and you will see that the police-officer was +not mistaken." + +Glenarvan read aloud the following passage: + +"Sydney, Jan. 2, 1865.--It will be remembered that on the night of +December 29 an accident took place at Camden Bridge, five miles from +Castlemaine Station, on the Melbourne and Sandhurst Railway, by which +the night express was precipitated at full speed into the Lutton River. +Numerous thefts committed after the accident, and the corpse of the +guard found half a mile above, prove that it was the result of a crime; +and, in accordance with the verdict at the inquest, this crime is to +be attributed to a band of convicts who escaped, six months ago, from +the Perth penitentiary, in Western Australia, as they were about to +be transferred to Norfolk Island. These convicts are twenty-nine in +number, and are commanded by a certain Ben Joyce, a dangerous criminal, +who arrived in Australia several months ago in some way, and upon whom +justice has not yet succeeded in laying hands. The inhabitants of the +cities, and the colonists and squatters of the stations, are warned +to be on their guard, and requested to send to the undersigned any +information which may assist his investigations. + + "J. P. MITCHELL, Surveyor-General." + + * * * * * + +When Glenarvan had finished reading this article, MacNabb turned to the +geographer and said: + +"You see, Paganel, that there may yet be convicts in Australia." + +"Runaways there may be, of course," replied Paganel, "but not those +who have been transported and regularly received. These people have no +right to be here." + +"Well, at any rate they are here," continued Glenarvan; "but I do not +suppose that their presence need cause us to change our plans or delay +our journey. What do you think, captain?" + +[Sidenote: LOOKING AT BOTH SIDES.] + +Captain Mangles did not answer immediately. He hesitated between the +grief that the abandonment of the search would cause the two children, +and the fear of compromising the safety of the party. + +"If Lady Glenarvan and Miss Grant were not with us," said he, "I should +care very little for this band of wretches." + +Glenarvan understood him, and added: + +"Of course it is not advisable to give up our undertaking; but perhaps +it would be prudent for the sake of the ladies to join the Duncan at +Melbourne, and continue our search for Captain Grant towards the east. +What do you think, MacNabb?" + +"Before replying," said the major, "I should like to hear Ayrton's +opinion." + +The quartermaster, thus addressed, looked at Glenarvan. + +"I think," said he, "that, as we are two hundred miles from Melbourne, +the danger, if there is any, is as great on the southern as on the +eastern road. Both are little frequented, and one is as good as the +other. Moreover, I do not think that thirty malefactors can intimidate +eight well-armed and resolute men. Therefore, in the absence of better +advice, I should go on." + +"Well said," replied Paganel. "By continuing our course we shall cross +Captain Grant's track, while by returning to the south we should go +directly away from it. I agree with you, therefore, and shall give +myself no uneasiness about the runaway convicts." + +Thus the determination to make no change in the programme was +unanimously approved of. + +"One more remark, my lord," said Ayrton, as they were about to separate. + +"Speak." + +"Would it not be advisable to send an order to the Duncan to sail to +the coast?" + +"Why?" asked Captain Mangles. "It will be time enough to send the order +when we arrive at Twofold Bay. If any unforeseen event should compel +us to return to Melbourne, we might be sorry not to find the Duncan +there. Moreover, her injuries cannot yet have been repaired. I think, +therefore, that it would be better to wait." + +"Well," replied Ayrton, without further remark. + +The next day the little party, armed and ready for any emergency, left +Seymour, and half an hour after re-entered the forest of eucalyptuses, +which appeared again towards the east. Glenarvan would have preferred +to travel in the open country, for a plain is less favorable to sudden +attacks and ambuscades than a thick wood. But they had no alternative; +and the cart kept on all day between the tall, monotonous trees, and at +evening encamped on the borders of the district of Murray. + +They were now setting foot on one of the least frequented portions of +the Australian continent, a vast uninhabited region stretching away to +the Australian Alps. At some future day its forests will be leveled, +and the home of the colonist will stand where now all is desolation; +but at present it is a desert. In this region is situated the so-styled +"reserve for the blacks." On these remote plains various spots have +been set apart, where the aboriginal race can enjoy to the full the +privilege of gradually becoming extinct. Though the white man is at +perfect liberty to invade this "reserved" territory, yet the black may +call it his own. + +Paganel, who was in his element wherever statistics or history was +concerned, went into full details respecting the native races. He gave +a long account of the cruelties to which these unfortunate beings +had been subjected at the hands of the early colonists, and showed +how little had been done by the interference of the government. As +a striking instance of the manner in which the aborigines melt away +before the advance of civilization, he cited the case of Tasmania, +which at the beginning of this century had five thousand native +inhabitants, but in 1863 had only seven. + +[Sidenote: STUDIES IN ANTHROPOLOGY.] + +"Fifty years ago," said he, "we should have met in our course many +a tribe of natives; whereas thus far we have not seen even one. A +century hence, the black race will have utterly disappeared from this +continent." + +At that moment Robert, halting in front of a group of eucalyptuses, +cried out: + +"A monkey! there is a monkey!" + +The cart was instantly stopped, and, looking in the direction +indicated by the boy, our travellers saw a huge black form moving with +astonishing agility from branch to branch, until it was lost from view +in the depths of the grove. + +"What sort of a monkey is that?" asked MacNabb. + +"That monkey," answered Paganel, "is a full-blooded Australian." + +Just then were heard sounds of voices at some little distance; the oxen +were put in motion, and after proceeding a few hundred paces the party +came suddenly upon an encampment of aborigines, consisting of some +ten or twelve tents, made of strips of bark arranged in the manner of +tiles, and giving shelter to their wretched inhabitants on only one +side. Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, women, +and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins. Their first movement +was one of flight; but a few words from Ayrton restored confidence, and +they slowly approached the party of Europeans. + +The major jocularly insisted that Robert was correct in saying that +he had seen a monkey; but Lady Helena declined to accept his views, +and, getting out of the cart, made friendly advances to these degraded +beings, who seemed to look upon her as a divinity. Reassured by her +gentle manner, they surrounded the travelers, and began to cast wishful +glances at the provisions which the cart contained. Glenarvan, at the +request of his wife, distributed a quantity of food among the hungry +group. + +[Illustration: Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, +women, and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins.] + +After this had been dispatched, our friends were favored by their new +acquaintances with a sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the +women urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who +fell in the fray. Suddenly the excited crowd dropped their arms, and +a profound silence succeeded to the din of war. A flight of cockatoos +had made its appearance in the neighboring trees; and the opportunity +to display their proficiency in the use of the boomerang was at once +improved by the Australians. The skill manifested in the construction +and use of this instrument served Lady Helena as a strong argument +against the monkey theory, though the major pretended that he was not +yet convinced. + +[Illustration: A sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the women +urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who fell in +the fray.] + +Lord Glenarvan was now about to give the order to advance, when a +native came running up with the news that he had discovered half +a dozen cassowaries. The chase that followed, with the ingenious +disguise assumed by the hunter, and the marvelous fidelity with which +he imitated the movements and cries of the bird, was witnessed with +interest by the travelers. Lady Helena adduced the skill displayed as +a still further argument against the major's theory; but the obstinate +MacNabb declined to recede from his position, citing to his antagonist +the statement of the negroes concerning the orang-outangs,--that they +are negroes like themselves, only that they are too cunning to talk, +for fear of being made to work. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +WEALTH IN THE WILDERNESS. + + +[Sidenote: A PIANO IN THE DESERT.] + +After a peaceful night, the travelers, at seven o'clock in the morning, +resumed their journey eastward over the plains. Twice they crossed the +tracks of squatters, leading towards the north; and then the different +hoof-prints would have been confounded if Glenarvan's horse had not +left upon the dust the Black Point mark, distinguishable by its three +trefoils. + +Sometimes the plain was furrowed with winding creeks, bordered by +box-wood, which took their source on the slopes of the Buffalo Range, +a chain of mountains whose picturesque outlines stretched along the +horizon, and which the party resolved to reach that evening. Ayrton +urged on his oxen, and, after a journey of thirty-five miles, they +reached the place. The tent was pitched beneath a great tree. Night had +come, and supper was quickly dispatched; all thought more of sleeping +than of eating, after the fatigues of the day. + +Paganel, to whom fell the first watch, did not lie down, but, rifle on +shoulder, guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the +better resist sleep. In spite of the absence of the moon, the night was +almost bright with the splendor of the southern constellations; and the +geographer amused himself in reading the great book of the firmament, +which is always open. The silence of sleeping nature was broken only +by the sound of the horses' chains as they rattled against their feet. +Paganel was becoming fully absorbed in his astronomical meditations, +and occupying himself more with the things of heaven than those of +earth, when a distant sound startled him from his reverie. + +He listened attentively, and, to his great astonishment, thought he +distinguished the tones of a piano. A few boldly-struck chords wafted +to his ears their harmonious vibrations. He could not be mistaken. + +"A piano in the desert!" said he to himself. "It cannot be!" + +It was indeed very surprising, and Paganel began to think that some +strange Australian bird was imitating the sound of the instrument. + +[Sidenote: A TWOFOLD SURPRISE.] + +But at that moment a voice, harmoniously pitched, was heard. The +pianist was accompanied by a vocalist. The geographer listened +incredulously, but in a few moments was forced to recognize the +sublime air that struck upon his ear. It was "_Il mio tesoro tanto_" +from Don Juan. + +[Illustration: Paganel did not lie down, but, rifle on shoulder, +guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the better +resist sleep.] + +"Parbleu!" thought the geographer, "however strange the Australian +birds may be, or even though the parrots were the most musical in the +world, they could not sing Mozart." + +He listened to the end of this grand inspiration of the master. The +effect of this sweet melody, in the stillness of the starlit night, +was indescribable. He remained a long time under the influences of its +enchantment. At last the voice ceased, and all was silent. + +When Wilson came to relieve the geographer, he found him wrapt in a +profound reverie. Paganel said nothing to the sailor, but, reserving +his account of the incident for Glenarvan the next day, he crept into +the tent. + +In the morning the whole party were awakened by unexpected bayings. +Glenarvan at once arose. Two magnificent pointers were gamboling along +the edge of a small wood; but at the approach of the travelers they +disappeared among the trees, barking loudly. + +"There must be a station in this desert," said Glenarvan, "and hunters, +since those are hunting-dogs." + +Paganel was just about to relate his experiences of the past night, +when two men appeared, in hunting costume, mounted on fine horses. They +naturally stopped at sight of the little party, encamped in gypsy-like +fashion, and seemed to be wondering what the presence of armed men in +this place meant, when they perceived the ladies, who were alighting +from the cart. + +They immediately dismounted, and advanced towards them, hat in hand. +Glenarvan went to meet them, and introduced himself and party, giving +the name and rank of each member. The young men bowed, and one of them, +the elder, said: + +"My lord, will your ladies, your companions, and yourself do us the +honor to accompany us to our house?" + +"May I ask, gentlemen, whom I have the honor of addressing?" inquired +Glenarvan. + +"Michael and Alexander Patterson, proprietors of Hottam Station. You +are already on the grounds of the establishment, and have but a quarter +of a mile to go." + +"Gentlemen," replied Glenarvan, "I should be unwilling to slight a +hospitality so graciously offered----" + +"My lord," interrupted Michael Patterson, "by accepting you will confer +a favor upon two poor colonists, who will be only too happy to extend +to you the honors of the desert." + +Glenarvan bowed in token of assent. + +"Sir," said Paganel, addressing Michael Patterson, "should I be too +inquisitive were I to ask if it was you who sang that divine air of +Mozart last night?" + +"It was I, sir," replied the gentleman; "and my brother accompanied me." + +"Well, sir," continued Paganel, extending his hand, "accept the sincere +compliments of a Frenchman, who is an ardent admirer of Mozart's music." + +The young man modestly returned the geographer's greeting, and then +pointed towards the right to the road they were to take. The horses had +been confided to the care of Ayrton and the sailors, and the travelers +at once betook themselves on foot to Hottam Station, under the guidance +of the two young men. + +It was a magnificent establishment, characterized by the perfect order +of an English park. Immense meadows, inclosed by fences, extended as +far as the eye could reach. Here grazed thousands of oxen and sheep. +Numerous shepherds and still more numerous dogs tended this vast herd, +while with the bellowing and bleating mingled the baying of mastiffs +and the sharp crack of stock-whips. + +[Sidenote: ARTIFICIAL SELECTION.] + +To the east the prospect was broken by a border of gum-trees, beyond +which rose the imposing peak of Mount Hottam, seven thousand five +hundred feet high. Long avenues of tall trees stretched in all +directions, while here and there stood dense clumps of grass-trees, +shrubby plants about ten feet high, resembling the dwarf palm, with a +thick foliage of long narrow leaves. The air was laden with the perfume +of laurels, whose clusters of white flowers in full bloom exhaled the +most delicate fragrance. + +With the charming groups of native trees were mingled those +transplanted from European climes. The peach, the pear, the apple, +the fig, the orange, and even the oak were hailed with delight by the +travelers, who, if they were not astonished at walking in the shade of +the trees of their country, wondered, at least, at the sight of the +birds that fluttered among the branches, the satin-birds with their +silky plumage, and the canaries, clad in golden and black velvet. + +Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or lyre-bird, whose tail +has the form of the graceful instrument of Orpheus. As the bird fled +away among the arborescent ferns, its tail striking the branches, they +almost expected to hear those harmonious chords that helped Amphion to +rebuild the walls of Thebes. + +Lord Glenarvan was not satisfied with merely admiring the fairy +wonders of this oasis of the Australian desert. He listened with +profound interest to the young men's story. In England, in the heart +of civilization, a new-comer would have first informed his host +whence he came and whither he was going; but here, by a nice shade +of distinction, Michael and Sandy Patterson thought they should +make themselves known to the travelers to whom they offered their +hospitalities, and briefly told their story. + +[Illustration: Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or +lyre-bird, whose tail has the form of the graceful instrument of +Orpheus.] + +[Sidenote: NATURE AND ART.] + +It was like that of all intelligent and active young Englishmen, +who do not believe that the possession of riches absolves from the +responsibility to labor for the welfare of others. Michael and +Alexander Patterson were the sons of a London banker. When they were +twenty years old, their father had said: "Here is money, my sons. Go +to some distant land, found there a useful establishment, and acquire +in labor the knowledge of life. If you succeed, so much the better; if +you fail, it matters little. We shall not regret the money that will +have enabled you to become men." They obeyed; they chose the province +of Victoria as the place to sow the paternal bank-notes, and had no +reason to repent. At the end of three years their establishment had +attained its present prosperity. + +They had just finished the brief account of their career, when the +dwelling came in sight at the end of a fine avenue of trees. It was a +charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by clusters of plants, and +had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage, while a veranda, from which +hung Chinese lanterns, encircled it like a Roman impluvium. The windows +were shaded by brilliant-colored awnings, which at a distance looked +almost like masses of flowers. Nothing could be prettier, cozier, or +pleasanter to the sight. On the lawn and among the shrubbery round +about stood bronze candelabra, supporting elegant lamps with glass +globes, which at nightfall illumined the whole garden with a beauteous +light. + +No farm-hands, stables, or outhouses were to be seen,--nothing that +indicated scenes of toil. The dwellings of the workmen--a regular +village, consisting of some twenty cottages--were a quarter of a mile +distant, in the heart of a little valley. Telegraph-wires secured +immediate communication between the village and the house of the +proprietors, which, far from all tumult, was in truth "a thing of +beauty." + +The avenue was soon passed. A little iron bridge, of great elegance, +crossing a murmuring stream, gave access to the private grounds. A +courteous attendant advanced to meet the travelers; the doors of +the house were opened, and the guests of Hottam Station entered the +sumptuous dwelling. + +All the luxuries of refined and civilized life seemed to be present. +Into the vestibule, which was adorned with decorative subjects, +illustrating the turf or the chase, opened a spacious parlor, lighted +with five windows. A piano, covered with classic and modern music; +easels, upon which were half-finished paintings; marble statues, +mounted on tasteful pedestals; on the walls, a few pictures by Flemish +masters; rich carpets, soft to the feet as grassy meadows; panels of +tapestry, descriptive of pleasing mythological episodes; an antique +chandelier, costly chinaware, delicate vases, and a great variety +of articles of _virt_, indicated a high appreciation of beauty and +comfort. Everything that could please, everything that could relieve +the tedium of a voluntary exile, everything that could remind one of a +luxurious European home, was to be found in this fairy abode. It would +have been easy to imagine oneself in some princely castle of England, +France, or Germany. + +The five windows admitted, through delicate curtains, a light tempered +and softened by the shadows of the veranda. Lady Helena looked out, +and was astonished. The house, upon this side, commanded the view of a +broad valley, which extended to the eastern mountains. The alternation +of meadow and woodland, broken here and there by vast clearings, the +graceful sweep of the hill-sides, and the outlines of the entire +landscape, formed a picture beyond the power of description. This vast +panorama, intersected by broad bands of light and shade, changed every +hour with the progress of the sun. + +In the mean time, in accordance with the hosts' orders, breakfast +had been prepared by the steward of the station, and in less than a +quarter of an hour the travelers were seated at a bountiful table. The +quality of the viands and the wines was unexceptionable; but what was +especially gratifying, in the midst of these refinements of wealth, was +the evident pleasure experienced by the young settlers in dispensing to +strangers, beneath their own roof, this magnificent hospitality. + +[Sidenote: AUSTRALIANS, NATIVE AND IMPORTED.] + +The young gentlemen were soon made acquainted with the object of the +expedition, and took a lively interest in Glenarvan's search, giving +also great encouragement to the captain's children. + +"Harry Grant," said Michael, "has evidently fallen into the hands of +the natives, since he has not appeared in the settlements on the coast. +He knew his position exactly, as the document proves, and, as he has +not reached any English colony, he must have been made prisoner by the +natives as soon as he landed." + +"That is precisely what happened to his quartermaster, Ayrton," replied +Captain Mangles. + +"But, gentlemen," inquired Lady Helena, "have you never heard of the +shipwreck of the Britannia?" + +"Never, madam," said Michael. + +"And what treatment do you think Captain Grant would experience as a +prisoner among the Australians?" + +"The Australians are not cruel, madam," replied the young settler: +"Miss Grant may reassure herself on this point. There are many +instances of their kindness; and some Europeans have lived a long time +among them, without having any reason to complain of brutality." These +words corroborated the information previously given by Paganel and +Ayrton. + +When the ladies had left the table, the conversation turned upon +convicts. The settlers had heard of the accident at Camden Bridge, +but the band of runaways gave no uneasiness, they would not dare to +attack a station that was guarded by more than a hundred men. They were +confident, too, that they would not venture into the deserted regions +of the Murray, nor into the colonies of New South Wales, where the +roads are well protected. + +[Sidenote: A DAY'S SPORT.] + +Glenarvan could not decline the invitation of his amiable hosts to +spend the entire day at Hottam Station. The delay thus occasioned +could be turned to good account: the horses and oxen would be +greatly benefited by their rest in the comfortable stables of the +establishment. It was, therefore, decided to remain, and the two young +men submitted to their guests a programme for the day's sports, which +was adopted with alacrity. + +[Illustration: It was a charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by +clusters of plants, and had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage.] + +At noon, seven fine hunters pawed the ground at the gate of the +house. For the ladies was provided an elegant coach, and the long +reins enabled their driver to show his skill in manoeuvring the +"four-in-hand." The horsemen, accompanied by outriders, and well armed, +galloped beside the carriage, while the pack of hounds bayed joyously +in the coppices. + +For four hours the cavalcade traversed the paths and avenues of these +spacious grounds. As for game, an army of bushmen could not have +started up a greater number of animals. Young Robert, who kept close to +the major's side, accomplished wonders. The intrepid boy, in spite of +his sister's injunctions, was always ahead, and the first to fire. But +Captain Mangles had promised to watch over him, a fact which tended not +a little to allay Miss Grant's apprehension for her brother's safety. + +Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was unquestionably +a kangaroo hunt. About four o'clock the dogs started a troop of these +curious animals. The little ones took refuge in their mothers' pouches, +and the whole drove rushed away in single file. Nothing can be more +astonishing than the enormous bounds of the kangaroo, whose hind legs +are twice as long as its fore ones, and bend like a spring. At the head +of the drove was a male five feet high,--"an old man," in the language +of the bushmen. + +For four or five miles the chase was briskly continued. The kangaroos +did not slacken their pace; and the dogs, who feared, with good reason, +the powerful blows of their formidable paws, did not venture to +approach them. But at last the drove stopped in exhaustion, and "the +old man" braced himself against the trunk of a tree, ready to fight +for his life. One of the pointers, carried on by the impetus of his +course, rolled within reach of him. A moment after, the unfortunate +dog was tossed into the air, and fell back lifeless. The entire pack, +deterred by the fate of their comrade, kept at a respectful distance. +It became necessary to dispatch the kangaroo with the rifle, and +nothing but bullets could bring down the gigantic quadruped. + +At this juncture Robert narrowly escaped being the victim of his +rashness. In order to make sure of his aim, he approached so near the +kangaroo that the animal made a spring at him. Robert fell. A cry of +alarm resounded. Mary Grant, speechless with apprehension, stretched +her hands towards her brother. No one dared to fire, for fear of +hitting the boy. + +Suddenly Captain Mangles, with his hunting-knife open, rushed upon the +kangaroo, at the risk of his life, and stabbed it to the heart. The +beast fell dead, and Robert rose unharmed. An instant after, he was in +the arms of his sister. + +"Thanks, Captain Mangles! thanks!" said Mary, extending her hand to the +young captain. + +"I promised to take care of him," replied the captain, as he took the +trembling hand of the young girl. + +This adventure ended the hunt. The troop of kangaroos had scattered +after the death of their leader, whose carcass was brought to the house. + +It was now six o'clock, and dinner was in readiness for the hunters; +comprising, among other dishes, a soup of kangaroo's tail, prepared in +the native style. + +After a dessert of ices and sherbet, the party repaired to the parlor, +where the evening was devoted to music. Lady Helena, who was a good +pianiste, presided at the instrument, while Michael and Alexander +Patterson sang with great taste selections from the latest compositions +of the modern musical masters. + +[Sidenote: A FRESH DEPARTURE.] + +At eleven o'clock tea was served in true English style. Paganel +having desired to taste the Australian tea, a liquid, black as ink, +was brought to him. It consisted of a quart of water, in which half +a pound of tea had been boiled four hours. Paganel, with a wry face, +pronounced it excellent. At midnight the guests were conducted to cool +and comfortable chambers, where they renewed in dreams the pleasures of +the day. + +The next morning, at sunrise, they took leave of the two young +settlers, with many thanks, and with warmly-expressed hopes to see them +at Malcolm Castle at no very distant day. The cart then started, and in +a few minutes, as the road wound around the foot of Mount Hottam, the +hospitable habitation disappeared, like a passing vision, from the eyes +of the travelers. For five miles farther they traversed the grounds +of the station, and not till nine o'clock did the little party pass +the last palisade and enter upon the almost unknown districts of the +country before them. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +SUSPICIOUS OCCURRENCES. + + +A mighty barrier crossed the road on the southeast. It was the chain +of the Australian Alps, which extend in capricious windings fifteen +hundred miles, and are capped with clouds four thousand feet aloft. + +[Sidenote: ASCENDING THE MOUNTAINS.] + +The sky was dull and lowering, and the rays of the sun struggled +through dense masses of mist. The temperature was, therefore, +endurable; but the journey was difficult on account of the irregularity +of the surface. The unevenness of the plain constantly increased, +and here and there rose mounds, covered with young green gum-trees. +Farther on, these excrescences formed the first slopes of the great +Alps. The ascent was very laborious, as was shown by the efforts of the +oxen, whose yokes cracked under the tension of the heavy vehicle. The +animals panted heavily, and the muscles of their hams were strained +almost to breaking. The axles threatened to give way under the sudden +jolts that Ayrton, with all his skill, could not prevent. The ladies, +however, lost none of their accustomed cheerfulness. + +[Illustration: Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was +unquestionably a kangaroo hunt.] + +Captain Mangles and the two sailors rode a few hundred paces in +advance, to choose practicable passes. It was a difficult and often a +perilous task. Several times Wilson was forced to make a way with his +hatchet through the midst of dense thickets. Their course deviated in +many windings, which impassable obstacles, lofty blocks of granite, +deep ravines, and treacherous swamps compelled them to make. At evening +they encamped at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of a small stream +that flowed along the edge of a plain covered with tall shrubbery, +whose bright-red foliage enlivened the banks. + +"We shall have difficulty in passing here," said Glenarvan, as he gazed +at the chain of mountains, whose outlines were already growing dim in +the twilight. "Alps! that is a name suggestive of arduous climbing." + +"You will change your opinion, my dear Glenarvan," replied Paganel. +"You must not think you are in Switzerland." + +"Then these Australian Alps----?" asked Lady Helena. + +"Are miniature mountains," continued Paganel. "You will cross them +without noticing it." + +The next day, in spite of the assurances of the confident geographer, +the little party found great difficulty in crossing the mountains. They +were forced to advance at a venture, and descend into deep and narrow +gorges that, for aught they knew, might end in a wall of rock. Ayrton +would doubtless have been eventually nonplused had they not, after an +hour's climbing, caught sight of a tavern on one of the paths of the +mountain. + +"Well!" said Paganel, as they reached the hostelry, "the proprietor of +this inn cannot make a great fortune in such a place. Of what use can +he be?" + +"To give us the information we need for our journey," replied +Glenarvan. "Let us go in." + +Glenarvan, followed by Ayrton, entered the tavern. The landlord of +"Bush Inn" was a coarse man, of forbidding appearance, who had to +consider himself as the principal customer for the gin, brandy, and +whisky of his tavern, and scarcely ever saw any one but squatters or +herdsmen. + +He replied in an ill-humored way to the questions that were addressed +him; but his answers sufficed to determine Ayrton upon his course. +Glenarvan, however, remunerated the tavern-keeper for the little +trouble they had given him, and was about to leave the inn, when a +placard, affixed to the wall, attracted his attention. It was a notice +of the colonial police, detailing the escape of the convicts from +Perth, and setting a price upon the head of Ben Joyce--a hundred pounds +sterling to any one who should deliver him up. + +"Indeed," said Glenarvan, "that is a rascal worth hanging." + +"And especially worth taking," replied Ayrton. "A hundred pounds! What +a sum! He is not worth it." + +"As for the inn-keeper," added Glenarvan, as he left the room, "I +scarcely put faith in him, despite his placard." + +"Nor I either," said Ayrton. + +Glenarvan and the quartermaster rejoined the party, and they all +proceeded to where a narrow pass wound across the chain. Here they +began the ascent. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER DEATH.] + +But it was an arduous task. More than once the ladies and their +companions had to dismount, and it was often necessary to push the +wheels of the heavy vehicle at some steep ascent, or to hold it +back along the edge of some dangerous precipice. The oxen, as they +could not work to advantage at sudden turns, had frequently to be +unyoked, and the cart blocked to prevent it from sliding back. Ayrton +was repeatedly forced to bring the already exhausted horses to his +assistance. + +Whether this exertion was too prolonged, or whether from some other +cause, one of the horses gave out during the ascent. He fell suddenly, +without an instant's warning. It was Mulready's horse; and when the +sailor attempted to help him up, he found that he was dead. Ayrton +examined the animal carefully, but did not seem to understand the cause +of this sudden death. + +"The beast must have burst a blood-vessel," said Glenarvan. + +"Evidently," replied Ayrton. + +"Take my horse, Mulready," added Glenarvan; "I will join Lady Helena in +the cart." + +Mulready obeyed, and the little party continued their fatiguing ascent, +abandoning the body to the crows. + +The next day they began the descent, which was much more rapid. During +its course a violent hail-storm burst on them, and they were forced to +seek a shelter beneath the rocks. Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as +large as one's hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds. A sling +could not have hurled them with greater force, and several sharp blows +warned Paganel and Robert to be on their guard. The cart was pierced +through in many places: indeed, few roofs could have resisted the fall +of these cutting missiles, some of which froze to the trunks of the +trees. It was necessary to wait for the end of this avalanche, for fear +of being stoned to death, and it was an hour before the party regained +the steep path, still slippery with icy incrustations. At evening the +cart, considerably shattered, but still firm on its wooden wheels, +descended the last slopes of the Alps, between tall solitary pines, and +reached the plains of Gippsland. + +[Illustration: Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as large as one's +hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds.] + +[Sidenote: DIVIDED COUNSELS.] + +All were impatient to gain their destination, the Pacific Ocean, +where the Britannia had been wrecked. There only could traces of the +shipwrecked seamen be found, and not in these desert regions. Ayrton +urged Lord Glenarvan to send an order to the Duncan to repair to the +coast, that he might have at his disposal all the aid possible in his +search. In his opinion they ought to take advantage of the Lucknow +road, which would lead them to Melbourne. Afterwards this might be +difficult, for highways leading directly to the capital would be +absolutely wanting. + +This advice of the quartermaster seemed reasonable. Paganel seconded +it. He thought, too, that the yacht would be very useful under the +present circumstances, and added that they could no longer communicate +with Melbourne after passing the Lucknow road. + +Glenarvan was undecided, and perhaps would have sent the order that +Ayrton so particularly desired, if the major had not opposed this plan +with great energy. He explained that Ayrton's presence was necessary +to the expedition; that on approaching the coast the country would be +unknown; that, if chance set them on the track of Captain Grant, the +quartermaster would be more capable than any one else of following it; +in short, that he alone could point out the place where the Britannia +was lost. + +MacNabb, therefore, advocated their continuing on the journey without +change. Captain Mangles was of the same opinion. The young captain +observed that his lordship's orders could more easily reach the Duncan +if sent from Twofold Bay, than by dispatching a messenger two hundred +miles over a wild country. + +The major carried his point, and it was therefore decided that they +should proceed to Twofold Bay. MacNabb noticed that Ayrton seemed quite +disappointed, but he said nothing, and, according to his custom, kept +his thoughts to himself. + +Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious forest of ferns. +These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured thirty feet in +height. Horses and horsemen could easily pass beneath their drooping +branches, and sometimes the rowel of a spur would ring, as it struck +against their solid stalks. The coolness of the grove was very grateful +to the wearied travelers. Paganel, always demonstrative, gave vent to +exclamations of delight that startled flocks of parrots and cockatoos. + +All at once his companions saw the geographer reel in the saddle, and +fall to the ground like a log. Was it giddiness, or sunstroke, caused +by the heat? + +They hastened to him. + +"Paganel! Paganel! what is the matter?" cried Lord Glenarvan. + +"The matter is, my dear friend," replied Paganel, extricating himself +from the stirrups, "that I no longer have a horse." + +"What! your horse----?" + +"Is dead, stricken like Mulready's." + +At once Glenarvan, Captain Mangles, and Wilson examined the animal. +Paganel was right. His horse had been suddenly stricken dead. + +"This is singular," said the captain. + +"Very singular indeed," muttered the major. + +Glenarvan could not restrain a feeling of uneasiness at this strange +occurrence. It was impossible for them to retrace their steps in this +desert; while, if an epidemic were to seize all the horses, it would be +very difficult to continue the journey. + +Before the end of the day his fears seemed to be justified. A third +horse, Wilson's, fell dead, and, what was worse, one of the oxen was +also stricken. Their means of conveyance now consisted of only three +oxen and four horses. + +[Sidenote: A FINE FERNERY.] + +The situation had grown serious. The mounted horsemen could, of course, +take turns in traveling on foot. But, if it should be necessary to +leave the cart behind, what would become of the ladies? Could they +accomplish the one hundred and twenty miles that still separated them +from Twofold Bay? + +Captain Mangles and Glenarvan anxiously examined the remaining horses: +perhaps preventives might be found against new calamities. No sign +of disease, however, could be detected. The animals were in perfect +health, and bravely endured the hardships of the journey. Glenarvan, +therefore, was inclined to think that this mysterious epidemic would +have no more victims. This was Ayrton's opinion too, who declared that +he could not at all understand the cause of the frightful mortality. + +They started again, and the cart served to convey the pedestrians, who +rode in it by turns. At evening, after a journey of only ten miles, the +signal to halt was given, the encampment arranged, and the night was +passed comfortably beneath a large group of arborescent ferns, among +whose branches fluttered enormous bats. + +The next day they made an excellent beginning, and accomplished fifteen +miles. Everything led them to hope that they would encamp that evening +on the banks of the Snowy River. Evening came, and a fog, clearly +defined against the horizon, marked the course of the long-looked-for +stream. A forest of tall trees was seen at a bend in the road, behind +a moderate elevation. Ayrton guided his oxen towards the tall trunks +dimly discerned in the shadow, and was just passing the boundary of the +wood, when the cart sank into the earth to the hubs. + +"What is the matter?" asked Glenarvan, when he perceived that the cart +had come to a stop. + +"We are fast in the mud," replied Ayrton. + +He urged his oxen with voice and whip, but they were up to their knees +in the mire, and could not stir. + +"Let us encamp here," said Captain Mangles. + +"That is the best plan," answered Ayrton. "To-morrow, at daybreak, we +can see to extricate ourselves." + +[Illustration: Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious +forest of ferns. These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured +thirty feet in height.] + +[Illustration: Flashes of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a +coming storm, every now and then illumined the horizon.] + +"Very well: be it so," replied Glenarvan. + +Night had set in rapidly, after a short twilight, but the heat had not +departed with the sun. The air was heavy with stifling mists. Flashes +of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a coming storm, every now and +then illumined the horizon. + +The beds were prepared, and the sunken cart was made as comfortable as +possible. The sombre arch of the great trees sheltered the tent of the +travelers. Provided no rain fell, they would have no reason to complain. + +Ayrton succeeded with difficulty in extricating his three oxen from +the mud, in which they had by this time sunk to their flanks. The +quartermaster picketed them with the four horses, and would allow no +one to give them their fodder. This service he performed himself with +great exactness, and that evening Glenarvan observed that his care was +redoubled, for which he thanked him, as the preservation of the team +was of paramount importance. + +Meantime, the travelers partook of a hasty supper. Fatigue and heat had +driven away hunger, and they needed rest more than nourishment. Lady +Helena and Miss Grant, wishing their companions good-night, retired to +their accustomed bedroom. As for the men, some crawled under the tent, +while others stretched themselves on the thick grass at the foot of the +trees. + +Gradually each sank into a heavy sleep. The darkness increased beneath +the curtain of dense clouds that covered the sky. Not a breath of +air was felt. The silence of the night was only interrupted by the +occasional howlings of wild animals. + +About eleven o'clock, after an uneasy slumber, the major awoke. His +half-closed eyes were attracted by a dim light that flickered beneath +the great trees. One would have thought it was a whitish sheet +glittering like the surface of a lake. MacNabb imagined, at first, that +the flames of a conflagration were spreading over the ground. + +[Sidenote: STRANGE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS.] + +He rose and walked towards the wood. His surprise was great when +he found himself in the presence of a purely natural phenomenon. +Before him extended an immense field of mushrooms, which emitted +phosphorescent flashes. + +The major, who was not selfish, was about to waken Paganel, that the +geographer might witness the spectacle with his own eyes, when an +unexpected sight stopped him. + +The phosphorescent light illumined the wood for the space of half a +mile, and MacNabb thought he saw shadows rapidly moving along the edge +of the clearing. Did his eyes deceive him? Was he the sport of an +illusion? + +He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive observation, +distinctly perceived several men, who seemed by their movements to be +searching the ground for something. What could these men want? He must +know, and, without an instant's hesitation or awakening his companions, +he crawled along on all-fours, carefully concealing himself in the tall +grass. + + + + +CHAPTER XL. + +A STARTLING DISCOVERY. + + +[Sidenote: INCREASING PERPLEXITIES.] + +It was a terrible night. At two o'clock in the morning the rain began +to fall in torrents, which continued to pour from the stormy clouds +till daylight. The tent was an insufficient shelter. Glenarvan and +his companions took refuge in the cart, where they passed the time +in conversing upon various subjects. The major, however, whose short +absence no one had noticed, contented himself with listening in +silence. The fury of the tempest gave them considerable uneasiness, +since it might cause an inundation, by which the cart, fast in the +mire, would be overwhelmed. + +[Illustration: He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive +observation, distinctly perceived several men.] + +More than once Mulready, Ayrton, and Captain Mangles went to ascertain +the height of the rushing waters, and returned drenched from head to +foot. + +At length day appeared. The rain ceased, but the rays of the sun failed +to penetrate the thick veil of clouds. Large pools of muddy, yellowish +water covered the ground. A warm vapor issued from the water-soaked +earth and saturated the atmosphere with a sickly moisture. + +Glenarvan, first of all, turned his attention to the cart. In his eyes, +this was their main support. It was imbedded fast in the midst of a +deep hollow of sticky clay. The fore wheels were almost entirely out of +sight, and the hind ones were buried up to the hubs. It would be a very +difficult matter to pull out the heavy vehicle, and would undoubtedly +require the united strength of men, oxen, and horses. + +"We must make haste," said Captain Mangles. "If this clay dries, the +work will be more difficult." + +Glenarvan, the two sailors, the captain, and Ayrton then entered the +wood, where the animals had passed the night. + +It was a tall forest of gloomy gum-trees. Nothing met the eye but dead +trunks, widely separated, which had been destitute of their bark for +centuries. Not a bird built its nest on these lofty skeletons; not a +leaf trembled on the dry branches, that rattled together like a bundle +of dry bones. Glenarvan, as he walked on, gazed at the leaden sky, +against which the branches of the gum-trees were sharply defined. To +Ayrton's great astonishment, there was no trace of the horses and oxen +in the place where he had left them. The fettered animals, however, +could not have gone far. + +They searched for them in the wood, but failed to find them. Ayrton +then returned to the banks of the river, which was bordered by +magnificent mimosas. He uttered a cry well known to his oxen, but +there was no answer. The quartermaster seemed very anxious, and his +companions glanced at each other in dismay. + +An hour passed in a vain search, and Glenarvan was returning to the +cart, which was at least a mile off, when a neigh fell upon his ear, +followed almost immediately by a bellow. + +"Here they are!" cried Captain Mangles, forcing his way between the +tall tufts of the gastrolobium, which were high enough to conceal a +whole herd. + +Glenarvan, Mulready, and Ayrton rushed after him, and soon shared his +astonishment. Two oxen and three horses lay upon the ground, stricken +like the others. Their bodies were already cold, and a flock of hungry +crows, croaking in the mimosas, waited for their unexpected prey. + +Glenarvan and his friends gazed at each other, and Wilson did not +suppress an oath that rose to his lips. + +"What is the matter, Wilson?" said Lord Glenarvan, scarcely able to +control himself. "We can do nothing. Ayrton, bring the ox and horse +that are left. They must extricate us from the difficulty." + +"If the cart were once out of the mud," replied Captain Mangles, "these +two animals, by short journeys, could draw it to the coast. We must, +therefore, at all events, release the clumsy vehicle." + +"We will try, John," said Glenarvan. "Let us return to camp, for there +must be anxiety at our long absence." + +Ayrton took charge of the ox, and Mulready of the horse, and the party +returned along the winding banks of the river. Half an hour after, +Paganel, MacNabb, Lady Helena, and Miss Grant were told the state of +affairs. + +"By my faith," the major could not help exclaiming, "it is a pity, +Ayrton, that you did not shoe all our animals on crossing the Wimerra." + +"Why so, sir?" asked Ayrton. + +"Because of all our horses only the one you put into the hands of the +farrier has escaped the common fate." + +"That is true," said Captain Mangles; "and it is a singular +coincidence!" + +[Sidenote: MISTAKES AND MISAPPREHENSIONS.] + +"A coincidence, and nothing more," replied the quartermaster, gazing +fixedly at the major. + +MacNabb compressed his lips, as if he would repress the words ready +to burst from them. Glenarvan, the captain, and Lady Helena seemed to +expect that he would finish his sentence; but he remained silent, and +walked towards the cart, which Ayrton was now examining. + +"What did he mean?" inquired Glenarvan of Captain Mangles. + +"I do not know," replied the young captain. "However, the major is not +the man to speak without cause." + +"No," said Lady Helena; "Major MacNabb must have suspicions of Ayrton." + +"What suspicions?" asked Glenarvan. "Does he suppose him capable of +killing our horses and oxen? For what purpose, pray? Are not Ayrton's +interests identical with ours?" + +"You are right, my dear Edward," said Lady Helena. "Besides, the +quartermaster has given us, ever since the beginning of the journey, +indubitable proofs of his devotion to our comfort." + +"True," replied Captain Mangles. "But, then, what does the major's +remark mean? I must have an understanding." + +"Perhaps he thinks he is in league with these convicts?" remarked +Paganel, imprudently. + +"What convicts?" inquired Miss Grant. + +"Monsieur Paganel is mistaken," said Captain Mangles quickly: "he knows +that there are no convicts in the province of Victoria." + +"Yes, yes, that is so," eagerly replied Paganel, who would fain have +retracted his words. "What could I have been thinking of? Convicts? Who +ever heard of convicts in Australia? Moreover, as soon as they land, +they make very honest people. The climate, you know, Miss Mary, the +moral effect of the climate----" + +In his desire to correct his blunder, the poor geographer became +hopelessly involved. Lady Helena looked at him, wondering what had +deprived him of his usual coolness; but, not wishing to embarrass him +further, she retired with Mary to the tent, where Mr. Olbinett was +engaged in preparing breakfast. + +"I deserve to be transported myself," said Paganel piteously. + +"I think so," replied Glenarvan. + +Ayrton and the two sailors were still trying to extricate the cart. +The ox and the horse, yoked side by side, were pulling with all their +strength; the traces were stretched almost to breaking, and the bows +threatened to give way to the strain. Wilson and Mulready pushed at +the wheels, while the quartermaster, with voice and whip, urged on the +ill-matched team. But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now +dry, held it as if it had been cemented. + +Captain Mangles wetted the clay to make it yield, but to no purpose: +the cart was immovable. Unless the vehicle was taken to pieces, they +must give up the idea of getting it out of the quagmire. As tools +were wanting, of course they could not undertake such a task. Ayrton, +however, who seemed determined to overcome the difficulty at any cost, +was about to renew his exertions, when Lord Glenarvan stopped him. + +"Enough, Ayrton! enough!" said he. "We must be careful of the ox and +horse that remain. If we are to continue our journey on foot, one can +carry the two ladies and the other the provisions. They may do us good +service yet." + +"Very well, my lord," replied the quartermaster, unyoking his exhausted +animals. + +"Now, my friends," added Glenarvan, "let us return to camp, deliberate, +consider our situation, know what our chances are, and come to a +resolution." + +[Illustration: But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now dry, +held it as if it had been cemented.] + +A few minutes after, the travelers were indemnifying themselves for +their sleeplessness the past night by a good breakfast, and the +discussion of their affairs began. + +The first question was to determine the exact position of the +encampment. Paganel was charged with this duty, and fulfilled it with +his customary precision. + +"How far are we from Twofold Bay?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Seventy-five miles," replied Paganel. + +"And Melbourne is----?" + +"Two hundred miles distant, at least." + +"Very well. Our position being determined," continued Glenarvan, "what +is it best to do?" + +The answer was unanimous,--make for the coast without delay. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant engaged to travel fifteen miles a day. The +courageous women did not shrink from traversing the entire distance on +foot, if necessary. + +"But are we certain to find at the bay the resources that we need?" +asked Glenarvan. + +"Without doubt," replied Paganel. "Eden is not a new municipality; and +its harbor must have frequent communication with Melbourne. I even +believe that thirty-five miles from here, at the parish of Delegete, we +can obtain provisions and the means of conveyance." + +"And the Duncan?" asked Ayrton. "Do you not think it advisable to order +her to the bay?" + +"What say you, captain?" said Glenarvan. + +"I do not think that there is any necessity for such a proceeding," +replied the young captain, after reflection. "There will be plenty of +time to send your orders to Tom Austin and summon him to the coast." + +"That is quite true," added Paganel. + +"Besides," continued Captain Mangles, "in four or five days we shall be +at Eden." + +"Four or five days!" interposed Ayrton, shaking his head; "say fifteen +or twenty, captain, if you do not wish to regret your error hereafter." + +[Sidenote: DIFFICULTIES FORESEEN.] + +"Fifteen or twenty days to make seventy-five miles!" exclaimed +Glenarvan. + +"At least, my lord. You will have to cross the most difficult portion +of Victoria,--plains covered with underbrush, without any cleared +roads, where it has been impossible to establish stations. You will +have to travel with the hatchet or the torch in your hand; and, believe +me, you will not advance rapidly." + +Ayrton's tone was that of a man who is thoroughly acquainted with his +subject. Paganel, towards whom questioning glances were turned, nodded +approvingly at the words of the quartermaster. + +"I acknowledge the difficulties," said Captain Mangles, at length. +"Well, in fifteen days, my lord, you can send your orders to the +Duncan." + +"I may add," resumed Ayrton, "that the principal obstacles do not +proceed from the roughness of the journey. We must cross the Snowy, +and, very probably, have to wait for the subsidence of the waters." + +"Wait!" cried the captain. "Can we not find a ford?" + +"I think not," replied Ayrton. "This morning I searched in vain for a +practicable one. It is unusual to find a river so much swollen at this +season; it is a fatality against which I am powerless." + +"This Snowy River is broad, then?" remarked Lady Glenarvan. + +"Broad and deep, madam," answered Ayrton; "a mile in breadth, with a +strong current. A good swimmer could not cross it without danger." + +"Well, then, let us build a boat!" cried Robert, who was never at fault +for a plan. "We can cut down a tree, hollow it out, embark, and the +thing is done." + +"Good for the son of Captain Grant!" replied Paganel. + +"The boy is right," continued Captain Mangles. "We shall be forced +to this. I therefore think it useless to waste our time in further +discussions." + +"What do you think, Ayrton?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I think, my lord, that if no assistance comes, in a month we shall +still be detained on the banks of the Snowy." + +"But have you a better plan?" inquired Captain Mangles, somewhat +impatiently. + +"Yes; let the Duncan leave Melbourne, and sail to the eastern coast." + +"How can her presence in the bay assist us to arrive there?" + +Ayrton meditated for a few moments, and then said, evasively: + +"I do not wish to obtrude my opinion. What I do is for the interest +of all, and I am disposed to start as soon as your lordship gives the +signal for departure." + +Then he folded his arms. + +"That is no answer, Ayrton," continued Glenarvan. "Tell us your plan, +and we will discuss it. What do you propose?" + +In a calm and confident tone the quartermaster thereupon expressed +himself as follows: + +"I propose that we do not venture beyond the Snowy in our present +destitute condition. We must wait for assistance in this very place, +and this assistance can come only from the Duncan. Let us encamp here +where provisions are not wanting, while one of us carries to Tom Austin +the order to repair to Twofold Bay." + +This unexpected proposal was received with a murmur of astonishment, +and Captain Mangles took no pains to conceal his aversion. + +"In the mean time," continued Ayrton, "either the waters of the Snowy +will have subsided, which will enable us to find a practicable ford, or +we shall have to resort to a boat, and shall have time to construct it. +This, my lord, is the plan which I submit to your approval." + +"Very well, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan; "your idea deserves to be +seriously considered. Its greatest objection is the delay it will +cause; but it spares us severe hardships, and perhaps real dangers. +What do you think, friends?" + +[Illustration: "If it please your lordship, I will go."] + +"Let us hear your advice, major," said Lady Helena. "During the whole +discussion you have contented yourself with listening simply." + +"Since you ask my opinion," answered the major, "I will give it to you +very frankly. Ayrton seems to me to have spoken like a wise and prudent +man, and I advocate his proposition." + +This answer was rather unexpected; for hitherto MacNabb had always +opposed Ayrton's ideas on this subject. Ayrton, too, was surprised, +and cast a quick glance at the major. Paganel, Lady Helena, and the +sailors had been favorably disposed to the quartermaster's project, and +no longer hesitated after MacNabb's declaration. Glenarvan, therefore, +announced that Ayrton's plan was adopted. + +"And now, captain," added he, "do you not think that prudence dictates +this course, and that we should encamp on the banks of the river while +waiting for the means of conveyance?" + +"Yes," replied Captain Mangles, "if the messenger succeeds in crossing +the Snowy, which we cannot cross ourselves." + +All looked at the quartermaster, who smiled with the air of a man who +knows perfectly well what he is about to do. + +"The messenger will not cross the river," said he. + +"Ah!" cried Captain Mangles. + +"He will strike the Lucknow road, which will take him direct to +Melbourne." + +"Two hundred miles on foot!" exclaimed the captain. + +"On horseback," continued Ayrton. "There is one good horse left. It +will be a journey of but four days. Add two days for the Duncan to +reach the bay, twenty-four hours for the return to the encampment, and +in a week the messenger will be back again with the crew." + +[Sidenote: CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE.] + +The major again nodded approvingly at these words, to the great +astonishment of Captain Mangles. But the quartermaster's proposition +had gained all the votes, and the only question was how to execute this +apparently well-conceived plan. + +"Now, my friends," said Glenarvan, "it remains only to choose our +messenger. He will have a difficult and dangerous mission; that is +certain. Who is willing to devote himself for his companions, and carry +our instructions to Melbourne?" + +Wilson, Mulready, Captain Mangles, Paganel, and Robert offered +themselves immediately. The captain particularly insisted that this +mission should be confided to him; but Ayrton, who had not yet +finished, resumed the conversation, and said: + +"If it please your lordship, I will go. I am acquainted with the +country, and have often crossed more difficult regions. I can extricate +myself where another would fail. I therefore claim, for the common +welfare, the right to go to Melbourne. One word will place me on a good +footing with your mate, and in six days I engage to bring the Duncan to +Twofold Bay." + +"Well said!" replied Glenarvan. "You are a brave and intelligent man, +Ayrton, and will succeed." + +The quartermaster was evidently more capable than any one else of +fulfilling this difficult mission. Captain Mangles raised one final +objection, that Ayrton's presence was necessary to enable them to +find traces of the Brittania or Captain Grant; but the major observed +that they should remain encamped on the banks of the Snowy till the +messenger's return, that it was not proposed to resume the search +without him, and that consequently his absence could be in no way +prejudicial to their interests. + +"Well then, Ayrton, start," said Glenarvan. "Make haste, and return to +the encampment by way of Eden." + +A gleam of satisfaction seemed to light up the eyes of the +quartermaster. He turned his head to one side, though not so quickly +but that Captain Mangles had intercepted his glance, and instinctively +felt his suspicions increased. + +The quartermaster made his preparations for departure, aided by the +two sailors, one of whom attended to his horse, and the other to his +provisions. Meantime Glenarvan wrote the letter designed for Tom Austin. + +He ordered the mate of the Duncan to repair without delay to Twofold +Bay, and recommended the quartermaster to him as a man in whom he could +place entire confidence. As soon as he arrived at the bay, he was to +send a detachment of sailors under the command of Ayrton. + +He had just reached this part of his letter, when the major, who had +been looking over his shoulder, asked him, in a singular tone, how he +wrote the word Ayrton. + +"As it is pronounced," replied Glenarvan. + +"That is a mistake," said the major coolly. "It is pronounced Ayrton, +but it is written 'Ben Joyce'!" + + + + +CHAPTER XLI. + +THE PLOT UNVEILED. + + +The sound of the name of Ben Joyce fell upon the party like a +thunderbolt. Ayrton suddenly sprang to his feet. In his hand was a +revolver. A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a bullet. + +Before Captain Mangles and the sailors recovered from the surprise into +which this unexpected turn of affairs had thrown them, the audacious +convict had escaped, and joined his band, scattered along the edge of +the wood of gum-trees. + +[Illustration: A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a +bullet.] + +The tent did not offer a sufficient shelter against the bullets, and +it was clearly necessary to beat a retreat. Glenarvan, who was but +slightly injured, had risen. + +"To the cart! to the cart!" cried Captain Mangles, as he hurried on +Lady Helena and Mary Grant, who were soon in safety behind its stout +sides. + +The captain, the major, Paganel, and the sailors then seized their +rifles, and stood ready to repel the convicts. Glenarvan and Robert had +joined the ladies, while Olbinett hastened to the common defence. + +These events had transpired with the rapidity of lightning. Captain +Mangles attentively watched the edge of the wood; but the reports +suddenly ceased on the arrival of Ben Joyce, and a profound silence +succeeded the noisy fusillade. A few wreaths of white smoke were still +curling up between the branches of the gum-trees, but the tall tufts of +gastrolobium were motionless and all signs of attack had disappeared. + +The major and Captain Mangles extended their examinations as far as the +great trees. The place was abandoned. Numerous footprints were seen, +and a few half-burnt cartridges smoked on the ground. The major, like +a prudent man, extinguished them, for a spark was enough to kindle a +formidable conflagration in this forest of dry trees. + +"The convicts have disappeared," said Captain Mangles. + +"Yes," replied the major; "and this disappearance alarms me. I should +prefer to meet them face to face. It is better to encounter a tiger in +the open plain than a serpent in the grass. Let us search these bushes +around the cart." + +[Sidenote: UNRAVELINGS.] + +The major and captain scoured the surrounding country. But from the +edge of the wood to the banks of the Snowy they did not meet with a +single convict. Ben Joyce's band seemed to have flown away, like a +flock of mischievous birds. This disappearance was too strange to +inspire a perfect security. They therefore resolved to keep on the +watch. The cart, which was a really immovable fortress, became the +centre of the encampment, and two men kept guard, relieving each other +every hour. + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant's first care had been to dress Glenarvan's +wound. At the very moment that her husband fell, from Ben Joyce's +bullet, in her terror she had rushed towards him. Then, controlling +her emotion, this courageous woman had assisted Glenarvan to the cart. +Here the shoulder of the wounded man was laid bare, and the major +perceived that the ball had lacerated the flesh, causing no other +injury. Neither bones nor large muscles seemed affected. The wound bled +considerably, but Glenarvan, by moving the fingers of his hand and +fore-arm, encouraged his friends to expect a favorable result. When his +wound was dressed, he no longer desired any attention, and explanations +followed. The travelers, except Wilson and Mulready, who were keeping +guard outside, had taken seats as well as possible in the cart, and the +major was requested to speak. + +Before beginning his story, he informed Lady Helena of the escape of +a band of convicts from Perth, their appearance in the province of +Victoria, and their complicity in the railway disaster. He gave her +the number of the _Australian and New Zealand Gazette_ purchased at +Seymour, and added that the police had set a price on the head of Ben +Joyce, a formidable bandit, whom eighteen months of crime had given a +wide-spread notoriety. + +But how had MacNabb recognized this Ben Joyce in the quartermaster +Ayrton? Here was the mystery that all wished to solve; and the major +explained. + +Since the day of his meeting with Ayrton he had suspected him. Two or +three almost insignificant circumstances, a glance exchanged between +the quartermaster and the farrier at Wimerra River, Ayrton's hesitation +to pass through the towns and villages, his strong wish to order the +Duncan to the coast, the strange death of the animals confided to his +care, and, finally, a want of frankness in his actions,--all these +facts, gradually noticed, had roused the major's suspicions. + +However, he could form no direct accusation until the events that had +transpired the preceding night. Gliding between the tall clumps of +shrubbery, as was related in the previous chapter, he approached near +the suspicious shadows that had attracted his attention half a mile +from the encampment. The phosphorescent plants cast their pale rays +through the darkness. Three men were examining some tracks on the +ground, and among them he recognized the farrier of Black Point Station. + +"Here they are," said one. + +"Yes," replied another, "here is the trefoil of the hoofs again." + +"It has been like this since leaving the Wimerra." + +"All the horses are dead." + +"The poison is not far away." + +"There is enough here to settle an entire troop of cavalry. This +gastrolobium is a useful plant." + +"Then they were silent," added MacNabb, "and departed. I wanted to know +more: I followed them. The conversation soon began again. 'A cunning +man, this Ben Joyce,' said the farrier; 'a famous quartermaster, with +his invented shipwreck. If his plan succeeds, it will be a stroke of +fortune. Devilish Ayrton! Call him Ben Joyce, for he has well earned +his name.' These rascals then left the wood of gum-trees. I knew what +I wished, and returned to the encampment with the certainty that all +the convicts in Australia are not reformed, in spite of Paganel's +arguments." + +"Then," said Glenarvan, whose face was pale with anger, "Ayrton has +brought us here to rob and assassinate us?" + +"Yes," replied the major. + +"And, since leaving the Wimerra, his band has followed and watched us, +waiting for a favorable opportunity?" + +[Sidenote: FROM DEPTH TO DEPTH.] + +"Yes." + +"But this wretch is not, then, a sailor of the Britannia? He has stolen +his name and contract?" + +All eyes were turned towards MacNabb, who must have considered this +matter. + +"These," replied he, in his calm voice, "are the proofs that can be +derived from this obscure state of affairs. In my opinion this man's +real name is Ayrton. Ben Joyce is his fighting title. It is certain +that he knows Harry Grant, and has been quartermaster on board the +Britannia. These facts, proved already by the precise details given +by Ayrton, are still further corroborated by the conversation of the +convicts that I have related. Let us not, therefore, be led astray +by vain conjectures, but only be certain that Ayrton is Ben Joyce, a +sailor of the Britannia, now chief of a band of convicts." + +The major's explanation was accepted as conclusive. + +"Now," replied Glenarvan, "will you tell me how and why Harry Grant's +quartermaster is in Australia?" + +"How, I do not know," said MacNabb; "and the police declare they know +no more than I on the subject. Why, it is also impossible for me to +say. Here is a mystery that the future will explain." + +"The police do not even know the identity of Ayrton and Ben Joyce," +said Captain Mangles. + +"You are right, John," replied the major; "and such information would +be likely to facilitate their search." + +"This unfortunate, then," remarked Lady Helena, "intruded into +O'Moore's farm with a criminal intention?" + +"There is no doubt of it," continued MacNabb. "He was meditating +some hostile attack upon the Irishman, when a better opportunity was +offered. Chance threw us in his way. He heard Glenarvan's story of the +shipwreck, and, like a bold man, he promptly decided to take part in +the expedition. At the Wimerra he communicated with one of his friends, +the farrier of Black Point, and thus left distinguishable traces of +our course. His band followed us. A poisonous plant enabled him to +gradually kill our oxen and horses. Then, at the proper moment, he +entangled us in the marshes of the Snowy, and surrendered us to the +convicts he commanded." + +Everything possible had been said concerning Ben Joyce. His past had +just been reviewed by the major, and the wretch appeared as he was,--a +bold and formidable criminal. His intentions had been clearly proved, +and required, on the part of Glenarvan, extreme vigilance. Fortunately, +there was less to fear from the detected bandit than the secret traitor. + +But one serious fact appeared from this explanation. No one had yet +thought of it; only Mary Grant, disregarding the past, looked forward +to the future. Captain Mangles first saw her pale and disconsolate. He +understood what was passing in her mind. + +"Miss Mary!" cried he, "you are weeping!" + +"What is the matter, my child?" asked Lady Helena. + +"My father, madam, my father!" replied the young girl. + +She could not continue. But a sudden revelation dawned on the mind of +each. They comprehended Mary's grief, why the tears flowed from her +eyes, why the name of her father rose to her lips. + +The discovery of Ayrton's treachery destroyed all hope. The convict, to +entice Glenarvan on, had invented a shipwreck. In their conversation, +overheard by MacNabb, his accomplices had clearly confessed it. The +Britannia had never been wrecked on the reefs of Twofold Bay! Harry +Grant had never set foot on the Australian continent! + +For the second time an erroneous interpretation of the document had set +the searchers of the Britannia on a false trail. All, in the face of +this situation and the grief of the two children, preserved a mournful +silence. Who then could have found words of hope? Robert wept in his +sister's arms. Paganel murmured, in a voice of despair,-- + +[Sidenote: CALM AND CLOUDINESS.] + +"Ah, unlucky document! You can boast of having sorely puzzled the +brains of a dozen brave people!" + +And the worthy geographer was fairly furious against himself, and +frantically beat his forehead. + +In the mean time Glenarvan had joined Mulready and Wilson, who were on +guard without. A deep silence reigned on the plain lying between the +wood and the river. Heavy clouds covered the vault of the sky. In this +deadened and torpid atmosphere the least sound would have been clearly +transmitted; but nothing was heard. Ben Joyce and his band must have +fled to a considerable distance; for flocks of birds that sported on +the low branches of the trees, several kangaroos peacefully browsing on +the young shoots, and a pair of cassowaries, whose unsuspecting heads +were thrust between the tall bushes, proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes. + +"You have not seen nor heard anything for an hour?" inquired Glenarvan +of the two sailors. + +"Nothing, my lord," replied Wilson. "The convicts must be several miles +away." + +"They cannot have been in sufficient force to attack us," added +Mulready. "This Ben Joyce probably intended to recruit some bandits, +like himself, among the bushrangers that wander at the foot of the +Alps." + +"Very likely, Mulready," replied Glenarvan. "These rascals are cowards. +They know we are well armed, and are perhaps waiting for darkness to +commence their attack. We must redouble our vigilance at nightfall. If +we could only leave this marshy plain and pursue our journey towards +the coast! But the swollen waters of the river bar our progress. I +would pay its weight in gold for a raft that would transport us to the +other side!" + +"Why," said Wilson, "does not your lordship give us the order to +construct this raft? There is plenty of wood." + +"No, Wilson," answered Glenarvan; "this Snowy is not a river, it is an +impassable torrent." + +[Illustration: A pair of cassowaries proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes.] + +[Sidenote: READINESS FOR SERVICE.] + +At this moment Captain Mangles, the major, and Paganel joined +Glenarvan. They had been to examine the Snowy. The waters, swollen by +the recent rains, had risen a foot above low-water mark, and formed +an impetuous current. It was impossible to venture upon this roaring +deluge, these rushing floods, broken into a thousand eddies by the +depressions of the river-bed. Captain Mangles declared that the passage +was impracticable. + +"But," added he, "we ought not to remain here without making any +attempt. What we wished to do before Ayrton's treason is still more +necessary now." + +"What do you say, captain?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I say that assistance is needed; and since we cannot go to Twofold +Bay, we must go to Melbourne. One horse is left. Let your lordship give +him to me, and I will go." + +"But it is a perilous venture, John," said Glenarvan. "Aside from the +dangers of this journey of two hundred miles across an unknown country, +all the roads may be guarded by Ben Joyce's accomplices." + +"I know it, my lord; but I know, too, that our situation cannot be +prolonged. Ayrton only asked eight days' absence to bring back the crew +of the Duncan. But I will return in six days to the banks of the Snowy. +What are your lordship's orders?" + +"Before Glenarvan speaks," said Paganel, "I must make a remark. It is +well that one of us should go to Melbourne, but not that these dangers +should be incurred by Captain Mangles. He is the captain of the Duncan, +and must not, therefore, expose himself. Allow me to go in his place." + +"Well said," replied the major; "but why should it be you, Paganel?" + +"Are we not here?" cried Wilson and Mulready. + +"And do you believe," continued MacNabb, "that I am afraid to make a +journey of two hundred miles on horseback?" + +"My friends," said Glenarvan, "if one of us is to go to Melbourne, let +fate decide. Paganel, write our names----" + +"Not yours at least, my lord," insisted Captain Mangles. + +"And why?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Separate you from Lady Helena, when your wound is not yet healed?" + +"Glenarvan," interposed Paganel, "you cannot leave the encampment." + +"No," resumed the major; "your place is here. Edward, you must not go." + +"There are dangers to incur," replied Glenarvan; "and I will not leave +my part to others. Write, Paganel; let my name be mingled with those of +my companions, and Heaven grant that it may be the first drawn." + +All yielded to this wish; and Glenarvan's name was added to the others. +They then proceeded to draw, and the lot fell upon Mulready. The brave +sailor uttered a cry of joy. + +"My lord, I am ready to go," said he. + +Glenarvan clasped his hand, and then turned towards the cart, leaving +the major and Captain Mangles to guard the encampment. Lady Helena +was at once informed of the decision taken to send a messenger to +Melbourne, and of the result of the drawing by lot. She spoke words to +Mulready that went to the heart of that noble sailor. They knew that he +was brave, intelligent, hardy, and persevering. The lot could not have +fallen better. + +It was decided that Mulready should depart at eight o'clock, after the +short twilight. Wilson charged himself with getting the horse ready. He +took the precaution to change the tell-tale shoe that he wore on his +left foot, and to replace it by one belonging to the horses that had +died in the night. The convicts could not now track Mulready, or follow +him, unless mounted. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER DISTRACTION.] + +While Wilson was occupied with these arrangements, Glenarvan was +preparing the letter designed for Tom Austin; but his wounded arm +disabled him, and he asked Paganel to write for him. The geographer, +who seemed absorbed in one idea, was oblivious to what was passing +around him. It must be confessed that Paganel, in all this succession +of sad misfortunes, thought only of his false interpretation of the +document. He turned the words about in every way to draw from them a +new meaning, and remained wrapt in these meditations. Thus he did not +hear Glenarvan's request, and the latter was forced to repeat it. + +"Very well," replied Paganel; "I am ready." + +So saying, he mechanically produced his note-book. He tore out a blank +page, and then, with his pencil in his hand, made ready to write. +Glenarvan began to dictate the following instructions: + +"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan----" + +Paganel had just finished this last word when his eyes fell upon the +number of the _Australian and New Zealand Gazette_ that lay upon the +ground. The paper, being folded, only allowed him to see the two last +syllables of its title. His pencil stopped, and he seemed to completely +forget Glenarvan and his letter. + +"Well, Paganel?" said Glenarvan. + +"Ah!" continued the geographer, uttering a cry. + +"What is the matter?" asked the major. + +"Nothing! nothing!" replied Paganel. Then, in a lower tone, he +repeated: "Aland! aland! aland!" + +He had risen; he had seized the paper. He shook it, seeking to +repress words ready to escape his lips. Lady Helena, Mary, Robert, +and Glenarvan gazed at him without understanding this inexplicable +agitation. Paganel was like a man whom a sudden frenzy has seized. But +this state of nervous excitation did not last. He gradually grew calm. +The joy that gleamed in his eyes died away, and, resuming his place, he +said, in a quiet tone: + +"When you wish, my lord, I am at your disposal." + +Glenarvan continued the dictation of his letter, which was distinctly +worded as follows: + +"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan to the +eastern coast of Australia." + +"Australia?" cried Paganel. "Ah, yes, Australia!" + +The letter was now finished, and presented to Glenarvan for his +signature, who, although affected by his recent wound, acquitted +himself as well as possible of this formality. The note was then +folded and sealed, while Paganel, with a hand that still trembled from +excitement, wrote the following address: + + "Tom Austin, + "Mate of the Yacht Duncan, + "Melbourne." + +Thereupon he left the cart, gesticulating, and repeating these +incomprehensible words: + +"Aland! aland! Zealand!" + + + + +CHAPTER XLII. + +FOUR DAYS OF ANGUISH. + + +The rest of the day passed without any other incident. Everything was +ready for the departure of Mulready, who was happy to give his master +this proof of his devotion. + +Paganel had regained his coolness and accustomed manners. His look +still indicated an uneasy state of mind, but he appeared decided to +keep his secret. He had doubtless strong reasons for acting thus, +for the major overheard him repeating these words, like a man who is +struggling with himself: + +"No, no! they would not believe me! And, besides what use is it? It is +too late!" + +[Illustration: "Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon +disappeared by a path along the edge of the wood.] + +This resolution taken, he occupied himself with giving Mulready the +necessary directions for reaching Melbourne, and, with the map before +him, marked out his course. All the trails of the prairie converged +towards the Lucknow road, which, after extending straight southward to +the coast, suddenly turned in the direction towards Melbourne. It was +simply necessary to follow this, and not attempt to cross the unknown +country. Mulready could not, therefore, go astray. As for dangers, they +lay only a few miles beyond the encampment, where Ben Joyce and his +band were probably lying in wait. This point once passed, Mulready was +sure he could easily distance the convicts and accomplish his important +mission. + +At six o'clock supper was eaten in common. A heavy rain was falling. +The tent no longer afforded sufficient shelter, and each had taken +refuge in the cart, which was a safe retreat. The sticky clay held +it in its place as firm as a fort on its foundations. The fire-arms +consisted of seven rifles and seven revolvers, and thus enabled +them to sustain a long siege, for neither ammunition nor provisions +were wanting. In six days the Duncan would anchor in Twofold Bay. +Twenty-four hours after, her crew would reach the opposite bank of +the river; and, if the passage was not then practicable, at least the +convicts would be compelled to retreat before superior forces. But, +first of all, it was necessary that Mulready should succeed in his +enterprise. + +At eight o'clock the darkness became intense. It was the time to start. +The horse was brought out. His feet had been muffled; as an additional +precaution, and made no sound. The animal seemed fatigued, but upon +his surefootedness and endurance depended the safety of all. The +major advised the sailor to spare his beast as soon as he was out of +reach of the convicts. It was better to lose half a day and reach his +destination safely. Captain Mangles gave him a revolver, which he had +loaded with the greatest care. Mulready mounted. + +[Sidenote: A GLOOMY PROSPECT.] + +"Here is the letter which you are to take to Tom Austin," said +Glenarvan. "Let him not lose an hour, but start for Twofold Bay; and, +if he does not find us there, if we have not crossed the river, let him +come to us without delay. Now go, my brave sailor, and may God guide +you!" + +Glenarvan, Lady Helena, Mary Grant, all clasped Mulready's hand. This +departure on a dark and stormy night, over a road beset with dangers, +across the unknown stretches of a desert, would have appalled a heart +less courageous than that of the sailor. + +"Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon disappeared by a +path along the edge of the wood. + +At that moment the tempest redoubled its violence. The lofty branches +of the trees shook dismally in the darkness. You could hear the fall of +the dry twigs on the drenched earth. More than one giant tree, whose +sap was gone, but which had stood till then, fell during this terrible +hurricane. The wind roared amid the cracking of the trees and mingled +its mournful sounds with the rushing of the river. The heavy clouds +that chased across the sky poured forth masses of mist, while a dismal +darkness increased still more the horrors of the night. + +The travelers, after Mulready's departure, ensconced themselves in the +cart. Lady Helena, Mary Grant, Glenarvan, and Paganel occupied the +front compartment, which had been made water-tight. In the rear part +Olbinett, Wilson, and Robert had found a sufficient shelter, while the +major and Captain Mangles were on guard without. This precaution was +necessary, for an attack by the convicts was easy and possible. + +These two faithful guardians, therefore, took turns and philosophically +received the blasts that blew sharply in their faces. They strove to +pierce with their eyes the shades so favorable for an ambuscade, for +the ear could detect nothing amid the din of the storm, the roaring of +the wind, the rattling of the branches, the fall of trees, and the +rushing of the impetuous waters. + +In the mean time there were several lulls in the fury of the tempest, +the wind ceasing as if to take breath. The river only moaned adown +the motionless reeds and the black curtain of the gum-trees, and the +silence seemed more profound during these momentary rests. The major +and Captain Mangles now listened attentively. During one of these +intervals a sharp whistle reached their ears. + +The captain hastened to the major. "Did you hear anything?" asked he. + +"Yes," replied MacNabb. "Was it a man or an animal?" + +"A man," said the captain. + +They both listened again. The mysterious whistle was suddenly repeated, +and something like a report followed it, but almost inaudibly, for the +storm just then broke forth with renewed violence. They could not hear +themselves talk, and took their stations to leeward of the cart. + +At this moment the leathern curtains were raised, and Glenarvan joined +his two companions. He likewise had heard the suspicious whistle, and +the report. + +"From what direction?" he asked. + +"Yonder," said the captain, pointing to the dark line, towards which +Mulready had gone. + +"How far?" + +"The wind carried it," was the reply. "It must be three miles distant +at least." + +"Let us go!" said Glenarvan, throwing his rifle over his shoulder. + +"No," interposed the major; "it is a decoy to entice us away from the +cart." + +"But if Mulready has fallen beneath the shots of these wretches!" +continued Glenarvan, seizing MacNabb's hand. + +"We shall know to-morrow," replied the latter, firmly determined to +prevent Glenarvan from committing a useless imprudence. + +[Sidenote: A CRY IN THE NIGHT.] + +"You cannot leave the encampment, my lord," said Captain Mangles; "I +will go alone." + +"No!" cried MacNabb, with energy. "Will you have us, then, perish +singly, diminish our numbers, and be left to the mercy of these +criminals? If Mulready has been their victim, it is a calamity that we +must not repeat a second time. He has gone according to lot. If the lot +had chosen me, I should have gone like him, but should neither have +asked nor expected any assistance." + +In restraining Glenarvan and Captain Mangles the major was right from +every point of view. To attempt to reach the sailor, to go on such +a dark night to meet the convicts, ambuscaded in some coppice, was +useless madness. Glenarvan's little party did not number enough men to +sacrifice any more. + +However, Glenarvan seemed unwilling to yield to these reasons. His +hand played nervously with his rifle. He walked to and fro around the +cart; he listened to the least sound; he strove to pierce the dismal +obscurity. The thought that one of his friends was mortally wounded, +helplessly abandoned, calling in vain upon those for whose sake he +had sacrificed himself, tortured him. MacNabb feared that he should +not succeed in restraining him, that Glenarvan, carried away by his +feelings, would cast himself into the power of Ben Joyce. + +"Edward," said he, "be calm; listen to a friend; think of Lady Helena, +Mary Grant, all who remain! Besides, where will you go? Where find +Mulready? He was attacked two miles distant at least. On what road? +What path take?" + +At this very moment, as if in answer to the major, a cry of distress +was heard. + +"Listen!" said Glenarvan. + +The cry came from the very direction whence the report had sounded, but +less than a quarter of a mile distant. Glenarvan, pushing back MacNabb, +was advancing along the path, when, not far from the cart, these words +were uttered: + +"Help! help!" + +It was a plaintive and despairing voice. Captain Mangles and the major +rushed towards it. In a few moments they perceived, on the edge of +the coppice, a human form that was dragging itself along and groaning +piteously. It was Mulready, wounded and half dead. When his companions +raised him, they felt their hands dabbling in blood. The rain now +increased, and the wind howled through the branches of the dead trees. +In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the major, and the +captain bore the body of Mulready. + +On arriving at the cart, Paganel, Robert, Wilson, and Olbinett came +out, and Lady Helena gave up her room to the poor sailor. The major +took off Mulready's vest, wet with blood and rain. He discovered the +wound. It was a poniard stab, which the unfortunate had received in his +right side. + +MacNabb dressed it skillfully. Whether the weapon had reached the vital +parts, he could not say. A stream of bright-red blood spurted forth, +while the paleness and the swoon of the wounded man proved that he had +been seriously injured. The major accordingly placed upon the opening +of the wound, after first washing it with fresh water, a thick wad of +tinder, and then a few layers of lint, confined by a bandage, and thus +succeeded in stopping the hemorrhage. The patient was then laid on his +side, his head and breast raised, and Lady Helena gave him a refreshing +draught. + +At the end of a quarter of an hour, the wounded man, who had been +motionless till then, made a movement. His eyes half opened, his lips +murmured disconnected words, and the major, putting down his ear, heard +him say: + +"My lord--the letter--Ben Joyce----" + +[Sidenote: A DAY OF DOUBT.] + +The major repeated these words, and glanced at his companions. What did +Mulready mean? Ben Joyce had attacked the sailor, but why? Was it not +simply for the purpose of preventing him from reaching the Duncan? This +letter--Glenarvan examined the sailor's pockets. The letter addressed +to Tom Austin was gone. + +The night passed in anxiety and anguish. They feared every moment that +the wounded man would die. A burning fever consumed him. Lady Helena +and Mary Grant, as though his sisters, did not leave him; never was +patient better nursed, or by more tender hands. + +Day appeared. The rain had ceased. Heavy clouds still rolled along +the vault of the sky, and the earth was strewn with the fragments of +branches. The clay, soaked by floods of water, had yielded; and the +sides of the cart became unsteady, but sank no deeper. + +Captain Mangles, Paganel, and Glenarvan took a tour of exploration +around the camp. They traversed the path still marked with blood, but +found no trace of Ben Joyce or his band. They went to the place where +the attack had been made. Here two corpses lay on the ground, shot +by Mulready. One was the farrier of Black Point. His face, which had +mortified, was a horrible sight. + +Glenarvan did not pursue his investigations farther, prudence +forbidding. He therefore returned to the cart, much alarmed by the +seriousness of the situation. + +"We cannot think of sending another messenger to Melbourne," said he. + +"But we must," replied Captain Mangles; "and I will make the attempt, +since my sailor has failed." + +"No, John. You have not even a horse to carry you these two hundred +miles." + +Indeed, Mulready's horse, the only one that remained, had not +reappeared. Had he fallen beneath the shots of the murderers? Was he +running wild over the desert? Had the convicts captured him? + +[Illustration: In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the +major, and the captain bore the body of Mulready.] + +[Sidenote: RESOLUTION, AND RECOVERY.] + +"Whatever happens," continued Glenarvan, "we will separate no more. +Let us wait eight or fifteen days, till the waters of the river resume +their natural level. We will then reach Twofold Bay by short journeys, +and from there send to the Duncan by a surer way the order to sail for +the coast." + +"This is the only feasible plan," replied Paganel. + +"Well, then, my friends," resumed Glenarvan, "no more separation! A +man risks too much to venture alone across this desert, infested with +bandits. And now may God save our poor sailor and protect ourselves!" + +Glenarvan was right in both resolves, first to forbid any single +attempt to cross the plains, and next to wait patiently on the banks +of the river for a practicable passage. Scarcely thirty-five miles +separated them from Delegete, the first frontier town of New South +Wales, where they would find means of reaching Twofold Bay. From this +point he could telegraph his orders to the Duncan. + +These measures were wise, but they had been adopted rather tardily. If +they had not sent Mulready with the letter, what misfortunes would have +been avoided, not to speak of the attack upon the sailor! + +On arriving at the camp, Glenarvan found his companions less anxious; +they seemed to have regained hope. + +"He is better!" cried Robert, running to meet him. + +"Mulready?" + +"Yes, Edward," replied Lady Helena. "A reaction has taken place. The +major is more encouraged. Our sailor will live." + +"Where is MacNabb?" asked Glenarvan. + +"With him. Mulready wished to speak with him. We must not disturb them." + +Indeed, within an hour the wounded man had rallied from his swoon, and +the fever had diminished. But the sailor's first care, on recovering +memory and speech was to ask for Lord Glenarvan, or, in his absence, +the major MacNabb, seeing him so feeble, would have forbidden all +conversation; but Mulready insisted with such energy that he was forced +to yield. The interview had already lasted some time, and they were +only waiting for the major's report. + +Soon the curtains of the cart moved, and he appeared. He joined his +friends at the foot of a gum-tree. His face, usually so calm, betokened +a serious anxiety. When his eyes encountered Lady Helena and the young +girl, they expressed a deep sadness. Glenarvan questioned him, and +learned what the sailor had related. + +On leaving the encampment, Mulready had followed one of the paths +indicated by Paganel. He hastened, as much at least as the darkness of +the night permitted him. According to his estimate, he had traveled a +distance of about two miles, when several men--five, he thought--sprang +to his horse's head. The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver +and fired. He thought that two of his assailants fell. By the flash of +the report, he recognized Ben Joyce, but that was all. He had not time +to fully discharge his weapon. A violent blow was struck upon his right +side, which brought him to the ground. However, he had not yet lost +consciousness. The assassins believed him dead. He felt them search +him. Then a conversation ensued. "I have the letter," said one of them. +"Give it to me," replied Ben Joyce; "and now the Duncan is ours!" + +At this point in the story Glenarvan could not restrain a cry. + +MacNabb continued: + +[Sidenote: A HOPELESS CHANCE.] + +"'Now, you others,' said Ben Joyce, 'catch the horse. In two days I +shall be on board the Duncan, and in six at Twofold Bay. There is the +place of meeting. The lord's party will be still fast in the marshes +of the Snowy. Cross the river at Kemple Pier bridge, go to the coast, +and wait for me. I will find means to bring you on board. With the +crew once at sea, and a vessel like the Duncan, we shall be masters +of the Indian Ocean.' 'Hurrah for Ben Joyce!' cried the convicts. +Mulready's horse was then led up, and Ben Joyce disappeared at a gallop +on the Lucknow road, while the band proceeded southeastward to the +Snowy River. Mulready, although severely wounded, had strength to drag +himself within two hundred paces of the encampment, where we picked him +up almost dead. This," added MacNabb, "is Mulready's sad story. You +understand now why the courageous sailor wished so much to speak." + +This revelation terrified all. + +"Pirates! pirates!" cried Glenarvan. "My crew massacred, my Duncan in +the hands of these bandits!" + +"Yes, for Ben Joyce will surprise the vessel," replied the major, "and +then----" + +"Well, we must reach the coast before these wretches," said Paganel. + +"But how cross the Snowy?" asked Wilson. + +"Like them," answered Glenarvan. "They will cross Kemple Pier bridge, +and we will do the same." + +"But what will become of Mulready?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"We will take turns in carrying him. Shall I give up my defenceless +crew to Ben Joyce's band?" + +The plan of crossing Kemple Pier bridge was practicable, but perilous. +The convicts might locate themselves at this point to defend it. It +would be at least thirty against seven! But there are moments when we +do not think of these things, when we must advance at all hazards. + +"My lord," said Captain Mangles, at length, "before risking our +last chance, before venturing towards the bridge, it is prudent to +reconnoitre it first. I will undertake this." + +"I will accompany you, captain," replied Paganel. + +[Sidenote: THE BURNED BRIDGE.] + +This proposal was accepted, and the captain and Paganel prepared to +start immediately. They were to follow along the bank of the river till +they came to the place indicated by Ben Joyce, and keep out of sight +of the convicts, who were probably lying in wait. These two courageous +men accordingly, well furnished with arms and provisions, set out, and +soon disappeared among the tall rushes of the river. + +[Illustration: The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver and +fired.] + +All day the little party waited for them. At evening they had not yet +returned, and great fears were entertained. At last, about eleven +o'clock, Wilson announced their approach. They arrived, worn out with +the fatigues of a six-mile journey. + +"The bridge? Is it there?" asked Glenarvan, rushing to meet them. + +"Yes, a bridge of rushes," said Captain Mangles. "The convicts passed, +it is true, but----" + +"But what?" cried Glenarvan, who foresaw a new calamity. + +"They burned it after their passage," replied Paganel. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII. + +HELPLESS AND HOPELESS. + + +It was not the time to despair, but to act. If Kemple Pier bridge was +destroyed, they must cross the Snowy at all events, and reach Twofold +Bay before Ben Joyce's band. They lost no time, therefore, in vain +words; but the next day Captain Mangles and Glenarvan went to examine +the river, preparatory to a passage. + +The tumultuous waters, swollen by the rains, had not subsided. They +whirled along with indescribable fury. It was certain death to brave +this torrent. Glenarvan, with folded arms and lowered head, stood +motionless. + +"Do you wish me to try to swim to the opposite bank?" asked Captain +Mangles. + +"No, John," replied Glenarvan, seizing the bold young man by the hand; +"let us wait." + +They both returned to the encampment. The day was passed in the most +lively anxiety. Ten times did Glenarvan return to the river. He sought +to contrive some bold plan of crossing it, but in vain. It would not +have been more impassable if a torrent of lava had flowed between its +banks. + +During these long hours of delay, Lady Helena, with the major's +assistance, bestowed upon Mulready the most skillful care. The sailor +felt that he was returning to life. MacNabb ventured to affirm that no +vital organ had been injured, the loss of blood sufficiently explained +the patient's weakness. Thus, as soon as his wound was healed and the +hemorrhage stopped, only time and rest were needed for his complete +restoration. Lady Helena had insisted upon his occupying her end of the +cart. Mulready felt greatly honored. His greatest anxiety was in the +thought that his condition might delay Glenarvan, and he forced them to +promise that they would leave him at the camp in charge of Wilson, as +soon as the river became fordable. + +Unfortunately, this was not possible, either that day or the next. At +seeing himself thus detained, Glenarvan despaired. Lady Helena and the +major tried in vain to pacify and exhort him to patience. Patience! +when, at that moment perhaps, Ben Joyce was going on board the yacht, +when the Duncan was weighing anchor and steaming towards that fatal +coast, to which every hour brought her nearer! + +[Sidenote: ALMOST DESPAIRING.] + +Captain Mangles felt at heart all Glenarvan's anguish, and, as he +wished to overcome the difficulty at all hazards, he constructed a +canoe in the Australian fashion, with large pieces of the bark of the +gum-trees. These slabs, which were very light, were held together by +wooden cross-bars, and formed a very frail craft. + +The captain and the sailor tried the canoe. All that skill, strength, +or courage could do they did. But scarcely were they in the current, +when they capsized and narrowly escaped with their lives. The boat was +drawn into the eddies and disappeared. Captain Mangles and Wilson had +not advanced ten yards into the river, which was swollen by the rains +and melting snows till it was now a mile in breadth. + +Two days were wasted in this way. The major and Glenarvan went five +miles up stream without finding a practicable ford. Everywhere was the +same impetuosity, the same tumultuous rush of water; all the southern +slopes of the mountains had poured their liquid torrents into this +single stream. They were forced, therefore, to give up any hope of +saving the Duncan. Five days had passed since Ben Joyce's departure, +the yacht was probably that very moment at the coast, in the hands of +the convicts. + +However, this state of things could not last long. Indeed, on the +morning of the third day, Paganel perceived that the waters were +beginning to subside. He reported to Glenarvan the result of his +observations. + +"What does it matter now?" replied Glenarvan; "it is too late!" + +"That is no reason for prolonging our stay at the encampment," replied +the major. + +"Certainly not," said Captain Mangles; "to-morrow, perhaps, it will be +possible to cross." + +"But will that save my unfortunate crew?" cried Glenarvan. + +"Listen to me, my lord," continued Captain Mangles. "I know Tom Austin. +He was to execute your orders, and start as soon as his departure was +possible. Who knows whether the Duncan was ready, or her injuries +repaired, on the arrival of Ben Joyce at Melbourne? Supposing the +yacht could not put to sea, and suffered one or two days of delay?" + +"You are right, John," replied Glenarvan. "We must reach Twofold Bay. +We are only thirty-five miles from Delegete." + +"Yes," said Paganel, "and in that town we shall find rapid means of +conveyance. Who knows whether we shall not arrive in time to prevent +this calamity?" + +"Let us start!" cried Glenarvan. + +Captain Mangles and Wilson at once occupied themselves in constructing +a raft of large dimensions. Experience had proved that pieces of bark +could not resist the violence of the torrent. The captain cut down +several gum-trees, of which he made a rude but substantial raft. It was +a tedious task, and that day ended before the work was completed; but +the next day it was finished. + +The waters had now considerably subsided. The torrent had become a +river again, with a rapid current. However, with proper management, the +captain hoped to reach the opposite bank. + +At noon they put on board as much provisions as each could carry for +two days' travel. The rest was abandoned with the cart and the tent. +Mulready was well enough to be moved; he was recovering rapidly. + +Each took his place on the raft, which was moored to the bank. Captain +Mangles had arranged on the starboard side, and confided to Wilson, a +kind of oar to sustain the raft against the current, and prevent its +drifting. As for himself, he stood at the stern, and steered by means +of a clumsy rudder. Lady Helena and Mary Grant occupied the centre +of the raft near Mulready. Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and Robert +surrounded them, ready to lend assistance. + +"Are we ready, Wilson?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, seizing his oar with a firm hand. + +[Illustration: However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the +river, half a mile below where they started.] + +"Attention, and bear up against the current." + +Captain Mangles unmoored the raft, and with one push launched it into +the current of the river. All went well for some time, and Wilson +resisted the leeway. But soon the craft was drawn into the eddies, and +turned round and round, so that neither oar nor rudder could keep it in +a straight course. In spite of their efforts, they were soon placed in +a position where it was impossible to use the oars. + +They were forced to be passive; there was no means of preventing this +gyratory motion. They were whirled about with a giddy rapidity, and +sent out of their course. The captain, with pale face and set teeth, +stood and gazed at the eddying water. + +However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the river, half a mile +below where they started. The current here was very strong, and, as +it broke the eddies, it lessened the whirling motion. The captain and +Wilson resumed their oars, and succeeded in propelling the craft in an +oblique direction. In this way they approached nearer the left bank, +and were only a few yards distant, when Wilson's oar broke. The raft, +no longer sustained against the current, was carried down stream. The +captain endeavored to prevent it, at the risk of breaking his rudder, +and Wilson with bleeding hands assisted him. + +At last they succeeded, and the raft, after a voyage of more than half +an hour, ran upon the steeply-sloping bank. The shock was violent; the +timbers were thrown apart, the ropes broken, and the foaming water came +through. The travelers had only time to cling to the bushes that hung +over the stream. They extricated Mulready and the two ladies, who were +half drenched. In short, everybody was saved; but the greater part of +the provisions and arms, except the major's rifle, were swept away with +the fragments of the raft. + +[Sidenote: A WEARY PILGRIMAGE.] + +The river was crossed, but the little party were without resources, +thirty-five miles from Delegete, in the midst of these untrodden +deserts. They resolved to start without delay. Mulready saw that he +would cause trouble, and desired to remain behind, even alone, and wait +for aid from Delegete. But Glenarvan refused. He could not reach the +town before three days. If the Duncan had left Melbourne several days +before, what mattered a delay of a few hours? + +"No, my friend," said he; "I will not abandon any one. We will make a +litter, and take turns in carrying you." + +The litter was made of branches covered with leaves, and upon this +Mulready was placed. Glenarvan wished to be the first to bear the +sailor, and, seizing one end of the litter and Wilson the other, they +started. + +What a sad sight! and how disastrously this journey, so well begun, +had ended! They were no longer going in search of Captain Grant. +This continent--where he was not, nor had ever been--threatened to +be fatal to those who were seeking traces of him, and perhaps new +discouragements still awaited them. + +The first day passed silently and painfully. Every ten minutes they +took turns in carrying the litter. All the sailor's companions +uncomplainingly imposed upon themselves this duty, which was made still +more arduous by the great heat. + +At evening, after accomplishing only five miles, they encamped under +a group of gum-trees. The rest of the provisions that had escaped the +shipwreck furnished the evening meal. They must hereafter rely on the +major's rifle; but he found no opportunity to fire a single shot. +Fortunately, Robert found a nest of bustards, containing a dozen large +eggs, which Olbinett cooked in the hot ashes. In addition to these +embarrassments, their way became very difficult. The sandy plains were +bristling with thorny plants that tore their garments and lacerated +their limbs. The courageous ladies, however, did not complain, but +valiantly advanced, setting the example, and encouraging each other by +a word or a look. + +On the third day Mulready traveled part of the way on foot. His wound +had entirely healed. The town of Delegete was only ten miles distant, +and at evening they encamped on the very frontiers of New South Wales. + +A fine and penetrating rain had been falling for several hours, and +all shelter would have failed, if Captain Mangles had not fortunately +discovered a ruined and abandoned sawyer's hut. They were obliged to +content themselves with this miserable hovel of branches and thatch. +Wilson attempted to kindle a fire to prepare the food, and accordingly +collected some dead wood that strewed the ground. But when he attempted +to light the fuel he did not succeed; the great quantity of aluminous +material that it contained prevented combustion. It was, therefore, +necessary to dispense with fire and food, and sleep in wet garments, +while the birds, hidden in the lofty branches, seemed to mock these +unfortunate travelers. + +However, Glenarvan and his friends were approaching the end of their +sufferings; and it was time. The two ladies exerted themselves +heroically, but their strength was failing every hour. They dragged +themselves along, they no longer walked. + +The next day they started at daybreak, and at eleven o'clock Delegete +came in sight, fifty miles from Twofold Bay. Here means of conveyance +were quickly obtained. Feeling himself so near the coast, hope returned +to Glenarvan's heart; perhaps there had been some slight delay, and he +would arrive before the Duncan! In twenty-four hours he would reach the +bay! + +At noon, after a comforting repast, all the travelers took their seats +in a mail-coach, and left Delegete at the full speed of five strong +horses. The postilions, stimulated by the promise of a large reward, +drove them along at a rapid rate, over a well-kept road. No time was +lost in changing horses, and it seemed as if Glenarvan had inspired +all with his own intense eagerness. + +[Illustration: The two ladies exerted themselves heroically, but their +strength was failing every hour. They dragged themselves along, they no +longer walked.] + +All day and all night they traveled with the same swiftness, and at +sunrise the next morning a low murmur announced the proximity of the +Indian Ocean. It was necessary, however, to pass around the bay to gain +that part of the coast where Tom Austin was to meet the travelers. + +When the sea appeared, all eyes quickly surveyed the wide expanse. Was +the Duncan there, by a miracle of Providence, as she had been discerned +before by some of them on the Argentine coast? Nothing was seen; sky +and water mingled in an unbroken horizon; not a sail brightened the +vast extent of ocean. + +One hope still remained. Perhaps Tom Austin had thought it best to cast +anchor in Twofold Bay, as the sea was rough and a vessel could not be +moored in safety near such shores. + +"To Eden!" said Glenarvan. + +The mail-coach at once took the road to the right, which ran along the +edge of the bay, and proceeded towards the little town of Eden, only +five miles distant. The postilions stopped not far from the light that +guarded the entrance to the harbor. Several ships were anchored in the +roadstead, but none displayed the flag of Malcolm Castle. + +Glenarvan, Captain Mangles, and Paganel alighted immediately, and +hastened to the custom-house. Here they questioned the employees, and +consulted the latest arrivals. No vessel had entered the bay for a week. + +"She may not have started!" cried Glenarvan, who would not despair. +"Perhaps we have arrived before her!" + +Captain Mangles shook his head. He knew Tom Austin; his mate would +never have delayed so long to execute an order. + +"I will know what this means," said Glenarvan. "Certainty is better +than doubt." + +[Sidenote: THE LAST HOPE.] + +Fifteen minutes later a telegram was sent to the ship-brokers of +Melbourne, and the travelers repaired to the Victoria Hotel. Not long +after an answer was delivered to Lord Glenarvan. It read as follows: + +"Lord Glenarvan, + Eden, Twofold Bay. + +"Duncan started on the 18th instant for some unknown destination." + +The dispatch fell from Glenarvan's hands. There was no more doubt! The +honest Scotch yacht, in Ben Joyce's hands, had become a pirate-vessel! + +Thus ended their search in Australia, begun under such favorable +auspices. The traces of Captain Grant and his shipwrecked sailors +seemed irrecoverably lost. This failure had cost the lives of an entire +crew. Lord Glenarvan was crushed by the blow, and this courageous +searcher, whom the leagued elements had failed to deter, was now +baffled by the malice of men. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV. + +A ROUGH CAPTAIN. + + +If ever the searchers for Captain Grant had reason to despair of seeing +him again, was it not when every hope forsook them at once? To what +part of the world should they venture a new expedition? how explore +unknown countries? The Duncan was no longer in their possession, and +they could not be immediately reconciled to their misfortune. The +undertaking of these generous Scots had, therefore, failed. Failure! +sad word, that finds no echo in a valiant soul; and yet, amid all +the changes of destiny, Glenarvan was forced to acknowledge his +powerlessness to pursue this work of mercy. + +Mary Grant, in this situation, no longer had the courage to utter the +name of her father. She suppressed her own anguish by thinking of the +unfortunate crew. Controlling herself in the presence of her friend, it +was she who consoled Lady Helena, from whom she had received so many +consolations. The young girl was the first to speak of their return to +Scotland. At seeing her so courageous and resigned, Captain Mangles +admired her, and would have spoken a final word in favor of Captain +Grant, if Mary had not stopped him with a look and then said: + +"No, Mr. John; let us think of those who have sacrificed themselves. +Lord Glenarvan must return to England." + +"You are right, Miss Mary," replied he; "he must. The English +authorities must also be informed of the fate of the Duncan. But do not +give up all hope. The search that we have begun I would continue alone, +rather than abandon. I will find Captain Grant, or succumb to the task!" + +This was a solemn compact which John Mangles thus made. Mary accepted +it, and gave her hand to the young captain, as if to ratify this +treaty. On the part of the latter it was a devotion of his entire life; +on the part of the former, an unchanging gratitude. + +The time of their departure was now definitely decided. They resolved +to proceed to Melbourne without delay. The next day Captain Mangles +went to inquire about vessels that were upon the point of sailing. He +expected to find frequent communication between Eden and Melbourne, but +he was disappointed. The vessels were few; two or three anchored in +Twofold Bay composed the entire fleet of the place. There were none for +Melbourne, Sydney, or Point-de-Galle. + +In this state of affairs, what was to be done? Wait for a ship? They +might be delayed a long time, for Twofold Bay is little frequented. +After some deliberation, Glenarvan was about to decide upon reaching +Sydney by the coast, when Paganel made a proposal that was unexpected +to every one. + +The geographer had just returned from Twofold Bay. He knew that there +were no means of transportation to Sydney or Melbourne; but, of the +three vessels anchored in the roadstead, one was preparing to start +for Auckland, the capital of Ika-na-Maoui, the northern island of New +Zealand. Thither Paganel proposed to go by the bark in question, and +from Auckland it would be easy to return to England by the steamers of +the English company. + +This proposition was taken into serious consideration, although Paganel +did not enter into those extended arguments of which he was usually so +lavish. He confined himself to stating the fact, and added that the +voyage would not last more than five or six days. + +Captain Mangles advocated Paganel's plan. He thought it should be +adopted, since they could not wait for the uncertain arrival of other +vessels. But, before deciding, he judged it advisable to visit the ship +in question. Accordingly, he, with Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and +Robert, took a boat, and pulled out to where it was anchored. + +It was a brig of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Macquarie, +which traded between the different ports of Australia and New Zealand. +The captain, or rather the "master," received his visitors very +gruffly. They saw that they had to deal with an uneducated man, whose +manners were not different from those of the five sailors of his +crew. A coarse red face, big hands, a flat nose, a blinded eye, lips +blackened by his pipe, and a specially brutish appearance, made Will +Halley a very forbidding character. But they had no choice, and for a +voyage of a few days there was no need to be very particular. + +"What do you want?" asked Will Halley, as the strangers reached the +deck of his vessel. + +"The captain," replied Mangles. + +[Sidenote: A BUSINESS INTERVIEW.] + +"I am he," said Halley. "What then?" + +"The Macquarie is loading for Auckland?" + +"Yes. What of it?" + +"What does she carry?" + +"Anything that is bought or sold." + +"When does she sail?" + +"To-morrow, at the noon tide." + +"Would she take passengers?" + +"That depends upon the passengers, and whether they would be satisfied +with the ship's mess." + +"They would take their own provisions." + +"Well, how many are there?" + +"Nine,--two of them ladies." + +"I have no cabins." + +"We will arrange a place for their exclusive use." + +"What then?" + +"Do you accept?" asked Captain Mangles, who was not embarrassed by this +curtness. + +"I must see," replied the master of the Macquarie. He took a turn or +two, striking the deck with his heavy, hobnailed boots; then, turning +to Captain Mangles, said: + +"What do you pay?" + +"What do you ask?" was the reply. + +"Fifty pounds." + +Glenarvan nodded assent. + +"Very well! Fifty pounds." + +"But the passage in cash!" added Halley. + +"In cash." + +"Food separate?" + +"Separate." + +"Agreed. Well?" said Will Halley, holding out his hand. + +"What?" + +"The advance-money." + +"Here is half the fare,--twenty-five pounds," said Captain Mangles, +counting out the sum, which the master pocketed without saying "thank +you." + +"Be on board to-morrow," said he. "Whether you are here or not, I shall +weigh anchor." + +"We will be here." + +Thereupon Glenarvan, the major, Robert, Paganel, and Captain Mangles +left the vessel, without Will Halley's having so much as touched the +brim of his hat. + +"What a stupid fellow!" was their first remark. + +"Well, I like him," replied Paganel. "He is a real sea-wolf." + +"A real bear!" remarked the major. + +"And I imagine," added Captain Mangles, "that this bear has at some +time traded in human flesh." + +"What matter," replied Glenarvan, "so long as he commands the +Macquarie, which goes to New Zealand? We shall see very little of him +on the voyage." + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant were very much pleased to know that they +were to start the next day. Glenarvan observed, however, that the +Macquarie could not equal the Duncan for comfort; but, after so many +hardships, they were not likely to be overcome by trifles. Mr. Olbinett +was requested to take charge of the provisions. The poor man, since the +loss of the Duncan, had often lamented the unhappy fate of his wife, +who had remained on board, and would be, consequently, the victim of +the convicts' brutality. However, he fulfilled his duties as steward +with his accustomed zeal, and their food might yet consist of dishes +that were never seen on the ship's table. + +In the mean time the major discounted at a money-changer's some drafts +that Glenarvan had on the Union Bank of Melbourne. As for Paganel, he +procured an excellent map of New Zealand. + +Mulready was now quite well. He scarcely felt his wound, which had so +nearly proved fatal. A few hours at sea would complete his recovery. + +[Illustration: The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out.] + +Wilson went on board first, charged with arranging the passengers' +quarters. Under his vigorous use of the brush and broom the aspect +of things was greatly changed. Will Halley shrugged his shoulders, +but allowed the sailor to do as he pleased. As for Glenarvan and his +friends, he scarcely noticed them; he did not even know their names, +nor did he care to. This increase of cargo was worth fifty pounds to +him, but he valued it less than the two hundred tons of tanned leather +with which his hold was crowded,--the skins first, and the passengers +next. He was a real trader; and by his nautical ability he passed for a +good navigator of these seas, rendered so very dangerous by the coral +reefs. + +During the afternoon, Glenarvan wished to visit once more the supposed +place of the shipwreck. Ayrton had certainly been the quartermaster of +the Britannia, and the vessel might really have been lost on that part +of the coast. And there, at all events, the Duncan had fallen into the +hands of the convicts. Had there been a fight? Perhaps they would find +on the beach traces of a struggle. If the crew had perished in the +waves, would not the bodies have been cast ashore? + +Glenarvan, accompanied by his faithful captain, undertook this +examination. The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out. But it was a sad journey. They rode in +silence. The same thoughts, the same anxieties, tortured the mind of +each. They gazed at the rocks worn by the sea. They had no need to +question or answer; no sign of the Duncan could be found,--the whole +coast was bare. + +Captain Mangles, however, found on the margin of the shore evident +signs of an encampment, the remains of fires recently kindled beneath +the few trees. Had a wandering tribe of natives passed there within +a few days? No, for an object struck Glenarvan's eye, which proved +incontestably that the convicts had visited that part of the coast. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST NIGHT IN AUSTRALIA.] + +It was a gray and yellow jacket, worn and patched, left at the foot +of a tree. It bore a number and badge of the Perth penitentiary. The +convict was no longer there, but his cast-off garment betrayed him. + +"You see, John," said Glenarvan, "the convicts have been here! And our +poor comrades of the Duncan----" + +"Yes," replied the captain, in a low voice, "they have certainly been +landed, and have perished!" + +"The wretches!" cried Glenarvan. "If they ever fall into my hands, I +will avenge my crew!" + +Grief and exposure had hardened Glenarvan's features. For several +moments he gazed at the vast expanse of water, seeking perhaps to +discern some ship in the dim distance. Then his eyes relaxed their +fierceness, he regained his composure, and, without adding a word or +making a sign, took the road to Eden. + +Only one duty remained to be fulfilled,--to inform the constable of +the events that had just transpired, which was done the same evening. +The magistrate, Thomas Banks, could scarcely conceal his satisfaction +at making out the official record. He was simply delighted at the +departure of Ben Joyce and his band. The whole village shared his joy. +The convicts had left Australia because of a new crime; but, at all +events, they had gone. This important news was immediately telegraphed +to the authorities of Melbourne and Sydney. + +Having accomplished his object, Glenarvan returned to the Victoria +Hotel. The travelers passed this last evening in Australia in sadness. +Their thoughts wandered over this country, so fertile in misfortunes. +They recalled the hopes they had reasonably conceived at Cape +Bernouilli, now so cruelly disappointed at Twofold Bay. + +Paganel was a prey to a feverish agitation. Captain Mangles, who had +watched him since the incident at Snowy River, many times pressed him +with questions which Paganel did not answer. But that evening, as he +went with him to his chamber, the captain asked him why he was so +nervous. + +"My friend," replied Paganel evasively, "I am no more nervous than +usual." + +"Mr. Paganel, you have a secret that troubles you." + +"Well, as you will," cried the geographer; "it is stronger than I." + +"What is stronger than you?" + +"My joy on the one hand, and my despair on the other." + +"You are joyful and despairing at the same time?" + +"Yes; joyful and despairing at visiting New Zealand." + +"Have you any news?" asked Captain Mangles. "Have you discovered the +lost trail?" + +"No, friend. _People never return from New Zealand!_ But yet--well, you +know human nature. As long as we breathe we can hope; and my motto is +'_dum spiro, spero_,' which is the best in the world." + + + + +CHAPTER XLV. + +THE WRECK OF THE MACQUARIE. + + +The next day the travelers were installed on board the Macquarie. +Will Halley had not offered the ladies his cabin, which was not to be +regretted, as the lair was only fit for the brute. + +At noon they made ready to take the flood-tide. The anchor was weighed. +A moderate breeze blew from the southwest. The sails were gradually +set, but the five men worked slowly. At last, incited by the oaths +of the skipper, they accomplished their task. But in spite of her +spread of canvas the brig scarcely advanced. Yet, however poorly she +sailed, in five or six days they hoped to reach the harbor of Auckland. +At seven o'clock in the evening they lost sight of the shores of +Australia, and the lighthouse at Eden. The sea was rough, and the +vessel labored heavily in the trough of the waves. The passengers found +their situation very uncomfortable; but, as they could not remain on +deck, they were forced to submit to confinement. + +[Illustration: But on the next day seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize.] + +That evening conversation very naturally turned upon the land to which +they were now sailing, its discovery and colonization; and just as +naturally all turned to Paganel as to a bookcase, for some information +thereon. It was very readily accessible, although evidently to the +geographer's mind there was something of a painful character connected +with the name, the impression, and the very thoughts of New Zealand and +its Maori inhabitants. + +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena, "have your friends, the English, +been the only ones to search out this island?" + +"By no means, madam," was the prompt reply. "On the contrary, they +have come second, nay, third, in the race; only," and he looked half +roguishly and half maliciously, "_they stayed when they came_." + +And then he told them of its first discovery by Abel Tasman, the Dutch +navigator, in 1642; that, when first he landed, there seemed to be +amicable feelings expressed by the islanders toward himself, a number +of them coming back to his ship, and being apparently well pleased to +cultivate intercourse. But on the next day, as he sent his boat to +find good anchorage nearer to the shore, seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize, and so +vigorously assailing its occupants with their pikes that it was with +difficulty any of them were able to swim back to their ship, leaving +those of their companions who were not drowned to be butchered by the +natives. + +[Sidenote: A SADDENING HISTORY.] + +Of course he did not forget to mention that a French navigator, +Surville by name, was the next to visit the shores, and that his +visit likewise was the cause of bloodshed and misery. But he gave +them a more lengthy and extended narrative of Captain Cook's voyages, +which were the most important in their results as well as the most +interesting and tragic in many of their incidents. It was on the 6th +of October, 1769, that this navigator first landed on the shores which +he visited twice afterwards, and each time added greatly to the stock +of previous knowledge concerning these islands, their productions, and +their inhabitants. By him it was first ascertained that cannibalism was +practiced by some, if not all, of the tribes at that time; and it was +very evident, from the manner of Paganel's narration, that hereabout +lay the extremely sensitive point of the worthy geographer's fears and +forebodings. However, he was not deterred from rehearsing how one and +another not merely visited, but began to settle, on the island, so that +in the treaty of 1814 it was formally recognized as belonging to Great +Britain, and twenty years after was important enough to have a separate +official and governmental establishment. + +Paganel also told, at great length, the tales of many of the sad +incidents which from time to time have marked even the commercial +intercourse between the European and the Maori; as, for instance, the +sad tale of conflict and bloodshed connected with the death of Captain +Marion, a French navigator, in 1772. He had landed near the spot where +Surville had ill-treated some of the natives and traitorously seized +a son of the chief, Takouri, who yet appeared to welcome this next +French visitant, though remembering none the less the terrible duty of +vengeance which is felt by the Maori to be so binding. + +[Illustration: It was on the sixth of October, 1769, that this +navigator (Captain Cook) first landed on the shores.] + +For a long time the cloak of friendship was worn by the natives, the +more thoroughly to lull the suspicions of the whites, and to entice a +larger number on shore; in which endeavor they succeeded only too well. +The French ships being greatly out of repair, Marion was induced to +fell timber at some distance in the interior, and to establish in this +occupation a great number of his men, going frequently to them, and +remaining with them and the apparently friendly chiefs. On one of these +occasions the Maoris fulfilled their revengeful project with a terrible +satisfaction to themselves. Only one man, of all those in the interior, +managed to escape, the commander himself falling a prey to their +vengeance. They then endeavored to kill the second in command, who, +with several others, was nearer to the shore. These, of course, at once +started for their boats; breathless, they reached them, hotly pursued +to the water's edge by the insatiate savages. Then, safe themselves, +the French marksmen picked off the chief, and the previous exultation +of the aborigines was, even in the hour of their triumph, turned to +lamentation, coupled with wonder at the terrible power of the white +man's fire-barrel. + +[Illustration: Safe themselves, the French marksmen picked off the +chief.] + +All this and much more did the geographer narrate; but it must be +confessed that he neither spoke, nor did they listen, with the +complacency evinced in his previous tales. Besides, their surroundings +were at the time uncomfortable, and the first prognostications of a +speedy passage were not likely to be verified. + +Unfortunately, this painful voyage was prolonged. Six days after her +departure, the Macquarie had not descried the shores of Auckland. +The wind was fair, however, and still blew from the southwest; but +nevertheless the brig did not make much headway. The sea was rough, the +rigging creaked, the ribs cracked, and the vessel rode the waves with +difficulty. + +Fortunately, Will Halley, like a man who was in no hurry, did not crowd +on sail, or his masts would inevitably have snapped. Captain Mangles +hoped, therefore, that this clumsy craft would reach its destination +in safety; still, he was pained to see his companions on board in such +miserable quarters. + +[Sidenote: PERSISTENT GRIEF.] + +But neither Lady Helena nor Mary Grant complained, although the +continual rain kept them confined, and the want of air and rolling of +the ship seriously incommoded them. Their friends sought to divert +them, and Paganel strove to while the time with his stories, but did +not succeed so well as previously. + +Of all the passengers, the one most to be pitied was Lord Glenarvan. +They rarely saw him below; he could not keep still. His nervous and +excitable nature would not submit to an imprisonment between four +wooden walls. Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck, sometimes bending over +the rail, sometimes pacing up and down with feverish agitation. His +eyes gazed continually into space, and, during the brief lulls, his +glass persistently surveyed the horizon. He seemed to question the mute +waves; the mist that veiled the sky, the masses of vapor, he would have +penetrated with a glance; he could not be resigned, and his countenance +betokened an acute grief. The power and hopefulness of this man, +hitherto so energetic and courageous, had suddenly failed. + +Captain Mangles seldom left him, but at his side endured the severity +of the storm. That day, Glenarvan, wherever there was an opening in +the mist, scanned the horizon with the utmost persistency. The young +captain approached him. + +"Is your lordship looking for land?" he asked. + +Glenarvan shook his head. + +"It will yet be some time before we leave the brig. We ought to have +sighted Auckland light thirty-six hours ago." + +Glenarvan did not answer. He still gazed, and for a moment his glass +was pointed towards the horizon to windward of the vessel. + +"The land is not on that side," said Captain Mangles. "Your lordship +should look towards the starboard." + +"Why, John?" replied Glenarvan. "It is not the land that I am seeking." + +"What is it, my lord?" + +[Sidenote: A COURAGEOUS CAPTAIN.] + +"My yacht, my Duncan! She must be here, in these regions, plowing +these seas, in that dreadful employment of a pirate. She is here, I +tell you, John, on this course between Australia and New Zealand! I +have a presentiment that we shall meet her!" + +[Illustration: Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck.] + +"God preserve us from such a meeting, my lord!" + +"Why, John?" + +"Your lordship forgets our situation. What could we do on this brig, if +the Duncan should give us chase? We could not escape." + +"Escape, John?" + +"Yes, my lord. We should try in vain. We should be captured, at the +mercy of the wretches. Ben Joyce has shown that he does not hesitate at +a crime. I should sell my life dearly. We would defend ourselves to the +last extremity. Well! But, then, think of Lady Helena and Mary Grant!" + +"Poor women!" murmured Glenarvan. "John, my heart is broken, and +sometimes I feel as if despair had invaded it. It seems to me as if +new calamities awaited us, as if Heaven had decreed against us! I am +afraid!" + +"You, my lord?" + +"Not for myself, John, but for those whom I love, and whom you love +also." + +"Take courage, my lord," replied the young captain. "We need no longer +fear. The Macquarie is a poor sailer, but still she sails. Will Halley +is a brutish creature; but I am here, and if the approach to the land +seems to me dangerous I shall take the ship to sea again. Therefore +from this quarter there is little or no danger. But as for meeting the +Duncan, God preserve us, and enable us to escape!" + +Captain Mangles was right. To encounter the Duncan would be fatal to +the Macquarie, and this misfortune was to be feared in these retired +seas, where pirates could roam without danger. However, that day, at +least, the Duncan did not appear, and the sixth night since their +departure from Twofold Bay arrived without Captain Mangles's fears +being realized. + +But that night was destined to be one of terror. Darkness set in almost +instantaneously towards evening; the sky was very threatening. Even +Will Halley, whose sense of danger was superior to the brutishness of +intoxication, was startled by these warning signs. He left his cabin, +rubbing his eyes and shaking his great red head. Then he drew a long +breath, and examined the masts. The wind was fresh, and was blowing +strong towards the New Zealand coast. + +Captain Halley summoned his men, with many oaths, and ordered them to +reef the top-sails. Captain Mangles approved in silence. He had given +up remonstrating with this coarse seaman; but neither he nor Glenarvan +left the deck. + +Two hours passed. The sea grew more tempestuous, and the vessel +received such severe shocks that it seemed as if her keel were grating +on the sand. There was no unusual roughness, but yet this clumsy craft +labored heavily, and the deck was deluged by the huge waves. The boat +that hung in the larboard davits was swept overboard by a rising billow. + +Captain Mangles could not help being anxious. Any other vessel would +have mocked these surges; but with this heavy hulk they might well fear +foundering, for the deck was flooded with every plunge, and the masses +of water, not finding sufficient outlet by the scuppers, might submerge +the ship. It would have been wise, as a preparation for any emergency, +to cut away the waistcloth to facilitate the egress of the water; but +Will Halley refused to take this precaution. + +[Sidenote: A NAUTICAL COUP D'ETAT.] + +However, a greater danger threatened the Macquarie, and probably there +was no longer time to prevent it. About half-past eleven Captain +Mangles and Wilson, who were standing on the leeward side, were +startled by an unusual sound. Their nautical instincts were roused, +and the captain seized the sailor's hand. + +"The surf!" said he. + +"Yes," replied Wilson. "The sea is breaking on the reefs." + +"Not more than two cable-lengths distant." + +"Not more! The shore is here!" + +Captain Mangles leaned over the railing, gazed at the dark waves, and +cried: + +"The sounding-lead, Wilson!" + +The skipper, who was in the forecastle, did not seem to suspect his +situation. Wilson grasped the sounding-line, which lay coiled in its +pail, and rushed into the port-shrouds. He cast the lead; the rope +slipped between his fingers; at the third knot it stopped. + +"Three fathoms!" cried Wilson. + +"We are on the breakers!" shouted the sober captain to the stupefied +one. + +Whether the former saw Halley shrug his shoulders or not is of little +consequence. At all events, he rushed towards the wheel and crowded +the helm hard alee, while Wilson, letting go the line, hauled upon the +top-sail yard-arms to luff the ship. The sailor who was steering, and +had been forcibly pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden +attack. + +"To the port-yards! let loose the sails!" cried the young captain, +managing so as to escape the reefs. + +For half a minute, the starboard side of the brig grazed the rocks, +and, in spite of the darkness, John perceived a roaring line of +breakers that foamed a few yards from the ship. + +[Sidenote: VERY CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES.] + +At this moment Will Halley, becoming conscious of the imminent danger, +lost his presence of mind. His sailors, who were scarcely sober, +could not comprehend his orders. Moreover, his incoherent words and +contradictory commands showed that this stupid drunkard's coolness +had failed. He was surprised by the nearness of the land, which was +only eight miles off, when he thought it thirty or forty. The currents +had taken him unawares, and thrown him out of his ordinary course. + +[Illustration: The sailor who was steering, and had been forcibly +pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden attack.] + +However, Captain Mangles's prompt management had rescued the brig from +her peril; but he did not know his position. Perhaps he was inclosed by +a chain of reefs. The wind blew fresh from the east, and at every pitch +they might strike bottom. + +The roar of the surf was soon redoubled, and it was necessary to luff +still more. John crowded the helm down and braced farther to leeward. +The breakers multiplied beneath the prow of the ship, and they were +obliged to tack so as to put to sea. Would this manoeuvre succeed with +such an unsteady vessel, and under such reduced sail? It was uncertain, +but as their only chance they must venture it. + +"Hard alee!" cried Captain Mangles to Wilson. + +The Macquarie began to approach the new line of reefs. Soon the +water foamed above the submerged rocks. It was a moment of torturing +suspense. The spray glittered on the crests of the waves. You would +have thought a phosphorescent glow had suddenly illumined the water. +Wilson and Mulready forced down the wheel with their whole weight. + +Suddenly a shock was felt. The vessel had struck upon a rock. The +bob-stays broke, and nearly overthrew the mainmast. Could they come +about without any other injury? No; for all at once there was a calm, +and the ship veered to windward again, and her movements suddenly +ceased. A lofty wave seized and bore her forward towards the reefs, +while she rolled heavily. The mainmast went by the board with all its +rigging, the brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to +starboard. The pump-lights were shattered in pieces, and the passengers +rushed to the deck; but the waves were sweeping it from one end to +the other, and they could not remain without danger. Captain Mangles, +knowing that the ship was firmly imbedded in the sand, besought them +for their own sakes to go below again. + +"The truth, John?" asked Glenarvan, faintly. + +"The truth, my lord, is that we shall not founder. As for being +destroyed by the sea, that is another question; but we have time to +take counsel." + +"Is it midnight?" + +"Yes, my lord, and we must wait for daylight." + +"Can we not put to sea in the boat?" + +"In this storm and darkness it is impossible. And, moreover, where +should we strike land?" + +"Well, John, let us remain here till morning." + +Meantime Will Halley was running about the deck like a madman. His +sailors, who had recovered from their stupor, stove in a brandy-barrel +and began to drink. Mangles foresaw that their drunkenness would lead +to terrible scenes. The captain could not be relied upon to restrain +them; the miserable man tore his hair and wrung his hands; he thought +only of his cargo, which was not insured. + +"I am ruined! I am lost!" cried he, running to and fro. + +Captain Mangles scarcely thought of consoling him. He armed his +companions, and all stood ready to repel the sailors, who were filling +themselves with brandy, and cursing frightfully. + +"The first of these wretches who approaches," said the major calmly, "I +will shoot like a dog." + +The sailors doubtless saw that the passengers were determined to keep +them at bay, for, after a few attempts at plunder, they disappeared. +Captain Mangles paid no more attention to these drunken men, but waited +impatiently for day. + +[Sidenote: SLEEPING IN A SAND-CRADLE.] + +The ship was now absolutely immovable. The sea grew gradually calm, +and the wind subsided. The hull could, therefore, hold out a few hours +longer. At sunrise they would examine the shore. If it seemed easy to +land, the yawl, now the only boat on board, would serve to transport +the crew and passengers. It would require three trips, at least, to +accomplish this, for there was room for only four persons. As for the +gig, it had been swept overboard, during the storm, as before mentioned. + +While reflecting on the dangers of his situation, the young captain, +leaning against the binnacle, listened to the roar of the surf. He +strove to pierce the dense darkness, and estimate how far he was from +that desired yet dreaded coast. Breakers are frequently heard several +leagues at sea. Could the frail cutter weather so long a voyage in her +present shattered state? + +While he was thinking thus, and longing for a little light in the +gloomy sky, the ladies, relying upon his words, were reposing in their +berths. The steadiness of the brig secured them several hours of rest. +Glenarvan and the others, no longer hearing the cries of the drunken +crew, refreshed themselves also by a hasty sleep, and, early in the +morning, deep silence reigned on board this vessel, which had sunk to +rest, as it were, upon her bed of sand. + +About four o'clock the first light appeared in the east. The clouds +were delicately tinged by the pale rays of the dawn. Captain Mangles +came on deck. Along the horizon extended a curtain of mist. A few +vague outlines floated in the vapors of the morning. A gentle swell +still agitated the sea, and the outer waves were lost in the dense, +motionless fog. + +He waited. The light gradually brightened, and the horizon glowed with +crimson hues. The misty curtain gradually enveloped the vast vault of +the firmament. Black rocks emerged from the water. Then, a line was +defined along a border of foam, and a luminous point kindled like a +lighthouse at the summit of a peak against the still invisible disk of +the rising sun. + +"Land!" cried Captain Mangles. + +[Illustration: The mainmast went by the board with all its rigging, the +brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to starboard.] + +[Illustration: As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her +opposite side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water.] + +His companions, awakened by his voice, rushed on deck, and gazed in +silence at the coast that was seen on the horizon. Whether hospitable +or fatal, it was to be their place of refuge. + +"Where is that Halley?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I do not know, my lord," replied Captain Mangles. + +"And his sailors?" + +"Disappeared, like himself." + +"And like himself, doubtless, drunk," added MacNabb. + +"Let us search for them," said Glenarvan; "we cannot abandon them on +this vessel." + +Mulready and Wilson went down to the bunks in the forecastle. The place +was empty. They then visited between-decks, and the hold, but found +neither Halley nor his sailors. + +"What! nobody?" said Glenarvan. + +"Have they fallen into the sea?" asked Paganel. + +"Anything is possible," replied Captain Mangles, who cared little for +their disappearance. + +Then, turning towards the stern, he said,-- + +"To the boat!" + +Wilson and Mulready followed, to assist in lowering it. + +The yawl was gone! + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI. + +VAIN EFFORTS. + + +Will Halley and his crew, taking advantage of the night and the +passengers' sleep, had fled with the only boat left. They could not +doubt it. This captain, who was in duty bound to be the last on board, +had been the first to leave. + +[Sidenote: AN ADVANTAGEOUS LOSS.] + +"The rascals have fled," said Captain Mangles. "Well, so much the +better, my lord. We are spared so many disagreeable scenes." + +"I agree with you," replied Glenarvan. "Besides, there is a better +captain on board, yourself, and courageous seamen, your companions. +Command us; we are ready to obey you." + +All endorsed Glenarvan's words, and, ranged along the deck, they stood +ready for the young captain's orders. + +"What is to be done?" asked Glenarvan. + +John cast a glance over the ocean, looked at the shattered masts of the +brig, and, after a few moments' reflection, said: + +"We have two ways, my lord, of extricating ourselves from this +situation: either to raise the vessel and put her to sea, or reach the +coast on a raft, which can be easily constructed." + +"If the vessel can be raised, let us raise it," replied Glenarvan. +"That is the best plan, is it not?" + +"Yes, my lord; for, once ashore, what would become of us without means +of transport?" + +"Let us avoid the coast," added Paganel. "We must beware of New +Zealand." + +"All the more so, as we have gone considerably astray," continued +Captain Mangles. "Halley's carelessness has carried us to the south, +that is evident. At noon I will take an observation; and if, as I +presume, we are below Auckland, I will try to sail the Macquarie up +along the coast." + +"But the injuries of the brig?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"I do not think they are serious, madam," replied Captain Mangles. "I +shall rig a jury-mast at the bows; and we shall sail slowly, it is +true, but still we shall go where we wish. If, unfortunately, the hull +is stove in, or if the ship cannot be extricated, we must gain the +coast, and travel by land to Auckland." + +"Let us examine the state of the vessel, then," said the major. "This +is of the first importance." + +Glenarvan, the captain, and Mulready opened the main scuttle, and went +down into the hold. About two hundred tons of tanned hides were there, +very badly stowed away; but they could draw them aside without much +difficulty, by means of the main-stay tackling, and they at once threw +overboard part of this ballast so as to lighten the ship. + +After three hours of hard labor, they could see the bottom timbers. Two +seams in the larboard planking had sprung open as far up as the channel +wales. As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her opposite +side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water. Wilson +hastened, therefore, to tighten the joints with oakum, over which he +carefully nailed a copper plate. On sounding they found less than two +feet of water in the hold, which the pumps could easily exhaust, and +thus relieve the ship. After his examination of the hull, the captain +perceived that it had been little injured in stranding. It was probable +that a part of the false keel would remain in the sand, but they could +pass over it. + +Wilson, after inspecting the interior of the brig, dived, in order to +determine her position on the reef. The Macquarie was turned towards +the northwest, and lay on a very shelving, slimy sand-bar. The lower +end of her prow and two-thirds of her keel were deeply imbedded in +the sand. The rest, as far as the stern, floated where the water was +five fathoms deep. The rudder was not, therefore, confined, but worked +freely. The captain considered it useless to lighten her, as he hoped +they would be ready to make use of her at the earliest opportunity. +The tides of the Pacific are not very strong, but he relied upon their +influence to float the brig, which had stranded an hour before high +water. The only point was to extricate her, which would be a long and +painful task. + +[Sidenote: LABOR FOR THE COMMON WEAL.] + +"To work!" cried the captain. + +His improvised sailors were ready. He ordered them to reef the sails. +The major, Robert, and Paganel, under Wilson's direction, climbed +the maintop. The top-sail, swelled by the wind, would have prevented +the extrication of the ship, and it was necessary to reef it, which +was done as well as possible. At last, after much labor, severe to +unaccustomed hands, the maintop-gallant was taken down. Young Robert, +nimble as a cat, and bold as a cabin-boy, had rendered important +services in this difficult operation. + +It was now advisable to cast one anchor, perhaps two, at the stern of +the vessel in the line of the keel. The effect of this would be to +haul the Macquarie around into deep water. There is no difficulty in +doing this when you have a boat, but here all the boats were gone, and +something else must be supplied. + +Glenarvan was familiar enough with the sea to understand the necessity +of these arrangements. One anchor was to be cast to prevent the ship +from stranding at low water. + +"But what shall we do without a boat?" asked he of the captain. + +"We will use the remains of the mizen-mast and the empty casks," was +the reply. "It will be a difficult, but not impossible task, for the +Macquarie's anchors are small. Once cast however, if they do not drag, +I shall be encouraged." + +"Very well, let us lose no time." + +To accomplish their object, all were summoned on deck; each took +part in the work. The rigging that still confined the mizen-mast was +cut away, so that the maintop could be easily withdrawn. Out of this +platform Captain Mangles designed to make a raft. He supported it by +means of empty casks, and rendered it capable of carrying the anchors. +A rudder was fastened to it, which enabled them to steer the concern. + +This labor was half accomplished when the sun neared the meridian. +The captain left Glenarvan to follow out his instructions, and turned +his attention to determining his position, which was very important. +Fortunately, he had found in Will Halley's cabin a Nautical Almanac and +a sextant, with which he was able to take an observation. By consulting +the map Paganel had bought at Eden, he saw that they had been wrecked +at the mouth of Aotea Bay, above Cahua Point, on the shores of the +province of Auckland. As the city was on the thirty-seventh parallel, +the Macquarie had been carried a considerable distance out of her +course. It was, therefore, necessary to sail northward to reach the +capital of New Zealand. + +"A journey of not more than twenty-five miles," said Glenarvan. "It is +nothing." + +"What is nothing at sea will be long and difficult on land," replied +Paganel. + +"Well, then," said Captain Mangles, "let us do all in our power to +float the Macquarie." + +This question being settled, their labors were resumed. It was high +water, but they could not take advantage of it, since the anchors were +not yet moored. Yet the captain watched the ship with some anxiety. +Would she float with the tide? This point would soon be decided. + +They waited. Several cracks were heard, caused either by a rising or +starting of the keel. Great reliance had been placed upon the tide, but +the brig did not stir. + +The work was continued, and the raft was soon ready. The small anchor +was put on board, and the captain and Wilson embarked, after mooring +a small cable at the stern. The ebb-tide made them drift, and they +therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, in ten fathoms of +water. The bottom afforded a firm hold. + +[Sidenote: A MIDNIGHT CONCLAVE.] + +The great anchor now remained. They lowered it with difficulty, +transported it on the raft, and soon it was moored behind the other; +the captain and his men returning to the vessel, and waiting for high +water, which would be early in the morning. It was now six o'clock +in the evening. The young captain complimented his sailors, and told +Paganel that, with the aid of courage and good discipline, he might one +day become quartermaster. + +Meantime, Mr. Olbinett, after assisting in different operations, had +returned to the kitchen, and prepared a very comforting and seasonable +repast. The crew were tempted by a keen appetite, which was abundantly +satisfied, and each felt himself invigorated for fresh exertions. + +After dinner, Captain Mangles took a final precaution to insure the +success of his experiment. He threw overboard a great part of the +merchandise to lighten the brig; but the remainder of the ballast, the +heavy spars, the spare yards, and a few tons of pig-iron, were carried +to the stern, to aid by their weight in liberating the keel. Wilson and +Mulready likewise rolled to the same place a number of casks filled +with water. Midnight arrived before these labors were completed. + +But at this hour the breeze subsided, and only a few capricious +ripples stirred the surface of the water. Looking towards the horizon, +the captain observed that the wind was changing from southwest to +northwest. A sailor could not be mistaken in the peculiar arrangement +and color of the clouds. He accordingly informed Glenarvan of these +indications, and proposed to defer their work till the next day. + +[Sidenote: "A TIDE IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN."] + +"And these are my reasons," said he. "First, we are very much fatigued, +and all our strength is necessary to free the vessel. Then, when this +is accomplished, how can we sail among the dangerous breakers, and +in such profound darkness? Moreover, another reason induces me to +wait. The wind promises to aid us, and I desire to profit by it, and +am in hopes that it will drift the old hull out when the tide raises +her. To-morrow, if I am not mistaken, the breeze will blow from the +northwest. We will set the main-sails, and they will help to raise +the brig." + +[Illustration: They therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, +in ten fathoms of water.] + + +These reasons were decisive. Glenarvan and Paganel, the most impatient +on board, yielded, and the work was suspended. + +The night passed favorably, and day appeared. Their captain's +predictions were realized. The wind blew from the northwest, and +continued to freshen. The crew were summoned. It was nine o'clock. Four +hours were still to elapse before it would be high water, and that time +was not lost. The laborers renewed their efforts with very good success. + +Meantime the tide rose. The surface of the sea was agitated into +ripples, and the points of the rocks gradually disappeared, like +marine animals returning to their native element. The time for the +final attempt approached. A feverish impatience thrilled all minds. +No one spoke. Each gazed at the captain, and awaited his orders. He +was leaning over the stern-railing, watching the water, and casting an +uneasy glance towards the cables. + +At last the tide reached its height. The experiment must now be made +without delay. The main-sails were set, and the mast was bent with the +force of the wind. + +"To the windlass!" cried the captain. + +Glenarvan, Mulready, and Robert on one side, and Paganel, the major, +and Olbinett on the other, bore down upon the handles that moved the +machine. At the same time the captain and Wilson added their efforts to +those of their companions. + +"Down! down!" cried the young captain; "all together!" + +The cables were stretched taut under the powerful action of the +windlass. The anchors held fast, and did not drag. But they must be +quick, for high tide lasts only a few moments, and the water would not +be long in lowering. + +They redoubled their efforts. The wind blew violently, and forced the +sails against the mast. A few tremors were felt in the hull, and the +brig seemed on the point of rising. Perhaps a little more power would +suffice to draw her from the sand. + +"Helena! Mary!" cried Glenarvan. + +The two ladies came and joined their efforts to those of their +companions. A final crack was heard, but that was all! The experiment +had failed. The tide was already beginning to ebb, and it was evident +that, even with the aid of wind and tide, this insufficient crew could +not float their ship. + +As their first plan had failed, it was necessary to have recourse to +the second without delay. It was plain that they could not raise the +Macquarie, and that the only way was to abandon her. To wait on board +for the uncertain arrival of assistance would have been folly and +madness. + +The captain therefore proposed to construct a raft strong enough to +convey the passengers and a sufficient quantity of provisions to the +New Zealand coast. It was not a time for discussion, but for action. +The work was accordingly begun, and considerably advanced when night +interrupted them. + +In the evening, after supper, while Lady Helena and Mary Grant were +reposing in their berths, Paganel and his friends conversed seriously +as they paced the deck. The geographer had asked Captain Mangles +whether the raft could not follow the coast as far as Auckland, instead +of landing the passengers at once. The captain replied that it would be +impossible with such a rude craft. + +"And could we have done with the boat what we cannot do with the raft?" + +"Yes, candidly speaking, we could," was the reply; "but with the +necessity of sailing by day and anchoring by night." + +[Sidenote: A FRENCHMAN'S FOIBLE.] + +"Then these wretches, who have abandoned us----" + +"Oh," said Captain Mangles, "they were drunk, and in the profound +darkness I fear they have paid for their cowardly desertion with their +lives." + +"So much the worse for them," continued Paganel; "and for us, too, as +this boat would have been useful." + +"What do you mean, Paganel?" said Glenarvan. "The raft will take us +ashore." + +"That is precisely what I would avoid," replied the geographer. + +"What! can a journey of not more than twenty miles terrify us, after +what has been done on the Pampas and in Australia?" + +"My friends," resumed Paganel, "I do not doubt your courage, nor that +of our fair companions. Twenty miles is nothing in any other country +except New Zealand. Here, however, anything is better than venturing +upon these treacherous shores." + +"Anything is better than exposing yourself to certain death on a +wrecked vessel," returned Captain Mangles. + +"What have we to fear in New Zealand?" asked Glenarvan. + +"The savages!" replied Paganel. + +"The savages?" said Glenarvan. "Can we not avoid them by following the +coast? Besides, an attack from a few wretches cannot intimidate ten +well-armed and determined Europeans." + +"It is not a question of wretches," rejoined Paganel. "The New +Zealanders form terrible tribes that struggle against the English +government, fight with invaders, frequently conquer them, and always +eat them." + +"Cannibals! cannibals!" cried Robert; and then he murmured, as though +afraid to give full utterance to the words, "My sister! Lady Helena!" + +"Never fear, my boy!" said Glenarvan; "our friend Paganel exaggerates." + +[Illustration: The work was accordingly begun, and considerably +advanced when night interrupted them.] + +[Illustration: Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs and hung from the tree.] + +"I do not exaggerate," replied Paganel. "With these New Zealanders war +is what the sports of the chase are to civilized nations; and the game +they hunt for they feast upon." + +"Paganel," said the major, "this may be all very true, but have you +forgotten the introduction of Christianity? has it not destroyed these +anthropophagous habits?" + +"No, it has not," was the prompt reply. "The records are yet fresh of +ministers who have gone out to proclaim Christianity and have fallen +victims to the murderous and cannibal instincts of those to whom they +preached. Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs, was hung to the tree, was tantalized and +tortured to his last moments; and then, whilst some tore his body to +pieces, others devoured the various members. No, the Maoris are still +cannibals, and will remain so for some time to come." + +But Paganel was on this point a pessimist, contrary to his usual +characteristic. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII. + +A DREADED COUNTRY. + + +What Paganel had stated was indisputable. The cruelty of the New +Zealanders could not be doubted. There was, therefore, danger in +landing. But if the danger had been a hundred times greater, it must +have been faced. Captain Mangles felt the necessity of leaving this +vessel, which would soon break up. Between two perils, one certain, the +other only probable, there was no possible hesitation. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER CHANGE OF RESIDENCE.] + +As for the chance of being picked up by some passing ship, they could +not reasonably rely upon it, for the Macquarie was out of the course +usually taken in going to New Zealand. The shipwreck had happened on +the desert shores of Ika-Na-Maoui. + +"When shall we start?" asked Glenarvan. + +"To-morrow morning at ten o'clock," replied Captain Mangles. "The tide +will begin to rise then, and will carry us ashore." + +Early the next day the raft was finished. The captain had given +his entire attention to its construction. They needed a steady and +manageable craft, and one capable of resisting the waves for a voyage +of nine miles. The masts of the brig could alone furnish the necessary +materials. + +The raft was at length completed. It could doubtless sustain the shock +of the surges; but could it be steered, and the coast be reached, if +the wind should veer? This was a question only to be decided by trial. + +At nine o'clock the loading began. The provisions were first put on +board in sufficient quantities to last until the arrival at Auckland, +for there could be no reliance upon the products of this dreaded +country. Olbinett furnished some preserved meats, the remains of the +Macquarie's supplies. There was very little, however; and they were +forced to depend upon the coarse fare of the mess, which consisted of +very inferior ship-biscuits and two barrels of salt fish, greatly to +the steward's regret. + +These stores were inclosed in sealed cans and then secured to the foot +of the mast. The arms and ammunition were put in a safe and dry place. +Fortunately, the travelers were well supplied with rifles and revolvers. + +A small anchor was taken on board, in case they should reach the shore +at low tide and be forced to anchor in the offing. Flood-tide soon +began, the breeze blew gently from the northwest, and a slight swell +agitated the surface of the sea. + +"Are we ready?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"All is ready, captain," replied Wilson. + +"Aboard, then!" + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant descended the ship's side by a clumsy +rope-ladder, and took their seats at the foot of the mast near the +cases of provisions, their companions around them. Wilson took the +helm, the captain stationed himself at the sail-tackling, and Mulready +cut the cable that confined the raft to the brig. The sail was spread, +and they began to move towards the shore under the combined influence +of wind and tide. + +The coast was only nine miles distant,--not a difficult voyage for a +well-manned boat; but with the raft it was necessary to advance slowly. +If the wind held out, they might perhaps reach land with this tide; but +if there should be a calm, the ebb would carry them back, or they would +be compelled to anchor and wait for the next tide. + +However, Captain Mangles hoped to succeed. The wind freshened. As it +had been flood now for some hours, they must either reach land soon, or +anchor. + +Fortune favored them. Gradually the black points of the rocks and +the yellow sand of the bars disappeared beneath the waves; but great +attention and extreme skill became necessary, in this dangerous +neighborhood, to guide their unwieldy craft. + +They were still five miles from shore. A clear sky enabled them to +distinguish the principal features of the country. To the northeast +rose a lofty mountain, whose outline was defined against the horizon in +a very singular resemblance to the grinning profile of a monkey. + +Paganel soon observed that all the sand-bars had disappeared. + +"Except one," replied Lady Helena. + +"Where?" asked Paganel. + +"There," said Lady Helena, pointing to a black speck a mile ahead. + +"That is true," answered Paganel. "Let us try to determine its +position, that we may not run upon it when the tide covers it." + +[Illustration: The yawl was drawn alongside.] + +"It is exactly at the northern projection of the mountain," said +Captain Mangles. "Wilson, bear away towards the offing." + +"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, bearing with all his weight upon +the steering oar. + +They approached nearer; but, strange to say, the black point still +rose above the water. The captain gazed at it attentively, and, to see +better, employed Paganel's telescope. + +"It is not a rock," said he, after a moment's examination; "it is a +floating object, that rises and falls with the swell." + +"Is it not a piece of the Macquarie's mast?" asked Lady Helena. + +"No," replied Glenarvan; "no fragment could have drifted so far from +the ship." + +"Wait!" cried Captain Mangles. "I recognize it. It is the boat." + +"The brig's boat?" said Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord, the brig's boat, bottom upwards." + +"The unfortunate sailors!" exclaimed Lady Helena, "they have perished!" + +"Yes, madam," continued the captain; "and they might have foreseen +it; for in the midst of these breakers, on a stormy sea, and in such +profound darkness, they fled to certain death." + +"May Heaven have pity on them!" murmured Mary Grant. + +For a few moments the passengers were silent. They gazed at this frail +bark towards which they drew nearer and nearer. It had evidently +capsized a considerable distance from land, and of those who embarked +in it probably not one had survived. + +"But this boat may be useful," said Glenarvan. + +"Certainly," replied Captain Mangles. "Come about, Wilson." + +[Sidenote: REALITIES AND FANCIES.] + +The direction of the raft was changed, but the wind subsided gradually, +and it cost them much time to reach the boat. Mulready, standing at the +bow, warded off the shock, and the yawl was drawn alongside. + +"Empty?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, "the boat is empty, and her seams +have started open. She is of no use to us." + +"Can we not save any part?" asked MacNabb. + +"No," answered the captain. "She is only fit to burn." + +"I am sorry," said Paganel, "for the yawl might have taken us to +Auckland." + +"We must be resigned, Mr. Paganel," rejoined the captain. "Moreover, on +such a rough sea, I prefer our raft to that frail conveyance. A slight +shock would dash it in pieces! Therefore, my lord, we have nothing more +to stay here for." + +"As you wish, John," said Glenarvan. + +"Forward, Wilson," continued the young captain, "straight for the +coast!" + +The tide would yet flow for about an hour, and in this time they could +accomplish a considerable distance. But soon the breeze subsided almost +entirely, and the raft was motionless. Soon it even began to drift +towards the open sea under the influence of the ebb. + +The captain did not hesitate a moment. + +"Anchor!" cried he. + +Mulready, who was in an instant ready to execute this order, let fall +the anchor, and the raft drifted till the cable was taut. The sail was +reefed, and arrangements were made for a long detention. Indeed, the +tide would not turn till late in the evening; and, as they did not care +to sail in the dark, they anchored for the night in sight of land. + +Quite a heavy swell agitated the surface of the water, and seemed to +set steadily towards the shore. Glenarvan, therefore, when he learned +that the whole night would be passed on board, asked why they did not +take advantage of this current to approach the coast. + +[Illustration: Night approached. Already the sun's disk was +disappearing beneath the horizon.] + +[Illustration: The ladies were carried in their companions' arms, and +reached the shore without wetting a single fold of their garments.] + +"My lord," replied the young captain, "is deceived by an optical +illusion. The apparent onward movement is only an oscillation of the +water, nothing more. Throw a piece of wood into the water, and you will +see that it will remain stationary, so long as the ebb is not felt. We +must therefore have patience." + +"And dinner," added the major. + +Olbinett took out of a case of provisions some pieces of dried meat and +a dozen biscuits, though reluctant to offer such meagre fare. It was +accepted, however, with good grace, even by the ladies, whose appetites +the fresh sea air greatly improved. + +Night approached. Already the sun's disk, glowing with crimson, was +disappearing beneath the horizon; and the waters glistened and sparkled +like sheets of liquid silver under his last rays. Nothing could be +seen but sky and water, except one sharply-defined object, the hull of +the Macquarie, motionless on the reefs. The short twilight was rapidly +followed by the darkness, and soon the land that bounded the horizon +some miles away was lost in the gloom. In this perplexing situation +these shipwrecked people lapsed into an uneasy and distressing +drowsiness, and as the result at daybreak all were more exhausted than +refreshed. + +With the turn of the tide the wind rose. It was six o'clock in the +morning, and time was precious. Preparations were made for getting +under way, and the order was given to weigh anchor; but the flukes, +by the strain of the cable, were so deeply imbedded in the sand that +without the windlass even the tackling that Wilson arranged could not +draw them out. + +[Sidenote: TERRA-FIRMA ONCE MORE.] + +Half an hour passed in useless efforts. The captain, impatient to set +sail, cut the cable, and thus took away all possibility of anchoring, +in case the tide should not enable them to reach the shore. The sail +was unfurled, and they drifted slowly towards the land that rose in +grayish masses against the background of the sky, illumined by the +rising sun. The reefs were skillfully avoided, but, with the unsteady +breeze, they did not seem to draw nearer the shore. + +At last, however, land was less than a mile distant, craggy with rocks +and very precipitous. It was necessary to find a practicable landing. +The wind now moderated and soon subsided entirely, the sail flapping +idly against the mast. The tide alone moved the raft; but they had to +give up steering, and masses of sea-weed retarded their progress. + +After awhile they gradually became stationary three cable-lengths from +shore. But they had no anchor, and would they not be carried out to +sea again by the ebb? With eager glance and anxious heart the captain +looked towards the inaccessible shore. + +Just at this moment a shock was felt. The raft stopped. They had +stranded on a sand-bar, not far from the coast. Glenarvan, Robert, +Wilson, and Mulready leaped into the water, and moored their bark +firmly with cables on the adjoining reefs. The ladies were carried in +their companions' arms, and reached the shore without wetting a single +fold of their garments; and soon all, with arms and provisions, had set +foot on the inhospitable shores of New Zealand. + +Glenarvan, without losing an hour, would have followed the coast to +Auckland; but since early morning the sky had been heavy with clouds, +which, towards noon, descended in torrents of rain. Hence it was +impossible to start on their journey, and advisable to seek a shelter. + +[Illustration: While the fire served to dry their garments conversation +beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease.] + +Wilson discovered, fortunately, a cavern, hollowed out by the sea in +the basaltic rocks of the shore, and here the travelers took refuge +with their arms and provisions. There was an abundance of dry sea-weed, +lately cast up by the waves. This formed a soft couch, of which they +availed themselves. Several pieces of wood were piled up at the +entrance and then kindled; and while the fire served to dry their +garments conversation beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease. + +[Illustration: Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on +one of them.] + +[Sidenote: SEALS AND SIRENS.] + +Paganel, as usual, upon being appealed to, could tell them of the +rise, extension, and consolidation of the British power upon the +island; he informed them of the beginnings--and, to his belief, of +the causes--of the strife which for years decimated the aborigines, +and was very injurious to the colonists who had emigrated; then, in +reply to Robert's questions, he went on to speak of those who on a +narrower theatre had emulated by their heroism and patience the deeds +of the world's great travelers and scientific explorers. He told them +of Witcombe and Charlton Howitt, men known in their own circles and +in connection with their own branch of the New Zealand government. +At still greater length he detailed the adventures of Jacob Louper, +who was the companion of Witcombe, and had gone as his assistant +to discover a practicable route over the mountains in the north of +the province of Canterbury. In those mountain wilds, which even the +islanders rarely traverse, these two Europeans suffered greatly, but +still worse was their fate when they descended to the water-level and +essayed to cross the Taramakau near its mouth. Jacob Louper at length +found two old and almost useless canoes, and by attaching the one to +the other they hoped to accomplish the passage safely. Before they +had reached the middle of the rapid current, however, both the tubs +capsized. Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on one +of them, and by clinging to it was at length carried to the river's +bank, which his companion also reached; but when after a period of +insensibility Louper returned to consciousness and found the body of +Witcombe, it was lifeless. Though terribly bruised and still bleeding +from his wounds, Louper hollowed a grave for the remains, and then, +after many more days of privation and danger, came to the huts of some +of the Maoris, by whose assistance he at length reached the settled +parts of the colony. + +These facts and reminiscences, it must be confessed, were not of the +most inspiriting character; but they were in the same key as most of +Paganel's disquisitions and information concerning these islands, and +they were before a late hour exchanged for peaceful though probably +dreamy slumbers, by his hearers. + +Early the next morning the signal for departure was given. The rain had +ceased during the night, and the sky was covered with grayish clouds, +which intercepted the rays of the sun, so that the temperature thus +moderated enabled them to endure the fatigues of the journey. + +By consulting the map, Paganel had calculated that they would have to +travel eight days. But, instead of following the windings of the coast, +he considered it best to proceed to the village of Ngarnavahia, at the +junction of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. Here the overland mail-road +passed, and it would thence be easy to reach Drury, and rest, after +their hardships, in a comfortable hotel. + +But before they left the shore their attention was drawn to the large +number of seals, of a peculiar appearance and genus, which lay on the +broad sands daily washed by the tidal water. These seals, with their +rounded heads, their upturned look, their expressive eyes, presented an +appearance, almost a physiognomy, that was mild and wellnigh tender, +and served to recall to the traveler's memory the tales about the +sirens of the olden and modern times, who served as the enchantresses +to just such inhospitable shores as that seemed on which they had +themselves been cast. These animals, which are very numerous on the +coast of New Zealand, are hunted and killed for the sake of their +oil and their skins, and Paganel was of course able to tell how much +within the last few years they had been searched for by the traders and +navigators on these seas. + +[Illustration: These seals, with rounded heads, upturned look, +expressive eyes, presented an appearance, almost a physiognomy, that +was mild and wellnigh tender.] + +[Illustration: The New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx.] + +Whilst speaking of these matters, Robert drew Paganel's attention to +some curious amphibious creatures, resembling the seals, but larger, +which were devouring with rapidity the large stones lying on the shore. + +"Look," said he, "here are seals which feed on pebbles." + +Paganel assured them that these sea-elephants were only weighting +themselves preparatory to their descent into the water, and protested +that if they would but wait for a time they might see them descend and +subsequently return when they had unloaded themselves. The first part +of this programme they saw accomplished; but, greatly to Paganel's +grief, Glenarvan would not longer delay the party, and they soon began +to see inland beauties and curiosities of another sort. + +The district through which they had to walk this day and the next was +one very thick with brush and under-wood, and there was no possibility +of horse or vehicle passing or meeting them. They now regretted the +absence of their Australian cart, for the height and frequency of +the large ferns in the neighborhood prevented their making any rapid +progress on foot. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST STAGE OF PERIPATETICS.] + +Here and there, however, Robert and Paganel would rejoice together +over some choice bush or bird that they had met with. Notable among +the latter was the New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx, and which is becoming very scarce, from the pursuit of its +many enemies. Robert discovered in a nest on the ground a couple of +these birds without tails or wings, but with four toes on the foot, and +a long beak or bill like that of a woodcock, and small white feathers +all over its body. Of this bird there was then an entire absence in the +zoological collections of Europe, and Paganel indulged the hope that he +might be able to be the proud contributor of such a valuable specimen +to the "Jardin" of his own city. For the present, at least, the +realization of his hopes had to be deferred; and at length, after some +days of weariness and continued travel, the party reached the banks +of the Waipa. The country was deserted. There was no sign of natives, +no path that would indicate the presence of man in these regions. The +waters of the river flowed between tall bushes, or glided over sandy +shallows, while the range of vision extended to the hills that inclosed +the valley on the east. + +At four o'clock in the afternoon nine miles had been valiantly +accomplished. According to the map, which Paganel continually +consulted, the junction of the Waikato and Waipa could not be more +than five miles distant. The road to Auckland passed this point, and +there they would encamp for the night. As for the fifty miles that +would still separate them from the capital, two or three days would +be sufficient for this, and even eight hours, if they should meet the +mail-coach. + +"Then," said Glenarvan, "we shall be compelled to encamp again +to-night." + +"Yes," replied Paganel; "but, as I hope, for the last time." + +"So much the better; for these are severe hardships for Lady Helena and +Mary Grant." + +"And they endure them heroically," added Captain Mangles. "But, if I am +not mistaken, Mr. Paganel, you have spoken of a village situated at the +junction of the two rivers." + +"Yes," answered the geographer; "here it is on the map. It is +Ngarnavahia, about two miles below the junction." + +"Well, could we not lodge there for the night? Lady Helena and Miss +Grant would not hesitate to go two miles farther, if they could find a +tolerable hotel." + +"A hotel!" cried Paganel. "A hotel in a Maori village! There is not +even a tavern. This village is only a collection of native huts; +and, far from seeking shelter there, my advice is to avoid it most +carefully." + +"Always your fears, Paganel!" said Glenarvan. + +"My dear lord, distrust is better than confidence among the Maoris. I +do not know upon what terms they are with the English. Now, timidity +aside, such as ourselves would be fine prizes, and I dislike to try New +Zealand hospitality. I therefore think it wise to avoid this village, +and likewise any meeting with the natives. Once at Drury, it will be +different, and there our courageous ladies can refresh themselves at +their ease for the fatigues of their journey." + +The geographer's opinion prevailed. Lady Helena preferred to pass +the last night in the open air rather than to expose her companions. +Neither she nor Mary Grant required a halt, and they therefore +continued to follow the banks of the river. + +Two hours after, the first shadows of evening began to descend the +mountains. The sun before disappearing below the western horizon had +glinted a few rays through a rift in the clouds. The eastern peaks were +crimsoned with the last beams of day. + +Glenarvan and his friends hastened their pace. They knew the shortness +of the twilight in this latitude, and how quickly night sets in. It +was important to reach the junction of the two rivers before it became +dark. But a dense fog rose from the earth, and made it very difficult +to distinguish the way. + +Fortunately, hearing availed in place of sight. Soon a distinct murmur +of the waters indicated the union of the two streams in a common bed, +and not long after the little party arrived at the point where the +Waipa mingles with the Waikato in resounding cascades. + +"Here is the Waikato," cried Paganel, "and the road to Auckland runs +along its right bank." + +"We shall see to-morrow," replied the major. "Let us encamp here. It +seems to me as if those deeper shadows yonder proceeded from a little +thicket of trees that has grown here expressly to shelter us. Let us +eat and sleep." + +[Sidenote: A TRANSFORMATION SCENE.] + +"Eat," said Paganel, "but of biscuits and dried meat, without kindling +a fire. We have arrived here unseen; let us try to go away in the same +manner. Fortunately, this fog will render us invisible." + +The group of trees was reached, and each conformed to the geographer's +rigorous regulations. The cold supper was noiselessly eaten, and soon a +profound sleep overcame the weary travelers. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVIII. + +INTRODUCTION TO THE CANNIBALS. + + +The next morning at break of day a dense fog was spreading heavily over +the river, but the rays of the sun were not long in piercing the mist, +which rapidly disappeared under the influence of the radiant orb. The +banks of the stream were released from their shroud, and the course of +the Waikato appeared in all its morning beauty. + +A narrow tongue of land bristling with shrubbery ran out to a point +at the junction of the two rivers. The waters of the Waipa, which +flowed more swiftly, drove back those of the Waikato for a quarter of a +mile before they mingled; but the calm power of the one soon overcame +the boisterous impetuosity of the other, and both glided peacefully +together to the broad bosom of the Pacific. + +As the mist rose, a boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad. The lofty prow resembled +that of a Venetian gondola, and the whole had been fashioned out of the +trunk of a pine. A bed of dry fern covered the bottom. Eight oars at +the bow propelled it up the river, while a man at the stern guided it +by means of a movable paddle. + +This man was a native, of tall form, about forty-five years old, with +broad breast and powerful limbs. His protruding and deeply furrowed +brow, his fierce look and his sinister countenance, showed him to be a +formidable individual. + +He was a Maori chief of high rank, as could be seen by the delicate +and compact tattooing that striped his face and body. Two black +spirals, starting from the nostrils of his aquiline nose, circled his +tawny eyes, met on his forehead, and were lost in his abundant hair. +His mouth, with its shining teeth, and his chin, were hidden beneath +a net-work of varied colors, while graceful lines wound down to his +sinewy breast. + +There was no doubt as to his rank. The sharp albatross bone, used +by Maori tattooers, had furrowed his face five times, in close and +deep lines. That he had reached his fifth promotion was evident from +his haughty bearing. A large flaxen mat, ornamented with dog-skins, +enveloped his person; while a girdle, bloody with his recent conflicts, +encircled his waist. From his ears dangled ear-rings of green jade, and +around his neck hung necklaces of "pounamous," sacred stones to which +the New Zealanders attribute miraculous properties. At his side lay a +gun of English manufacture, and a "patou-patou," a kind of double-edged +hatchet. + +Near him nine warriors, of lower rank, armed and of ferocious aspect, +some still suffering from recent wounds, stood in perfect immobility, +enveloped in their flaxen mantles. Three dogs of wild appearance were +stretched at their feet. The eight rowers seemed to be servants or +slaves of the chief. They worked vigorously, and the boat ascended the +current of the Waikato with remarkable swiftness. + +In the centre of this long canoe, with feet tied, but hands free, were +ten European prisoners clinging closely to each other. They were Lord +Glenarvan and his companions. + +[Sidenote: A TESTING TIME.] + +The evening before, the little party, led astray by the dense fog, had +encamped in the midst of a numerous tribe of natives. About midnight, +the travelers, surprised in their sleep, were made prisoners and +carried on board the canoe. They had not yet been maltreated, but had +tried in vain to resist. Their arms and ammunition were in the hands of +the savages, and their own bullets would have quickly stretched them on +the earth had they attempted to escape. + +They were not long in learning, by the aid of a few English words which +the natives used, that, being driven back by the British troops, they +were returning, vanquished and weakened, to the regions of the upper +Waikato. Their chief, after an obstinate resistance, in which he lost +his principal warriors, was now on his way to rouse again the river +tribes. He was called Kai-Koumou, a terrible name, which signified +in the native language "he who eats the limbs of his enemy." He was +brave and bold, but his cruelty equaled his bravery. No pity could be +expected from him. His name was well known to the English soldiers, and +a price had been set upon his head by the governor of New Zealand. + +This terrible catastrophe had come upon Glenarvan just as he was +about reaching the long-desired harbor of Auckland, whence he would +have returned to his native country. Yet, looking at his calm and +passionless countenance, you could not have divined the depth of his +anguish, for in his present critical situation he did not betray the +extent of his misfortunes. He felt that he ought to set an example of +fortitude to his wife and his companions, as being the husband and +chief. Moreover, he was ready to die first for the common safety, if +circumstances should require it. + +[Sidenote: CHIEFS, CIVILIZED AND UNCIVILIZED.] + +His companions were worthy of him; they shared his noble thoughts, and +their calm and haughty appearance would scarcely have intimated that +they were being carried away to captivity and suffering. By common +consent, at Glenarvan's suggestion, they had resolved to feign a proud +indifference in the presence of the savages. It was the only way of +influencing those fierce natures. + +[Illustration: A boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad.] + +Since leaving the encampment, the natives, taciturn like all savages, +had scarcely spoken to each other. However, from a few words exchanged, +Glenarvan perceived that they were acquainted with the English +language. He therefore resolved to question the chief in regard to the +fate that was in store for them. Addressing Kai-Koumou, he said, in a +fearless tone: + +"Where are you taking us, chief?" + +Kai-Koumou gazed at him coldly without answering. + +"Say, what do you expect to do with us?" continued Glenarvan. + +The chief's eyes blazed with a sudden light, and in a stern voice he +replied: + +"To exchange you, if your friends will ransom you; to kill you, if they +refuse." + +Glenarvan asked no more, but hope returned to his heart. Doubtless, +some chiefs of the Maori tribe had fallen into the hands of the +English, and the natives would attempt to recover them by way of +exchange; their situation, therefore, was not one for despair. + +Meantime the canoe rapidly ascended the river. Paganel, whose +changeable disposition carried him from one extreme to another, had +regained his hopefulness. He believed that the Maoris were sparing them +the fatigue of their journey to the English settlements, and that they +were certain to arrive at their destination. He was, therefore, quite +resigned to his lot, and traced on his map the course of the Waikato +across the plains and valleys of the province. Lady Helena and Mary +Grant, suppressing their terror, conversed in low tones with Glenarvan, +and the most skillful physiognomist could not have detected on their +faces the anxiety of their hearts. + +The Waikato River is worshiped by the natives, as Paganel knew, and +English and German naturalists have never ascended beyond its junction +with the Waipa. Whither did Kai-Koumou intend to take his captives? +The geographer could not have guessed if the word "Taupo," frequently +repeated, had not attracted his attention. By consulting his map, +he saw that this name was applied to a celebrated lake in the most +mountainous part of the island, and that from it the Waikato flows. + +Paganel, addressing Captain Mangles in French, so as not to be +understood by the savages, asked him how fast the canoe was going. The +captain thought about three miles an hour. + +"Then," replied the geographer, "if we do not travel during the night, +our voyage to the lake will last about four days." + +"But whereabouts are the English garrisons?" asked Glenarvan. + +"It is difficult to say," replied Paganel. "At all events, the war +must have reached the province of Taranaki, and probably the troops +are collected beyond the mountains, on the side of the lake where the +habitations of the savages are concentrated." + +"God grant it!" said Lady Helena. + +Glenarvan cast a sorrowful glance at his young wife and Mary Grant, +exposed to the mercy of these fierce natives, and captives in a wild +country, far from all human assistance. But he saw that he was watched +by Kai-Koumou, and, not wishing to show that one of the captives was +his wife, he prudently kept his thoughts to himself, and gazed at the +banks of the river with apparent indifference. + +[Sidenote: ACCESSIONS, AND PROGRESS.] + +The sun was just sinking below the horizon as the canoe ran upon a bank +of pumice-stones, which the Waikato carries with it from its source +in the volcanic mountains. Several trees grew here, as if designed to +shelter an encampment. Kai-Koumou landed his prisoners. + +The men had their hands tied, the ladies were free. All were placed +in the centre of the encampment, around which large fires formed an +impassable barrier. + +Before Kai-Koumou had informed his captives of his intention to +exchange them, Glenarvan and Captain Mangles had discussed various +methods of recovering their liberty. What they could not venture in the +boat they hoped to attempt on land, at the hour for encamping, under +cover of the night. + +But since Glenarvan's conversation with the chief, it seemed wise to +abandon this design. They must be patient. It was the most prudent +plan. The exchange offered chances that neither an open attack nor a +flight across these unknown regions could afford. Many circumstances +might indeed arise that would delay, and even prevent, such a +transaction; but still it was better to await the result. What, +moreover, could ten defenceless men do against thirty well-armed +savages? Besides, Glenarvan thought it likely that Kai-Koumou's tribe +had lost some chief of high rank whom they were particularly anxious to +recover; and he was not mistaken. + +The next day the canoe ascended the river with increased swiftness. +It stopped for a moment at the junction of a small river which wound +across the plains on the right bank. Here another canoe, with ten +natives on board, joined Kai-Koumou. The warriors merely exchanged +salutations, and then continued their course. The new-comers had +recently fought against the English troops, as could be seen by their +tattered garments, their gory weapons, and the wounds that still bled +beneath their rags. They were gloomy and taciturn, and, with the +indifference common to all savage races, paid no attention to the +captives. + +Towards evening Kai-Koumou landed at the foot of the mountains, +whose nearer ridges reached precipitously to the river-bank. Here +twenty natives, who had disembarked from their canoes, were making +preparations for the night. Fires blazed beneath the trees. A chief, +equal in rank to Kai-Koumou, advanced with measured pace, and, rubbing +his nose against that of the latter, saluted him cordially. The +prisoners were stationed in the centre of the encampment, and guarded +with extreme vigilance. + +The next morning the ascent of the Waikato was resumed. Other boats +came from various affluents of the river. Sixty warriors, evidently +fugitives from the last insurrection, had now assembled, and were +returning, more or less wounded in the fray, to the mountain districts. +Sometimes a song arose from the canoes, as they advanced in single +file. One native struck up the patriotic ode of the mysterious "Pih," +the national hymn that calls the Maoris to battle. The full and +sonorous voice of the singer waked the echoes of the mountains; and +after each stanza his comrades struck their breasts, and sang the +warlike verses in chorus. Then they seized their oars again, and the +canoes were headed up stream. + +During the day a singular sight enlivened the voyage. About four +o'clock the canoe, without lessening its speed, guided by the steady +hand of the chief, dashed through a narrow gorge. Eddies broke +violently against numerous small islands, which rendered navigation +exceeding dangerous. Never could it be more hazardous to capsize, for +the banks afforded no refuge, and whoever had set foot on the porous +crust of the shore would probably have perished. At this point the +river flowed between warm springs, oxide of iron colored the muddy +ground a brilliant red, and not a yard of firm earth could be seen. +The air was heavy with a penetrating sulphureous odor. The natives did +not regard it, but the captives were seriously annoyed by the noxious +vapors exhaled from the fissures of the soil and the bubbles that +burst and discharged their gaseous contents. Yet, however disagreeable +these emanations were, the eye could not but admire this magnificent +spectacle. + +[Illustration: At this point the river flowed between warm springs, and +not a yard of firm earth could be seen.] + +The canoes soon after entered a dense cloud of white smoke, whose +wreaths rose in gradually decreasing circles above the river. On the +shores a hundred geysers, some shooting forth masses of vapor, and +others overflowing in liquid columns, varied their effects, like the +jets and cascades of a fountain. It seemed as though some engineer was +directing at his pleasure the outflowings of these springs, as the +waters and vapor, mingling in the air, formed rainbows in the sunbeams. + +For two miles the canoes glided within this vapory atmosphere, +enveloped in its warm waves that rolled along the surface of the water. +Then the sulphureous smoke disappeared, and a pure swift current of +fresh air refreshed the panting voyagers. The region of the springs was +passed. Before the close of the day two more rapids were ascended, and +at evening Kai-Koumou encamped a hundred miles above the junction of +the two streams. The river now turned towards the east, and then again +flowed southward into Lake Taupo. + +The next morning Jacques Paganel consulted his map and discovered +on the right bank Mount Taubara, which rises to the height of three +thousand feet. At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo, and +the natives hailed with frantic gestures a shred of cloth that waved in +the wind from the roof of a hut. It was the national flag. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIX. + +A MOMENTOUS INTERVIEW. + + +[Sidenote: NEW ZEALAND TOPOGRAPHY.] + +Long before historic times, an abyss, twenty-five miles long and +twenty wide, must at some period have been formed by a subsidence of +subterranean caverns in the volcanic district forming the centre of +the island. The waters of the surrounding country have rushed down and +filled this enormous cavity, and the abyss has become a lake, whose +depth no one has yet been able to measure. + +Such is this strange Lake Taupo, elevated eleven hundred and fifty +feet above the level of the sea, and surrounded by lofty mountains. On +the west of the prisoners towered precipitous rocks of imposing form; +on the north rose several distant ridges, crowned with small forests; +on the east spread a broad plain furrowed by a trail and covered with +pumice-stones that glittered beneath a net-work of bushes; and on +the north, behind a stretch of woodland, volcanic peaks majestically +encircled this vast extent of water, the fury of whose tempests equaled +that of the ocean cyclones. + +But Paganel was scarcely disposed to enlarge his account of these +wonders, nor were his friends in a mood to listen. They gazed in +silence towards the northeast shore of the lake, whither the canoe was +bringing them. + +The mission established at Pukawa, on the western shores, no longer +existed. The missionary had been driven by the war far from the +principal dwellings of the insurrectionists. The prisoners were +helpless, abandoned to the mercy of the vengeful Maoris, and in that +wild part of the island to which Christianity has never penetrated. +Kai-Koumou, leaving the waters of the Waikato, passed through the +little creek which served as an outlet to the river, doubled a sharp +promontory, and landed on the eastern border of the lake, at the base +of the first slopes of Mount Manga. + +A quarter of a mile distant, on a buttress of the mountain, appeared +a "pah," a Maori fortification, situated in an impregnable position. +The prisoners were taken ashore, with their hands and feet free, and +conducted thither by the warriors. After quite a long dtour, Glenarvan +and his companions reached the pah. + +[Illustration: At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo.] + +[Illustration: On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed +at sight of the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second +inclosure.] + +This fortress was defended by an outer rampart of strong palisades, +fifteen feet high. A second line of stakes, and then a fence of osiers, +pierced with loop-holes, inclosed the inner space, the court-yard of +the pah, in which stood several Maori tents, and forty huts which were +symmetrically arranged. + +On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed at sight of +the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second inclosure. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant turned away their eyes with more of disgust than +terror. These heads had most of them belonged to hostile chiefs, fallen +in battle, whose bodies had served as food for the conquerors. The +geographer knew them to be such by their hollow and eyeless sockets! + +In Kai-Koumou's pah only the heads of his enemies formed this frightful +museum; and here, doubtless, more than one English skull had served to +increase the size of the chief's collection. + +His hut, among those belonging to warriors of lower rank, stood at the +rear of the pah, in front of a large open terrace. This structure was +built of stakes, interlaced with branches, and lined inside with flax +matting. + +Only one opening gave access to the dwelling. A thick curtain, made +of a vegetable tissue, served as a door. The roof projected so as to +form a water-shed. Several faces, carved at the ends of the rafters, +adorned the hut, and the curtain was covered with various imitations +of foliage, symbolical figures, monsters, and graceful sculpturing, +a curious piece of work, fashioned by the scissors of the native +decorators. + +[Sidenote: FEMININE ORATORY.] + +Inside of the habitation the floor was made of hard-trodden earth, +and raised six inches above the ground. Several rush screens and some +mattresses, covered with woven matting of long leaves and twigs, +served as beds. In the middle of the room a hole in a stone formed the +fireplace, and another in the roof answered for a chimney. + +The smoke, when it became sufficiently thick, perforce escaped at this +outlet, but it of course blackened the walls of the house. + +On one side of the hut were storehouses, containing the chief's +provisions, his harvest of flax, potatoes, and edible ferns, and +the ovens where the various articles of food were cooked by contact +with heated stones. Farther off, in small pens, pigs and goats were +confined, and dogs ran about seeking their scanty sustenance. They were +rather poorly kept, for animals that formed the Maori daily food. + +Glenarvan and his companions had taken in the whole at a glance. They +awaited beside an empty hut the good pleasure of the chief, exposed to +the insults of a crowd of old women, who surrounded them like harpies, +and threatened them with their fists, crying and howling. Several +English words that passed their lips clearly indicated that they were +demanding immediate vengeance. + +In the midst of these cries and threats, Lady Helena affected a +calmness that she could not feel in her heart. This courageous woman, +in order that her husband's coolness might not forsake him, heroically +controlled her emotions. Poor Mary Grant felt herself growing weak, and +Captain Mangles supported her, ready to die in her defence. The others +endured this torrent of invectives in various ways, either indifferent +like the major, or increasingly annoyed like Paganel. + +Glenarvan, wishing to relieve Lady Helena from the assaults of these +shrews, boldly approached Kai-Koumou, and, pointing to the hideous +throng, said: + +"Drive them away!" + +The Maori chief gazed steadily at his prisoner without replying. Then +with a gesture he silenced the noisy horde. Glenarvan bowed in token of +thanks, and slowly resumed his place among his friends. + +Kai-Koumou, fearing an insurrection of the fanatics of his tribe, now +led his captives to a sacred place, situated at the other end of the +pah, on the edge of a precipice. This hut rested against a rock that +rose a hundred feet above it and was a steep boundary to this side of +the fortification. In this consecrated temple the priests, or "arikis," +instruct the New Zealanders. The building was spacious and tightly +closed, and contained the holy and chosen food of the god. + +Here the prisoners, temporarily sheltered from the fury of the natives, +stretched themselves on the flax mats. Lady Helena, her strength +exhausted and her energy overcome, sank into her husband's arms. +Glenarvan pressed her to his breast, and said: + +"Courage, my dear Helena; Heaven will not forsake us!" + +Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed on Wilson's +shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an opening +between the roof and the wall, where strings of pipes were hanging. +From this point his view commanded the whole extent of the pah, as far +as Kai-Koumou's hut. + +"They have gathered around the chief," said he, in a low voice. "They +are waving their arms, and howling. Kai-Koumou is going to speak." + +The boy was silent for a few moments, then continued: + +"Kai-Koumou is speaking. The savages grow calm; they listen." + +"This chief," said the major, "has evidently a personal interest in +protecting us. He wishes to exchange his prisoners for some chiefs of +his tribe. But will his warriors consent?" + +"Yes, they are listening to him," continued Robert. "They are +dispersing; some return to their huts,--others leave the fortification." + +"Is it really so?" cried the major. + +"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Robert. "Kai-Koumou remains alone with the +warriors that were in the canoe. Ha! one of them is coming towards us!" + +[Illustration: Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed +on Wilson's shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an +opening.] + +"Get down, Robert," said Glenarvan. + +At this moment Lady Helena, who had risen, seized her husband's arm. + +"Edward," said she, in a firm voice, "neither Mary Grant nor I shall +fall alive into the hands of those savages!" + +And, so saying, she presented to her husband a loaded revolver. + +"A weapon!" exclaimed Glenarvan, whose eyes suddenly brightened. + +"Yes. The Maoris do not search their female prisoners; but this weapon +is for us, Edward, not for them." + +"Glenarvan," said MacNabb quickly, "hide the revolver. It is not time +yet." + +The weapon was immediately concealed in his clothes. The mat that +closed the entrance of the hut was raised. A native appeared. He made a +sign to the captives to follow him. Glenarvan and his companions passed +through the pah, and stopped before Kai-Koumou. + +Around him were assembled the principal warriors of his tribe, among +whom was seen the chief whose canoe had first joined Kai-Koumou on the +river. He was a man of about forty, robust, and of fierce and cruel +aspect. His name was Kara-Tt, which means in the native language +"The Irascible." Kai-Koumou treated him with some respect, and from +the delicacy of his tattooing it was evident that he occupied a high +rank in his tribe. An observer, however, would have detected a rivalry +between the two chiefs. The major, indeed, perceived that Kara-Tt's +influence surpassed that of Kai-Koumou. They both ruled the powerful +tribes of the Waikato with equal rank; and, during this interview, +although Kai-Koumou smiled, his eyes betrayed a deep hostility. + +He now questioned Glenarvan. + +"You are English?" said he. + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, without hesitation, for this nationality +would probably facilitate an exchange. + +[Sidenote: THE RATE OF BARTER.] + +"And your companions?" asked Kai-Koumou. + +"My companions are also English. We are shipwrecked travelers, and, if +you care to know, we have taken no part in the war." + +"No matter," replied Kara-Tt, brutally. "Every Englishman is our +enemy. Your people have invaded our island. They have stolen away our +fields; they have burned our villages." + +"They have done wrong," said Glenarvan, in a grave tone. "I say so +because I think so, and not because I am in your power." + +"Listen," continued Kai-Koumou. "Tohonga, the high-priest of +Nou-Atoua, has fallen into the hands of your brothers. He is prisoner +of the Pakekas (Europeans). Our god commands us to ransom his life. +I would have torn out your heart, I would have hung your companions' +heads and yours forever to the stakes of this palisade. But Nou-Atoua +has spoken." + +So saying, Kai-Koumou, who had hitherto controlled himself, trembled +with rage, and his countenance was flushed with a fierce exultation. +Then, after a few moments, he resumed, more coolly: + +"Do you think the English will give us our Tohonga in exchange for you?" + +Glenarvan hesitated, and watched the Maori chief very attentively. + +"I do not know," said he, after a moment's silence. + +"Speak," continued Kai-Koumou. "Is your life worth that of our Tohonga?" + +"No," answered Glenarvan. "I am neither a chief nor a priest among my +people." + +Paganel was astounded at this reply, and gazed at Glenarvan in profound +wonder. Kai-Koumou seemed equally surprised. + +"Then you doubt it?" said he. + +"I do not know," repeated Glenarvan. + +"Will not your people accept you in exchange for our Tohonga?" + +"Not me alone," replied Glenarvan; "but perhaps all of us." + +"Among the Maoris," said Kai-Koumou, "it is one for one." + +"Offer these ladies first in exchange for your priest," answered +Glenarvan, pointing to Lady Helena and Mary Grant. Lady Helena would +have rushed towards her husband, but the major restrained her. + +"These two ladies," continued Glenarvan, turning respectfully towards +them, "hold a high rank in their country." + +The warrior glanced coldly at his prisoner. A malicious smile passed +over his face; but he almost instantly repressed it, and replied, in a +voice which he could scarcely control: + +"Do you hope, then, to deceive Kai-Koumou by false words, cursed +European? Do you think that Kai-Koumou's eyes cannot read your heart?" + +Then, pointing to Lady Helena, he said: + +"That is your wife!" + +"No, mine!" cried Kara-Tt. + +Then, pushing back the prisoners, the chief laid his hand on Lady +Helena's shoulder, who grew pale at the touch. + +"Edward!" cried the unfortunate woman, in terror. + +Glenarvan, without uttering a word, raised his arm. A report resounded. +Kara-Tt fell dead. + +At this sound a crowd of natives issued from the huts. The pah was +filled in an instant. A hundred arms were raised against the captives. +Glenarvan's revolver was snatched from his hand. + +Kai-Koumou cast a strange look at Glenarvan, and then, guarding with +one hand the person of him who had fired, he controlled with the other +the throng that was rushing upon the Europeans. + +[Illustration: At last his voice rose above the tumult. "Taboo! taboo!" +cried he.] + +At last his voice rose above the tumult. + +"Taboo! taboo!" cried he. + +At this word the crowd fell back before Glenarvan and his companions, +thus temporarily preserved by a supernatural power. A few moments after +they were led back to the temple that served as their prison; but +Robert Grant and Paganel were no longer with them. + + + + +CHAPTER L. + +THE CHIEF'S FUNERAL. + + +Kai-Koumou, according to a custom quite ordinary in New Zealand, joined +the rank of priest to that of chief, and could, therefore, extend to +persons or objects the superstitious protection of the taboo. + +The taboo, which is common to the tribes of Polynesia, has the power +to prohibit at once all connection with the object or person tabooed. +According to the Maori religion, whoever should lay his sacrilegious +hand on what is declared taboo would be punished with death by the +offended god; and in case the divinity should delay to avenge his own +insult, the priests would not fail to excite his anger. + +As for the prisoners confined in the temple, the taboo had rescued +them from the fury of the tribe. Some of the natives, the friends and +partisans of Kai-Koumou, had stopped suddenly at the command of their +chief, and had protected the captives. + +[Sidenote: THE TORTURES OF SUSPENSE.] + +Glenarvan, however, was not blind to the fate that was reserved for +him. Only his death could atone for the murder of a chief. Among savage +races death is always preceded by a protracted torture. He therefore +expected to cruelly expiate the righteous indignation that had nerved +his arm, but hoped that Kai-Koumou's rage would fall only on himself. + +What a night he and his companions passed! Who could depict their +anguish, or measure their sufferings? Neither poor Robert nor brave +Paganel had reappeared. But how could they doubt their fate? Were they +not the first victims of the natives' vengeance? All hope had vanished +even from the heart of the major, who did not easily despair. John +Mangles felt himself growing mad at sight of the sad dejection of Mary +Grant, thus separated from her brother. Glenarvan thought of that +terrible request of Lady Helena, who, rather than yield to torture or +slavery, preferred to die by his hand. Could he summon this fearful +courage? As for an escape, that was plainly impossible. Ten warriors, +armed to the teeth, guarded the entrance of the temple. + +Morning came at last. There had been no communication between the +natives and the prisoners. The hut contained a considerable quantity +of food, which the unfortunates scarcely touched. Hunger gave place to +grief. The day passed without bringing a change or a hope. Doubtless +the hour for the dead chief's funeral and their torture would be the +same. + +However, although Glenarvan concluded that Kai-Koumou must have +abandoned all idea of exchange, the major on this point retained a +gleam of hope. + +"Who knows," said he, reminding Glenarvan of the effect produced upon +the chief by the death of Kara-Tt,--"who knows but that Kai-Koumou in +reality feels obliged to you?" + +But, in spite of these observations, Glenarvan would no longer hope. +The next day also passed away without the preparations for torture +being made. The reason of the delay was this. + +The Maoris believe that the soul, for three days after death, inhabits +the body of the deceased, and therefore during this time the corpse +remains unburied. This custom was rigorously observed, and for two days +the pah was deserted. Captain Mangles frequently stood on Wilson's +shoulders and surveyed the fortification. No native was seen; only the +sentinels guarded in turn at the door of their prison. + +But on the third day the huts were opened. The savages, men, women, +and children, to the number of several hundreds, assembled in the pah, +silent and calm. Kai-Koumou came out of his house, and, surrounded by +the principal warriors of his tribe, took his place on a mound several +feet high in the centre of the fortification. The crowd of natives +formed a semicircle around him, and the whole assembly preserved +absolute silence. + +At a sign from the chief, a warrior advanced towards the temple. + +"Remember!" said Lady Helena to her husband. + +Glenarvan clasped his wife to his heart. At this moment Mary Grant +approached John Mangles. + +"Lord and Lady Glenarvan," said she, "I think that, if a wife can die +by the hand of her husband to escape a degrading existence, a maiden +can likewise die by the hand of her lover. John (for I may tell you +at this critical moment), have I not long been your betrothed in the +depths of your heart? May I rely upon you, dear John, as Lady Helena +does upon Lord Glenarvan?" + +"Mary!" cried the young captain, in terror. "Ah! dear Mary----" + +He could not finish: the mat was raised, and the captives were dragged +towards Kai-Koumou. The two women were resigned to their fate, while +the men concealed their anguish beneath a calmness that showed +superhuman self-control. They came before the chief, who did not delay +sentence. + +"You killed Kara-Tt!" said he to Glenarvan. + +"I did." + +[Sidenote: THE BEGINNING OF THE END.] + +"You shall die to-morrow at sunrise." + +"Alone?" inquired Glenarvan, whose heart beat quickly. + +"What! as if our Tohonga's life were not more precious than yours!" +cried Kai-Koumou, whose eyes expressed a fierce regret. + +At this moment a commotion took place among the natives. Glenarvan cast +a rapid glance around him. The crowd opened, and a warrior, dripping +with sweat and overcome with fatigue, appeared. + +As soon as Kai-Koumou perceived him, he said in English, evidently that +he might be understood by the captives: + +"You come from the camp of the pale-faces?" + +"Yes," replied the Maori. + +"You saw the prisoner, our Tohonga?" + +"I did." + +"Is he living?" + +"He is dead! The English have shot him." + +The fate of Glenarvan and his companions was settled. + +"You shall all die to-morrow at daybreak!" cried Kai-Koumou. + +The unfortunates were therefore to suffer a common death. Lady Helena +and Mary Grant raised towards heaven a look of thankfulness. + +The captives were not taken back to the temple. They were to attend +that day the funeral of the dead chief, and the bloody ceremonies +connected therewith. A party of natives conducted them to the foot of +an enormous koudi, where these guardians remained without losing sight +of their prisoners. The rest of the tribe, absorbed in their official +mourning, seemed to have forgotten them. + +The customary three days had elapsed since the death of Kara-Tt. The +soul of the deceased had therefore forever abandoned its mortal abode. +The sacred rites began. + +The body was carried to a small mound in the centre of the +fortification, clothed in splendid costume, and enveloped in a +magnificent flaxen mat. The head was adorned with plumes, and wore a +crown of green leaves. The face, arms, and breast had been rubbed with +oil, and therefore showed no mortification. + +The parents and friends of the deceased came to the foot of the +mound, and all at once, as if some director were beating time to a +funeral dirge, a great concert of cries, groans, and sobs arose on the +air. They mourned the dead in plaintive and modulated cadences. His +relations struck their heads together; his kinswomen lacerated their +faces with their nails, and showed themselves more lavish of blood than +of tears. These unfortunate females conscientiously fulfilled their +barbarous duty. + +But these demonstrations were not enough to appease the soul of the +deceased, whose wrath would doubtless have smitten the survivors of his +tribe; and his warriors, as they could not recall him to life, wished +that he should have no cause to regret in the other world the happiness +of this. + +Kara-Tt's wife was not to forsake her husband in the tomb. Moreover, +the unfortunate woman would not have been allowed to survive him; +it was the custom, in accordance with duty, and examples of such +sacrifices are not wanting in New Zealand history. The woman appeared. +She was still young. Her hair floated in disorder over her shoulders. +Vague words, lamentations, and broken phrases, in which she celebrated +the virtues of the dead, interrupted her groans; and, in a final +paroxysm of grief, she stretched herself at the foot of the mound, +beating the ground with her head. + +At this moment Kai-Koumou approached her. Suddenly the unfortunate +victim rose; but a violent blow with the "mr," a formidable club, +wielded by the hand of the chief, struck her lifeless to the earth. + +[Sidenote: POOR HUMANITY!] + +Frightful cries at once broke forth. A hundred arms threatened the +captives, who trembled at the horrible sight. But no one stirred, for +the funeral ceremonies were not ended. + +Kara-Tt's wife had joined her husband in the other world. Both bodies +lay side by side. But for the eternal life his faithful spouse could +not alone suffice the deceased. Who would serve them in presence of +Nou-Atoua, if their slaves did not follow them? + +Six unfortunates were brought before the corpse of their master and +mistress. They were servants, whom the pitiless laws of war had reduced +to slavery. During the life of the chief they had undergone the +severest privations, suffered a thousand abuses, had been scantily fed, +and compelled constantly to labor like beasts; and now, according to +the Maori belief, they were to continue their existence of servitude +for eternity. + +They appeared to be resigned to their fate, and were not astonished +at a sacrifice they had long anticipated. Their freedom from all +bonds showed that they would meet death unresistingly. Moreover, this +death was rapid, protracted sufferings were spared them. These were +reserved for the captives who stood trembling not twenty paces distant. +Six blows of the mr, given by six stalwart warriors, stretched the +victims on the ground in a pool of blood. It was the signal for a +terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all its horrible +details. + +Glenarvan and his companions, breathless with fright, strove to hide +this awful scene from the eyes of the two unhappy ladies. They now +understood what awaited them at sunrise the next day, and what cruel +tortures would doubtless precede such a death. They were dumb with +horror. + +The funeral dance now began. Strong spirits, extracted from an +indigenous plant, maddened the savages till they seemed no longer +human. Would they not forget the taboo of the chief, and throw +themselves in their final outbreaks upon the prisoners who trembled at +their frenzy? + +[Illustration: A terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all +its horrible details.] + +[Illustration: The corpses, folded together, in a sitting posture, +and tied in their clothes by a girdle of withes, were placed on this +primitive bier.] + +But Kai-Koumou had preserved his reason in the midst of the general +intoxication. He allowed this bloody orgy an hour to reach its utmost +intensity. The last act of the funeral was played with the usual rites. + +The bodies of Kara-Tt and his wife were taken up, and their limbs +bent and gathered against the stomach, according to the New Zealand +custom. The place for the tomb had been chosen outside of the +fortification, about two miles distant, on the summit of a small +mountain, called Maunganamu, situated on the right shore of the lake. + +Thither the bodies were to be carried. Two very rude palanquins, or +rather litters, were brought to the foot of the mound. The corpses, +folded together, in a sitting posture, and tied in their clothes by a +girdle of withes, were placed on this primitive bier. Four warriors +bore it between them, and the entire tribe, chanting the funeral hymn, +followed them in procession to the place of burial. + +The captives, who were always watched, saw them leave the inner +inclosure of the pah, and then the songs and cries gradually died away. +For about half an hour this funeral escort continued in sight, in the +depths of the valley. Finally they perceived it again winding along +the mountain paths. The distance gave a fantastic appearance to the +undulating movements of the long, sinuous column. + +The tribe stopped at the summit of the mountain, which was eight +hundred feet high, at the place prepared for Kara-Tt's interment. +A common Maori would have had only a hole and a heap of stones for a +grave; but for a powerful and dreaded chief, destined doubtless for a +speedy deification, a tomb worthy of his exploits was reserved. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST NIGHT.] + +The sepulchre had been surrounded by palisades, while stakes, +ornamented with faces reddened with ochre, stood beside the grave +where the bodies were to lie. The relatives had not forgotten that the +"waidoua" (the spirit of the dead) feeds on substantial nourishment +like the body during this perishable life. Food had therefore been +deposited in the inclosure, together with the weapons and clothes of +the deceased. + +Nothing was wanting for the comfort of the tomb. Husband and wife were +laid side by side, and then covered with earth and grass after a series +of renewed lamentations. Then the procession silently descended the +mountain, and now no one could ascend it under penalty of death, for it +was tabooed. + + + + +CHAPTER LI. + +STRANGELY LIBERATED. + + +Just as the sun was disappearing behind Lake Taupo, the captives were +led back to their prison. They were not to leave it again until the +summit of the Wahiti mountains should kindle with the first beams of +the day. One night remained to prepare for death. In spite of the +faintness, in spite of the horror with which they were seized, they +shared their repast in common. + +"We shall need all the strength possible to face death," said +Glenarvan. "We must show these barbarians how Europeans and Christians +can die." + +The meal being finished, Lady Helena repeated the evening prayer aloud, +while all her companions, with uncovered heads, joined her. Having +fulfilled this duty, and enjoyed this privilege, the prisoners embraced +each other. Lady Helena and Mary Grant then retired to one corner of +the hut, and stretched themselves upon a mat. Sleep, which soothes all +woes, soon closed their eyes, and they slumbered in each other's arms, +overcome by fatigue and long wakefulness. + +Glenarvan, taking his friends aside, said: + +"My dear companions, our lives and those of these poor ladies are in +God's hands. If Heaven has decreed that we shall die to-morrow, we can, +I am sure, die like brave people, like Christians, ready to appear +fearlessly before the final Judge. God, who does read the secrets of +the soul, knows that we are fulfilling a noble mission. If death awaits +us instead of success, it is his will. However severe his decree may +be, I shall not murmur against it. But this is not death alone; it is +torture, disgrace; and here are two women----" + +Glenarvan's voice, hitherto firm, now faltered. He paused to control +his emotion. After a moment's silence, he said to the young captain: + +"John, you have promised Mary Grant what I have promised Lady Helena. +What have you resolved?" + +"This promise," replied John Mangles, "I believe I have the right in +the sight of God to fulfill." + +"Yes, John; but we have no weapons." + +"Here is one," answered John, displaying a poniard. "I snatched it from +Kara-Tt's hands when he fell at your feet. My lord, he of us who +survives the other shall fulfill this vow." + +At these words a profound silence reigned in the hut. At last the major +interrupted it by saying: + +"My friends, reserve this extreme measure till the last moment. I am no +advocate of what is irremediable." + +"I do not speak for ourselves," replied Glenarvan. "We can brave +death, whatever it may be. Ah, if we were alone! Twenty times already +would I have urged you to make a sally and attack those wretches. But +_they_----" + +[Sidenote: THE APPROACH OF DAY.] + +At this moment Captain Mangles raised the mat and counted twenty-five +natives, who were watching at the door of their prison. A great fire +had been kindled, which cast a dismal light over the irregular outlines +of the pah. Some of these savages were stretched around the fire; and +others, standing and motionless, were darkly defined against the bright +curtain of flame. + +It is said that, between the jailer who watches and the prisoner who +wishes to escape, the chances are on the side of the latter. Indeed, +the design of one is stronger than that of the other, for the first +may forget that he is guarding, but the second cannot forget that he +is guarded; the captive thinks oftener of escaping than his guardian +thinks of preventing his escape. But here it was hate and vengeance +that watched the prisoners, and not an indifferent jailer. They had not +been bound, for bonds were useless where twenty-five men guarded the +only outlet of the prison. + +This hut was built against the rock that terminated the fortification, +and was only accessible by a narrow passage that connected it with the +front of the pah. The other two sides of the building were flanked +by towering precipices, and stood on the verge of an abyss a hundred +feet deep. A descent this way was therefore impossible. There was no +chance of escaping in the rear, which was guarded by the enormous rock. +The only exit was the door of the temple, and the Maoris defended the +narrow passage that connected it with the pah. All escape was therefore +out of the question; and Glenarvan, after examining the walls of his +prison, was forced to acknowledge this disheartening fact. + +Meantime, the hours of this night of anguish were passing away. Dense +darkness had covered the mountain. Neither moon nor stars illumined +the deep shades. A few gusts of wind swept along the side of the +pah. The stakes of the hut groaned, the fire of the natives suddenly +revived at this passing draught, and the flames cast rapid flashes +into the temple, illumining for a moment the group of prisoners. These +poor people were absorbed with their last thoughts; a deathly silence +reigned in the hut. + +It must have been about four o'clock in the morning, when the major's +attention was attracted by a slight sound that seemed to come from +behind the rear stakes, in the back wall that lay towards the rock. At +first he was indifferent to the noise, but finding that it continued, +he listened. At last, puzzled by its persistence, he put his ear close +to the ground to hear better. It seemed as if some one was scraping and +digging outside. + +When he was certain of this fact, he passed quietly towards Glenarvan +and the captain, and led them to the rear of the hut. + +"Listen," said he, in a low voice, motioning to them to bend down. + +The scrapings became more and more audible. They could hear the little +stones grate under the pressure of a sharp instrument and fall down +outside. + +"Some creature in its burrow," said Captain Mangles. + +Glenarvan, with bewildered gaze, stood astonished. + +"Who knows," said he, "but that it is a man?" + +"Man or animal," replied the major, "I will know what is going on." + +Wilson and Olbinett joined their companions, and all began to dig in +the wall, the captain with his poniard, the others with stones pulled +out of the ground, or with their nails, while Mulready, stretched on +the earth, watched the group of natives through the loop-hole of the +mat. But they were motionless around the fire, and did not suspect what +was transpiring twenty paces from them. + +The soil was loose and crumbling, and lay upon a bed of clay, so that, +in spite of the want of tools, the hole rapidly enlarged. It was soon +evident that somebody, clinging to the sides of the pah, was making a +passage in its outer wall. What could be the object? Did he know of the +existence of the prisoners, or could a mere chance attempt at escape +explain the work that seemed nearly completed? + +[Sidenote: HEAVENLY HELP FROM AN EARTHLY HAND.] + +The captives redoubled their efforts. Their lacerated fingers bled, +but still they dug on. After half an hour's labor, the hole they were +drilling had reached a depth of three feet. They could perceive by the +sounds, which were now more distinct, that only a thin layer of earth +prevented immediate communication. + +A few moments more elapsed, when suddenly the major drew back his hand, +which was cut by a sharp blade. He suppressed a cry that was about to +escape him. Captain Mangles, holding out his poniard, avoided the knife +that was moving out of the ground, but seized the hand that held it. +It was the hand of a woman or a youth, a European hand. Not a word had +been uttered on either side. There was plainly an object in keeping +silent. + +"Is it Robert?" murmured Glenarvan. + +But, though only whispering this name, Mary Grant, awakened by the +movement that was taking place in the hut, glided towards Glenarvan, +and, seizing this hand all soiled with mud, covered it with kisses. + +"It is you! it is you!" cried the young girl, who could not be +mistaken, "you, my Robert!" + +"Yes, little sister," replied Robert, "I am here to save you all! But +silence!" + +"Brave lad!" repeated Glenarvan. + +"Keep watch of the savages outside," continued Robert. + +Mulready, whose attention had been diverted for a moment by the +appearance of the hand, resumed his post of observation. + +"All is well," said he. "Only four warriors are watching now. The +others have fallen asleep." + +"Courage!" replied Wilson. + +In an instant the hole was widened, and Robert passed from the arms of +his sister into those of Lady Helena. Around his body was wound a rope +of flax. + +"My boy! my boy!" murmured Lady Helena; "these savages did not kill +you?" + +"No, madam," replied Robert. "Somehow, during the uproar, I succeeded +in escaping their vigilance. I crossed the yard. For two days I kept +hidden behind the bushes. At night I wandered about, longing to see you +again. While the tribe were occupied with the funeral of the chief, +I came and examined this side of the fortification, where the prison +stands, and saw that I could reach you. I stole this knife and rope +in a deserted hut. The tufts of grass and the bushes helped me to +climb. By chance I found a kind of grotto hollowed out in the very rock +against which this hut rests. I had only a few feet to dig in the soft +earth, and here I am." + +Twenty silent kisses were his only answer. + +"Let us start," said he, in a decided tone. + +"Is Paganel below?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"Mr. Paganel?" repeated the boy, surprised apparently at the question. + +"Yes; is he waiting for us?" + +"No, my lord. What! is he not here?" + +"He is not, Robert," replied Mary Grant. + +"What! have you not seen him?" exclaimed Glenarvan. "Did you not meet +each other in the confusion? Did you not escape together?" + +"No, my lord," answered Robert, at a loss to understand the +disappearance of his friend Paganel. + +"Let us start," said the major; "there is not a moment to lose. +Wherever Paganel may be, his situation cannot be worse than ours here. +Let us go." + +Indeed, the moments were precious. It was high time to start. +The escape presented no great difficulties, but for the almost +perpendicular wall of rock outside of the grotto, twenty feet high. The +declivity then sloped quite gently to the base of the mountain, from +which point the captives could quickly gain the lower valleys, while +the Maoris, if they chanced to discover their flight, would be forced +to make a very long dtour, since they were not aware of the passage +that had been dug in the mountain. + +[Illustration: First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to +the point where the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope.] + +They now prepared to escape, and every precaution was taken to insure +their success. The captives crawled one by one through the narrow +passage, and found themselves in the grotto. Captain Mangles, before +leaving the hut, concealed all traces of their work, and glided in his +turn through the opening, which he closed with the mats. Their outlet +was therefore entirely hidden. + +The object now was to descend the perpendicular wall of rock, which +would have been impossible if Robert had not brought the flax rope. It +was unwound, fastened to a point of rock, and thrown over the declivity. + +Before allowing his friends to trust their weight to these flaxen +fibres, Captain Mangles tested them. They seemed to be quite strong, +but it would not answer to venture rashly, for a fall might be fatal. + +"This rope," said he, "can only bear the weight of two bodies, and we +must therefore act accordingly. Let Lord and Lady Glenarvan slide down +first. When they have reached the bottom, three shakes at the rope will +be the signal to follow them." + +"I will go first," replied Robert. "I have discovered at the base of +the slope a sort of deep excavation, where those who descend first can +wait for the others in safety." + +"Go then, my boy," said Glenarvan, clasping the boy's hand. + +Robert disappeared through the opening of the grotto. A moment after, +three shakes of the rope informed them that he had accomplished his +descent successfully. + +Glenarvan and Lady Helena now ventured out of the grotto. The +darkness below was still profound, but the gray light of dawn was +already tinging the top of the mountain. The keen cold of the morning +reanimated the young wife; she felt stronger, and commenced her +perilous escape. + +[Sidenote: A PRECIPITATE DESCENT.] + +First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to the point where +the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope. Then Glenarvan, +going before his wife and assisting her, began to descend the +declivity of the mountain backwards. He sought for tufts of grass and +bushes that offered a point of support, and tried them before placing +Lady Helena's feet upon them. Several birds, suddenly awakened, flew +away with shrill cries, and the fugitives shuddered when a large stone +rolled noisily to the base of the mountain. + +They had accomplished half the distance when a voice was heard at the +opening of the grotto. + +"Stop!" whispered Captain Mangles. + +Glenarvan, clinging with one hand to a tuft of grass and holding his +wife with the other, waited, scarcely breathing. + +Wilson had taken alarm. Hearing some noise outside, he had returned to +the hut, and, raising the mat, watched the Maoris. At a sign from him +the captain had stopped Glenarvan. + +In truth, one of the warriors, startled by some unaccustomed sound, +had risen and approached the prison. Standing two paces from the +hut, he listened with lowered head. He remained in this attitude +for a moment, that seemed an hour, with ear intent and eye on the +alert. Then, shaking his head as a man who is mistaken, he returned +to his companions, took an armful of dead wood and threw it on the +half-extinct fire, whose flames revived. His face, brightly illumined +by the blaze, betrayed no more anxiety, and, after gazing at the first +glimmers of dawn that tinged the horizon, he stretched himself beside +the fire to warm his cold limbs. + +"All right!" said Wilson. + +The captain made a sign to Glenarvan to continue his descent. The +latter, accordingly, slid gently down the slope, and soon Lady Helena +and he stood on the narrow path where Robert was waiting for them. The +rope was shaken three times, and next Captain Mangles, followed by Mary +Grant, took the same perilous course. They were successful, and joined +Lord and Lady Glenarvan. + +Five minutes later all the fugitives, after their fortunate escape +from the hut, left this temporary retreat, and, avoiding the inhabited +shores of the lake, made their way by narrow paths farther down the +mountain. They advanced rapidly, seeking to avoid all points where they +might be seen. They did not speak, but glided like shadows through the +bushes. Where were they going? At random, it is true, but they were +free. + +About five o'clock day began to break. Purple tints colored the lofty +banks of clouds. The mountain peaks emerged from the mists of the +morning. The orb of day would not be long in appearing, and instead of +being the signal for torture, was to betray the flight of the condemned. + +Before this dreaded moment arrived it was important that the fugitives +should be beyond the reach of the savages. But they could not advance +quickly, for the paths were steep. Lady Helena scaled the declivities, +supported and even carried by Glenarvan, while Mary Grant leaned upon +the arm of her betrothed. Robert, happy and triumphant, whose heart was +full of joy at his success, took the lead, followed by the two sailors. + +For half an hour the fugitives wandered at a venture. Paganel was not +there to guide them,--Paganel, the object of their fears, whose absence +cast a dark shadow over their happiness. However, they proceeded +towards the east as well as possible, in the face of a magnificent +dawn. They had soon reached an elevation of five hundred feet above +Lake Taupo, and the morning air at this altitude was keen and cold. +Hills and mountains rose one above another in indistinct outlines; but +Glenarvan only wished to conceal himself and his companions. Afterwards +they would see about issuing from this winding labyrinth. + +[Illustration: They saw, but were also seen.] + +At last the sun appeared and flashed his first rays into the faces of +the fugitives. Suddenly a terrible yelling, the concentrated union of a +hundred voices, broke forth upon the air. It rose from the pah, whose +exact position Glenarvan did not now know. Moreover, a thick curtain of +mist stretched at their feet, and prevented them from distinguishing +the valleys below. + +But the fugitives could not doubt that their escape had been +discovered. Could they elude the pursuit of the natives? Had they been +perceived? Would their tracks betray them? + +At this moment the lower strata of vapor rose, enveloping them for an +instant in a moist cloud, and they discerned, three hundred feet below +them, the frantic crowd of savages. + +They saw, but were also seen. Renewed yells resounded, mingled with +barks; and the whole tribe, after vainly endeavoring to climb the rock, +rushed out of the inclosure and hastened by the shortest paths in +pursuit of the prisoners, who fled in terror from their vengeance. + + + + +CHAPTER LII. + +THE SACRED MOUNTAIN. + + +The summit of the mountain was a hundred feet higher. It was important +for the fugitives to reach it, that they might conceal themselves from +the sight of the Maoris, on the opposite slope. They hoped that some +practicable ridge would then enable them to gain the neighboring peaks. +The ascent was, therefore, hastened, as the threatening cries came +nearer and nearer. The pursuers had reached the foot of the mountain. + +"Courage, courage, my friends!" cried Glenarvan, urging his companions +with word and gesture. + +[Sidenote: A SCENE OF ENCHANTMENT.] + +In less than five minutes they reached the top of the mountain. Here +they turned around to consider their situation, and take some route by +which they might evade the Maoris. + +From this height the prospect commanded Lake Taupo, which extended +towards the west in its picturesque frame of hills. To the north rose +the peaks of Pirongia; to the south the flaming crater of Tongariro. +But towards the east the view was limited by a barrier of peaks and +ridges. + +Glenarvan cast an anxious glance around him. The mist had dissolved +under the rays of the sun, and his eye could clearly distinguish the +least depressions of the earth. No movement of the Maoris could escape +his sight. + +The natives were not five hundred feet distant, when they reached the +plateau upon which the solitary peak rested. Glenarvan could not, for +ever so short a time, delay longer. At all hazards they must fly, at +the risk of being hemmed in on all sides. + +"Let us go down," cried he, "before our only way of escape is blocked +up." + +But just as the ladies rose by a final effort, MacNabb stopped them, +and said: + +"It is useless, Glenarvan. Look!" + +And all saw, indeed, that an inexplicable change had taken place in the +movements of the Maoris. Their pursuit had been suddenly interrupted. +Their ascent of the mountain had ceased, as if by an imperious +interdict. The crowd of natives had checked their swiftness, and +halted, like the waves of the sea before an impassable rock. + +All the savages, thirsting for blood, were now ranged along the foot +of the mountain, yelling, gesticulating, and brandishing guns and +hatchets; but they did not advance a single foot. Their dogs, like +themselves, as though chained to earth, howled with rage. + +What was the difficulty? What invisible power restrained the natives? +The fugitives gazed without comprehending, fearing that the charm that +enchained Kai-Koumou's tribe would dissolve. + +Suddenly Captain Mangles uttered a cry that caused his companions to +turn. He pointed to a little fortress at the summit of the peak. + +"The tomb of the chief Kara-Tt!" cried Robert. + +"Are you in earnest?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord, it is the tomb; I recognize it." + +Robert was right. Fifty feet above, at the extreme point of the +mountain, stood a small palisaded inclosure of freshly-painted stakes. +Glenarvan, likewise, recognized the sepulchre of the Maori chief. In +their wanderings they had come to the top of the Maunganamu, where +Kara-Tt had been buried. + +Followed by his companions, he climbed the sides of the peak, to the +very foot of the tomb. A large opening, covered with mats, formed the +entrance. Glenarvan was about to enter, when, all at once, he started +back suddenly. + +"A savage!" said he. + +"A savage in this tomb?" inquired the major. + +"Yes, MacNabb." + +"What matter? Let us enter." + +Glenarvan, the major, Robert, and Captain Mangles passed into the +inclosure. A Maori was there, clad in a great flax mantle. The darkness +of the sepulchre did not permit them to distinguish his features. He +appeared very calm, and was eating his breakfast with the most perfect +indifference. + +Glenarvan was about to address him, when the native, anticipating him, +said, in an amiable tone, and in excellent English: + +"Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you." + +It was Paganel. At his voice all rushed into the tomb, and gazed with +wonder at the worthy geographer. Paganel was found! The common safety +was represented in him. They were going to question him: they wished +to know how and why he was on the top of the mountain; but Glenarvan +checked this unseasonable curiosity. + +[Illustration: "Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you."] + +"The savages!" said he. + +"The savages," replied Paganel, shrugging his shoulders, "are +individuals whom I supremely despise." + +"But can they not----?" + +"They! the imbeciles! Come and see them." + +Each followed Paganel, who issued from the tomb. The Maoris were in the +same place, surrounding the foot of the peak, and uttering terrible +cries. + +"Cry and howl till you are tired, miserable creatures!" said Paganel. +"I defy you to climb this mountain!" + +"And why?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Because the chief is buried here; this tomb protects us, and the +mountain is tabooed." + +"Tabooed?" + +"Yes, my friends; and that is why I took refuge here, as in one of +those asylums of the Middle Ages, open to unfortunates." + +Indeed, the mountain was tabooed, and by this consecration had become +inaccessible by the superstitious savages. + +The safety of the fugitives was not yet certain, but there was a +salutary respite, of which they strove to take advantage. Glenarvan, a +prey to unspeakable emotion, did not venture a word; while the major +nodded his head with an air of genuine satisfaction. + +"And now, my friends," said Paganel, "if these brutes expect us to test +their patience they are mistaken. In two days we shall be beyond the +reach of these rascals." + +"We will escape!" said Glenarvan; "but how?" + +"I do not know," replied Paganel, "but we will do so all the same." + +All now wished to hear the geographer's adventures. Strangely enough, +in the case of a man loquacious usually, it was necessary to draw, +as it were, the words from his mouth. He, who was so fond of telling +stories, replied only in an evasive way to the questions of his friends. + +"Paganel has changed," thought MacNabb. + +[Sidenote: THE WORTH OF SPECTACLES.] + +Indeed, the countenance of the geographer was no longer the same. He +wrapped himself gloomily in his great flaxen mantle, and seemed to shun +too inquisitive looks. However, when they were all seated around him at +the foot of the tomb, he related his experiences. + +After the death of Kara-Tt, Paganel had taken advantage, like Robert, +of the confusion of the natives, and escaped from the pah. But less +fortunate than young Grant, he had fallen upon an encampment of Maoris, +who were commanded by a chief of fine form and intelligent appearance, +who was evidently superior to all the warriors of his tribe. This chief +spoke English accurately, and bade him welcome by rubbing his nose +against that of the geographer. Paganel wondered whether he should +consider himself a prisoner; but seeing that he could not take a step +without being graciously accompanied by the chief, he soon knew how +matters stood on this point. + +The chief, whose name was "Hihy" (sunbeam), was not a bad man. The +spectacles and telescope gave him a high opinion of Paganel, whom he +attached carefully to his person, not only by his benefits, but by +strong flaxen ropes, especially at night. + +This novel situation lasted three long days. Was he well or badly +treated? Both, as he stated without further explanation. In short, he +was a prisoner, and, except for the prospect of immediate torture, +his condition did not seem more enviable than that of his unfortunate +friends. + +Fortunately, last night he succeeded in biting asunder his ropes and +escaping. He had witnessed at a distance the burial of the chief, +knew that he had been interred on the summit of Maunganamu mountain, +and that it was tabooed in consequence. He therefore resolved to take +refuge there, not wishing to leave the place where his companions were +held captives. He succeeded in his undertaking, arrived at Kara-Tt's +tomb, and waited in hope that Providence would in some way deliver his +friends. + +Such was Paganel's story. Did he omit designedly any circumstance +of his stay among the natives? More than once his embarrassment led +them to suspect so. However that might be, he received unanimous +congratulations; and as the past was now known, they returned to the +present. + +Their situation was still exceedingly critical. The natives, if they +did not venture to climb the mountain, expected that hunger and thirst +would force their prisoners to surrender. It was only a matter of time, +and the savages had great patience. Glenarvan did not disregard the +difficulties of his position, but waited for the favorable issue which +Providence seemed to promise. + +And first he wished to examine this improvised fortress; not to defend +it, for an attack was not to be feared, but that he might find a way of +escaping. The major and the captain, Robert, Paganel, and himself, took +the exact bearings of the mountain. They observed the direction of the +paths, their branches and declivities. A ridge a mile in length united +the Maunganamu to the Wahiti range, and then declined to the plain. Its +narrow and winding summit presented the only practicable route, in case +escape should become possible. If the fugitives could pass this point +unperceived, under cover of the night, perhaps they might succeed in +reaching the deep valleys and outwitting the Maoris. + +But this course offered more than one danger, as they would have to +pass below within gun-shot. The bullets of the natives on the lower +ramparts of the pah might intercept them, and form a barrier that no +one could safely cross. + +Glenarvan and his friends, as soon as they ventured on the dangerous +part of the ridge, were saluted with a volley of shots; but only a +few wads, borne by the wind, reached them. They were made of printed +paper. Paganel picked them up out of curiosity, but it was difficult to +decipher them. + +[Sidenote: A STRANGE COLPORTEUR.] + +"Why!" said he, "do you know, my friends, what these creatures use for +wads in their guns?" + +"No," replied Glenarvan. + +"Leaves of the Bible! If this is the use they make of the sacred +writings, I pity the missionaries. They will have difficulty in +founding Maori libraries." + +"And what passage of the Scriptures have these natives fired at us?" +asked Glenarvan. + +"A mighty promise of God," replied Captain Mangles, who had also read +the paper. "It bids us hope in Him," added the young captain, with the +unshaken conviction of his Scottish faith. + +"Read, John," said Glenarvan. + +He read this line, which had so strangely reached them: + +"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him:" +Psalm xci. I. + +"My friends," said Glenarvan, "we must make known the words of hope to +our brave and dear ladies. Here is something to reanimate their hearts." + +Glenarvan and his companions ascended the steep paths of the peak, and +proceeded towards the tomb, which they wished to examine. On the way +they were astonished to feel, at short intervals, a certain trembling +of the ground. It was not an irregular agitation, but that continued +vibration which the sides of a boiler undergo when it is fully charged. +Steam, in large quantities, generated by the action of subterranean +fires, seemed to be working beneath the crust of the mountain. + +This peculiarity could not astonish people who had passed between the +warm springs of the Waikato. They knew that this region of Ika-Na-Maoui +is volcanic. It is like a sieve, from the holes of which ever issue the +vapors of subterranean laboratories. + +Paganel, who had already observed this, called the attention of his +friends to the circumstance. The Maunganamu is only one of those +numerous cones that cover the central portion of the island. The least +mechanical action could provoke the formation of a crater in the clayey +soil. + +"And yet," said Glenarvan, "we seem to be in no more danger here than +beside the boiler of the Duncan. This crust is firm." + +"Certainly," replied the major; "but a boiler, however strong it may +be, will always burst at last after too long use." + +"MacNabb," said Paganel, "I do not desire to remain on this peak. Let +Heaven show me a way of escape, and I will leave it instantly." + +Lady Helena, who perceived Lord Glenarvan, now approached. + +"My dear Edward," said she, "you have considered our position! Are we +to hope or fear?" + +"Hope, my dear Helena," replied Glenarvan. "The natives will never come +to the top of the mountain, and we shall have abundant time to form a +plan of escape." + +"Moreover, madam," said Captain Mangles, "God himself encourages us to +hope." + +So saying, he gave her the text of the Bible which had been sent to +them. She and Mary Grant, whose confiding soul was always open to +the ministrations of Heaven, saw, in the words of the Holy Book, an +infallible pledge of safety. + +"Now to the tomb!" cried Paganel, gayly. "This is our fortress, our +castle, our dining-room, and our workshop. No one is to disarrange it. +Ladies, permit me to do the honors of this charming dwelling." + +All followed the good-natured Paganel. When the savages saw the +fugitives desecrate anew this tabooed sepulchre, they fired numerous +volleys, and uttered yells no less terrible. But fortunately their +bullets could not reach as far as their cries, for they only came +half-way, while their vociferations were lost in empty air. + +[Sidenote: BOARD AND LODGING.] + +Lady Helena, Mary Grant, and their companions, quite reassured at +seeing that the superstition of the Maoris was still stronger than +their rage, entered the tomb. It was a palisade of red painted stakes. +Symbolical faces, a real tattooing on wood, described the nobleness +and exploits of the deceased. Strings of pipes, shells, and carved +stones extended from one stake to another. Inside, the earth was hidden +beneath a carpet of green leaves. In the centre a slight protuberance +marked the freshly-made grave. Here reposed the weapons of the chief, +his guns loaded and primed, his lance, his splendid hatchet of green +jade, with a supply of powder and balls sufficient for the hunts of the +other world. + +"Here is a whole arsenal," said Paganel, "of which we will make a +better use than the deceased. It is a good idea of these savages to +carry their weapons to heaven with them." + +"But these are English guns!" said the major. + +"Doubtless," replied Glenarvan; "it is a very foolish custom to make +presents of fire-arms to the savages, who then use them against the +invaders, and with reason. At all events, these guns will be useful to +us." + +"But still more useful," said Paganel, "will be the provisions and +water intended for Kara-Tt." + +The parents and friends of the dead had, indeed, faithfully fulfilled +their duties. The amount of food testified their esteem for the virtues +of the chief. There were provisions enough to last ten persons fifteen +days, or rather the deceased for eternity. They consisted of ferns, +sweet yams, and potatoes, which were introduced some time before by the +Europeans. Tall vases of fresh water stood near, and a dozen baskets, +artistically woven, contained numerous tablets of green gum. + +The fugitives were, therefore, fortified for several days against +hunger and thirst, and they needed no urging to take their first meal +at the chief's expense. Glenarvan directed Mr. Olbinett's attention +to the food necessary for his companions; but he, with his usual +exactness, even in critical situations, thought the bill of fare rather +scanty. Moreover, he did not know how to prepare the roots, and there +was no fire. + +But Paganel solved the difficulty, and advised him to simply bury his +ferns and potatoes in the ground itself, for the heat of the upper +strata was very great. Olbinett, however, narrowly escaped a serious +scalding, for, just as he had dug a hole to put his roots in, a stream +of watery vapor burst forth, and rose to the height of several feet. +The steward started back in terror. + +"Close the hole!" cried the major, who, with the aid of the two +sailors, covered the orifice with fragments of pumice-stone, while +Paganel murmured these words: + +"Well! well! ha! ha! very natural!" + +"You are not scalded?" inquired MacNabb of Olbinett. + +"No, Mr. MacNabb," replied the steward; "but I scarcely expected----" + +"So many blessings," added Paganel, in a mirthful tone. "Consider +Kara-Tt's water and provisions, and the fire of the earth! This +mountain is a paradise! I propose that we found a colony here, +cultivate the soil, and settle for the rest of our days. We will +be Robinson Crusoes of Maunganamu. Indeed, I look in vain for any +deficiency on this comfortable peak." + +"Nothing is wanting if the earth is firm," replied Captain Mangles. + +"Well, it was not created yesterday," said Paganel. "It has long +resisted the action of internal fires, and will easily hold out till +our departure." + +"Breakfast is ready," announced Mr. Olbinett, as gravely as if he had +been performing his duties at Malcolm Castle. + +The fugitives at once sat down near the palisade, and enjoyed the +repast that Providence had so opportunely furnished to them in this +critical situation. No one appeared particular about the choice of +food, but there was a diversity of opinion concerning the edible +ferns. Some found them sweet and pleasant, and others mucilaginous, +insipid, and acrid. The sweet potatoes, cooked in the hot earth, were +excellent. + +[Illustration: The steward started back in terror.] + +Their hunger being satiated, Glenarvan proposed that they should, +without delay, arrange a plan of escape. + +"So soon!" said Paganel, in a truly piteous tone. "What! are you +thinking already of leaving this delightful place?" + +"I think, first of all," replied Glenarvan, "that we ought to attempt +an escape before we are forced to it by hunger. We have strength enough +yet, and must take advantage of it. To-night let us try to gain the +eastern valleys, and cross the circle of natives under cover of the +darkness." + +"Exactly," answered Paganel; "if the Maoris will let us pass." + +"And if they prevent us?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Then we will employ the great expedients," said Paganel. + +"You have great expedients, then?" inquired the major. + +"More than I know what to do with," rejoined Paganel, without further +explanation. + +They could now do nothing but wait for night to attempt crossing +the line of savages, who had not left their position. Their ranks +even seemed increased by stragglers from the tribe. Here and there +freshly-kindled fires formed a flaming girdle around the base of the +peak. When darkness had invaded the surrounding valleys, the Maunganamu +seemed to rise from a vast conflagration, while its summit was lost in +a dense shade. Six hundred feet below were heard the tumult and cries +of the enemy's camp. + +At nine o'clock it was very dark, and Glenarvan and Captain Mangles +resolved to make an exploration before taking their companions on +this perilous journey. They noiselessly descended the declivity some +distance, and reached the narrow ridge that crossed the line of natives +fifty feet above the encampment. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER SUNRISE.] + +All went well so far. The Maoris, stretched beside their fires, did not +seem to perceive the two fugitives, who advanced a few paces farther. +But suddenly, to the left and right of the ridge, a double volley +resounded. + +"Back!" cried Glenarvan; "these bandits have eyes like a cat, and the +guns of riflemen!" + +Captain Mangles and he reascended at once the precipitous slopes of the +mountain, and speedily assured their terrified friends of their safety. +Glenarvan's hat had been pierced by two bullets. It was, therefore, +dangerous to venture on the ridge between these two lines of marksmen. + +"Wait till to-morrow," said Paganel; "and since we cannot deceive the +vigilance of these natives, permit me to give them a dose in my own +way." + +The temperature was quite cold. Fortunately, Kara-Tt wore in the tomb +his best night-robes, warm, flaxen coverings, in which each one wrapped +himself without hesitation; and soon the fugitives, protected by the +native superstition, slept peacefully in the shelter of the palisades, +on the earth that seemed to quake with the internal commotion. + + + + +CHAPTER LIII. + +A BOLD STRATAGEM. + + +The rising sun awakened with his first rays the sleepers on the +Maunganamu. The Maoris for some time had been moving to and fro at the +foot of the peak without wandering from their post of observation. +Furious cries saluted the appearance of the Europeans as they issued +from the desecrated tomb. + +Each cast a longing glance towards the surrounding mountains, the deep +valleys, still veiled in mist, and the surface of Lake Taupo, gently +rippling beneath the morning wind. Then all, eager to know Paganel's +new project, gathered around him with questioning looks; while the +geographer at once satisfied the restless curiosity of his companions. + +"My friends," said he, "my project has this advantage, that if it does +not produce the result that I expect, or even fails, our situation will +not be impaired. But it ought to and will succeed." + +"And this project?" asked the major. + +"This is it," replied Paganel. "The superstition of the natives has +made this mountain a place of refuge, and this superstition must help +us to escape. If I succeed in convincing Kai-Koumou that we have become +the victims of our sacrilege, that the wrath of Heaven has fallen upon +us, in short, that we have met a terrible death, do you think that he +will abandon the mountain and return to his village?" + +"Probably," said Glenarvan. + +"And with what horrible death do you threaten us?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"The death of the sacrilegious, my friends," continued Paganel. "The +avenging flames are under our feet. Let us open a way for them." + +"What! you would make a volcano?" cried Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, a factitious, an improvised one, whose fury we will control. +There is quite a supply of vapors and subterranean fires that only +ask for an outlet. Let us arrange an artificial eruption for our own +advantage." + +"The idea is good," said the major, "and well conceived, Paganel." + +"You understand," resumed the geographer, "that we are to feign being +consumed by the flames of Pluto, and shall disappear spiritually in the +tomb of Kara-Tt." + +[Sidenote: A VOLCANO IN MINIATURE.] + +"Where we shall remain three, four, or five days, if necessary, till +the savages are convinced of our death, and abandon the siege." + +"But if they think of making sure of our destruction," said Miss Grant, +"and climb the mountain?" + +"No, my dear Mary," replied Paganel, "they will not do that. The +mountain is tabooed, and if it shall itself devour its profaners the +taboo will be still more rigorous." + +"This plan is really well conceived," remarked Glenarvan. "There is +only one chance against it, and that is, that the savages may persist +in remaining at the foot of the mountain till the provisions fail +us. But this is scarcely probable, especially if we play our part +skillfully." + +"And when shall we make this last venture?" asked Lady Helena. + +"This very evening," answered Paganel, "at the hour of the greatest +darkness." + +"Agreed," said MacNabb. "Paganel, you are a man of genius; and although +from habit I am scarcely ever enthusiastic, I will answer for your +success. Ha! these rascals! we shall perform a little miracle for them +that will delay their conversion a good century. May the missionaries +pardon us!" + +Paganel's plan was therefore adopted, and really, with the +superstitious notions of the Maoris, it might and ought to succeed. +It only remained to execute it. The idea was good, but in practice +difficult. Might not this volcano consume the audacious ones who should +dig the crater? Could they control and direct this eruption when the +vapors, flames, and lava should be let loose? Would it not engulf +the entire peak in a flood of fire? They were tampering with those +phenomena whose absolute control is reserved for forces higher than +theirs. + +Paganel had foreseen these difficulties, but he expected to act +prudently, and not to venture to extremes. An illusion was enough to +deceive the Maoris, without the awful reality of a large eruption. + +How long that day seemed! Each one counted the interminable hours. +Everything was prepared for flight. The provisions of the tomb had +been divided, and made into convenient bundles. Several mats, and the +fire-arms, which had been found in the tomb of the chief, formed light +baggage. Of course these preparations were made within the palisaded +inclosure and unknown to the savages. + +At six o'clock the steward served a farewell feast. Where and when they +should eat in the valleys no one could foretell. + +Twilight came on. The sun disappeared behind a bank of dense clouds of +threatening aspect. A few flashes illumined the horizon, and a distant +peal of thunder rumbled along the vault of the sky. Paganel welcomed +the storm that came to the aid of his design. + +At eight o'clock the summit of the mountain was hidden by a foreboding +darkness, while the sky looked terribly black, as if for a background +to the flaming outbreak that Paganel was about to inaugurate. The +Maoris could no longer see their prisoners. The time for action had +come. Rapidity was necessary, and Glenarvan, Paganel, MacNabb, Robert, +the steward, and the two sailors at once set to work vigorously. + +The place for the crater was chosen thirty paces from Kara-Tt's tomb. +It was important that this structure should be spared by the eruption, +for otherwise the taboo would become ineffective. Paganel had observed +an enormous block of stone, around which the vapors seemed to pour +forth with considerable force. This rocky mass covered a small natural +crater in the peak, and only by its weight prevented the escape of the +subterranean flames. If they could succeed in overturning it, the smoke +and lava would immediately issue through the unobstructed opening. + +[Sidenote: VULCANS AT WORK.] + +The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes of the tomb, and +with these they vigorously attacked the ponderous mass. Under their +united efforts the rock was not long in moving. They dug a sort of +groove for it down the side of the mountain, that it might slide on an +inclined plane. + +As their action increased, the trembling of the earth became more +violent. Hollow rumblings and hissings sounded under the thin +crust. But the bold experimenters, like real Vulcans, governing the +underground fires, worked on in silence. Several cracks and a few gusts +of hot smoke warned them that their position was becoming dangerous. +But a final effort detached the block, which glided down the slope of +the mountain and disappeared. + +The thin covering at once yielded. An incandescent column poured forth +towards the sky with loud explosions, while streams of boiling water +and lava rolled towards the encampment of the natives and the valleys +below. The whole peak trembled, and you might almost have thought that +it was disappearing in a general conflagration. + +Glenarvan and his companions had scarcely time to escape the shock of +the eruption. They fled to the inclosure of the tomb, but not without +receiving a few scalding drops of the water, which bubbled and exhaled +a strong sulphureous odor. + +Then mud, lava, and volcanic fragments mingled in the scene of +devastation. Torrents of flame furrowed the sides of the Maunganamu. +The adjoining mountains glowed in the light of the eruption, and the +deep valleys were illumined with a vivid brightness. + +The savages were soon aroused, both by the noise and the heat +of the lava that flowed in a scalding tide through the midst of +their encampment. Those whom the fiery flood had not reached fled, +and ascended the surrounding hills, turning and gazing back at +this terrific phenomenon, with which their god, in his wrath, had +overwhelmed the desecrators of the sacred mountain; while at certain +moments they were heard howling their consecratory cry: + +"Taboo! taboo! taboo!" + +[Illustration: The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes +of the tomb.] + +[Illustration: An incandescent column poured forth towards the sky with +loud explosions, while streams of boiling water and lava rolled towards +the encampment of the natives.] + +Meantime an enormous quantity of vapor, melted stones, and lava had +escaped from the crater. It was no longer a simple geyser. All this +volcanic effervescence had hitherto been confined beneath the crust of +the peak, since the outlets of Tangariro sufficed for its expansion; +but as a new opening had been made, it had rushed forth with extreme +violence. + +All night long, during the storm that raged above and below, the peak +was shaken with a commotion that could not but alarm Glenarvan. The +prisoners, concealed behind the palisade of the tomb, watched the +fearful progress of the outbreak. + +Morning came. The fury of the volcano had not moderated. Thick, +yellowish vapors mingled with the flames, and torrents of lava poured +in every direction. Glenarvan, with eye alert and beating heart, +glanced between the interstices of the inclosure, and surveyed the camp +of the Maoris. + +The natives had fled to the neighboring plateaus, beyond the reach of +the volcano. Several corpses, lying at the foot of the peak, had been +charred by the fire. Farther on, towards the pah, the lava had consumed +a number of huts, that were still smoking. The savages, in scattered +groups, were gazing at the vapory summit of Maunganamu with religious +awe. + +Kai-Koumou came into the midst of his warriors, and Glenarvan +recognized him. The chief advanced to the base of the peak, on the side +spared by the eruption, but did not cross the first slopes. Here, with +outstretched arms, like a sorcerer exorcising, he made a few grimaces, +the meaning of which did not escape the prisoners. As Paganel had +foreseen, Kai-Koumou was invoking upon the mountain a more rigorous +taboo. + +Soon after, the natives descended, in single file, the winding paths +that led towards the pah. + +[Sidenote: A WEARY WAITING.] + +"They are going!" cried Glenarvan. "They are abandoning their post! +God be thanked! Our scheme has succeeded! My dear Helena, my brave +companions, we are now dead and buried; but this evening we will +revive, we will leave our tomb, and flee from these barbarous tribes!" + +It would be difficult to describe the joy that reigned within the +palisade. Hope had reanimated all hearts. These courageous travelers +forgot their past trials, dreaded not the future, and only rejoiced in +their present deliverance; although very little reflection would show +how difficult was the task of reaching an European settlement from +their present position. But if Kai-Koumou was outwitted, they believed +themselves safe from all the savages of New Zealand. + +A whole day must pass before the decisive attempt could be made, and +they employed their time in arranging a plan of escape. Paganel had +preserved his map of New Zealand, and could therefore search out the +safest routes. + +After some discussion, the fugitives resolved to proceed eastward +towards the Bay of Plenty. This course would lead them through +districts that were very rarely visited. The travelers, who were +already accustomed to overcoming natural difficulties, only feared +meeting the Maoris. They therefore determined to avoid them at all +hazards, and gain the eastern coast, where the missionaries have +founded several establishments. Moreover, this portion of the island +had hitherto escaped the ravages of the war and the depredations of the +natives. As for the distance that separated Lake Taupo from the Bay of +Plenty, it could not be more than one hundred miles. Ten days would +suffice for the journey. The missions once reached, they could rest +there, and wait for some favorable opportunity of gaining Auckland, +their destination. + +These points being settled, they continued to watch the savages till +evening. Not one of them remained at the foot of the mountain, and +when darkness invaded the valleys of the lake, no fire betokened the +presence of the Maoris at the base of the peak. The coast was clear. + +At nine o'clock it was dark night, and Glenarvan gave the signal for +departure. His companions and he, armed and equipped at Kara-Tt's +expense, began to cautiously descend the slopes of the Maunganamu. +Captain Mangles and Wilson led the way, with eyes and ears on the +alert. They stopped at the least sound,--they examined the faintest +light; each slid down the declivity, the better to elude detection. + +Two hundred feet below the summit, Captain Mangles and his sailor +reached the dangerous ridge that had been so obstinately guarded by the +natives. If, unfortunately, the Maoris, more crafty than the fugitives, +had feigned a retreat to entice them within reach, if they had not +been deceived by the eruption, their presence would be discovered +at this point. Glenarvan, in spite of his confidence and Paganel's +pleasantries, could not help trembling. The safety of his friends was +at stake during the few moments necessary to cross the ridge. He felt +Lady Helena's heart beat as she clung to his arm. + +But neither he nor Captain Mangles thought of retreating. The young +captain, followed by the others, and favored by the dense obscurity, +crawled along the narrow path, only stopping when some detached stone +rolled to the base of the mountain. If the savages were still in +ambush, these unusual sounds would provoke from each side a formidable +volley. + +However, in gliding like serpents along this inclined crest, the +fugitives could not advance rapidly. When Captain Mangles had gained +the lowest part, scarcely twenty-five feet separated him from the +plain where the natives had encamped the night before. Here the ridge +ascended quite steeply towards a coppice about a quarter of a mile +distant. + +[Sidenote: TABOOED NO LONGER.] + +The travelers crossed this place without accident, and began the +ascent in silence. The thicket was invisible, but they knew where it +was, and, provided no ambuscade was laid there, Glenarvan hoped to +find a secure refuge. However, he remembered that they were now no +longer protected by the taboo. The ascending ridge did not belong to +the sacred mountain, but to a chain that ran along the eastern shores +of Lake Taupo. Therefore not only the shots of the savages, but also a +hand-to-hand conflict, were to be feared. + +For a short time the little party slowly mounted towards the upper +elevations. The captain could not yet discern the dark coppice, but it +could not be more than two hundred feet distant. + +Suddenly he stopped, and almost recoiled. He thought he heard some +sound in the darkness. His hesitation arrested the advance of his +companions. + +He stood motionless long enough to alarm those who followed him. With +what agonizing suspense they waited could not be described. Would they +be forced to return to the summit of the mountain? + +But, finding that the noise was not repeated, their leader continued +his ascent along the narrow path. The coppice was soon dimly defined +in the gloom. In a few moments it was reached, and the fugitives were +crouching beneath the thick foliage of the trees. + + + + +CHAPTER LIV. + +FROM PERIL TO SAFETY. + + +Darkness favored the escape; and making the greatest possible progress, +they left the fatal regions of Lake Taupo. Paganel assumed the guidance +of the little party, and his marvelous instinct as a traveler was +displayed anew during this perilous journey. He managed with surprising +dexterity in the thick gloom, chose unhesitatingly the almost invisible +paths, and kept constantly an undeviating course. + +At nine o'clock in the morning they had accomplished a considerable +distance, and could not reasonably require more of the courageous +ladies. Besides, the place seemed suitable for an encampment. The +fugitives had reached the ravine that separates the Kaimanawa and +Wahiti ranges. The road on the right ran southward to Oberland. +Paganel, with his map in his hand, made a turn to the northeast, and +at ten o'clock the little party had reached a sort of steep buttress, +formed by a spur of the mountain. + +The provisions were taken from the sacks, and all did ample justice to +them. Mary Grant and the major, who had not hitherto been very well +satisfied with the edible ferns, made this time a hearty meal of them. +They rested here till two o'clock in the afternoon, then the journey +towards the east was resumed, and at evening the travelers encamped +eight miles from the mountains. They needed no urging to sleep in the +open air. + +The next day very serious difficulties were encountered. They were +forced to pass through a curious region of volcanic lakes and geysers +that extends eastward from the Wahiti ranges. It was pleasing to the +eye, but fatiguing to the limbs. Every quarter of a mile there were +obstacles, turns, and windings, far too many for rapid progress; but +what strange appearances and what infinite variety does nature give to +her grand scenes! + +[Sidenote: ALMOST TIRED OUT!] + +Over this expanse of twenty square miles the overflow of subterranean +forces was displayed in every form. Salt springs, of a singular +transparency, teeming with myriads of insects, issued from the porous +ground. They exhaled a penetrating odor, and deposited on the earth a +white coating like dazzling snow. Their waters, though clear, were +at the boiling-point, while other neighboring springs poured forth +ice-cold streams. On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of +vapor, spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain, some +continuous, others intermittent, as if controlled by some capricious +sprite. They rose like an amphitheatre, in natural terraces one above +another, their vapors gradually mingling in wreaths of white smoke; and +flowing down the semi-transparent steps of these gigantic staircases, +they fed the lakes with their boiling cascades. + +It will be needless to dilate upon the incidents of the journey, which +were neither numerous nor important. Their way led through forests and +over plains. The captain took his bearings by the sun and stars. The +sky, which was quite clear, was sparing of heat and rain. Still, an +increasing weariness delayed the travelers, already so cruelly tried, +and they had to make great efforts to reach their destination. + +However, they still conversed together, but no longer in common. The +little party was divided into groups, not by any narrow prejudice or +ill feeling, but to some extent from sadness. Often Glenarvan was +alone, thinking, as he approached the coast, of the Duncan and her +crew. He forgot the dangers that still threatened him, in his grief for +his lost sailors and the terrible visions that continually haunted his +mind. + +They no longer spoke of Harry Grant. And why should they, since they +could do nothing for him? If the captain's name was ever pronounced, it +was in the conversations of his daughter and her betrothed. The young +captain had not reminded her of what she had said to him on the last +night of their captivity on the mountain. His magnanimity would not +take advantage of words uttered in a moment of supreme despair. + +[Sidenote: ACCOMPLISHING THE LAST STAGE.] + +When he did speak of Captain Grant, he began to lay plans for a further +search. He declared to Mary that Lord Glenarvan would resume this +undertaking, hitherto so unsuccessful. + +[Illustration: On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of vapor, +spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain.] + +He maintained that the authenticity of the document could not be +doubted. Her father must, therefore, be somewhere; and though it were +necessary to search the whole world, they were sure to find him. The +young girl was cheered by these words; and both, bound by the same +thoughts, now sympathized in the same hope. Lady Helena often took part +in the conversation, and was very careful not to discourage the young +people with any sad forebodings. + +Glenarvan and his companions, after many vicissitudes, reached the foot +of Mount Ikirangi, whose peak towered five thousand feet aloft. They +had now traveled almost one hundred miles since leaving the Maunganamu, +and the coast was still thirty miles distant. Captain Mangles had +hoped to make the journey in ten days, but he was ignorant then of +the difficulties of the way. There were still two good days of travel +before they could gain the ocean, and renewed activity and extreme +vigilance became necessary, for they were entering a region frequented +by the natives. However, each conquered the fatigue, and the little +party continued their course. + +Between Mount Ikirangi, some distance on their right, and Mount Hardy, +whose summit rose to the left, was a large plain, thickly overspread +with twining plants and underbrush. Progress here was tedious and +difficult in the extreme; for the pliant tendrils wound a score of +folds about their bodies like serpents. Hunting was impossible; the +provisions were nearly exhausted, and could not be renewed, and water +failed, so that they could not allay their thirst, rendered doubly +acute by their fatigue. The sufferings of Glenarvan and his friends +were terrible, and for the first time their moral energy now almost +forsook them. + +At last, dragging themselves along, wearied to the utmost degree in +body, almost despairing in mind, they reached Lottin Point, on the +shores of the Pacific. + +At this place several deserted huts were seen, the ruins of a village +recently devastated by the war; around them were abandoned fields, and +everywhere the traces of plunder and conflagration. But here fate had +reserved a new and fearful test for the unfortunate travelers. + +They were walking along the coast, when, at no great distance, a number +of natives appeared, who rushed towards the little party, brandishing +their weapons. Glenarvan, shut in by the sea, saw that escape was +impossible, and, summoning all his strength, was about to make +preparations for battle, when Captain Mangles cried: + +"A canoe! a canoe!" + +And truly, twenty paces distant, a canoe, with six oars, was lying on +the beach. To rush to it, set it afloat, and fly from this dangerous +place was the work of an instant; the whole party seemed to receive at +once a fresh accession of bodily strength and mental vigor. + +In ten minutes the boat was at a considerable distance. The sea was +calm. The captain, however, not wishing to wander too far from the +coast, was about to give the order to cruise along the shore, when he +suddenly ceased rowing. He had observed three canoes starting from +Lottin Point, with the evident intention of overtaking and capturing +the unfortunate fugitives. + +"To sea! to sea!" cried he; "better perish in the waves than be +captured!" + +The canoe, under the strokes of its four oarsmen, at once put to sea, +and for some time kept its distance. But the strength of the weakened +fugitives soon grew less, and their pursuers gradually gained upon +them. The boats were now scarcely a mile apart. There was therefore +no possibility of avoiding the attack of the natives, who, armed with +their long guns, were already preparing to fire. + +[Sidenote: DEATH ON EVERY HAND.] + +What was Glenarvan doing? Standing at the stern of the canoe, he looked +around as if for some expected aid. What did he expect? What did he +wish? Had he a presentiment? + +All at once his face brightened, his hand was stretched towards an +indistinct object. + +"A ship!" cried he; "my friends, a ship! Row, row!" + +Not one of the four oarsmen turned to see this unexpected vessel, +for they must not lose a stroke. Only Paganel, rising, directed his +telescope towards the place indicated. + +"Yes," said he, "a ship, a steamer, under full headway, coming towards +us! Courage, captain!" + +The fugitives displayed new energy, and for several moments longer they +kept their distance. The steamer grew more and more distinct. They +could clearly discern her masts, and the thick clouds of black smoke +that issued from her smoke-stack. Glenarvan, giving the helm to Robert, +had seized the geographer's glass, and did not lose a single movement +of the vessel. + +But what were Captain Mangles and his companions to think when they +saw the expression of his features change, his face grow pale, and the +instrument fall from his hands. A single word explained this sudden +emotion. + +"The Duncan!" cried Glenarvan,--"the Duncan and the convicts!" + +"The Duncan?" repeated the captain, dropping his oar and rising. + +"Yes, death on all sides!" moaned Glenarvan, overcome by so many +calamities. + +It was indeed the yacht--without a doubt,--the yacht, with her crew of +bandits! The major could not repress a malediction. This was too much. + +Meantime the canoe was floating at random. Whither should they guide +it, whither flee? Was it possible to choose between the savages and the +convicts? + +[Illustration: A second ball whistled over their heads, and demolished +the nearest of the three canoes.] + +[Sidenote: A MYSTERIOUS PRESERVATION.] + +Just then a shot came from the native boat, that had approached nearer. +The bullet struck Wilson's oar; but his companions still propelled +the canoe towards the Duncan. The yacht was advancing at full speed, +and was only half a mile distant. Captain Mangles, beset on all sides, +no longer knew how to act, or in what direction to escape. The two poor +ladies were on their knees, praying in their despair. + +The savages were now firing a continued volley, and the bullets rained +around the canoe. Just then a sharp report sounded, and a ball from the +yacht's cannon passed over the heads of the fugitives, who remained +motionless between the fire of the Duncan and the natives. + +Captain Mangles, frantic with despair, seized his hatchet. He was on +the point of sinking their own canoe, with his unfortunate companions, +when a cry from Robert stopped him. + +"Tom Austin! Tom Austin!" said the child. "He is on board! I see him! +He has recognized us! He is waving his hat!" + +The hatchet was suspended in mid-air. A second ball whistled over +their heads, and demolished the nearest of the three canoes, while a +loud hurrah was heard on board the Duncan. The savages fled in terror +towards the coast. + +"Help, help, Tom!" cried Captain Mangles, in a piercing voice. And +a few moments afterwards the ten fugitives, without knowing how, or +scarcely comprehending this unexpected good fortune, were all in safety +on board the Duncan. + + + + +CHAPTER LV. + +WHY THE DUNCAN WENT TO NEW ZEALAND. + + +The feelings of Glenarvan and his friends, when the songs of old +Scotland resounded in their ears, it is impossible to describe. As soon +as they set foot on deck the bagpiper struck up a well remembered air, +while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return on board. Glenarvan, +John Mangles, Paganel, Robert, and even the major, wept and embraced +each other. Their emotions rose from joy to ecstasy. The geographer was +fairly wild, skipping about and watching with his inseparable telescope +the canoes returning to shore. + +But at sight of Glenarvan and his companions, with tattered garments, +emaciated features, and the traces of extreme suffering, the crew +ceased their lively demonstrations. These were spectres, not the bold +and dashing travelers whom, three months before, hope had stimulated to +a search for the shipwrecked captain. Chance alone had led them back to +this vessel that they had ceased to regard as theirs, and in what a sad +state of exhaustion and feebleness! + +However, before thinking of fatigue, or the imperative calls of hunger +and thirst, Glenarvan questioned Tom Austin concerning his presence in +these waters. Why was the Duncan on the eastern coast of New Zealand? +Why was she not in the hands of Ben Joyce? By what providential working +had God restored her to the fugitives? These were the questions that +were hurriedly addressed to Tom Austin. The old sailor did not know +which to answer first. He therefore concluded to listen only to Lord +Glenarvan, and reply to him. + +"But the convicts?" inquired Glenarvan. "What have you done with the +convicts?" + +"The convicts!" replied Tom Austin, like a man who is at a loss to +understand a question. + +"Yes; the wretches who attacked the yacht." + +"What yacht, my lord? The Duncan?" + +"Of course. Did not Ben Joyce come on board?" + +"I do not know Ben Joyce; I have never seen him." + +"Never?" cried Glenarvan, amazed at the answers of the old sailor. +"Then will you tell me why the Duncan is now on the shores of New +Zealand?" + +[Sidenote: MYSTERY MORE MYSTERIOUS!] + +Although Glenarvan and his friends did not at all understand Austin's +astonishment, what was their surprise when he replied, in a calm voice: + +"The Duncan is here by your lordship's orders." + +"By my orders?" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord. I only conformed to the instructions contained in your +letter." + +"My letter?" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +The ten travelers at once surrounded Tom Austin, and gazed at him in +eager curiosity. The letter written at the Snowy River had reached the +Duncan. + +"Well," continued Glenarvan, "let us have an explanation; for I almost +think I am dreaming. You received a letter, Tom?" + +"Yes; a letter from your lordship." + +"At Melbourne?" + +"At Melbourne; just as I had finished the repair of the ship." + +"And this letter?" + +"It was not written by you; but it was signed by you, my lord." + +"Exactly; it was sent by a convict, Ben Joyce." + +"No; by the sailor called Ayrton, quartermaster of the Britannia." + +"Yes, Ayrton or Ben Joyce; it is the same person. Well, what did the +letter say?" + +"It ordered me to leave Melbourne without delay, and come to the +eastern shores of----" + +"Australia!" cried Glenarvan, with an impetuosity that disconcerted the +old sailor. + +"Australia?" repeated Tom, opening his eyes. "No, indeed; New Zealand!" + +"Australia, Tom! Australia!" replied Glenarvan's companions, with one +voice. + +[Illustration: As soon as they set foot on deck the bagpiper struck up +a well remembered air, while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return +on board.] + +Austin was now bewildered. Glenarvan spoke with such assurance, that +he feared he had made a mistake in reading the letter. Could he, +faithful and accurate sailor that he was, have committed such a +blunder? He began to feel troubled. + +[Illustration: This sally finished the poor geographer.] + + +"Be easy, Tom," said Lady Helena. "Providence has decreed----" + +"No, madam, pardon me," returned the sailor; "no, it is not possible! I +am not mistaken. Ayrton also read the letter, and he, on the contrary, +wished to go to Australia." + +"Ayrton?" cried Glenarvan. + +"The very one. He maintained that it was a mistake, and that you had +appointed Twofold Bay as the place of meeting." + +"Have you the letter, Tom?" asked the major, greatly puzzled. + +"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Austin. "I will soon bring it." + +He accordingly repaired to his own cabin. While he was gone, they gazed +at each other in silence, except the major, who, with his eye fixed +upon Paganel, said, as he folded his arms: + +"Indeed, I must confess, Paganel, that this is a little too much." + +At this moment Austin returned. He held in his hand the letter written +by Paganel, and signed by Glenarvan. + +"Read it, my lord," said the old sailor. + +Glenarvan took the letter, and read: + +"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan to the +eastern coast of New Zealand." + +"New Zealand?" cried Paganel, starting. + +He snatched the letter from Glenarvan's hands, rubbed his eyes, +adjusted his spectacles to his nose, and read in his turn. + +"New Zealand!" repeated he, in an indescribable tone, while the letter +slipped from his fingers. + +Just then he felt a hand fall upon his shoulder. He turned, and found +himself face to face with the major. + +[Sidenote: PAGANEL IN THE WITNESS-BOX.] + +"Well, my good Paganel," said MacNabb, in a grave tone, "it is +fortunate that you did not send the Duncan to Cochin-China." + +This sally finished the poor geographer. A fit of laughter seized the +whole crew. Paganel, as if mad, ran to and fro, holding his head in his +hands, and tearing his hair. However, when he had recovered from his +frenzy, there was still another unavoidable question to answer. + +"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "be candid. I acknowledge that your +absent-mindedness has been providential. To be sure, without you the +Duncan would have fallen into the hands of the convicts; without you we +should have been recaptured by the Maoris. But do tell me, what strange +association of ideas, what unnatural aberration, induced you to write +New Zealand instead of Australia?" + +"Very well," said Paganel. "It was----" + +But at that moment his eyes fell upon Robert and Mary Grant, and he +stopped short, finally replying: + +"Never mind, my dear Glenarvan. I am a madman, a fool, an incorrigible +being, and shall die a most famous blunderer!" + +The affair was no longer discussed. The mystery of the Duncan's +presence there was solved; and the travelers, so miraculously saved, +thought only of revisiting their comfortable cabins and partaking of a +good breakfast. + +However, leaving Lady Helena, Mary Grant, the major, Paganel, and +Robert to enter the saloon, Glenarvan and Captain Mangles retained Tom +Austin with them. They wished to question him further. + +"Now, Tom," said Glenarvan, "let me know: did not this order to sail +for the coast of New Zealand seem strange to you?" + +"Yes, my lord," replied Austin. "I was very much surprised; but, as I +am not in the habit of discussing the orders I receive, I obeyed. Could +I act otherwise? If any accident had happened from not following your +instructions, should I not have been to blame? Would you have done +differently, captain?" + +"No, Tom," answered Captain Mangles. + +"But what did you think?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I thought, my lord, that, in the cause of Captain Grant, it was +necessary to go wherever you directed me; that by some combination of +circumstances another vessel would take you to New Zealand, and that +I was to wait for you on the eastern coast of the island. Moreover, +on leaving Melbourne, I kept my destination secret, and the crew did +not know it till we were out at sea and the shores of Australia had +disappeared from sight. But then an incident occurred that perplexed me +very much." + +"What do you mean, Tom?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"I mean," he replied, "that when the quartermaster, Ayrton, learned, +the day after our departure, the Duncan's destination----" + +"Ayrton!" cried Glenarvan. "Is he on board?" + +"Yes, my lord." + +"Ayrton here!" repeated Glenarvan, glancing at Captain Mangles. + +"Wonderful indeed!" said the young captain. + +In an instant, with the swiftness of lightning, Ayrton's conduct, his +long-contrived treachery, Glenarvan's wound, the attack upon Mulready, +their sufferings in the marshes of the Snowy, all the wretch's deeds, +flashed upon the minds of the two men. And now, by a strange fatality, +the convict was in their power. + +"Where is he?" asked Glenarvan quickly. + +"In a cabin in the forecastle," replied Tom Austin, "closely guarded." + +"Why this confinement?" + +[Sidenote: AN UNOFFICIAL TRIBUNAL.] + +"Because, when Ayrton saw that the yacht was sailing for New Zealand, +he flew into a passion; because he attempted to force me to change the +ship's course; because he threatened me; and, finally, because he urged +my men to a mutiny. I saw that he was a dangerous person, and was +compelled, therefore, to take precautions against him." + +"And since that time?" + +"Since that time he has been in his cabin, without offering to come +out." + +"Good!" + +At this moment Glenarvan and Captain Mangles were summoned to the +saloon. Breakfast, which they so much needed, was ready. They took +seats at the table, but did not speak of Ayrton. + +However, when the meal was ended, and the passengers had assembled on +deck, Glenarvan informed them of the quartermaster's presence on board. +At the same time he declared his intention of sending for him. + +"Can I be released from attending this tribunal?" asked Lady Helena. +"I confess to you, my dear Edward, that the sight of this unfortunate +would be very painful to me." + +"It is only to confront him, Helena," replied Glenarvan. "Remain, +if you can. Ben Joyce should see himself face to face with all his +intended victims." + +Lady Helena yielded to this request, and Mary Grant and she took their +places beside him, while around them stood the major, Paganel, Captain +Mangles, Robert, Wilson, Mulready, and Olbinett, all who had suffered +so severely by the convict's treason. The crew of the yacht, who did +not yet understand the seriousness of these proceedings, maintained a +profound silence. + +"Call Ayrton!" said Glenarvan. + + + + +CHAPTER LVI. + +AYRTON'S OBSTINACY. + + +Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck with a confident +step, and ascended the poop-stairs. His eyes had a sullen look, his +teeth were set, and his fists clinched convulsively. His bearing +displayed neither exultation nor humility. As soon as he was in Lord +Glenarvan's presence, he folded his arms, and calmly and silently +waited to be questioned: + +"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, "here we all are, as you see, on board the +Duncan, that you would have surrendered to Ben Joyce's accomplices." + +At these words the lips of the quartermaster slightly trembled. A quick +blush colored his hard features,--not the sign of remorse, but the +shame of defeat. He was prisoner on this yacht that he had meant to +command as master, and his fate was soon to be decided. + +However, he made no reply. Glenarvan waited patiently, but Ayrton still +persisted in maintaining an obstinate silence. + +"Speak, Ayrton; what have you to say?" continued Glenarvan. + +The convict hesitated, and the lines of his forehead were strongly +contracted. At last he said, in a calm voice: + +"I have nothing to say, my lord. I was foolish enough to let myself be +taken. Do what you please." + +[Sidenote: A DUMB PRISONER.] + +Having given his answer, the quartermaster turned his eyes toward +the coast that extended along the west, and affected a profound +indifference for all that was passing around him. You would have +thought, to look at him, that he was a stranger to this serious affair. + +But Glenarvan had resolved to be patient. A powerful motive urged +him to ascertain certain circumstances of Ayrton's mysterious life, +especially as regarded Harry Grant and the Britannia. He therefore +resumed his inquiries, speaking with extreme mildness, and imposing the +most perfect calmness upon the violent agitation of his heart. + +"I hope, Ayrton," continued he, "that you will not refuse to answer +certain questions that I desire to ask you. And, first, am I to call +you Ayrton or Ben Joyce? Are you the quartermaster of the Britannia?" + +Ayrton remained unmoved, watching the coast, deaf to every question. +Glenarvan, whose eye flashed with some inward emotion, continued to +question him. + +"Will you tell me how you left the Britannia, and why you were in +Australia?" + +There was the same silence, the same obstinacy. + +"Listen to me, Ayrton," resumed Glenarvan. "It is for your interest to +speak. We may reward a frank confession, which is your only resort. For +the last time, will you answer my questions?" + +Ayrton turned his head towards Glenarvan, and looked him full in the +face. + +"My lord," said he, "I have nothing to answer. It is for justice to +prove against me." + +"The proofs will be easy," replied Glenarvan. + +[Sidenote: USELESS APPEALS.] + +"Easy, my lord?" continued the quartermaster, in a sneering tone. +"Your lordship seems to me very hasty. I declare that the best judge +in Westminster Hall would be puzzled to establish my identity. Who can +say why I came to Australia, since Captain Grant is no longer here to +inform you? Who can prove that I am that Ben Joyce described by the +police, since they have never laid hands upon me, and my companions are +at liberty? Who, except you, can charge me, not to say with a crime, +but even with a culpable action?" + +[Illustration: Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck +with a confident step, and ascended the poop-stairs.] + +Ayrton had grown animated while speaking, but soon relapsed into his +former indifference. He doubtless imagined that this declaration would +end the examination: but Glenarvan resumed, and said: + +"Ayrton, I am not a judge charged with trying you. This is not my +business. It is important that our respective positions should be +clearly defined. I ask nothing that can implicate you, for that is the +part of justice. But you know what search I am pursuing, and, with a +word, you can put me on the track I have lost. Will you speak?" + +Ayrton shook his head, like a man determined to keep silent. + +"Will you tell me where Captain Grant is?" asked Glenarvan. + +"No, my lord." + +"Will you point out where the Britannia was wrecked?" + +"Certainly not." + +"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, in almost a suppliant tone, "will you, at +least, if you know where Captain Grant is, tell his poor children, who +are only waiting for a word from your lips?" + +The quartermaster hesitated; his features quivered; but, in a low +voice, he muttered: + +"I cannot, my lord." + +Then, as if he reproached himself for a moment's weakness, he added, +angrily: + +"No, I will not speak! Hang me if you will!" + +"Hang, then!" cried Glenarvan, overcome by a sudden feeling of +indignation. + +But finally controlling himself, he said, in a grave voice: + +"There are neither judges nor hangmen here. At the first landing-place +you shall be put into the hands of the English authorities." + +"Just what I desire," replied the quartermaster. + +Thereupon he was taken back to the cabin that served as his prison, and +two sailors were stationed at the door, with orders to watch all his +movements. The witnesses of this scene retired indignant and in despair. + +Since Glenarvan had failed to overcome Ayrton's obstinacy, what was +to be done? Evidently to follow the plan formed at Eden, of returning +to England, and resuming hereafter this unsuccessful enterprise, for +all traces of the Britannia now seemed irrevocably lost. The document +admitted of no new interpretation. There was no other country on the +line of the thirty-seventh parallel, and the only way was to sail for +home. + +He consulted his friends, and more especially Captain Mangles, on the +subject of return. The captain examined his store-rooms. The supply +of coal would not last more than fifteen days. It was, therefore, +necessary to replenish the fuel at the first port. He accordingly +proposed to Glenarvan to sail for Talcahuana Bay, where the Duncan had +already procured supplies before undertaking her voyage. This was a +direct passage. Then the yacht, with ample provisions, could double +Cape Horn, and reach Scotland by way of the Atlantic. + +This plan being adopted, the engineer was ordered to force on steam. +Half an hour afterwards the yacht was headed towards Talcahuana, and at +six o'clock in the evening the mountains of New Zealand had disappeared +beneath the mists of the horizon. + +[Sidenote: WOMANLY INFLUENCE.] + +It was a sad return for these brave searchers, who had left the shores +of Scotland with such hope and confidence. To the joyous cries that +had saluted Glenarvan on his return succeeded profound dejection. Each +confined himself to the solitude of his cabin, and rarely appeared on +deck. All, even the loquacious Paganel, were mournful and silent. If +Glenarvan spoke of beginning his search again, the geographer shook +his head like a man who has no more hope, for he seemed convinced as +to the fate of the shipwrecked sailors. Yet there was one man on board +who could have informed them about this catastrophe, but whose silence +was still prolonged. There was no doubt that the rascally Ayrton knew, +if not the actual situation of the captain, at least the place of the +shipwreck. Probably Harry Grant, if found, would be a witness against +him; hence he persisted in his silence, and was greatly enraged, +especially towards the sailors who would accuse him of an evil design. + +Several times Glenarvan renewed his attempts with the quartermaster. +Promises and threats were useless. Ayrton's obstinacy was carried +so far, and was so inexplicable, that the major came to the belief +that he knew nothing; which opinion was shared by the geographer and +corroborated his own ideas in regard to Captain Grant. + +But if Ayrton knew nothing, why did he not plead his ignorance? It +could not turn against him, while his silence increased the difficulty +of forming a new plan. Ought they to infer the presence of Harry Grant +in Australia from meeting the quartermaster on that continent? At all +events, they must induce Ayrton to explain on this subject. + +Lady Helena, seeing her husband's failures, now suggested an attempt, +in her turn, to persuade the quartermaster. Where a man had failed, +perhaps a woman could succeed by her gentle entreaty. Glenarvan, +knowing the tact of his young wife, gave his hearty approval. Ayrton +was, accordingly, brought to Lady Helena's boudoir. Mary Grant was to +be present at the interview, for the young girl's influence might also +be great, and Lady Helena would not neglect any chance of success. + +[Illustration: For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the +quartermaster, but nothing resulted from this conference.] + +For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the quartermaster, but +nothing resulted from this conference. What they said, the arguments +they used to draw out the convict's secret, all the details of this +examination, remained unknown. Moreover, when Ayrton left them they did +not appear to have succeeded, and their faces betokened real despair. + +[Illustration: He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders, +which so increased the rage of the crew, that nothing less than the +intervention of the captain and his lordship could restrain them.] + + +When the quartermaster was taken back to his cabin, therefore, the +sailors saluted his appearance with violent threats. But he contented +himself with shrugging his shoulders, which so increased the rage of +the crew, that nothing less than the intervention of the captain and +his lordship could restrain them. + +But Lady Helena did not consider herself defeated. She wished to +struggle to the last with this heartless man, and the next day she went +herself to Ayrton's cabin, to avoid the scene that his appearance on +deck occasioned. + +For two long hours this kind and gentle Scotch lady remained alone face +to face with the chief of the convicts. Glenarvan, a prey to nervous +agitation, lingered near the cabin, now determined to thoroughly +exhaust the chances of success, and now upon the point of drawing his +wife away from this painful and prolonged interview. + +But this time, when Lady Helena reappeared, her features inspired +confidence. Had she, then, brought this secret to light, and stirred +the dormant feeling of pity in the heart of this poor creature? + +MacNabb, who saw her first, could not repress a very natural feeling +of incredulity. However, the rumor soon spread among the crew that the +quartermaster had at length yielded to Lady Helena's entreaties. All +the sailors assembled on deck more quickly than if Tom Austin's whistle +had summoned them. + +"Has he spoken?" asked Lord Glenarvan of his wife. + +"No," replied Lady Helena; "but in compliance with my entreaties he +desires to see you." + +"Ah, dear Helena, you have succeeded!" + +"I hope so, Edward." + +"Have you made any promise that I am to sanction?" + +"Only one: that you will use all your influence to moderate the fate in +store for him." [Sidenote: VERY BUSINESS-LIKE.] + +"Certainly, my dear Helena. Let him come to me immediately." + +Lady Helena retired to her cabin, accompanied by Mary Grant, and the +quartermaster was taken to the saloon where Glenarvan awaited him. + + + + +CHAPTER LVII. + +A DISCOURAGING CONFESSION. + + +As soon as the quartermaster was in Lord Glenarvan's presence his +custodians retired. + +"You desired to speak to me, Ayrton?" said Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord," replied he. + +"To me alone?" + +"Yes; but I think that if Major MacNabb and Mr. Paganel were present at +the interview it would be better." + +"For whom?" + +"For me." + +Ayrton spoke calmly. Glenarvan gazed at him steadily, and then sent +word to MacNabb and Paganel, who at once obeyed his summons. + +"We are ready for you," said Glenarvan, as soon as his two friends were +seated at the cabin-table. + +Ayrton reflected for a few moments, and then said: + +"My lord, it is customary for witnesses to be present at every contract +or negotiation between two parties. That is why I requested the +presence of Mr. Paganel and Major MacNabb; for, properly speaking, this +is a matter of business that I am going to propose to you." + +Glenarvan, who was accustomed to Ayrton's manners, betrayed no +surprise, although a matter of business between this man and himself +seemed strange. + +[Illustration: "Do you agree or not?"] + +[Sidenote: BARGAINING FOR TERMS.] + +"What is this business?" said he. + +"This is it," replied Ayrton. "You desire to know from me certain +circumstances which may be useful to you. I desire to obtain from you +certain advantages which will be valuable to me. Now, I will make an +exchange, my lord. Do you agree or not?" + +"What are these circumstances?" asked Paganel, quickly. + +"No," corrected Glenarvan: "what are these advantages?" + +Ayrton bowed, showing that he understood the distinction. + +"These," said he, "are the advantages for which I petition. You +still intend, my lord, to deliver me into the hands of the English +authorities?" + +"Yes, Ayrton; it is only justice." + +"I do not deny it," replied the quartermaster. "You would not consent, +then, to set me at liberty?" + +Glenarvan hesitated before answering a question so plainly asked. +Perhaps the fate of Harry Grant depended upon what he was about to say. +However, the feeling of duty towards humanity prevailed, and he said: + +"No, Ayrton, I cannot set you at liberty." + +"I do not ask it," replied the quartermaster, proudly. + +"What do you wish, then?" + +"An intermediate fate, my lord, between that which you think awaits me +and the liberty that you cannot grant me." + +"And that is----?" + +"To abandon me on one of the desert islands of the Pacific, with the +principal necessaries of life. I will manage as I can, and repent, if I +have time." + +Glenarvan, who was little prepared for this proposal, glanced at his +two friends, who remained silent. After a few moments of reflection, he +replied: + +"Ayrton, if I grant your request, will you tell me all that it is for +my interest to know?" + +"Yes, my lord; that is to say, all that I know concerning Captain Grant +and the Britannia." + +"The whole truth?" + +"The whole." + +"But who will warrant----?" + +"Oh, I see what troubles you, my lord. You do not like to trust to +me,--to the word of a malefactor! That is right. But what can you do? +The situation is thus. You have only to accept or refuse." + +"I will trust you, Ayrton," said Glenarvan, simply. + +"And you will be right, my lord. Moreover, if I deceive you, you will +always have the power to revenge yourself." + +"How?" + +"By recapturing me on this island, from which I shall not be able to +escape." + +Ayrton had a reply for everything. He met all difficulties, and +produced unanswerable arguments against himself. As was seen, he +strove to treat in his business with good faith. It was impossible for +a person to surrender with more perfect confidence, and yet he found +means to advance still further in this disinterested course. + +"My lord and gentlemen," added he, "I desire that you should be +convinced that I am honorable. I do not seek to deceive you, but am +going to give you a new proof of my sincerity in this affair. I act +frankly, because I rely upon your loyalty." + +"Go on, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan. + +"My lord, I have not yet your promise to agree to my proposition, and +still I do not hesitate to tell you that I know little concerning Harry +Grant." + +"Little!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord; the circumstances that I am able to communicate to +you are relative to myself. They are personal experiences, and will +scarcely tend to put you on the track you have lost." + +[Sidenote: REVELATIONS AND DISCLOSURES.] + +A keen disappointment was manifest on the features of Glenarvan and +the major. They had believed the quartermaster to possess an important +secret, and yet he now confessed that his disclosures would be almost +useless. + +However that may be, this avowal of Ayrton, who surrendered himself +without security, singularly affected his hearers, especially when he +added, in conclusion: + +"Thus you are forewarned, my lord, that the business will be less +advantageous for you than for me." + +"No matter," replied Glenarvan; "I accept your proposal, Ayrton. You +have my word that you shall be landed at one of the islands of the +Pacific." + +"Very well, my lord," said he. + +Was this strange man pleased with this decision? You might have doubted +it, for his impassive countenance betrayed no emotion. He seemed as if +acting for another more than for himself. + +"I am ready to answer," continued he. + +"We have no questions to ask you," rejoined Glenarvan. "Tell us what +you know, Ayrton, and, in the first place, who you are." + +"Gentlemen," replied he, "I am really Tom Ayrton, quartermaster of the +Britannia. I left Glasgow in Captain Grant's ship on the 12th of March, +1861. For fourteen months we traversed together the Pacific, seeking +some favorable place to found a Scottish colony. Harry Grant was a man +capable of performing great deeds, but frequently serious disputes +arose between us. His character did not harmonize with mine. I could +not yield; but with Harry Grant, when his resolution is taken, all +resistance is impossible. He is like iron towards himself and others. +However, I dared to mutiny, and attempted to involve the crew and gain +possession of the vessel. Whether I did right or wrong is of little +importance. However it may be, Captain Grant did not hesitate to land +me, April 8, 1862, on the west coast of Australia." + +"Australia!" exclaimed the major, interrupting Ayrton's story. "Then +you left the Britannia before her arrival at Callao, where the last +news of her was dated?" + +"Yes," replied the quartermaster; "for the Britannia never stopped at +Callao while I was on board. If I spoke of Callao at O'Moore's farm, it +was your story that gave me this information." + +"Go on, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. + +[Sidenote: MORE BLANKS THAN PRIZES.] + +"I found myself, therefore, abandoned on an almost desert coast, but +only twenty miles from the penitentiary of Perth, the capital of +Western Australia. Wandering along the shore, I met a band of convicts +who had just escaped. I joined them. You will spare me, my lord, the +account of my life for two years and a half. It is enough to know that +I became chief of the runaways, under the name of Ben Joyce. In the +month of September, 1864, I made my appearance at the Irishman's farm, +and was received as a servant under my true name of Ayrton. Here I +waited till an opportunity should be offered to gain possession of a +vessel. This was my great object. Two months later the Duncan arrived. +During your visit at the farm you related, my lord, the whole story of +Captain Grant. I then learned what I had not known, the Britannia's +stoppage at Callao, the last news of her, dated June, 1862, two months +after my abandonment, the finding of the document, the shipwreck of the +vessel, and finally the important reasons you had for seeking Captain +Grant in Australia. I did not hesitate, but resolved to appropriate +the Duncan,--a marvelous ship, that would have distanced the best of +the British navy. However, there were serious injuries to be repaired. +I therefore let her start for Melbourne, and offered myself to you in +my real character of quartermaster, volunteering to guide you to the +scene of the shipwreck, which I falsely located on the eastern coast +of Australia. Thus followed at a distance and sometimes preceded by +my band of convicts, I conducted your party across the province of +Victoria. My companions committed a useless crime at Camden Bridge, +since the Duncan, once at Twofold Bay, could not have escaped me, and +with it I should have been master of the ocean. I brought you thus +unsuspectingly as far as the Snowy River. The horses and oxen fell dead +one by one, poisoned by the gastrolobium. I entangled the cart in the +marshes. At my suggestion----but you know the rest, my lord, and can +be certain that, except for Mr. Paganel's absent-mindedness, I should +now be commander on board the Duncan. Such is my story, gentlemen. My +disclosures, unfortunately, cannot set you on the track of Captain +Grant, and you see that in dealing with me you have made a bad bargain." + +The quartermaster ceased, crossed his arms, according to his custom, +and waited. Glenarvan and his friends were silent. They felt that this +strange criminal had told the entire truth. The capture of the Duncan +had only failed through a cause altogether beyond his control. His +accomplices had reached Twofold Bay, as the convict's blouse, found by +Glenarvan, proved. There, faithful to the orders of their chief, they +had lain in wait for the yacht, and at last, tired of watching, they +had doubtless resumed their occupation of plunder and burning in the +fields of New South Wales. + +The major was the first to resume the examination, in order to +determine the dates relative to the Britannia. + +"It was the 8th of April, 1862, then, that you were landed on the west +coast of Australia?" he asked of the quartermaster. + +"Exactly," replied Ayrton. + +"And do you know what Captain Grant's plans were then?" + +"Vaguely." + +"Continue, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "The least sign may set us on the +track." + +"What I can say is this, my lord. Captain Grant intended to visit New +Zealand. But this part of his programme was not carried out while I was +on board. The Britannia might, therefore, after leaving Callao, have +gained the shores of New Zealand. This would agree with the date, June +27, 1862, given in the document as the time of the shipwreck." + +"Evidently," remarked Paganel. + +"But," added Glenarvan, "there is nothing in these half-obliterated +portions of the document which can apply to New Zealand." + +"That I cannot answer," said the quartermaster. + +"Well, Ayrton," continued Glenarvan, "you have kept your word, and I +will keep mine. We will decide on what island of the Pacific you shall +be abandoned." + +"Oh, it matters little to me," answered Ayrton. + +"Return to your cabin now, and await our decision." + +The quartermaster retired, under guard of the two sailors. + +"This villain might have been a great man," observed the major. + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan. "He has a strong and self-reliant character. +Why must his abilities be devoted to crime?" + +"But Harry Grant?" + +"I fear that he is forever lost! Poor children! who could tell them +where their father is?" + +"I!" cried Paganel. + +As we have remarked, the geographer, although so loquacious and +excitable usually, had scarcely spoken during Ayrton's examination. He +had listened in total silence. But this last word that he had uttered +was worth more than all the others, and startled Glenarvan at once. + +"You, Paganel!" he exclaimed; "do you know where Captain Grant is?" + +"As well as can be known," answered the geographer. + +"And how do you know?" + +"By that everlasting document." + +[Sidenote: A GEOGRAPHER'S REMINISCENCES.] + +"Ah!" said the major, in a tone of the most thorough incredulity. + +"Listen first, MacNabb, and shrug your shoulders afterwards. I did +not speak before, because you would not have believed me. Besides, it +was useless. But if I speak to-day, it is because Ayrton's opinion +corroborates mine." + +"Then New Zealand----?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Hear and judge," replied Paganel. "I did not commit the blunder +that saved us, without reason. Just as I was writing that letter +at Glenarvan's dictation, the word Zealand was troubling my brain. +You remember that we were in the cart. MacNabb had just told Lady +Helena the story of the convicts, and had handed her the copy of the +_Australian and New Zealand Gazette_ that gave an account of the +accident at Camden Bridge. As I was writing, the paper lay on the +ground, folded so that only two syllables of its title could be seen, +and these were _aland_. What a light broke in upon my mind! 'Aland' +was one of the very words in the English document,--a word that we had +hitherto translated _ashore_, but which was the termination of the +proper name Zealand." + +"Ha!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes," continued Paganel, with profound conviction, "this +interpretation had escaped me, and do you know why? Because my +examinations were naturally confined more particularly to the French +document, where this important word was wanting." + +"Ho! ho!" laughed the major, "that is too much imagination, Paganel. +You forget your previous conclusions rather easily." + +"Well, major, I am ready to answer you." + +"Then what becomes of your word _austral_?" + +"It is what it was at first. It simply means the southern (_australes_) +countries." + +"Very well. But that word _indi_, that was first the root of Indians +(_indiens_), and then of natives (_indignes_)?" + +"The third and last time, it shall be the first two syllables of the +word _indigence_ (destitution)." + +"And _contin_!" cried MacNabb; "does it still signify _continent_?" + +"No, since New Zealand is only an island." + +"Then?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will translate the document for +you, according to my third interpretation, and you shall judge. I only +make two suggestions. First, forget as far as possible the previous +interpretations; and next, although certain passages will seem to you +forced, and I may translate them wrongly, still, remember that they +have no special importance. Moreover, the French document serves as the +basis of my interpretation, and you must consider that it was written +by an Englishman who could not have been perfectly familiar with the +idioms of our language." + +So saying, Paganel, slowly pronouncing each syllable, read the +following: + +"On the 27th of June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered, +after a long struggle (_agonie_), in the South (_australes_) Seas, on +the coasts of New Ze_aland_. Two sailors and Captain Grant succeeded +in landing (_abor_der). Here, continually (_contin_uellement) a prey +(_pr_oie) to a cruel (_cruel_le) destitution (_indi_gence), they cast +this document into the sea, at longitude ---- and latitude 37 11'. +Come to their assistance, or they are lost." + +Paganel stopped. His interpretation was admissible. But, although +it appeared as probable as the other, still it might be as false. +Glenarvan and the major therefore no longer attempted to dispute it. +However, since the traces of the Britannia had not been encountered on +the coasts of Patagonia or Australia, the chances were in favor of New +Zealand. + +"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "will you tell me why, for about two +months, you kept this interpretation secret?" + +[Sidenote: UNANIMITY IN DESPAIR.] + +"Because I did not wish to give you vain hopes. Besides, we were going +to Auckland, which is on the very latitude of the document." + +"But afterwards, when we were taken out of our course, why did you not +speak?" + +"Because, however just this interpretation may be, it cannot contribute +to the captain's rescue." + +"Why, Paganel?" + +"Because, admitting that Captain Grant was wrecked on the coast of New +Zealand, as long as he has not made his appearance for two years since +the disaster, he must have fallen a victim to the sea or the savages." + +"Then your opinion is----?" asked Glenarvan. + +"That we might perhaps find some traces of the shipwreck, but that the +seamen of the Britannia have perished." + +"Keep all this silent, my friends," replied Glenarvan, "and leave me to +choose the time for telling this sad news to the children of Captain +Grant." + + + + +CHAPTER LVIII. + +A CRY IN THE NIGHT. + + +The crew soon learned that Ayrton's disclosures had not thrown light +upon the situation of Captain Grant. The despair on board was profound, +for they had relied on the quartermaster, who, however, knew nothing +that could put the Duncan on the track of the Britannia. The yacht +therefore continued on the same course, and the only question now was +to choose the island on which to leave Ayrton. + +Paganel and Captain Mangles consulted the maps on board. Exactly on +the thirty-seventh parallel was an island, generally known by the +name of Maria Theresa, a lone rock in the midst of the Pacific, three +thousand five hundred miles from the American coast, and one thousand +five hundred miles from New Zealand. No ship ever came within hail of +this solitary isle; no tidings from the world ever reached it. Only the +storm-birds rested here during their long flights, and many maps do not +even indicate its position. + +If anywhere absolute isolation was to be found on earth, it was here, +afar from the ocean's traveled highways. Its situation was made known +to Ayrton, who consented to live there; and the vessel was accordingly +headed towards the island. Two days later the lookout hailed land on +the horizon. It was Maria Theresa, low, long, and scarcely emerging +from the waves, appearing like some enormous sea-monster. Thirty miles +still lay between it and the yacht, whose prow cut the waves with +such speed that soon the island grew distinct. The sun, now sinking +towards the west, defined its outlines in glowing light. Several slight +elevations were tinged with the last rays of the day. + +At five o'clock Captain Mangles thought he distinguished a faint smoke +rising towards the sky. + +"Is that a volcano?" he inquired of Paganel, who, with his telescope, +was examining the land. + +"I do not know what to think," replied the geographer. "Maria Theresa +is a point little known. However, I should not be surprised if its +origin was due to some volcanic upheaval." + +"But then," said Glenarvan, "if an eruption created it, may we not fear +that the same agency will destroy it?" + +"That is scarcely probable," answered Paganel. "Its existence has +been known for several centuries; and this seems a guarantee for its +continuance." + +"Well," continued Glenarvan, "do you think, captain, that we can land +before night?" + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER ARTIFICIAL VOLCANO.] + +"No, certainly not. I ought not to endanger the Duncan in the darkness, +on a coast that is not familiar to me. I will keep a short distance +from land, and to-morrow at daybreak we will send a boat ashore." + +At eight o'clock Maria Theresa, although only five miles to windward, +appeared like a lengthened shadow, scarcely visible. An hour later, +quite a bright light, like a fire, blazed in the darkness. It was +motionless and stationary. + +"That would seem to indicate a volcano," said Paganel, watching it +attentively. + +"However," replied Captain Mangles, "at this distance we ought to hear +the commotion that always accompanies an eruption, and yet the wind +brings no sound to our ears." + +"Indeed," observed Paganel, "this volcano glows, but does not +speak. You might say that it throws out intermittent flashes like a +lighthouse." + +"You are right," continued Captain Mangles; "and yet we are not on the +illuminated side. Ha!" cried he, "another fire! On the shore this time! +See! it moves, it changes its place!" + +He was not mistaken. A new light had appeared, that sometimes seemed to +go out, and then all at once flash forth again. + +"Is the island inhabited?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Evidently, by savages," replied Paganel. + +"Then we cannot abandon the quartermaster here." + +"No," said the major; "that would be giving even savages too dangerous +a present." + +"We will seek some other deserted island," resumed Glenarvan, who could +not help smiling at MacNabb's delicacy. "I promised Ayrton his life, +and I will keep my promise." + +"At all events, let us beware," added Paganel. "The New Zealanders have +the barbarous custom of misleading ships by moving fires. The natives +of Maria Theresa may understand this deception." + +"Bear away a point," cried the captain to the sailor at the helm. +"To-morrow, at sunrise, we shall know what is to be done." + +At eleven o'clock the passengers and the captain retired to their +cabins. At the bow the first watch was pacing the deck, while at the +stern the helmsman was alone at his post. + +In the stillness Mary and Robert Grant came on deck. The two children, +leaning upon the railing, gazed sadly at the phosphorescent sea and the +luminous wake of the yacht. Mary thought of Robert's future; Robert +thought of his sister's; both thought of their father. Was that beloved +parent still living? Yet must they give him up? But no, what would life +be without him? What would become of them without his protection? What +would have become of them already, except for the magnanimity of Lord +and Lady Glenarvan? + +The boy, taught by misfortune, divined the thoughts that were agitating +his sister. He took her hand in his. + +"Mary," said he, "we must never despair. Remember the lessons our +father taught us. 'Courage compensates for everything in this world,' +he said. Let us have that indomitable courage that overcomes all +obstacles. Hitherto you have labored for me, my sister, but now I shall +labor for you." + +"Dear Robert!" replied the young girl. + +"I must tell you one thing," continued he. "You will not be sorry, +Mary?" + +"Why should I be sorry, my child?" + +"And you will let me do as I wish?" + +"What do you mean?" asked she, anxiously. + +"My sister, I shall be a sailor----!" + +"And leave me?" cried the young girl, clasping her brother's hand. + +[Sidenote: EULOGY AND THRENODY.] + +"Yes, sister, I shall be a sailor, like my father, and like Captain +John. Mary, my dear Mary, he has not lost all hope! You will have, like +me, confidence in his devotion. He has promised that he will make me a +thorough and efficient sailor, and we shall seek our father together. +Say that you are willing, sister. What our father would have done for +us it is our duty, or mine at least, to do for him. My life has but one +object, to which it is wholly devoted,--to search always for him who +would never have abandoned either of us. Dear Mary, how good our father +was!" + +"And so noble, so generous!" added Mary. "Do you know, Robert, that he +was already one of the glories of our country, and would have ranked +among its great men if fate had not arrested his course?" + +"How well I know it!" answered Robert. + +Mary pressed her brother to her heart, and the child felt tears +dropping upon his forehead. + +"Mary! Mary!" cried he, "it is in vain for them to speak, or to keep +silent. I hope still, and shall always do so. A man like our father +does not die till he has accomplished his purpose!" + +Mary Grant could not reply; sobs choked her utterance. A thousand +emotions agitated her soul at the thought that new attempts would be +made to find her father, and that the young captain's devotion was +boundless. + +"Does Mr. John still hope?" asked she. + +"Yes," replied Robert. "He is a brother who will never forsake us. I +shall be a sailor, shall I not, sister,--a sailor to seek my father +with him? Are you willing?" + +"Yes," said Mary. "But must we be separated?" + +"You will not be alone, Mary, I know. John has told me so. Lady Helena +will not permit you to leave her. You are a woman, and can and ought to +accept her benefits. To refuse them would be ungrateful. But a man, as +my father has told me a hundred times, ought to make his own fortune." + +"But what will become of our house at Dundee, so full of associations?" + +"We will keep it, my sister. All that has been well arranged by our +friend John and Lord Glenarvan, who will keep you at Malcolm Castle +like a daughter. He said so to John, who told me. You will be at home +there, and wait till John and I bring back our father. Ah, what a +joyful day that will be!" cried Robert, whose face was radiant with +enthusiasm. + +"My brother, my child!" exclaimed Mary, "how happy our father would be +if he could hear you! How much you resemble him, dear Robert! When you +are a man you will be quite like him!" + +"God grant it, Mary!" said Robert, glowing with holy and filial pride. + +"But how shall we pay our debt to Lord and Lady Glenarvan?" continued +Mary. + +"Oh, that will not be difficult," answered Robert, with his boyish +impulsiveness. "We will tell them how much we love and respect them, +and we will show it to them by our actions." + +"That is all we can do!" added the young girl, covering her brother's +face with kisses; "and all that they will like, too!" + +Then, relapsing into reveries, the two children of the captain gazed +silently into the shadowy obscurity of the night. However, in fancy +they still conversed, questioned, and answered each other. The sea +rocked the ship in silence, and the phosphorescent waters glistened in +the darkness. + +But now a strange, a seemingly supernatural event took place. The +brother and sister, by one of those magnetic attractions that +mysteriously draw the souls of friends together, experienced at the +same instant the same curious hallucination. + +[Sidenote: "METHOUGHT, THE BILLOWS SPOKE!"] + +From the midst of these alternately brightening and darkening waves, +they thought they heard a voice issue, whose depth of sadness stirred +every fibre of their hearts. + +"Help! help!" cried the voice. + +"Mary," said Robert, "did you hear?" + +And, raising their heads above the bulwarks, they both gazed +searchingly into the misty shadows of the night. Yet there was nothing +but the darkness stretching blankly before them. + +"Robert," said Mary, pale with emotion, "I thought--yes, I thought like +you." + +At this moment another cry reached them, and this time the illusion was +such that these words broke simultaneously from both their hearts: + +"My father! my father!" + +This was too much for Mary Grant. Overcome by emotion, she sank +senseless into her brother's arms. + +"Help!" cried Robert. "My sister! my father! help!" + +The man at the helm hastened to Miss Grant's assistance, and after +him the sailors of the watch, Captain Mangles, Lady Helena, and Lord +Glenarvan, who had been suddenly awakened. + +"My sister is dying, and my father is yonder!" exclaimed Robert, +pointing to the waves. + +No one understood his words. + +"Yes," repeated he, "my father is yonder! I heard his voice, and Mary +did too!" + +Just then Mary Grant recovered consciousness, and, looking wildly +around, cried: + +"My father, my father is yonder!" + +The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the bulwark, would have +thrown herself into the sea. + +"My lord! Madam!" repeated she, clasping her hands, "I tell you my +father is there! I declare to you that I heard his voice issue from the +waves like a despairing wail, like a last adieu!" + +[Sidenote: THE POSITIVENESS OF DISBELIEF.] + +Then her feelings overcame the poor girl, and she became insensible. +They carried her to her cabin, and Lady Helena followed, to minister to +her wants, while Robert kept repeating: + +[Illustration: The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the +bulwark, would have thrown herself into the sea.] + +"My father! my father is there! I am sure of it, my lord!" + +The witnesses of this sorrowful scene perceived at last that the two +children had been the sport of an hallucination. But how undeceive +their senses, which had been so strongly impressed? Glenarvan, however, +attempted it, and taking Robert by the hand, said: + +"You heard your father's voice, my dear boy?" + +"Yes, my lord. Yonder, in the midst of the waves, he cried, 'Help! +help!'" + +"And you recognized the voice?" + +"Did I recognize it? Oh, yes, I assure you! My sister heard and +recognized it, too. How could both of us be deceived? My lord, let us +go to his rescue. A boat! a boat!" + +Glenarvan saw plainly that he could not undeceive the poor child. +Still, he made a last attempt, and called the helmsman. + +"Hawkins," asked he, "you were at the wheel when Miss Grant was so +singularly affected?" + +"Yes, my lord," replied Hawkins. + +"And you did not see or hear anything?" + +"Nothing." + +"You see how it is, Robert." + +"If it had been _his_ father," answered the lad, with irrepressible +energy, "he would not say so. It was _my_ father, my lord! my father, +my father----!" + +Robert's voice was choked by a sob. Pale and speechless, he, too, like +his sister, lost consciousness. Glenarvan had him carried to his bed, +and the child, overcome by emotion, sank into a profound slumber. + +"Poor orphans!" said Captain Mangles; "God tries them in a terrible +way!" + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "excessive grief has produced upon both at +the same moment a similar effect." + +"Upon both!" murmured Paganel. "That is strange!" + +Then, leaning forward, after making a sign to keep still, he listened +attentively. The silence was profound everywhere. Paganel called in a +loud voice, but there was no answer. + +"It is strange!" repeated the geographer, returning to his cabin; "an +intimate sympathy of thought and grief does not suffice to explain this +mystery." + +Early the next morning the passengers (and among them were Robert +and Mary, for it was impossible to restrain them) were assembled +on deck. All wished to examine this land, which had been scarcely +distinguishable the night before. The principal points of the island +were eagerly scanned. The yacht coasted along about a mile from the +shore, and the unassisted eye could easily discern the larger objects. + +Suddenly Robert uttered a cry. He maintained that he saw two men +running and gesticulating, while a third was waving a flag. + +"Yes: the flag of England!" cried Captain Mangles, when he had used his +glass. + +"It is true!" said Paganel, turning quickly towards Robert. + +"My lord!" exclaimed the boy, trembling with excitement,--"my lord, if +you do not wish me to swim to the island, you will lower a boat! Ah, my +lord, if you please, I do wish to be the first to land!" + +[Sidenote: A COMPENSATION FOR ALL.] + +No one knew what to say. Were there three men, shipwrecked sailors, +Englishmen, on that island? All recalled the events of the night +before, and thought of the voice heard by Robert and Mary. Perhaps, +after all, they were not mistaken. A voice might have reached them. +But could this voice be that of their father? No, alas, no! And each, +thinking of the terrible disappointment that was probably in store, +trembled lest this new trial would exceed their strength. But how +restrain them? Lord Glenarvan had not the courage. + +"Lower the boat!" cried he. + +In a moment this was done; the two children, Glenarvan, Captain +Mangles, and Paganel stepped into it, and six earnest and skilled +oarsmen sped away towards the shore. + +At ten yards therefrom, Mary uttered again the heart-rending cry: + +"My father!" + +A man was standing on the beach between two others. His form was tall +and stout, while his weather-beaten yet pleasant countenance betrayed +a strong resemblance to the features of Mary and Robert Grant. It was, +indeed, the man whom the children had so often described. Their hearts +had not deceived them. It was their father, it was Captain Grant! + +He heard his daughter's cry, he opened his arms, and supported her +fainting form. + + + + +CHAPTER LIX. + +CAPTAIN GRANT'S STORY. + + +Joy does not kill, for the long lost father and his recovered children +were soon rejoicing together and preparing to return to the yacht. But +how can we depict that scene, so little looked for by any? Words are +powerless. + +[Sidenote: THE JOYS OF REUNION.] + +As soon as he gained the deck, Harry Grant sank upon his knees. The +pious Scotchman, on touching what was to him the soil of his country, +wished, first of all, to thank God for his deliverance. Then, turning +towards Lady Helena; Lord Glenarvan, and their companions, he thanked +them in a voice broken by emotion. While on their way to the yacht, his +children had briefly told him the story of the Duncan. + +[Illustration: A man was standing on the beach between two others. His +form was tall and stout.] + +How great a debt of gratitude did he feel that he owed this noble woman +and her companions! From Lord Glenarvan down to the lowest sailor, +had not all struggled and suffered for him? Harry Grant expressed +the feelings of thankfulness that overflowed his heart with so much +simplicity and nobleness, and his manly countenance was illumined by so +pure and sincere a sentiment, that all felt themselves repaid for the +trials they had undergone. Even the imperturbable major's eye was wet +with a tear that he could not repress. As for Paganel, he wept like a +child who does not think of hiding his emotion. + +Captain Grant could not cease gazing at his daughter. He found her +beautiful and charming, and told her so again and again, appealing +to Lady Helena as if to be assured that his fatherly love was not +mistaken. Then, turning to his son, he cried rapturously: + +"How he has grown! He is a man!" + +He lavished upon these two beings, so dearly loved, the thousand +expressions of love that had been unuttered during long years of +absence. Robert introduced him successively to all his friends. All had +alike proved their kindness and good wishes towards the two orphans. +When Captain Mangles came to be introduced, he blushed like a young +girl, and his voice trembled as he saluted Mary's father. + +Lady Helena then told the story of the voyage, and made the captain +proud of his son and daughter. He learned the exploits of the young +hero, and how the boy had already repaid part of his obligation to Lord +Glenarvan at the peril of his life. Captain Mangles' language to Mary +and concerning her was so truly loving, that Harry Grant, who had been +already informed on this point by Lady Helena, placed the hand of his +daughter in that of the noble young captain, and, turning towards Lord +and Lady Glenarvan, said: + +"My lord and lady, join with me to bless our children!" + +It was not long before Glenarvan related Ayrton's story to the captain, +who confirmed the quartermaster's declaration in regard to his having +been abandoned on the Australian coast. + +"He is a shrewd and courageous man," added he; "but his passions have +ruined him. May meditation and repentance lead him to better feelings!" + +But before Ayrton was transferred to Tabor Island, Harry Grant wished +to show his new friends the bounds of his habitation. He invited them +to visit his house, and sit for once at his table. Glenarvan and his +companions cordially accepted the invitation, and Robert and Mary +were not a little desirous to see those haunts where their father had +doubtless at times bewailed his fate. A boat was manned, and the whole +party soon disembarked on the shores of the island. + +A few hours sufficed to traverse Captain Grant's domain. It was in +reality the summit of a submarine mountain, covered with basaltic rocks +and volcanic fragments. When the shipwrecked seamen of the Britannia +took refuge here, the hand of man began to control the development of +nature's resources, and in two years and a half the captain and his +companions had completely metamorphosed their island home. + +The visitors at last reached the house, shaded by verdant gum-trees, +while before its windows stretched the glorious sea, glittering in +the rays of the sun. Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all +took seats around it. Some cold roast meat, some of the produce of the +breadfruit-tree, several bowls of milk, two or three bunches of wild +chicory, and pure, fresh water, formed the elements of the simple but +healthful repast. Paganel was in ecstasies. It recalled his old idea of +Robinson Crusoe. + +[Sidenote: THE RULING PASSION STILL STRONG.] + +"That rascal Ayrton will have no cause to complain," cried he in his +enthusiasm. "The island is a paradise!" + +"Yes," replied Harry Grant, "a paradise for three poor sailors whom +Heaven sheltered here. But I regret that Maria Theresa is not a large +and fertile island, with a river instead of a rivulet, and a harbor +instead of a coast so exposed to the force of the waves." + +"And why, captain?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Because I would have laid here the foundation of that colony that I +wish to present to Scotland." + +"Ah!" said Glenarvan. "Then you have not abandoned the idea that has +made you so popular in your native land?" + +"No, my lord; and God has saved me, through your instrumentality, only +to permit me to accomplish it. Our poor brothers of old Caledonia shall +yet have another Scotland in the New World. Our dear country must +possess in these seas a colony of her own, where she can find that +independence and prosperity that are wanting in many European empires." + +"That is well said, captain," replied Lady Helena. "It is a noble +project, and worthy of a great heart. But this island----?" + +"No, madam, it is a rock, only large enough to support a few colonists; +while we need a vast territory, rich in all primitive treasures." + +"Well, captain," cried Glenarvan, "the future is before us! Let us seek +this land together!" + +The hands of both men met in a warm clasp, as if to ratify this +promise. All now wished to hear the story of the shipwrecked sailors +of the Britannia during those two long years of solitude. Harry Grant +accordingly hastened to satisfy the desires of his new friends, and +began as follows: + +[Illustration: Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all took +seats around it.] + +[Sidenote: A TALE OF INDUSTRY.] + +"It was on the night of the 26th of June, 1862, that the Britannia, +disabled by a six days' tempest, was wrecked on the rock of Maria +Theresa. The sea was so high that to save anything was impossible, +and all the crew perished except my two sailors, Bob Learce and Joe +Bell, and myself; and we succeeded in reaching the coast after many +struggles. The land that we thus reached was only a desert island, two +miles wide and five long, with a few trees in the interior, some meadow +land, and a spring of fresh water that, fortunately, has never ceased +to flow. Alone with my two sailors, in this quarter of the globe, I did +not despair, but, placing my confidence in God, engaged in a resolute +struggle. Bob and Joe, my companions and friends in misfortune, +energetically aided my efforts. We began, like Robinson Crusoe, by +collecting the fragments of the vessel, some tools, a little powder, +several weapons, and a bag of precious seeds. The first weeks were very +toilsome, but soon hunting and fishing furnished us subsistence, for +wild goats swarmed in the interior of the island, and marine animals +abounded on its coast. Gradually our daily routine was regularly +organized. I determined our exact situation by my instruments, which +I had saved from the shipwreck. We were out of the regular course of +ships, and could not be rescued except by a providential interposition. +Although thinking of those who were dear to me, and whom I never +expected to see again, still I accepted this trial with fortitude, and +my most earnest prayers were for my two children. Meantime we labored +resolutely. Much of the land was sown with the seeds taken from the +Britannia; and potatoes, chicory, sorrel, and other vegetables improved +and varied our daily food. We caught several goats, which were easily +kept, and had milk and butter. The breadfruit-tree, which grew in the +dry creeks, furnished us with a sort of nourishing bread, and the +wants of life no longer gave us any alarm. We built a house out of the +fragments of the Britannia, covered it with sails, carefully tarred, +and under this shelter the rainy season was comfortably passed. Here +many plans were discussed, and many dreams enjoyed, the best of which +has just been realized! At first I thought of braving the sea in a +boat made of the wreck of the vessel; but a vast distance separated us +from the nearest land. No boat could have endured so long a voyage. +I therefore abandoned my design, and no longer expected deliverance, +except through a Divine interposition. Ah, my poor children, how many +times, on the rocks of the coast, have we waited for ships at sea! +During the entire period of our exile only two or three sails appeared +on the horizon, and these soon to disappear again. Two years and a half +passed thus. We no longer hoped, but still did not wholly despair. At +last, yesterday afternoon, I had mounted the highest summit of the +island, when I perceived a faint smoke in the west, which grew clearer, +and I soon distinctly discerned a vessel that seemed to be coming +towards us. But would she not avoid this island, which offered no +landing-place? Ah, what a day of anguish, and how my heart throbbed! My +companions kindled a fire on one of the peaks. Night came, but the ship +gave no signal for approach. Deliverance was there, and should we see +it vanish? I hesitated no longer. The darkness increased. The vessel +might double the island during the night. I threw myself into the sea, +to swim to her. Hope increased my strength. I beat the waves with +almost superhuman energy, and approached the yacht. Scarcely thirty +yards separated me, when she tacked. Then I uttered those despairing +cries which my two children alone heard, for they were no illusion. I +returned to the shore, exhausted and overcome by fatigue and emotion. +It was a terrible night, this last one on the island. We believed +ourselves forever abandoned, when, at daybreak, I perceived the yacht +slowly coasting along the shores. Your boat was then lowered,--we were +saved, and, thanks to the Divine goodness of Heaven, my dear children +were there to stretch out their arms to me!" [Sidenote: THE DOCUMENT +ONCE MORE!] + +Harry Grant's story was finished amid a fresh shower of kisses and +caresses from Robert and Mary. The captain learned now, for the first +time, that he owed his deliverance to that hieroglyphic document +that, eight days after his shipwreck, he had inclosed in a bottle and +confided to the mercy of the waves. + +But what did Jacques Paganel think during this recital? The worthy +geographer revolved the words of the document a thousand ways in his +brain. He reviewed his three interpretations, which were all false. How +had this island been indicated in these damaged papers? He could no +longer restrain himself, but, seizing Harry Grant's hand, cried: + +"Captain, will you tell me what your undecipherable document contained?" + +At this request curiosity was general, for the long-sought clew to the +mystery would now be given. + +"Well, captain," said Paganel, "do you remember the exact words of the +document?" + +"Perfectly," replied Harry Grant; "and scarcely a day has passed but +memory has recalled those words upon which our only hope hung." + +"And what are they, captain?" inquired Glenarvan. "Tell us, for our +curiosity is great." + +"I am ready to satisfy you," continued Harry Grant; "but you know that, +to increase the chances of success, I inclosed in the bottle three +documents, written in three languages. Which one do you wish to hear?" + +"They are not identical, then?" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, almost to a word." + +"Well, give us the French document," said Glenarvan. "This one was +spared the most by the waves, and has served as the principal basis for +our search." + +"This is it, my lord, word for word," answered Harry Grant. + +"'On the 27th June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, was lost +1500 leagues from Patagonia, in the southern hemisphere. Carried by the +waves, two sailors and Captain Grant reached Tabor Island----'" + +"Ha!" interrupted Paganel. + +"'Here,'" resumed Harry Grant, "'continually a prey to a cruel +destitution, they cast this document into the sea at longitude 153 and +latitude 37 11'. Come to their aid, or they are lost.'" + +At the word "Tabor," Paganel had suddenly risen, and then, controlling +himself no longer, he cried: + +"How Tabor Island? It is Maria Theresa." + +"Certainly, Mr. Paganel," replied Harry Grant; "Maria Theresa on the +English and German, but Tabor on the French maps." + +At this moment a vigorous blow descended upon Paganel's shoulder. Truth +compels us to say that it was from the major, who now failed in his +strict habits of propriety. + +"A fine geographer you are!" said MacNabb, in a tone of badinage. "But +no matter, since we have succeeded." + +"No matter?" cried Paganel; "I ought never to have forgotten that +twofold appellation! It is an unpardonable mistake, unworthy of the +secretary of a Geographical Society. I am disgraced!" + +When the meal was finished, Harry Grant put everything in order in his +house. He took nothing away, for he was willing that the guilty convict +should inherit his possessions. + +They returned to the vessel; and, as he expected to sail the same day, +Glenarvan gave orders for the quartermaster's landing. Ayrton was +brought on deck, and found himself in the presence of Harry Grant. + +"It is I, Ayrton," said he. + +"Yes, captain," replied Ayrton, without betraying any astonishment at +Harry Grant's appearance. "Well, I am not sorry to see you again in +good health." + +[Illustration: The passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded +arms, standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the +vessel.] + +"It seems, Ayrton, that I made a mistake in landing you on an inhabited +coast." + +"It seems so, captain." + +"You will take my place on this desert island. May Heaven lead you to +repentance!" + +"May it be so," rejoined Ayrton, in a calm tone. + +Then Glenarvan, addressing the quartermaster, said: + +"Do you still adhere, Ayrton, to this determination to be abandoned?" + +"Yes, my lord." + +"Does Tabor Island suit you?" + +"Perfectly." + +"Now listen to my last words. You will be far removed from every land, +and deprived of all communication with your fellow-men. Miracles are +rare, and you will not probably remove from this island, where we leave +you. You will be alone, under the eye of God, who reads the uttermost +depths of all hearts; but you will not be lost, as was Captain Grant. +However unworthy you may be of the remembrance of men, still they will +remember you. I know where you are, and will never forget you." + +"Thank you, my lord!" replied Ayrton, simply. + +Such were the last words exchanged between Glenarvan and the +quartermaster. The boat was ready, and Ayrton embarked. Captain Mangles +had previously sent to the island several cases of preserved food, some +clothes, tools, weapons, and a supply of powder and shot. The abandoned +man could therefore employ his time to advantage. Nothing was wanting, +not even books, foremost among which was a Bible. + +The hour for separation had come. The crew and passengers stood on +deck. More than one felt the heart strangely moved. Lady Helena and +Mary Grant could not repress their emotion. + +"Must it then be so?" inquired the young wife of her husband. "Must +this unfortunate be abandoned?" + +[Sidenote: "FAREWELL! A LONG FAREWELL!"] + +"He must, Helena," answered Glenarvan. "It is his punishment." + +At this moment the boat, commanded by Captain Mangles, started. Ayrton +raised his hat and gave a grave salute. Glenarvan and the crew returned +this last farewell, as if to a man about to die, as he departed, in a +profound silence. + +On reaching the shore, Ayrton leaped upon the sand, and the boat +returned. It was then four o'clock in the afternoon, and from the upper +deck the passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded arms, +standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the vessel. + +"Shall we start, my lord?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, John," replied Glenarvan, quickly, with more emotion than he +wished to manifest. + +"All right!" cried the captain to the engineer. + +The steam hissed, the screw beat the waves, and at eight o'clock the +last summits of Tabor Island disappeared in the shadows of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER LX. + +PAGANEL'S LAST ENTANGLEMENT. + + +Eleven days after leaving Tabor Island the Duncan came in sight of the +Australian coast, and anchored in Talcahuana Bay. Five months had elapsed +since her departure from this port, during which time the travelers +had made the circuit of the world on this thirty-seventh parallel. +Their efforts had not been in vain, for they had found the shipwrecked +survivors of the Britannia. + +The Duncan, having taken in her necessary stores, skirted the coasts +of Patagonia, doubled Cape Horn, and steamed across the Atlantic. The +voyage was very uneventful. The yacht carried a full complement of +happy people; there seemed to be no secrets on board. + +A mystery, however, still perplexed MacNabb. Why did Paganel always +keep hermetically incased in his clothes, and wear a comforter over +his ears? The major longed to know the motive for this singular fancy. +But in spite of his questions, hints, and suspicions, Paganel did not +unbutton his coat. + +At last, fifty-three days after leaving Talcahuana, Captain Mangles +descried the lighthouse of Cape Clear. The vessel entered St. George's +Channel, crossed the Irish Sea, and passed into the Frith of Clyde. At +eleven o'clock they anchored at Dumbarton, and early in the afternoon +the travelers reached Malcolm Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their +tenantry and friends. + +Thus it was that Harry Grant and his two companions were rescued, and +that John Mangles married Mary Grant in the old cathedral of St. Mungo, +where the Rev. Mr. Morton, who nine months before had prayed for the +rescue of the father, now blessed the union of the daughter with one +of his deliverers. It was arranged that Robert should be a sailor, +like his father and brother-in-law, and that he should continue the +contemplated project of the former, under the munificent patronage of +Lord Glenarvan. + +But was Jacques Paganel to die a bachelor? Certainly not; for, after +his heroic exploits, the worthy geographer could not escape celebrity. +His eccentricities (and his abilities) made him much talked of in +Scotland. People seemed as though they could not show him enough +attention. + +Just at this time an amiable lady of thirty, none other than the +major's cousin, a little eccentric herself, but still agreeable and +charming, fell in love with the geographer's peculiarities. Paganel was +far from being insensible to Miss Arabella's attractions, yet did not +dare to declare his sentiments. The major accordingly undertook the +part of Cupid's messenger between these two congenial hearts, and even +told Paganel that marriage was "the last blunder" that he could commit. +But the geographer was very much embarrassed, and, strangely enough, +could not summon courage to speak for himself. + +[Illustration: Early in the afternoon the travelers reached Malcolm +Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their tenantry and friends.] + +"Does not Miss Arabella please you?" MacNabb would say to him. + +"Oh, major, she is charming!" cried Paganel,--"a thousand times too +charming for me; and, if I must tell you, would please me better if she +were less so. I should like to find a defect." + +"Be easy," answered the major; "she has more than one. The most perfect +woman always has her share. Well, then, Paganel, are you decided?" + +"I do not dare." + +"But, my learned friend, why do you hesitate?" + +"I am unworthy of her!" was the geographer's invariable reply. + +At last, one day, driven desperate by the irrepressible major, Paganel +confessed to him, under the pledge of secrecy, a peculiarity that would +facilitate his identification, if the police should ever be on his +track! + +"Bah!" exclaimed the major. + +"It is as I tell you," persisted Paganel. + +"What matter, my worthy friend?" + +"Is that your opinion?" + +"On the contrary, you are only more remarkable. This adds to your +personal advantages. It makes you the inimitable individual of whom +Arabella has dreamed." + +And the major, preserving an imperturbable gravity, left Paganel a prey +to the most acute anxiety. + +A short interview took place between MacNabb and the lady, and fifteen +weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great pomp in the chapel of +Malcolm Castle. + +[Illustration: Fifteen weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great +pomp in the chapel of Malcolm Castle.] + +The geographer's secret would doubtless have remained forever +buried in the abysses of the unknown if the major had not told it to +Glenarvan, who did not conceal it from Lady Helena, who communicated +it to Mrs. Mangles. In short, it reached the ear of Mrs. Olbinett, and +spread. + +Jacques Paganel, during his three days' captivity among the Maoris, had +been tattooed from head to foot, and bore on his breast the picture of +an heraldic kiwi with outstretched wings, in the act of biting at his +heart. + +This was the only adventure of his great voyage for which Paganel +could never be consoled or pardon the New Zealanders. In spite of the +representations of his friends, he dared not go back to France, for +fear of exposing the whole Geographical Society in his person to the +jests and railleries of the caricaturists. + +The return of Captain Grant to Scotland was welcomed as a cause for +national rejoicing, and he became the popular man of old Caledonia. His +son Robert has become a sailor like himself, and, under the patronage +of Lord Glenarvan, has undertaken the plan of founding a Scottish +colony on the shores washed by the Pacific Ocean. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS*** + + +******* This file should be named 46597-8.txt or 46597-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/6/5/9/46597 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it +under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this +eBook or online at <a +href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not +located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> +<p>Title: In Search of the Castaways</p> +<p> A Romantic Narrative of the Loss of Captain Grant of the Brig Britannia and of the Adventures of His Children and Friends in His Discovery and Rescue</p> +<p>Author: Jules Verne</p> +<p>Release Date: August 16, 2014 [eBook #46597]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4>E-text prepared by Ema Majhut and Marc D'Hooghe<br /> + (<a href="http://www.freeliterature.org">http://www.freeliterature.org</a>)<br /> + from page images generously made available by<br /> + HathiTrust Digital Library<br /> + (<a href="http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library">http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library</a>)</h4> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + HathiTrust Digital Library. See + <a href="http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008613392"> + http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008613392</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="pg" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 550px;"> +<img src="images/title_page.jpg" width="550" alt="" /> +</div> +<hr class="full" /> +<h3>A VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD.</h3> + +<h1>IN SEARCH OF</h1> + +<h1>THE CASTAWAYS:</h1> + +<h4>A ROMANTIC NARRATIVE</h4> + +<h4>OF THE</h4> + +<h4>LOSS OF CAPTAIN GRANT OF THE BRIG BRITANNIA</h4> + +<h4>AND OF</h4> + +<h4>THE ADVENTURES OF HIS CHILDREN AND FRIENDS</h4> + +<h4>IN HIS DISCOVERY AND RESCUE.</h4> + + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>JULES VERNE,</h2> + +<h4>AUTHOR OF "TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA," ETC., ETC.</h4> + +<h4>ILLUSTRATED WITH ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ENGRAVINGS</h4> +<p> </p> + +<h5>PHILADELPHIA:</h5> + +<h5>J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.</h5> + +<h5>1874.</h5> + +<hr class="chap" /> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/front_m.jpg" width="350" alt="" /> +</div> + +<hr class="tb" /> +<h4><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</a></h4> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">I.</span></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">The Shark</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">II.</span></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">The Three Documents</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">III.</span></td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">The Captain's Children</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">IV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Lady Glenarvan's Proposal</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">V</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">The Departure of the Duncan</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">VI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">An Unexpected Passenger</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">VII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Jacques Paganel is Undeceived</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">VIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">The Geographer's Resolution</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">IX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Through the Strait of Magellan</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">X</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">The Course Decided</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Traveling in Chili</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Eleven Thousand Feet Aloft</a> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">A Sudden Descent</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XIV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Providentially Rescued</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Thalcave</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XVI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">News of the Lost Captain</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XVII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">A Serious Necessity</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XVIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">In Search of Water</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XIX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">The Red Wolves</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">Strange Signs</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">A False Trail</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">The Flood</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">A Singular Abode</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXIV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">Paganel's Disclosure</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">Between Fire and Water</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXVI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">The Return on Board</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXVII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">A New Destination</a> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXVIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">Tristan d'Acunha and the Isle of Amsterdam</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXIX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">The Storm on the Indian Ocean</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">A Hospitable Colonist</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">The Quartermaster of the Britannia</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">Preparations for the Journey</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">An Accident</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXIV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">Australian Explorers</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">Crime or Calamity?</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXVI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">Fresh Faces</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXVII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">A Warning</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXVIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">Wealth in the Wilderness</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XXXIX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">Suspicious Occurrences</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XL</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">A Startling Discovery</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">The Plot Unveiled</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">Four Days of Anguish</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">Helpless and Hopeless</a> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLIV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">A Rough Captain</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">The Wreck of the Macquarie</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLVI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">Vain Efforts</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLVII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVII">A Dreaded Country</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLVIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVIII">Introduction to the Cannibals</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">XLIX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIX">A Momentous Interview</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">L</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_L">The Chief's Funeral</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LI">Strangely Liberated</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LII">The Sacred Mountain</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LIII">A Bold Stratagem</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LIV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LIV">From Peril to Safety</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LV</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LV">Why the Duncan went to New Zealand</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LVI</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LVI">Ayrton's Obstinacy</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LVII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LVII">A Discouraging Confession</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LVIII</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LVIII">A Cry in the Night</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LIX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LIX">Captain Grant's Story</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: 0.8em;">LX</span>.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_LX">Paganel's Last Entanglement</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<p style="margin-left: 40%;"><a href="#LIST_OF_PLATES">List of Plates</a></p> +<hr class="tb" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p009.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> +<hr class="chap" /> +<h3>IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS.</h3> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<hr class="tb" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE SHARK.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>On the 26th of July, 1864, under a strong gale from the northeast, a +magnificent yacht was steaming at full speed through the waves of the +North Channel. The flag of England fluttered at her yard-arm, while at +the top of the mainmast floated a blue pennon, bearing the initials +E. G., worked in gold and surmounted by a ducal coronet. The yacht +was called the Duncan, and belonged to Lord Glenarvan, one of the +sixteen Scottish peers sitting in the House of Lords, and also a most +distinguished member of the "Royal Thames Yacht Club," so celebrated +throughout the United Kingdom.</p> + +<p>Lord Edward Glenarvan was on board with his young wife, Lady Helena, +and one of his cousins, Major MacNabb. The Duncan, newly constructed, +had just been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> making a trial voyage several miles beyond the Frith of +Clyde, and was now on her return to Glasgow. Already Arran Island was +appearing on the horizon, when the look-out signaled an enormous fish +that was sporting in the wake of the yacht. The captain, John Mangles, +at once informed Lord Glenarvan of the fact, who mounted on deck with +Major MacNabb, and asked the captain what he thought of the animal.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, your lordship," replied Captain Mangles, "I think it is a +shark of large proportions."</p> + +<p>"A shark in these regions!" exclaimed Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Without doubt," replied the captain. "This fish belongs to a species +of sharks that are found in all seas and latitudes. It is the +'balance-fish,' and, if I am not greatly mistaken, we shall have an +encounter with one of these fellows. If your lordship consents, and it +pleases Lady Helena to witness such a novel chase, we will soon see +what we have to deal with."</p> + +<p>"What do you think, MacNabb?" said Lord Glenarvan to the major; "are +you of a mind to try the adventure?"</p> + +<p>"I am of whatever opinion pleases you," answered the major, calmly.</p> + +<p>"Besides," continued Captain Mangles, "we cannot too soon exterminate +these terrible monsters. Let us improve the opportunity, and, if your +lordship pleases, it shall be an exciting scene as well as a good +action."</p> + +<p>"Very well, captain," said Lord Glenarvan. He then summoned Lady +Helena, who joined him on deck, tempted by the exciting sport.</p> + +<p>The sea was magnificent. You could easily follow along its surface the +rapid motions of the fish, as it plunged and rose again with surprising +agility. Captain Mangles gave his orders, and the sailors threw over +the starboard ratling a stout rope, to which was fastened a hook baited +with a thick piece of pork.</p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LAST MOUTHFUL.</div> + +<p>The shark, although still at a distance of fifty yards, scented the +bait offered to his voracity. He rapidly approached the yacht. You +could see his fins, gray at their extremity and black at their base, +beat the waves with violence, while his "caudal appendage" kept him +in a rigorously straight line. As he advanced, his great glaring eyes +seemed inflamed with eagerness, and his yawning jaws, when he turned, +disclosed a quadruple row of teeth. His head was large, and shaped like +a double-headed hammer. Captain Mangles was right. It was a very large +specimen of the most rapacious family of sharks,—the "balance fish" of +the English and the "jew-fish" of the Provençals.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p011.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>All on board of the Duncan followed the movements of the shark with +lively attention. The animal was soon within reach of the hook; he +turned upon his back, in order to seize it better, and the enormous +bait disappeared down his vast gullet. At the same time he hooked +himself, giving the line a violent shake, whereupon the sailors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> +hoisted the huge creature by means of a pulley at the end of the +yard-arm.</p> + +<p>The shark struggled violently at feeling himself drawn from his natural +element, but his struggles were of no avail. A rope with a slip-noose +confined his tail and paralyzed his movements. A few moments afterward +he was hauled over the ratlings, and precipitated upon the deck of the +yacht. One of the sailors at once approached him, not without caution, +and with a vigorous blow of the hatchet cut off the formidable tail of +the animal.</p> + +<p>The chase was ended, and there was nothing more to fear from the +monster. The vengeance of the sailors was satisfied, but not their +curiosity. Indeed, it is customary on board of every vessel to +carefully examine the stomachs of sharks. The men, knowing the +inordinate voracity of the creature, wait with some anxiety, and their +expectation is not always in vain.</p> + +<p>Lady Glenarvan, not wishing to witness this strange "exploration," +retired to the cabin. The shark was still panting. He was ten feet +long, and weighed more than six hundred pounds. These dimensions are +nothing extraordinary; for if the balance-fish is not classed among the +giants of this species, at least he belongs to the most formidable of +their family.</p> + +<p>The enormous fish was soon cut open by a blow of the hatchet, without +further ceremony. The hook had penetrated to the stomach, which was +absolutely empty. Evidently the animal had fasted a long time, and +the disappointed seamen were about to cast the remains into the sea, +when the attention of the mate was attracted by a bulky object firmly +imbedded in the viscera.</p> + +<p>"Ha! what is this?" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"That," replied one of the sailors, "is a piece of rock that the +creature has taken in for ballast."</p> + +<p>"Good!" said another; "it is probably a bullet that this fellow has +received in the stomach, and could not digest."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p013.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Good," said Glenarvan; "wash the dirty thing, and bring +it into the cabin."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Be still, all of you!" cried Tom Austin, the mate; "do you not see +that the animal was a great drunkard? and to lose nothing, has drank +not only the wine, but the bottle too!"</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Lord Glenarvan, "is it a bottle that this shark has +in his stomach?"</p> + +<p>"A real bottle!" replied the mate, "but you can easily see that it does +not come from the wine-cellar."</p> + +<p>"Well, Tom," said Glenarvan, "draw it out carefully. Bottles found in +the sea frequently contain precious documents."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so?" said Major MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"I do; at least, that it may happen so."</p> + +<p>"Oh! I do not contradict you," replied the major. "Perhaps there may be +a secret in this."</p> + +<p>"We shall see," said Glenarvan. "Well, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"Here it is," said the mate, displaying the shapeless object that he +had just drawn with difficulty from the interior of the shark.</p> + +<p>"Good," said Glenarvan; "wash the dirty thing, and bring it into the +cabin."</p> + +<p>Tom obeyed; and the bottle found under such singular circumstances was +placed on the cabin-table, around which Lord Glenarvan, Major MacNabb, +and Captain John Mangles took their seats, together with Lady Helena; +for a woman, they say, is always a little inquisitive.</p> + +<p>Everything causes excitement at sea. For a moment there was silence. +Each gazed wonderingly at this strange waif. Did it contain the secret +of a disaster, or only an insignificant message confided to the mercy +of the waves by some idle navigator?</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"OLD IN BOTTLE."</div> + +<p>However, they must know what it was, and Glenarvan, without waiting +longer, proceeded to examine the bottle. He took, moreover, all +necessary precautions. You would have thought a coroner was pointing +out the particulars of a suspicious quest. And Glenarvan was right, +for the most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> insignificant mark in appearance may often lead to an +important discovery.</p> + +<p>Before examining it internally, the bottle was inspected externally. +It had a slender neck, the mouth of which was protected by an +iron wire considerably rusted. Its sides were very thick, and +capable of supporting a pressure of several atmospheres, betraying +evidently previous connection with champagne. With these bottles the +wine-dressers of Aï and Epernay block carriage-wheels without their +showing the slightest fracture. This one could, therefore, easily bear +the hardships of a long voyage.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p015.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"A bottle of the Maison Cliquot," said the major quietly; and, as if he +ought to know, his affirmation was accepted without contradiction.</p> + +<p>"My dear major," said Lady Helena, "it matters little what this bottle +is, provided we know whence it comes."</p> + +<p>"We shall know, my dear," said Lord Edward, "and already we can affirm +that it has come from a distance. See the petrified particles that +cover it, these substances mineralized, so to speak, under the action +of the sea-water. This waif had already taken a long voyage in the +ocean, before being engulfed in the stomach of a shark."</p> + +<p>"I cannot but be of your opinion," replied the major;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> "this fragile +vase, protected by its strong envelope, must have made a long journey."</p> + +<p>"But whence does it come?" inquired Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Wait, my dear Helena, wait. We must be patient with bottles. If I am +not greatly mistaken, this one will itself answer all our questions."</p> + +<p>And so saying, Glenarvan began to scrape off the hard particles that +protected the neck. Soon the cork appeared, but very much damaged with +the salt water.</p> + +<p>"This is a pity," said Glenarvan; "for if there is any paper in it, it +will be in a bad condition."</p> + +<p>"That's what I fear," replied the major.</p> + +<p>"I will add," continued Glenarvan, "that this badly-corked bottle would +soon have sunk; and it is fortunate that this shark swallowed it, and +brought it on board of the Duncan."</p> + +<p>"Certainly," interposed Captain Mangles; "it would have been better, +however, had it been caught in the open sea on a well-known latitude +and longitude. We could then, by studying the atmospheric and marine +currents, have discovered the course traversed; but with a guide like +one of these sharks, that travel against wind and tide, we cannot know +whence it comes."</p> + +<p>"We shall soon see," answered Glenarvan. At the same time he drew out +the cork with the greatest care, and a strong saline odor permeated the +cabin.</p> + +<p>"Well?" said Lady Helena, with a truly feminine impatience.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Glenarvan; "I am not mistaken! Here are papers!"</p> + +<p>"Documents! documents!" cried Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Only," replied Glenarvan, "they appear to be damaged by the water. +It is impossible to remove them, for they adhere to the sides of the +bottle."</p> + +<p>"Let us break it," said MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"I would rather keep it whole," replied Glenarvan.</p> + + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p017.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The fragments soon strewed the table, and several pieces +of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew them out +carefully.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I should, too," said the major.</p> + +<p>"Very true," added Lady Helena; "but the contents are more valuable +than that which contains them, and it is better to sacrifice one than +the other."</p> + +<p>"Let your lordship only break off the neck," said the captain, "and +that will enable you to draw them out without injury."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, my dear Edward!" cried Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>It was difficult to proceed in any other way, and, at all hazards, +Glenarvan determined to break the neck of the precious bottle. It was +necessary to use a hammer, for the stony covering had acquired the +hardness of granite. The fragments soon strewed the table, and several +pieces of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew +them out carefully, separating and examining them closely, while Lady +Helena, the major, and the captain crowded around him.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p018_02.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE THREE DOCUMENTS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>These pieces of paper, half destroyed by the sea-water, exhibited only +a few words, the traces of handwriting almost entirely effaced. For +several minutes Lord Glenarvan examined them attentively, turned them +about in every way, and exposed them to the light of day, observing +the least traces of writing spared by the sea. Then he looked at his +friends, who were regarding him with anxious eyes.</p> + +<p>"There are here," said he, "three distinct documents, probably three +copies of the same missive, translated into three different languages: +one English, another French, and the third German. The few words that +remain leave no doubt on this point."</p> + +<p>"But these words have at least a meaning?" said Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"That is difficult to say, my dear Helena. The words traced on these +papers are very imperfect."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they will complete each other," said the major.</p> + +<p>"That may be," replied Captain Mangles. "It is not probable that the +water has obliterated these lines in exactly the same places on each, +and by comparing these remains of phrases we shall arrive at some +intelligible meaning."</p> + +<p>"We will do so," said Lord Glenarvan; "but let us proceed +systematically. And, first, here is the English document."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>It showed the following arrangement of lines and words:</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/doc_01_20.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"That does not mean much," said the major, with an air of +disappointment.</p> + +<p>"Whatever it may mean," replied the captain, "it is good English."</p> + +<p>"There is no doubt of that," said his lordship. "The words <i>wreck, +aland, this, and, lost</i>, are perfect. <i>Cap</i> evidently means <i>captain</i>, +referring to the captain of a shipwrecked vessel."</p> + +<p>"Let us add," said the captain, "the portions of the words <i>docu</i> and +<i>ssistance</i>, the meaning of which is plain."</p> + +<p>"Well, something is gained already!" added Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately," replied the major, "entire lines are wanting. How can +we find the name of the lost vessel, or the place of shipwreck?"</p> + +<p>"We shall find them," said Lord Edward.</p> + +<p>"Very likely," answered the major, who was invariably of the opinion of +every one else; "but how?"</p> + +<p>"By comparing one document with another."</p> + +<p>"Let us see!" cried Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>The second piece of paper, more damaged than the former, exhibited only +isolated words, arranged thus:</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">COMPARATIVE PHILOLOGY.</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/doc_01b_21.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"This is written in German," said Captain Mangles, when he had cast his +eyes upon it.</p> + +<p>"And do you know that language?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Perfectly, your lordship."</p> + +<p>"Well, tell us what these few words mean."</p> + +<p>The captain examined the document closely, and expressed himself as +follows:</p> + +<p>"First, the date of the event is determined. <i>7 Juni</i> means June 7th, +and by comparing this figure with the figures '62,' furnished by the +English document, we have the date complete,—June 7th, 1862."</p> + +<p>"Very well!" exclaimed Lady Helena. "Go on."</p> + +<p>"On the same line," continued the young captain, "I find the word +<i>Glas</i>, which, united with the word <i>gow</i> of the first document, gives +<i>Glasgow</i>. It is plainly a ship from the port of Glasgow."</p> + +<p>"That was my opinion," said the major.</p> + +<p>"The second line is missing entirely," continued Captain Mangles; "but +on the third I meet with two important words <i>zwei</i>, which means <i>two</i>, +and <i>atrosen</i>, or rather <i>matrosen</i>, which signifies <i>sailors</i> in +German."</p> + +<p>"There were a captain and two sailors, then?" said Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Probably," replied her husband.</p> + +<p>"I will confess, your lordship," said the captain, "that the next word, +<i>graus</i>, puzzles me. I do not know how to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> translate it. Perhaps the +third document will enable us to understand it. As to the two last +words, they are easily explained. <i>Bringt ihnen</i> means <i>bring to them</i>, +and if we compare these with the English word, which is likewise on the +sixth line of the first document (I mean the word <i>assistance</i>), we +shall have the phrase <i>bring them assistance</i>."</p> + +<p>"Yes, bring them assistance," said Glenarvan. "But where are the +unfortunates? We have not yet a single indication of the place, and the +scene of the catastrophe is absolutely unknown."</p> + +<p>"Let us hope that the French document will be more explicit," said Lady +Helena.</p> + +<p>"Let us look at it, then," replied Glenarvan; "and, as we all know this +language, our examination will be more easy."</p> + +<p>Here is an exact fac-simile of the third document:</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/doc_02_22.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"There are figures!" cried Lady Helena. "Look, gentlemen, look!"</p> + +<p>"Let us proceed in order," said Lord Glenarvan, "and start at +the beginning. Permit me to point out one by one these scattered +and incomplete words. I see from the first letters <i>troi</i> <i>ats</i> +(<i>trois-mats</i>), that it is a brig, the name of which, thanks to the +English and French documents, is entirely preserved: <i>The Britannia</i>. +Of the two following words, <i>gonie</i> and <i>austral</i>, only the last has an +intelligible meaning."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PUZZLE EXPLAINED.</div> + +<p>"That is an important point," replied Captain Mangles; "the shipwreck +took place in the southern hemisphere."</p> + +<p>"That is indefinite," said the major.</p> + +<p>"I will continue," resumed Glenarvan. "The word <i>abor</i> is the trace of +the verb <i>aborder</i> (to land). These unfortunates have landed somewhere. +But where? <i>Contin!</i> Is it on a continent? <i>Cruel!</i>"</p> + +<p>"'Cruel!'" cried Mangles; "that explains the German word <i>graus, +grausam, cruel</i>!"</p> + +<p>"Go on, go on!" cried Glenarvan, whose interest was greatly excited as +the meaning of these incomplete words was elucidated. "<i>Indi</i>! Is it +India, then, where these sailors have been cast? What is the meaning of +the word <i>ongit</i>? Ha, longitude! And here is the latitude, 37° 11'. In +short, we have a definite indication."</p> + +<p>"But the longitude is wanting," said MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"We cannot have everything, my dear major," replied Glenarvan; "and +an exact degree of latitude is something. This French document is +decidedly the most complete of the three. Each of them was evidently +a literal translation of the others, for they all convey the same +information. We must, therefore, unite and translate them into one +language, and seek their most probable meaning, the one that is most +logical and explicit."</p> + +<p>"Shall we make this translation in French, English, or German?" asked +the major.</p> + +<p>"In English," answered Glenarvan, "since that is our own language."</p> + +<p>"Your lordship is right," said Captain Mangles, "besides, it was also +theirs."</p> + +<p>"It is agreed, then. I will write this document, uniting these parts of +words and fragments of phrases, leaving the gaps that separate them, +and filling up those the meaning of which is not ambiguous. Then we +will compare them and form an opinion."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan at once took a pen, and, in a few moments,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> presented to his +friends a paper on which were written the following lines:</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/doc_03_24.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>At this moment a sailor informed the captain that the Duncan was +entering the Frith of Clyde, and asked his orders.</p> + +<p>"What are your lordship's wishes?" said the captain, addressing Lord +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Reach Dumbarton as quickly as possible, captain. Then, while Lady +Helena returns to Malcolm Castle, I will go to London and submit this +document to the authorities."</p> + +<p>The captain gave his orders in pursuance of this, and the mate executed +them.</p> + +<p>"Now, my friends," said Glenarvan, "we will continue our +investigations. We are on the track of a great catastrophe. The lives +of several men depend upon our sagacity. Let us use therefore all our +ingenuity to divine the secret of this enigma."</p> + +<p>"We are ready, my dear Edward," replied Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"First of all," continued Glenarvan, "we must consider three distinct +points in this document. First, what is known; second, what can be +conjectured; and third, what is unknown. What do we know? That on the +7th of June, 1862, a brig, the Britannia, of Glasgow, was wrecked; +that two sailors and the captain threw this document into the sea in +latitude 37° 11', and in it ask for assistance."</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied the major.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"LINE UPON LINE."</div> + +<p>"What can we conjecture?" resumed Glenarvan. "First,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> that the +shipwreck took place in the South Seas; and now I call your attention +to the word <i>gonia</i>. Does it not indicate the name of the country which +they reached?"</p> + +<p>"Patagonia!" cried Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Probably."</p> + +<p>"But is Patagonia crossed by the thirty-seventh parallel?" asked the +major.</p> + +<p>"That is easily seen," said the captain, taking out a map of South +America. "It is so: Patagonia is bisected by the thirty-seventh +parallel, which crosses Araucania, over the Pampas, north of Patagonia, +and is lost in the Atlantic."</p> + +<p>"Well, let us continue our conjectures. The two sailors and the captain +<i>abor, land</i>. Where? <i>Contin</i>,—the <i>continent</i>, you understand; a +continent, not an island. What becomes of them? We have fortunately +two letters, <i>pr</i>, which inform us of their fate. These unfortunates, +in short, are <i>captured</i> (pris) or <i>prisoners</i>. By whom? The <i>cruel +Indians</i>. Are you convinced? Do not the words fit naturally into the +vacant places? Does not the document grow clear to your eyes? Does not +light break in upon your mind?"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan spoke with conviction. His looks betokened an absolute +confidence; and his enthusiasm was communicated to his hearers. Like +him they cried, "It is plain! it is plain!"</p> + +<p>A moment after Lord Edward resumed, in these terms:</p> + +<p>"All these hypotheses, my friends, seem to me extremely plausible. In +my opinion, the catastrophe took place on the shores of Patagonia. +However, I will inquire at Glasgow what was the destination of the +Britannia, and we shall know whether she could have been led to these +regions."</p> + +<p>"We do not need to go so far," replied the captain; "I have here the +shipping news of the <i>Mercantile and Shipping Gazette</i>, which will give +us definite information."</p> + +<p>"Let us see! let us see!" said Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles took a file of papers of the year 1862,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> and began to +turn over the leaves rapidly. His search was soon ended; as he said, in +a tone of satisfaction,—</p> + +<p>"May 30, 1862, Callao, Peru, <i>Britannia</i>, Captain Grant, bound for +Glasgow."</p> + +<p>"Grant!" exclaimed Lord Glenarvan; "that hardy Scotchman who wished to +found a new Scotland in the waters of the Pacific?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the captain, "the very same, who, in 1861, embarked in +the Britannia at Glasgow, and of whom nothing has since been heard."</p> + +<p>"Exactly! exactly!" said Glenarvan; "it is indeed he. The Britannia +left Callao the 30th of May, and on the 7th of June, eight days after +her departure, she was lost on the shores of Patagonia. This is the +whole story elucidated from the remains of these words that seemed +undecipherable. You see, my friends, that what we can conjecture is +very important. As to what we do not know, this is reduced to one item, +the missing degree of longitude."</p> + +<p>"It is of no account," added Captain Mangles, "since the country is +known; and with the latitude alone, I will undertake to go straight to +the scene of the shipwreck."</p> + +<p>"We know all, then?" said Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"All, my dear Helena: and these blanks that the sea has made between +the words of the document, I can as easily fill out as though I were +writing at the dictation of Captain Grant."</p> + +<p>Accordingly Lord Glenarvan took the pen again, and wrote, without +hesitation, the following note:</p> + +<p>"June 7, 1862.—The brig Britannia of Glasgow was wrecked on the shores +of Patagonia, in the Southern Hemisphere. Directing their course to +land, two sailors and Captain Grant attempted to reach the continent, +where they will be prisoners of the cruel Indians. They have thrown +this document into the sea, at longitude ——, latitude 37° 11'. Bring +them assistance or they are lost."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NOBLE RESOLVE.</div> + +<p>"Good! good! my dear Edward!" said Lady Glenarvan;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> "and if these +unfortunates see their native country again, they will owe this +happiness to you."</p> + +<p>"And they shall see it again," replied Glenarvan. "This document is too +explicit, too clear, too certain, for Englishmen to hesitate. What has +been done for Sir John Franklin, and so many others, will also be done +for the shipwrecked of the Britannia."</p> + +<p>"But these unfortunates," answered Lady Helena, "have, without doubt, +a family that mourns their loss. Perhaps this poor Captain Grant has a +wife, children——"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p027.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Dumbarton Castle.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p>"You are right, my dear lady; and I charge myself with informing them +that all hope is not yet lost. And now, my friends, let us go on deck, +for we must be approaching the harbor."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>Indeed, the Duncan had forced on steam, and was now skirting the shores +of Bute Island. Rothesay, with its charming little village nestling in +its fertile valley, was left on the starboard, and the vessel entered +the narrow inlets of the frith, passed Greenock, and, at six in the +evening, was anchored at the foot of the basaltic rocks of Dumbarton, +crowned by the celebrated castle.</p> + +<p>Here a coach was waiting to take Lady Helena and Major MacNabb back to +Malcolm Castle. Lord Glenarvan, after embracing his young wife, hurried +to take the express train for Glasgow. But before going, he confided an +important message to a more rapid agent, and a few moments after the +electric telegraph conveyed to the <i>Times</i> and <i>Morning Chronicle</i> an +advertisement in the following terms:</p> + +<p>"For any information concerning the brig Britannia of Glasgow, Captain +Grant, address Lord Glenarvan, Malcolm Castle, Luss, County of +Dumbarton, Scotland."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE CAPTAIN'S CHILDREN.</h3> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE GLENARVAN ANCESTRY.</div> + +<p>The castle of Malcolm, one of the most romantic in Scotland, is +situated near the village of Luss, whose pretty valley it crowns. The +limpid waters of Loch Lomond bathe the granite of its walls. From time +immemorial it has belonged to the Glenarvan family, who have preserved +in the country of Rob Roy and Fergus MacGregor the hospitable customs +of the ancient heroes of Walter Scott. At the epoch of the social +revolution in Scotland, a great number of vassals were expelled, +because they could not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> pay the great rents to the ancient chiefs +of the clans. Some died of hunger, others became fishermen, others +emigrated. There was general despair.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p029.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Among all these the Glenarvans alone believed that fidelity bound the +high as well as the low, and they remained faithful to their tenants. +Not one left the roof under which he was born; not one abandoned the +soil where his ancestors reposed; all continued in the clan of their +ancient lords. Thus at this epoch, in this age of disaffection and +disunion, the Glenarvan family considered the Scots at Malcolm Castle +as their own people. All were descended from the vassals of their +kinsmen; were children of the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton, and +honestly devoted, body and estate, to their master.</p> + +<p>Lord Glenarvan possessed an immense fortune, which he employed in +doing much good. His kindness exceeded even his generosity, for one +was boundless, while the other was necessarily limited. The lord of +Luss, the "laird" of Malcolm, represented his fellows in the House of +Lords; but with true Scottish ideas, little pleasing to the southrons, +he was disliked by many of them especially because<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> he adhered to the +traditions of his ancestors, and energetically opposed some dicta of +modern political economy.</p> + +<p>He was not, however, a backward man, either in wit or shrewdness; but +while ready to enter every door of progress, he remained Scotch at +heart, and it was for the glory of his native land that he contended +with his racing yachts in the matches of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.</p> + +<p>Lord Edward Glenarvan was thirty-two years old. His form was erect and +his features sharp, but his look was mild, and his character thoroughly +imbued with the poetry of the Highlands. He was known to be brave to +excess, enterprising, chivalrous, a Fergus of the nineteenth century; +but good above all, better than Saint Martin himself, for he would have +given his very cloak to the poor people of the Highlands.</p> + +<p>He had been married scarcely three months, having espoused Miss Helena +Tuffnel, daughter of the great traveler, William Tuffnel, one of the +numerous victims to the great passion for geographical discoveries.</p> + +<p>Miss Helena did not belong to a noble family, but she was Scotch, which +equaled all nobilities in the eyes of Lord Glenarvan. This charming +young creature, high-minded and devoted, the lord of Luss had made the +companion of his life. He found her one day living alone, an orphan, +almost without fortune, in the house of her father at Kilpatrick. He +saw that the poor girl would make a noble wife, and he married her.</p> + +<p>Miss Tuffnel was twenty-two, a youthful blonde, with eyes as blue as +the waters of the Scotch lakes on a beautiful morning in spring. Her +love for her husband exceeded even her gratitude. She loved him as if +she had been the rich heiress, and he the friendless orphan. As to +their tenants and servants, they were ready to lay down their lives for +her whom they called "our good lady of Luss."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HOME.</div> + +<p>Lord and Lady Glenarvan lived happily at Malcolm Castle, in the midst +of the grand and wild scenery of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> Highlands, rambling in the +shady alleys of horse-chestnuts and sycamores, along the shores of +the lake, where still resounded the war cries of ancient times, or +in the depths of those uncultivated gorges in which the history of +Scotland lies written in ruins from age to age. One day they would +wander in the forests of beeches and larches, and in the midst of the +masses of heather; another, they would scale the precipitous summits +of Ben Lomond, or traverse on horseback the solitary glens, studying, +comprehending, and admiring this poetic country, still called "the land +of Rob Roy," and all those celebrated sites so grandly sung by Walter +Scott.</p> + +<p>In the sweet, still evening, when the "lantern of Mac Farlane" +illumined the horizon, they would stroll along the "bartizans," an old +circular balcony that formed a chain of battlements to Malcolm Castle, +and there, pensive,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> oblivious, and as if alone in the world, seated +on some detached rock, under the pale rays of the moon, while night +gradually enveloped the rugged summits of the mountains, they would +continue wrapt in that pure ecstasy and inward delight known only to +loving hearts.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p031.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Thus passed the first months of their married life. But Lord Glenarvan +did not forget that his wife was the daughter of a great traveler. He +thought that Lady Helena must have in her heart all the aspirations of +her father, and he was not mistaken. The Duncan was constructed, and +was designed to convey Lord and Lady Glenarvan to the most beautiful +countries of the world, along the waves of the Mediterranean, and to +the isles of the Archipelago. Imagine the joy of Lady Helena when her +husband placed the Duncan at her disposal! Indeed, can there be a +greater happiness than to lead your love towards those charming "isles +where Sappho sung," and behold the enchanting scenes of the Orient, +with all their spirit-stirring memories?</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p032.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Meantime Lord Glenarvan had started for London. The safety of the +unfortunate shipwrecked men was at stake. Thus, in his temporary +absence, Lady Helena showed herself more anxious than sad. The next +day a dispatch from her husband made her hope for a speedy return; in +the evening a letter hinted at its postponement. His proposal had to +encounter some difficulties, and the following day a second letter +came, in which Lord Glenarvan did not conceal his indignation against +the authorities.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p033.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and +can hear all."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +On that day Lady Helena began to be uneasy. At evening she was alone in +her chamber, when the steward of the castle, Mr. Halbert, came to ask +if she would see a young girl and boy who desired to speak with Lord +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"People of the country?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied the steward, "for I do not know them. They have +just arrived by the Balloch railway, and from Balloch to Luss they tell +me they have made the journey on foot."</p> + +<p>"Bid them come up, steward," said Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The steward withdrew. Some moments afterward the young girl and boy +were ushered into Lady Helena's chamber. They were brother and sister; +you could not doubt it by their resemblance.</p> + +<p>The sister was sixteen. Her pretty face showed weariness, her eyes must +have shed many tears; her resigned, but courageous, countenance, and +her humble, but neat, attire, all prepossessed one in her favor. She +held by the hand a boy of twelve years, of determined look, who seemed +to take his sister under his protection. Indeed, whoever had insulted +the young girl would have had to settle with this little gentleman.</p> + +<p>The sister stopped, a little surprised at seeing herself before Lady +Helena; but the latter hastened to open the conversation.</p> + +<p>"You wish to speak with me?" said she, with an encouraging look at the +young girl.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">"ONE TOUCH OF NATURE."</div> + +<p>"No," answered the boy, in a decided tone; "not with you, but with Lord +Glenarvan himself."</p> + +<p>"Excuse him, madam," said the sister, looking at her brother.</p> + +<p>"Lord Glenarvan is not at the castle," replied Lady Helena; "but I am +his wife, and if I can supply his place with you——"</p> + +<p>"You are Lady Glenarvan?" said the young girl.</p> + +<p>"Yes, miss."</p> + +<p>"The wife of Lord Glenarvan, of Malcolm Castle, who published an +advertisement in the <i>Times</i> in regard to the shipwreck of the +Britannia?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes!" answered Lady Helena, with alacrity. "And you?"</p> + +<p>"I am Miss Grant, and this is my brother."</p> + +<p>"Miss Grant! Miss Grant!" cried Lady Helena, drawing the young girl +towards her, and taking her hands, while she also drew the boy towards +her.</p> + +<p>"Madam," replied the young girl, "what do you know of the shipwreck of +my father? Is he living? Shall we ever see him again? Speak! oh, please +tell me!"</p> + +<p>"My dear child," said Lady Helena, "God forbid that I should answer you +lightly on such a subject; I would not give you a vain hope——"</p> + +<p>"Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and can hear all."</p> + +<p>"My dear child," answered Lady Helena, "the hope is very slight, but +with the help of God who can do everything, it is possible that you +will one day see your father again."</p> + +<p>"Alas, alas!" exclaimed Miss Grant, who could not restrain her tears, +while Robert covered the hands of Lady Glenarvan with kisses.</p> + +<p>When the first paroxysm of this mournful joy was past, the young girl +began to ask innumerable questions. Lady Helena related the story of +the document, how that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> Britannia had been lost on the shores +of Patagonia; in what way, after the shipwreck, the captain and two +sailors, the only survivors, must have reached the continent; and, +at last, how they implored the assistance of the whole world in this +document, written in three languages, and abandoned to the caprices of +the ocean.</p> + +<p>During this recital Robert Grant devoured Lady Helena with his eyes; +his life seemed to hang on her lips. In his childish imagination he +reviewed the terrible scenes of which his father must have been the +victim. He saw him on the deck of the Britannia; he followed him to the +bosom of the waves; he clung with him to the rocks of the shore; he +dragged himself panting along the beach, out of reach of the waves.</p> + +<p>Often during the course of this narration words escaped his lips.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa! my poor papa!" he cried, pressing close to his sister.</p> + +<p>As for Miss Grant, she listened with clasped hands, and did not utter a +word until the story was ended, when she said,—</p> + +<p>"Oh, madam, the document! the document!"</p> + +<p>"I no longer have it, my dear child," replied Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"You no longer have it?"</p> + +<p>"No; for the very sake of your father, Lord Glenarvan had to take it +to London; but I have told you all it contained, word for word, and +how we succeeded in discovering the exact meaning. Among these remains +of the almost effaced words the water had spared some characters. +Unfortunately the record of the longitude had altogether been +destroyed, but that was the only missing point. Thus you see, Miss +Grant, the minutest details of this document are known to you as well +as me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied the young girl; "but I would like to have seen my +father's writing."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">WAITING FOR THE VERDICT.</div> + +<p>"Well, to-morrow, perhaps, Lord Glenarvan will return. My husband +desired to submit this indisputable document to the authorities in +London, to induce them to send a vessel immediately in search of +Captain Grant."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible, madam!" cried the young girl. "Did you do this for us?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my dear miss, and I expect Lord Glenarvan every moment."</p> + +<p>"Madam," said the young girl, in a deep tone of gratitude, and with +fervency, "may Heaven bless Lord Glenarvan and you!"</p> + +<p>"Dear child," answered Lady Helena, "we deserve no thanks. Any other +person in our place would have done the same. May the hopes that are +kindled be realized! Till Lord Glenarvan's return you will remain at +the castle."</p> + +<p>"Madam," said the young girl, "I would not presume on the sympathy you +show to us strangers——"</p> + +<p>"Strangers! Dear child, neither your brother nor you are strangers in +this house; and I desire that Lord Glenarvan on his arrival should +inform the children of Captain Grant of what is to be attempted to save +their father."</p> + +<p>It was not possible to refuse an invitation made with so much +cordiality. It was, therefore, decided that Miss Grant and her brother +should await at Malcolm Castle the return of Lord Glenarvan.</p> + + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> + +<h3>LADY GLENARVAN'S PROPOSAL.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>During this conversation, Lady Helena had not spoken of the fears +expressed in her husband's letters concerning the reception of his +petition by the London officials; nor was a word said in regard to the +probable captivity of Captain Grant among the Indians of South America. +Why afflict these poor children with their father's situation, and +check the hopes they had just conceived? It would not change matters. +Lady Helena was, therefore, silent on this point, and, after satisfying +all Miss Grant's inquiries, she questioned her concerning her life, and +situation in the world in which she seemed to be the sole protectress +of her brother. It was a simple and touching story, which still more +increased Lady Glenarvan's sympathy for the young girl.</p> + +<p>Mary and Robert Grant were the only children of Captain Harry Grant, +whose wife had died at the birth of Robert, and during his long +voyages his children were left to the care of his good old cousin. +Captain Grant was a hardy sailor, a man well acquainted with his +profession, and a good negotiator, combining thus a twofold aptitude +for his calling commercially. His home was at Dundee, in the county of +Forfar, and he was moreover, by birth, a child of that "bonnie" place. +His father, a minister of Saint Catherine's Church, had given him a +thorough education, knowing that it would be sure to help all, even a +sea-captain.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IDEAS AND REALITIES.</div> + +<p>During his early voyages, first as mate, and afterwards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> in the +capacity of skipper, Harry Grant prospered, and some years after +the birth of his son Robert, he found himself the possessor of a +considerable fortune.</p> + +<p>Then a great idea entered his mind which made his name popular +throughout Scotland. Like the Glenarvans and several other great +families of the Highlands, he was opposed in heart, if not in deed, +to the advance and prevalence of English thought and feeling. The +interests of his country could not be in his eyes the same as those +of the Anglo-Saxons, and, in order to give the former a peculiar and +national development, he resolved to found a Scottish colony in some +part of the Southern World. Did he dream of that independence in the +future of which the United States had set the example, and which the +Indies and Australia cannot fail one day to acquire? Very likely; +but he allowed his secret hopes to be divined. It was, therefore, +known that the Government refused to lend their aid in his project +of colonization; nay, they even raised obstacles which in any other +country would have overcome the project.</p> + +<p>But Harry Grant would not be discouraged. He appealed to the patriotism +of his countrymen, gave his fortune to serve the cause, built a vessel +and furnished it with a fine crew, confided his children to the care +of his old cousin, and set sail to explore the great islands of the +Pacific.</p> + +<p>It was the year 1861. Until May, 1862, they had received news of him, +but since his departure from Callao, in the month of June, no one had +heard anything of the Britannia, and the marine intelligencers became +silent concerning the fate of the captain.</p> + +<p>At this juncture of affairs the old cousin of Harry Grant died, and +the two children were left alone in the world. Mary Grant was then +fourteen. Her courageous soul did not flinch at the situation that was +presented, but she devoted herself entirely to her brother, who was +still a child. She must bring him up and instruct him. By dint of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> +economy, prudence, and sagacity, laboring night and day, sacrificing +all for him, denying herself everything, the sister succeeded in +educating her brother and bravely fulfilled her sisterly duties.</p> + +<p>The two children lived thus at Dundee, and valiantly overcame +their sorrowful and lonely circumstances. Mary thought only of her +brother, and dreamed of a happy future for him. As for herself, alas! +the Britannia was lost forever, and her father dead! We must not, +therefore, attempt to depict her emotion when the advertisement in the +<i>Times</i> accidentally met her eye, and suddenly raised her from her +despair.</p> + +<p>It was no time to hesitate. Her resolution was immediately taken. Even +if she should learn that her father's dead body had been found on a +desert coast, or in the hull of a shipwrecked vessel, it was better +than this continual doubt, this eternal torment of uncertainty. She +told her brother all; and the same day the two children took the Perth +Railroad, and at evening arrived at Malcolm Castle, where Mary, after +so many harassing thoughts, began to hope.</p> + +<p>Such was the sorrowful story that the young girl related to Lady +Glenarvan, in an artless manner, without thinking that through all +those long years of trial she had behaved herself like an heroic +daughter. But Lady Helena thought of this, and several times, without +hiding her tears, she clasped in her arms the two children of Captain +Grant.</p> + +<p>As for Robert, it seemed as if he heard this story for the first time: +for he opened his eyes in astonishment, as he listened to his sister; +comprehended what she had done, what she had suffered; and at last, +encircling her with his arms, he exclaimed, unable longer to restrain +the cry that came from the very depths of his heart,—</p> + +<p>"Oh, mamma! my dear mamma!"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p041.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing +herself at the feet of Lord Glenarvan.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +Night had now fully set in; and Lady Helena, remembering the fatigue of +the two children, would not longer continue the conversation. Mary +and Robert were conducted to their chambers, and fell asleep dreaming +of a brighter future.</p> + +<p>After they had retired, Lady Helena saw the major, and told him all the +events of the day.</p> + +<p>"That Mary Grant is a brave girl," said MacNabb, when he had heard his +cousin's story.</p> + +<p>"May Heaven grant my husband success in his enterprise!" replied Lady +Helena; "for the situation of the two children would be terrible!"</p> + +<p>"He will succeed," answered MacNabb, "or the hearts of the authorities +must be harder than the stone of Portland."</p> + +<p>In spite of the major's assurance, Lady Helena passed the night in the +greatest anxiety, and could scarce gain an hour's repose.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"BROKEN CISTERNS."</div> + +<p>The next morning Mary and her brother rose at daybreak, and were +walking in the galleries and water terraces of the castle, when the +sound of a coach was heard in the great court-yard. It was Lord +Glenarvan returning to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> Malcolm Castle at the full speed of his horses. +Almost immediately Lady Helena, accompanied by the major, appeared +in the court-yard, and flew to meet her husband. But he seemed sad, +disappointed, and angry. He clasped his wife in his arms, and was +silent.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p042.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"Well, Edward!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Well, my dear Helena," he replied, "those people have no hearts!"</p> + +<p>"They refused?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, they refused me a vessel: they spoke of the millions vainly spent +in searching for Franklin; they declared the document was vague and +unintelligible; they said that the shipwreck of these unfortunates had +happened two years ago, and that there was little chance of finding +them. They maintained too, that, if prisoners of the Indians, they must +have been carried into the interior of the country; that they could not +ransack all Patagonia to find three men,—three Scotchmen; the search +would be vain and perilous, and would cost the lives of more men than +it would save. In short, they gave all the absurd reasons of people who +mean to refuse. They remembered the captain's projects, and I fear that +the unfortunate man is forever lost!"</p> + +<p>"My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing herself at the +feet of Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Your father! What, Miss——?" said he, surprised at seeing a young +girl at his feet.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Edward, Miss Grant and her brother," replied Lady Helena; "the +two children of Captain Grant, who have thus been condemned to remain +orphans."</p> + +<p>"Ah, miss!" answered Lord Glenarvan, "if I had known of your +presence——"</p> + +<p>He said no more. A painful silence, interrupted only by sobs, reigned +in the court-yard. No one raised his voice, neither Lord Glenarvan, +Lady Helena, the major, nor the servants of the castle, who were +standing about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> even at this early hour. But by their attitude they all +protested against the conduct of the officials.</p> + +<p>After several moments the major resumed the conversation, and, +addressing Lord Glenarvan, said,—</p> + +<p>"Then you have no more hope?"</p> + +<p>"None."</p> + +<p>"Well," cried young Robert, "I will go to these people, and—we shall +see——"</p> + +<p>He did not finish his threat, for his sister stopped him; but his +clinched hands indicated his intentions.</p> + +<p>"No, Robert," said she, "no; let us thank these kind people for what +they have done for us. Let us always keep them in remembrance; but now +we must take our departure."</p> + +<p>"Mary!" cried Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Miss, where would you go?" said Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I am going to throw myself at the feet of the Queen," replied the +young girl, "and we shall see if she will be deaf to the prayers of two +children imploring help for their father."</p> + +<p>Lord Glenarvan shook his head; not that he doubted the clemency of Her +Gracious Majesty, but he doubted whether Mary Grant would gain access +to her; for but few suppliants reach the steps of a throne.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena understood her husband's thoughts. She knew that the young +girl might make a fruitless journey, and she pictured to herself these +two children leading henceforth a cheerless existence. Then it was that +she conceived a grand and noble idea.</p> + +<p>"Mary Grant," she exclaimed, "wait, my child; listen to what I am about +to say."</p> + +<p>The young girl held her brother by the hand, and was preparing to go. +She stopped.</p> + +<p>Then Lady Helena, with tearful eye, but firm voice and animated +features, advanced towards her husband.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"NOBLY PLANNED."</div> + +<p>"Edward," said she, "when Captain Grant wrote that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> letter, and cast +it into the sea, he confided it to the care of God himself, who has +brought it to us. Without doubt He designed to charge us with the +safety of these unfortunates."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Helena?" inquired Lord Glenarvan, whilst all waited +in silence.</p> + +<p>"I mean," replied Lady Helena, "that we ought to consider ourselves +happy in beginning our married life with a good action. You, my dear +Edward, to please me, have planned a pleasure voyage. But what pleasure +can be more genuine or more beneficent than to save these unfortunates +whom hope has almost abandoned?"</p> + +<p>"Helena!" cried Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you understand me, Edward. The Duncan is a good, staunch vessel. +It can brave the Southern seas; it can make the tour of the world,—and +it will, if necessary! Let us start, Edward,—let us go in search of +Captain Grant!"</p> + +<p>At these courageous words Lord Glenarvan had extended his arms to his +wife. He smiled. He pressed her to his heart, while Mary and Robert +kissed her hands.</p> + +<p>And during this touching scene the servants of the castle, affected and +enthusiastic, uttered from their hearts this cry of gratitude,—</p> + +<p>"Hurrah for the lady of Luss! Hurrah! three times hurrah, for Lord and +Lady Glenarvan!"</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE DEPARTURE OF THE DUNCAN.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>It has been already said that Lady Helena had a brave and generous +soul. What she had just done was an undeniable proof of it, and Lord +Glenarvan had good reason to trust in this noble woman, who was +capable of comprehending and following him. The idea of sailing to +the rescue of Captain Grant had already taken possession of him when +he saw his petition rejected at London; but he could not have thought +of separating from her. Yet, since she desired to go herself, all +hesitation was at an end. The servants of the castle had received her +proposal with cries of joy; the safety of their brother Scots was at +stake, and Lord Glenarvan joined heartily in the hurrahs that greeted +the lady of Luss.</p> + +<p>The scheme once resolved upon, there was not an hour to lose. That +very day Lord Glenarvan sent to Captain Mangles orders to bring the +Duncan to Glasgow, and make every preparation for a voyage to the South +Seas, which might become one of circumnavigation. Moreover, in her +plans Lady Helena had not overestimated the qualities of the Duncan: +of first-class construction with regard to strength and swiftness, she +could without injury sustain a long voyage.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FITTING FOR SEA.</div> + +<p>The Duncan was a steam yacht of one hundred and ten tons burden. +She had two masts,—a foremast with fore-sail, main-sail, foretop +and foretop-gallant sails; and a mainmast, carrying a main-sail and +fore-staff. Her rigging was, therefore, sufficient, and she could +profit by the wind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> like a simple clipper; but she relied especially +upon her mechanical power. Her engine was of an effective force of one +hundred and sixty horse power, and was constructed on a new plan. It +possessed apparatus for overheating, which gave its steam a very great +tension. It was a high-pressure engine, and produced motion by a double +screw. The Duncan under full steam could acquire a speed equal to any +vessel of that day. Indeed, during her trial trip in the Frith of +Clyde, she had made, according to the log, seventeen knots an hour. She +was, therefore, fully capable of circumnavigating the world; and her +captain had only to occupy himself with the internal arrangement.</p> + +<p>His first care was to increase his store-room, and take in the +greatest possible quantity of coal, for it would be difficult to renew +their supplies on the voyage. The same precaution was taken with the +steward's room, and provisions for two years were stowed away. Money, +of course, was not wanting, and a pivot-gun was furnished, which was +fixed at the forecastle. You do not know what may happen, and it is +always best to have the means of defense in your reach.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, we must say, understood his business. Although he +commanded only a pleasure yacht, he was ranked among the ablest of +the Glasgow captains. He was thirty years of age, with rather rough +features, indicating courage and kindness. When a child, the Glenarvan +family had taken him under their care, and made him an excellent +seaman. He had often given proofs of skill, energy, and coolness during +his long voyages, and when Lord Glenarvan offered him the command of +the Duncan, he accepted it with pride and pleasure, for he loved the +lord of Malcolm Castle as a brother, and until then had vainly sought +an opportunity to devote himself to his service.</p> + +<p>The mate, Tom Austin, was an old sailor worthy of all confidence; and +the crew of the Duncan was composed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> of twenty-five men, including +the captain and mate. They all belonged to the county of Dumbarton, +were all tried seamen, sons of the tenants of the family, and formed +on shipboard a genuine clan of honest people, who of course were not +without the national bagpipe. Lord Glenarvan had, in them, a band of +faithful subjects, happy in their avocation, devoted, courageous, and +skillful in the use of arms, as well as in the management of a ship, +while they were ready to follow him on the most perilous expeditions. +When they learned where they were going, they could not restrain their +joyous emotion, and the echoes of the rocks of Dumbarton awoke to their +cries of enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, while occupied in lading and provisioning his craft, +did not forget to prepare Lord and Lady Glenarvan's apartments for a +long voyage. He likewise provided cabins for Captain Grant's children, +for Lady Helena could not refuse Mary permission to accompany her on +the expedition.</p> + +<p>As for young Robert, he would have hidden in the hold sooner than +not go; even if he had been compelled to serve as cabin-boy, like +Lord Nelson and Sir John Franklin, he would have embarked on board +the Duncan. To think of opposing such a little gentleman! It was +not attempted. They were even obliged to take him other than as +passenger, for as cabin-boy or sailor he <i>would serve</i>. The captain was +accordingly commissioned to teach him the duties of a seaman.</p> + +<p>"Good!" said Robert; "and let him not spare a few blows of the rope's +end if I do not walk straight."</p> + +<p>"Be easy, my boy," replied Glenarvan, without adding that the use of +the "cat-o'-nine-tails" was prohibited, and moreover quite needless, on +board the Duncan.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">GLASGOW GOSSIP.</div> + +<p>To complete the roll of the passengers, it will be sufficient to +describe Major MacNabb. The major was a man of fifty, of calm, +regular features, who did as he was bid; of an excellent and superior +character, modest, taciturn,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> peaceable, and mild; always agreeing +with anything or any one, disputing nothing, and neither contradicting +himself nor exaggerating. He would mount with measured step the +staircase to his bed-chamber, even were a cannon-ball behind him; and +probably to his dying day would never find an opportunity to fly into a +passion.</p> + +<p>This man possessed, in a high degree, not only the common courage of +the battle-field (that physical bravery due only to nervous strength), +but, better still, moral courage, that is to say, firmness of soul. If +he had a fault, it was that of being absolutely Scotch from head to +foot, a pure-blooded Caledonian, an infatuated observer of the ancient +customs of his country. Through his relationship to the Glenarvans he +lived at Malcolm Castle; and as major and military man it was very +natural that he should be found on board the Duncan.</p> + +<p>Such, then, were the passengers of this yacht, summoned by unforeseen +circumstances to accomplish one of the most surprising voyages of +modern times. Since her arrival at the wharf at Glasgow, she had +monopolized the public attention. A considerable number came every day +to visit her. They were interested in her alone, and spoke only of her, +to the great umbrage of the other captains of the port, among others +Captain Burton, commanding the Scotia, a magnificent steamer, moored +beside the Duncan, and bound for Calcutta. The Scotia, from her size, +had a right to consider the Duncan as a mere fly-boat. Nevertheless, +all the attraction centred in Lord Glenarvan's yacht, and increased +from day to day.</p> + +<p>The time of departure approached. Captain Mangles had shown himself +skillful and expeditious. A month after her trial trip in the Frith of +Clyde, the Duncan, laden, provisioned, and equipped, was ready to put +to sea. The 25th of August was appointed for the time of departure, +which would enable the yacht to reach the southern latitudes by the +beginning of spring. Lord Glenarvan, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> his plan was matured, did +not neglect to make investigations into the hardships and perils of the +voyage; yet he did not hesitate on this account, but prepared to leave +Malcolm Castle.</p> + +<p>On the 24th of August, Lord and Lady Glenarvan, Major MacNabb, Mary and +Robert Grant, Mr. Olbinett, the steward of the yacht, and his wife, who +was in the service of Lady Glenarvan, left the castle, after taking an +affectionate farewell of their family servants. Several hours afterward +they found themselves on board. Many of the population of Glasgow +welcomed with sympathetic admiration the young and courageous lady who +renounced the pleasures of a life of luxury, and sailed to the rescue +of the shipwrecked sailors.</p> + +<p>The apartments of Lord Glenarvan and his wife occupied the entire stern +of the vessel. They consisted of two bed-chambers, a parlor, and two +dressing-rooms, adjoining which was an open square inclosed by six +cabins, five of which were occupied by Mary and Robert Grant, Mr. and +Mrs. Olbinett, and Major MacNabb. As for the cabins of the captain and +the mate, they were situated in the forecastle, and opened on the deck. +The crew were lodged between-decks very comfortably, for the yacht of +course carried nothing but her coal, provisions, and armament.</p> + +<p>The Duncan was to start on the night of the 24th, as the tide fell at +three o'clock in the morning. But first those who were present were +witness to a touching scene. At eight in the evening Lord Glenarvan and +his companions, the entire crew, from the firemen to the captain, all +who were to take part in this voyage of sacrifice, left the yacht, and +betook themselves to Saint Mungo, the ancient cathedral of Glasgow. +This antique church, an uninjured relic in the midst of the ruins +caused by the Reformation, and so marvelously described by Walter +Scott, received beneath its massive arches the owners and sailors of +the Duncan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRAYER, AND PROGRESS.</div> + +<p>A numerous throng accompanied them. There in the spacious aisle, +filled with tombs of the great and good, the Rev. Mr. Morton implored +the blessing of Heaven, and commended the expedition to the care of +Providence. For a moment the voice of Mary Grant arose in the old +church. The young girl was praying for her benefactors, and shedding +before God the sweet tears of gratitude. The assembly retired under the +influence of a deep emotion.</p> + +<p>At eleven, every one was on board. The captain and the crew occupied +themselves with the final preparations. At midnight the fires were +kindled, and soon clouds of black smoke mingled with the vapors of the +night; the sails of the Duncan had been carefully reefed in a canvas +sheathing, which served to protect them from injury. The wind blew from +the southeast, and did not favor the progress of the vessel; but at two +o'clock the ship began to heave under the action of her boilers. The +manometer indicated a pressure of four atmospheres, and the overheated +steam whistled through the escape-valves. The sea was tranquil, and +soon daylight enabled them to distinguish the passes of the Clyde +between the buoys and beacons, whose lights were gradually extinguished +as the morning dawned.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles informed Lord Glenarvan, who at once came on deck. Very +soon the ebb-tide was felt. The Duncan gave a few shrill whistles, +slackened her cables, and separated from the surrounding vessels. Her +screw was set in motion, which propelled her into the channel of the +river. The captain had taken no pilot. He was perfectly acquainted with +the navigation of the Clyde, and no one could have commanded better. At +a sign from him the yacht started. With his right hand he controlled +the engine, and with his left the tiller, with silent but unerring +skill.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p052.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The Rev. Mr. Morton implored the blessing of Heaven, and +commended the expedition to the care of Providence.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">A CHANGE OF SCENE.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> +Soon the last workshops on the shore gave place to villas, built here +and there upon the hills, and the sounds of the city died away in the +distance. An hour afterwards, the Duncan passed the rocks of Dumbarton; +two hours later she was in the Frith of Clyde; and at six o'clock in +the morning she doubled Cantyre Point, emerged from the North Channel, +and gained the open sea.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p053.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4> + +<h3>AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>During the first day's voyage the sea was quite rough, and the wind +freshened towards evening. The Duncan rolled considerably, so that +the ladies did not appear on deck, but very wisely remained in their +cabins. The next day the wind changed a point, and the captain set the +main-, fore-, and foretop-sails, thus causing less perception of the +rolling and pitching motion.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Mary Grant were able before daybreak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> to join Lord +Glenarvan, the major, and the captain, on deck. The sunrise was +magnificent. The orb of day, like a gilded metal disk, rose from the +ocean, as from an immense and silvery basin. The ship glided in the +midst of a splendid iridescence, and you would truly have thought that +her sails expanded under the influence of the sun's rays, whilst even +the crew of the yacht silently admired this reappearance of the orb of +day.</p> + +<p>"What a magnificent spectacle!" said Lady Helena, at last. "This is +the beginning of a beautiful day. May the wind not prove contrary, but +favor the progress of the Duncan!"</p> + +<p>"No better weather could be desired, my dear Helena," replied Lord +Glenarvan; "we have no reason to complain of the commencement of the +voyage."</p> + +<p>"Will it be a long one, my dear Edward?"</p> + +<p>"That is for the captain to answer," said he. "Are we progressing well? +Are you satisfied with your vessel, captain?"</p> + +<p>"Very well indeed," was the answer. "She is a marvelous craft, and a +sailor likes to feel her under his feet. Never were hull and engine +more in unison. See how smooth her wake is, and how easily she rides +the waves. We are moving at the rate of seventeen knots an hour. If +this continues, we shall cross the line in ten days, and in five weeks +shall double Cape Horn."</p> + +<p>"You hear, Mary," said Lady Helena: "in five weeks!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the young girl, "I hear; and my heart beat quickly at +the words of the captain."</p> + +<p>"And how do you bear this voyage, Miss Mary?" inquired Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Very well, my lord; I do not experience very many discomforts. +Besides, I shall soon be accustomed to it."</p> + +<p>"And young Robert?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS.</div> + +<p>"Oh, Robert!" replied Captain Mangles: "when he is not engaged with the +engine he is perched at mast-head.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> I tell you he is a boy who mocks +sea-sickness. Only look at him!"</p> + +<p>At a gesture of the captain, all eyes were turned towards the mainmast, +and every one could perceive Robert, suspended by the stays of the +foretop-gallant sail, a hundred feet aloft. Mary could not restrain a +motion of fear.</p> + +<p>"Oh, be easy, miss!" said Captain Mangles. "I will answer for him, and +promise you I will present, in a short time, a famous sailor to Captain +Grant; for we shall find that worthy captain."</p> + +<p>"May Heaven hear you, sir!" replied the young girl.</p> + +<p>"My dear child," said Lord Glenarvan, "there is in all this something +providential, which ought to give us hope. We are not merely going, we +are led; we are not seeking blindly, we are guided. And then see all +these brave people enrolled in the service of so good a cause. Not only +shall we succeed in our enterprise, but it will be accomplished without +difficulty. I have promised Lady Helena a pleasure voyage; and, if I am +not mistaken, I shall keep my word."</p> + +<p>"Edward," said Lady Glenarvan, "you are the best of men."</p> + +<p>"Not so; but I have the best of crews, on the best of ships. Do you not +wonder at our Duncan, Miss Mary?"</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, my lord," answered the young girl, "I don't so much +wonder as admire; for I am well acquainted with ships."</p> + +<p>"Ah! indeed!"</p> + +<p>"When a mere child, I played on my father's ships. He ought to have +made a sailor of me. If it were necessary, perhaps I should not now be +embarrassed in taking a reef or twisting a gasket."</p> + +<p>"What is that you're saying, miss?" exclaimed the captain.</p> + +<p>"If you talk so," continued Lord Glenarvan, "you will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> make a great +friend of Captain John; for he thinks nothing in the world can equal +the life of a sailor. He sees no other, even for a woman. Is it not so, +John?"</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly, your lordship," replied the young captain; "and yet, I +confess, Miss Grant is better in her place on deck, than taking a reef +in the top-sail. But still I am very much flattered to hear her speak +so."</p> + +<p>"And especially when she admires the Duncan!" added Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Right, my lord; for she deserves it."</p> + +<p>"Upon my word," said Lady Helena, "since you are so proud of your +yacht, you make me anxious to examine her to the very hold, and see how +our brave sailors are quartered between-decks."</p> + +<p>"Admirably," replied the captain; "they are quite at home there."</p> + +<p>"Indeed they are, my dear Helena," said Lord Glenarvan. "This yacht +is a part of our old Caledonia,—a detached portion of the county of +Dumbarton, traveling by special favor, so that we have not left our +country. The Duncan is Malcolm Castle, and the ocean is Loch Lomond."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, my dear Edward, do the honors of the castle," said Lady +Helena.</p> + +<p>"I am at your disposal, madam," answered her husband; "but first let me +inform Olbinett."</p> + +<p>The steward of the yacht was an excellent manager, a Scotchman, who +deserved to have been a Frenchman from his self-importance, and, +moreover, fulfilled his duties with zeal and intelligence. He was at +once ready for his master's commands.</p> + +<p>"Olbinett, we are going to make a tour of the vessel before breakfast," +said Glenarvan, as if a journey to Tarbet or Loch Katrine was in +question. "I hope we shall find the table ready on our return."</p> + +<p>Olbinett bowed gravely.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p057.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been +forty years old. He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head +was large and thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth +wide, and his chin blunt.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +"Do you accompany us, major?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"If you order it," replied MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" said Lord Glenarvan, "the major is absorbed in the smoke of his +cigar; we must not disturb him, for I assure you he is an inveterate +smoker, Miss Mary; he smokes all the time, even in his sleep."</p> + +<p>The major made a sign of assent, and the passengers descended +between-decks.</p> + +<p>MacNabb remained alone, talking to himself, according to his custom, +but never contradicting himself. Enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke, +he stood motionless, gazing back at the wake of the yacht. After a few +moments of contemplation, he turned and found himself face to face with +a new character. If <i>anything</i> could have surprised him, it must have +been this meeting, for the passenger was absolutely unknown to him.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A TELESCOPIC APPARITION.</div> + +<p>This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been forty years old. +He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head was large and +thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth wide, and +his chin blunt. As for his eyes, they were hidden behind enormous +eye-glasses, and his look seemed to have that indecision peculiar +to nyctalops. His countenance indicated an intelligent and lively +person, while it had not the crabbed air of those stern people who from +principle never laugh, and whose stupidity is hidden beneath a serious +guise. The nonchalance and amiable freedom of this unknown nonentity +clearly proved that he knew how to take men and things at their best +advantage. Even without his speaking you felt that he was a talker; but +he was abstracted, after the manner of those who do not see what they +are looking at or hear what they are listening to. He wore a traveling +cap, stout yellow buskins and leather gaiters, pantaloons of maroon +velvet, and a jacket of the same material, whose innumerable pockets +seemed stuffed with note-books, memoranda, scraps, portfolios, and a +thousand articles as inconvenient as they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> were useless, not to speak +of a telescope which he carried in a sling.</p> + +<p>The curiosity of this unknown being was a singular contrast to the +calmness of the major. He walked around MacNabb, and gazed at him +questioningly, whilst the latter did not trouble himself whence the +stranger came, whither he was going, or why he was on board the Duncan.</p> + +<p>When this enigmatical character saw his approaches mocked by the +indifference of the major, he seized his telescope, which at its full +length measured four feet; and motionless, with legs straddled, like a +sign-post on a highway, he pointed his instrument to the line where sky +and water met. After a few moments of examination, he lowered it, and +resting it on the deck, leaned upon it as upon a cane. But immediately +the joints of the instrument<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> closed, and the newly discovered +passenger, whose point of support suddenly failed, was stretched at the +foot of the mainmast.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p059.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Any one else in the major's place would at least have smiled, but he +did not even wink. The unknown then assumed his rôle.</p> + +<p>"Steward!" he cried, with an accent that betokened a foreigner.</p> + +<p>He waited. No one appeared.</p> + +<p>"Steward!" he repeated, in a louder tone.</p> + +<p>Mr. Olbinett was passing just then on his way to the kitchen under the +forecastle. What was his astonishment to hear himself thus addressed by +this tall individual, who was utterly unknown to him!</p> + +<p>"Where did this person come from?" said he to himself. "A friend of +Lord Glenarvan? It is impossible."</p> + +<p>However, he came on deck, and approached the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Are you the steward of the vessel?" the latter asked him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Olbinett; "but I have not the honor——"</p> + +<p>"I am the passenger of cabin number six."</p> + +<p>"Number six?" repeated the steward.</p> + +<p>"Certainly; and your name is——?"</p> + +<p>"Olbinett."</p> + +<p>"Well, Olbinett, my friend," answered the stranger of cabin number six, +"I must think of dinner, and acutely, too. For thirty-six hours I have +eaten nothing, or, rather, have slept, which is pardonable in a man +come all the way from Paris to Glasgow. What hour do you dine, if you +please?"</p> + +<p>"At nine o'clock," answered Olbinett, mechanically.</p> + +<p>The stranger attempted to consult his watch; but this took some time, +for he did not find it till he came to his ninth pocket.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CONFUSION WORSE CONFOUNDED.</div> + +<p>"Well," said he, "it is not yet eight o'clock; therefore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> Olbinett, a +biscuit and a glass of sherry for the present; for I am fainting with +hunger."</p> + +<p>Olbinett listened without understanding. Moreover, the unknown kept +talking, and passed from one subject to another with extreme volubility.</p> + +<p>"Well," said he, "has not the captain risen yet? And the mate? What is +he doing? Is he asleep, too? Fortunately, the weather is beautiful, the +wind favorable, and the ship goes on quite by herself——"</p> + +<p>Just as he said this, Captain Mangles appeared at the companion-way.</p> + +<p>"Here is the captain," said Olbinett.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I am delighted," cried the stranger, "delighted to make your +acquaintance, Captain Burton!"</p> + +<p>If any one was ever astounded, John Mangles certainly was, not less at +hearing himself called "Captain Burton," than at seeing this stranger +on board his vessel.</p> + +<p>The latter continued, with more animation:</p> + +<p>"Permit me to shake hands with you, and if I did not do so day before +yesterday, it was that no one might be embarrassed at the moment of +departure. But to-day, captain, I am truly happy to meet you."</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles opened his eyes in measureless astonishment, looking +first at Olbinett, and then at the new comer.</p> + +<p>"Now," continued the latter, "the introduction is over, and we are old +friends. Let us have a talk; and tell me, are you satisfied with the +Scotia?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by the Scotia?" asked the captain, at last.</p> + +<p>"Why, the Scotia that carries us: a good ship, whose commander, the +brave Captain Burton, I have heard praised no less for his physical +than his moral qualities. Are you the father of the great African +traveler of that name? If so, my compliments!"</p> + +<p>"Sir," replied Captain Mangles, "not only am I not the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> father of the +traveler Burton, but I am not even Captain Burton."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said the unknown, "it is the mate of the Scotia then, Mr. +Burdness, whom I am addressing at this moment?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Burdness?" replied Captain Mangles, who began to suspect the +truth. But was he talking to a fool, or a rogue? This was a question in +his mind, and he was about to explain himself intelligibly, when Lord +Glenarvan, his wife, and Miss Grant came on deck.</p> + +<p>The stranger perceived them, and cried,—</p> + +<p>"Ah! passengers! passengers! excellent! I hope, Mr. Burdness, you are +going to introduce me——"</p> + +<p>And advancing with perfect ease, without waiting for the captain,—</p> + +<p>"Madam" said he to Miss Grant, "Miss" to Lady Helena, "Sir" he added, +addressing Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Lord Glenarvan," said Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"My lord," continued the unknown, "I beg your pardon for introducing +myself, but at sea we must relax a little from etiquette. I hope we +shall soon be acquainted, and that, in the society of these ladies, the +passage of the Scotia will seem as short to us as agreeable."</p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Miss Grant could not find a word to answer. They were +completely bewildered by the presence of this intruder.</p> + +<p>"Sir," said Glenarvan, at length, "whom have I the honor of addressing?"</p> + +<p>"Jacques Eliacim François Marie Paganel, secretary of the Geographical +Society of Paris; corresponding member of the societies of Berlin, +Bombay, Darmstadt, Leipsic, London, St. Petersburg, Vienna, and New +York; honorary member of the Royal Geographical and Ethnographical +Institute of the East Indies, who, after passing twenty years of his +life in studying geography, designs now to enter upon a roving life, +and is directing his course to India to continue there the labors of +the great travelers."</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> + +<h3>JACQUES PAGANEL IS UNDECEIVED.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The secretary of the Geographical Society must have been an agreeable +person, for all this was said with much modesty. Lord Glenarvan, +moreover, knew perfectly whom he had met. The name and merit of Jacques +Paganel were well known to him. His geographical labors, his reports +on modern discoveries, published in the bulletins of the Society, his +correspondence with the entire world, had made him one of the most +distinguished scientific men of France. Thus Glenarvan extended his +hand very cordially to his unexpected guest.</p> + +<p>"And now that our introduction is over," added he, "will you permit me, +Monsieur Paganel, to ask you a question?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty, my lord," replied Jacques Paganel; "it will always be a +pleasure to converse with you."</p> + +<p>"You arrived on board this vessel the day before yesterday?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, day before yesterday, at eight o'clock in the evening. +I took a cab from the Caledonian Railway to the Scotia, in which I had +engaged cabin number six at Paris. The night was dark. I saw no one on +board. Feeling fatigued by thirty hours of travel, and knowing that +a good way to avoid sea-sickness is to go to bed on embarking, and +not stir from your bunk for the first days of the voyage, I retired +immediately, and have conscientiously slept thirty-six hours, I assure +you."</p> + +<p>Jacques Paganel's hearers now knew the reason of his presence on board. +The Frenchman, mistaking the vessel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> had embarked while the crew of +the Duncan were engaged in the ceremony at Saint Mungo. Everything was +explained. But what would the geographer say, when he learned the name +and destination of the vessel on which he had taken passage?</p> + +<p>"So, Monsieur Paganel," said Glenarvan, "you have chosen Calcutta as +your centre of action?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord. To see India is an idea that I have cherished all my +life. It is my brightest dream, which shall be realized at last in the +country of the elephants and the Thugs."</p> + +<p>"Then you would not care to visit another country?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord; it would be even disagreeable, for I have letters from +Lord Somerset to the governor-general of India, and a mission from the +Geographical Society which I must fulfil."</p> + +<p>"Ah! you have a mission?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, a useful and curious voyage to undertake, the programme of +which has been arranged by my scientific friend and colleague, M. +Vivien de Saint Martin. It is to follow in the steps of the brothers +Schlagintweit, and many other celebrated travelers. I hope to succeed +where Missionary Krick unfortunately failed in 1846. In a word, I wish +to discover the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo, which waters Thibet, +and finally to settle whether this river does not join the Brahmapootra +in the northeast part of Assam. A gold medal is promised to that +traveler who shall succeed in supplying this much-needed information on +Indian geography."</p> + +<p>Paganel was grandiloquent. He spoke with a lofty animation, and was +carried away in the rapid flight of imagination. It would have been +as impossible to check him as to stay the Rhine at the Falls of +Schaffhausen.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Jacques Paganel," said Lord Glenarvan, after a moment +of silence, "that is certainly a fine voyage, and one for which +science would be very grateful; but I will not further prolong your +ignorance. For the present, you must give up the pleasure of seeing +India."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p065.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Paganel was grandiloquent. He spoke with a lofty animation, and was +carried away in the rapid flight of imagination.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> +"Give it up! And why?"</p> + +<p>"Because you are turning your back upon the Indian peninsula."</p> + +<p>"How? Captain Burton——"</p> + +<p>"I am not Captain Burton," replied John Mangles.</p> + +<p>"But the Scotia?"</p> + +<p>"This vessel is not the Scotia."</p> + +<p>Paganel's amazement cannot be depicted. He looked first at Lord +Glenarvan, always serious; then at Lady Helena and Miss Grant, whose +features expressed a sympathetic disappointment; and finally at Captain +Mangles, who was smiling, and the imperturbable major. Then, raising +his shoulders and drawing down his glasses from his forehead to his +eyes, he exclaimed,—</p> + +<p>"What a joke!"</p> + +<p>But at that his eyes fell upon the steering wheel, on which were +inscribed these two words, thus:</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p066.jpg" width="200" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"The Duncan! the Duncan!" he cried in a tone of real despair; and, +leaping down the companion-way, he rushed to his cabin.</p> + +<p>When the unfortunate geographer had disappeared, no one on board, +except the major, could retain gravity, and the laugh was communicated +even to the sailors. To mistake the railroad was not so bad; to take +the train to Dumbarton, instead of Edinburgh, would do. But to mistake +the vessel, and be sailing to Chili, when he wished to go to India, was +the height of absent-mindedness.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ABSENT-MINDEDNESS.</div> + +<p>"On the whole, I am not astonished at this on the part of Jacques +Paganel," said Glenarvan; "he is noted for such blunders. He once +published a celebrated map of America, in which he located Japan. +However, he is a distinguished scholar, and one of the best geographers +of France."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p067.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"But what are we going to do with the poor gentleman?" asked Lady +Helena. "We cannot take him to Patagonia."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" replied MacNabb gravely. "We are not responsible for his +errors. Suppose he were in a railroad car, would it stop for him?"</p> + +<p>"No; but he could get out at the first station," answered Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Glenarvan, "he can do so now, if he pleases, at our first +landing."</p> + +<p>At this moment Paganel, woeful and humble, reappeared on deck, after +convincing himself that his baggage was on board. He kept repeating +those fatal words: "The Duncan! the Duncan!" He could find no others +in his vocabulary.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> He went to and fro, examining the rigging of the +yacht, and questioning the mute horizon of the open sea. At last he +returned to Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p068.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"And this Duncan is going——?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"To America, Monsieur Paganel."</p> + +<p>"And where especially?"</p> + +<p>"To Concepcion."</p> + +<p>"To Chili! to Chili!" cried the unfortunate geographer. "And my mission +to India! But what will M. de Quatrefages say, the President of the +Central Commission? How shall I represent myself at the sessions of the +Society?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">COURTESY AND CONVERSE.</div> + +<p>"Come, monsieur," said Glenarvan, "do not despair. Everything can +be arranged, and you will only have to submit to a delay of little +consequence. The Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo will wait for you in the mountains +of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> Thibet. We shall soon reach Madeira, and there you will find a +vessel to take you back to Europe."</p> + +<p>"I thank you, my lord, and must be resigned. But we can say this is an +extraordinary adventure, which would not have happened but for me. And +my cabin which is engaged on board the Scotia?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, as for the Scotia, I advise you to give her up for the present."</p> + +<p>"But," said Paganel after examining the vessel again, "the Duncan is a +pleasure yacht."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Captain Mangles, "and belongs to his lordship, Lord +Glenarvan——"</p> + +<p>"Who begs you to make free use of his hospitality," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"A thousand thanks, my lord," replied Paganel; "I am truly sensible +to your courtesy. But permit me to make a simple remark. India is a +beautiful country. It offers marvelous surprises to travelers. These +ladies have probably never visited it. Well, the man at the helm needs +only to give a turn to the wheel, and the Duncan will go as easily to +Calcutta as Concepcion. Now, since this is a pleasure voyage——"</p> + +<p>The negative reception that met Paganel's proposal did not permit him +to develop it. He paused.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena at length, "if this were only a +pleasure voyage, I would answer: 'Let us all go to India,' and Lord +Glenarvan would not disapprove. But the Duncan is going to recover +some shipwrecked sailors, abandoned on the coast of Patagonia; and she +cannot change so humane a course."</p> + +<p>In a few moments the Frenchman was acquainted with the situation of +affairs, and learned, not without emotion, the providential discovery +of the documents, the story of Captain Grant, and Lady Helena's +generous proposal.</p> + +<p>"Madam," said he, "permit me to admire your conduct in all this, and to +admire it without reserve. May your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> yacht continue on her course; I +would reproach myself for delaying her a single day."</p> + +<p>"Will you then join in our search?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"It is impossible, madam; I must fulfil my mission. I shall disembark +at your first landing."</p> + +<p>"At Madeira then," said Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"At Madeira let it be. I shall be only one hundred and eighty leagues +from Lisbon, and will wait there for means of further conveyance."</p> + +<p>"Well, Monsieur Paganel," said Glenarvan, "it shall be as you desire; +and, for my part, I am happy that I can offer you for a few days the +hospitalities of my vessel. May you not grow weary of our company."</p> + +<p>"Oh, my lord," exclaimed the geographer, "I am still too happy in being +so agreeably disappointed. However, it is a very ludicrous situation +for a man who takes passage for India, and is sailing to America."</p> + +<p>In spite of this mortifying reflection, Paganel made the best use of a +delay that he could not avoid. He showed himself amiable, and even gay; +he enchanted the ladies with his good humor, and before the end of the +day he was the friend of every one. At his request the famous document +was shown to him. He studied it carefully, long and minutely. No other +interpretation appeared to him possible. Mary Grant and her brother +inspired him with the liveliest interest. He gave them good hopes. His +way of distinguishing the events, and the undeniable success that he +predicted for the Duncan, elicited a smile from the young girl.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THIS, OR THAT, OR NEITHER.</div> + +<p>As to Lady Helena, when he learned that she was the daughter of William +Tuffnel, there was an outburst of surprise and admiration. He had known +her father. What a bold discoverer! How many letters they had exchanged +when the latter was corresponding member of the Society! He it was who +had introduced him to M. Malte-Brun.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> What a meeting! and how much +pleasure to travel with the daughter of such a man! Finally, he asked +Lady Helena's permission to kiss her, to which she consented, although +it was perhaps a little "improper."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE GEOGRAPHER'S RESOLUTION.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Meanwhile the yacht, favored by the currents, was advancing rapidly +towards the equator. In a few days the island of Madeira came in view. +Glenarvan, faithful to his promise, offered to land his new guest here.</p> + +<p>"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will not be formal with you. Before +my arrival on board, did you intend to stop at Madeira?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Well, permit me to profit by the consequences of my unlucky blunder. +Madeira is an island too well known. Everything has been said and +written about it; and it is, moreover, rapidly declining in point of +civilization. If, then, it is all the same to you, let us land at the +Canaries."</p> + +<p>"Very well, at the Canaries," replied Glenarvan. "That will not take us +out of our way."</p> + +<p>"I know it, my dear lord. At the Canaries, you see, there are three +groups to study, not to speak of the Peak of Teneriffe, which I have +always desired to see. This is a fine opportunity. I will profit by +it; and, while waiting for a vessel, will attempt the ascent of this +celebrated mountain."</p> + +<p>"As you please, my dear Paganel," replied Glenarvan, who could not help +smiling, and with good reason.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Canaries are only a short distance from Madeira, scarcely two +hundred and fifty miles, a mere trifle for so good a vessel as the +Duncan.</p> + +<p>The same day, at two o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Mangles and +Paganel were walking on the deck. The Frenchman pressed his companion +with lively questions concerning Chili. All at once the captain +interrupted him, and pointing towards the southern horizon, said,—</p> + +<p>"Mr. Paganel!"</p> + +<p>"My dear captain," replied the geographer.</p> + +<p>"Please cast your eyes in that direction. Do you see nothing?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing."</p> + +<p>"You are not looking right. It is not on the horizon, but above, in the +clouds."</p> + +<p>"In the clouds? I look in vain."</p> + +<p>"Stop, now, just on a line with the end of the bowsprit."</p> + +<p>"I see nothing."</p> + +<p>"You do not wish to see. However that may be, although we are forty +miles distant, you understand, the Peak of Teneriffe is visible above +the horizon."</p> + +<p>Whether Paganel wished to see or not, he had to yield to the evidence +some hours afterwards, or, at least, confess himself blind.</p> + +<p>"You perceive it now?" said his companion.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, perfectly!" replied Paganel. "And that," added he in a +contemptuous tone, "is what you call the Peak of Teneriffe?"</p> + +<p>"The same."</p> + +<p>"It appears to be of very moderate height."</p> + +<p>"Yet it is eleven thousand feet above the level of the sea."</p> + +<p>"Not so high as Mont Blanc."</p> + +<p>"Very possibly; but when you come to climb it, you will find it, +perhaps, high enough."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p073.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They could scarcely see the city, which was on an +elevated plain in the form of a terrace, resting on volcanic rocks +three hundred feet in height. The appearance of the island through this +rainy curtain was misty.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> +"Oh! climb it, my dear captain? What is the use, I ask you, after +Humboldt and Bonpland? What can I do after these great men?"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p074.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Peak of Teneriffe.</p> +</div> + +<p>"Indeed," replied Captain Mangles, "there is nothing left but to wander +about. It is a pity, for you would be very tired waiting for a vessel +at Teneriffe. You cannot look for many distractions there."</p> + +<p>"Except my own," said Paganel, laughing. "But, my dear captain, have +not the Cape Verd Islands important landings?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. Nothing is easier than to land at Villa-Praïa."</p> + +<p>"Not to speak of an advantage that is not to be despised," answered +Paganel; "that the Cape Verd Islands are not far from Senegal, where I +shall find fellow-countrymen."</p> + +<p>"As you please, Mr. Paganel," replied Captain Mangles. "I am certain +that geographical science will gain by your sojourn in these islands. +We must land there to take in coal; you will, therefore, cause us no +delay."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DECLINED, WITH THANKS.</div> + +<p>So saying, the captain gave the order to pass to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> southeast of the +Canaries. The celebrated peak was soon left on the larboard; and the +Duncan, continuing her rapid course, cut the Tropic of Cancer the next +morning at five o'clock. The weather there changed. The atmosphere +had the moisture and oppressiveness of the rainy season, disagreeable +to travelers, but beneficial to the inhabitants of the African +islands, who have no trees, and consequently need water. The sea was +boisterous, and prevented the passengers from remaining on deck; but +the conversation in the cabin was not less animated.</p> + +<p>The next day Paganel began to collect his baggage preparatory to +his approaching departure. In a short time they entered the bay of +Villa-Praïa, and anchored opposite the city in eight fathoms of +water. The weather was stormy and the surf high, although the bay was +sheltered from the winds. The rain fell in torrents so that they could +scarcely see the city, which was on an elevated plain in the form of a +terrace, resting on volcanic rocks three hundred feet in height. The +appearance of the island through this rainy curtain was misty.</p> + +<p>Shipping the coal was not accomplished without great difficulty, and +the passengers saw themselves confined to the cabin, while sea and +sky mingled their waters in an indescribable tumult. The weather was, +therefore, the topic of conversation on board. Each one had his say +except the major, who would have witnessed the deluge itself with +perfect indifference. Paganel walked to and fro, shaking his head.</p> + +<p>"It is an imperative fact," said he.</p> + +<p>"It is certain," replied Glenarvan, "that the elements declare +themselves against you."</p> + +<p>"I will see about that."</p> + +<p>"You cannot face such a storm," said Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"I, madam? Certainly. I fear only for my baggage and instruments. They +will all be lost."</p> + +<p>"Our landing is the only thing doubtful," resumed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> Glenarvan. "Once +at Villa-Praïa, you will not have very uncomfortable quarters; rather +uncleanly, to be sure, in the company of monkeys and swine, whose +surroundings are not always agreeable; but a traveler does not regard +that so critically. Besides, you can hope in seven or eight months to +embark for Europe."</p> + +<p>"Seven or eight months!" exclaimed Paganel.</p> + +<p>"At least that. The Cape Verd Islands are very rarely frequented +during the rainy season. But you can employ your time profitably. This +archipelago is still little known. There is much to do, even now."</p> + +<p>"But," replied Paganel in a pitiful tone, "what could I do after the +investigations of the geologist Deville?"</p> + +<p>"That is really a pity," said Lady Helena. "What will become of you, +Monsieur Paganel?"</p> + +<p>Paganel was silent for a few moments.</p> + +<p>"You had decidedly better have landed at Madeira," rejoined Glenarvan, +"although there is no wine there."</p> + +<p>"My dear Glenarvan," continued Paganel at last, "where shall you land +next?"</p> + +<p>"At Concepcion."</p> + +<p>"Alas! but that would bring me directly away from India!"</p> + +<p>"No; for when you have passed Cape Horn you approach the Indies."</p> + +<p>"I very much doubt it."</p> + +<p>"Besides," continued Glenarvan with the greatest gravity, "as long as +you are at the Indies, what difference does it make whether they are +the East or the West?"</p> + +<p>"'What difference does it make'?"</p> + +<p>"The inhabitants of the Pampas of Patagonia are Indians as well as the +natives of the Punjab."</p> + +<p>"Eh! my lord," exclaimed Paganel, "that is a reason I should never have +imagined!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BAIT FOR A TRAVELLER.</div> + +<p>"And then, my dear Paganel, you know that you can gain the gold medal +in any country whatever. There is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> something to do, to seek, to +discover, everywhere, in the chains of the Cordilleras as well as the +mountains of Thibet."</p> + +<p>"But the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. You can replace that by the Rio Colorado. This is a river +very little known, and one of those which flow on the map too much +according to the fancy of the geographer."</p> + +<p>"I know it, my dear lord; there are errors of several degrees. I do not +doubt that at my request the Society would have sent me to Patagonia as +well as to India; but I did not think of it."</p> + +<p>"The result of your continual abstraction."</p> + +<p>"Well, Monsieur Paganel, shall you accompany us?" asked Lady Helena in +her most persuasive tone.</p> + +<p>"And my mission, madam?"</p> + +<p>"I inform you that we shall pass through the Strait of Magellan," +continued Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My lord, you are a tempter."</p> + +<p>"I add that we shall visit Port Famine."</p> + +<p>"Port Famine!" cried the Frenchman, assailed on all sides; "that port +so celebrated in geographical fasts!"</p> + +<p>"Consider also, Monsieur Paganel," continued Lady Helena, "that in this +enterprise you will have the right to associate the name of France with +that of Scotland."</p> + +<p>"Yes; doubtless."</p> + +<p>"A geographer may be very serviceable to our expedition; and what is +more noble than for science to enlist in the service of humanity?"</p> + +<p>"That is well said, madam."</p> + +<p>"Believe me, try chance, or rather Providence. Imitate us. It has sent +us this document; we have started. It has cast you on board the Duncan; +do not leave her."</p> + +<p>"And do you, indeed, wish me, my good friends?" replied Paganel. "Well, +you desire me to stay very much?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And you, Paganel, you are dying to stay," retorted Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Truly," cried the geographer, "but I fear I am very indiscreet."</p> + +<p>Thus far the Duncan had acquitted herself admirably: in every way her +powers for steaming or sailing had been sufficiently tested, and her +captain and passengers were alike satisfied with her performance and +with one another.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p078.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> + +<h3>THROUGH THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The joy on board was general, when Paganel's resolution was known. +Young Robert threw himself on his neck with very demonstrative +delight. The worthy geographer almost fell backwards. "A rough little +gentleman," said he; "I will teach him geography." As Captain Mangles +had engaged to make him a sailor, Glenarvan a man of honor, the major a +boy of coolness, Lady Helena a noble and generous being, and Mary Grant +a pupil grateful towards such patrons, Robert was evidently to become +one day an accomplished gentleman.</p> + +<p>The Duncan soon finished shipping her coal, and then leaving these +gloomy regions she gained the current from the southeast coast of +Brazil, and, after crossing the equator with a fine breeze from the +north, she entered the southern hemisphere. The passage was effected +without difficulty, and every one had good hopes. On this voyage in +search of Captain Grant, the probabilities increased every day. Their +captain was one of the most confident on board; but his confidence +proceeded especially from the desire that he cherished so strongly at +heart, of seeing Miss Mary happy and consoled. He was particularly +interested in this young girl; and this feeling he concealed so well, +that, except Miss Grant and himself, no one on board the Duncan had +perceived it.</p> + +<p>As for the learned geographer, he was probably the happiest man in the +southern hemisphere. He passed his time in studying the maps with which +he covered the cabin-table;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> and then followed daily discussions with +Mr. Olbinett, so that he could scarcely set the table.</p> + +<p>But Paganel had all the passengers on his side except the major, +who was very indifferent to geographical questions, especially at +dinner-time. Having discovered a whole cargo of odd books in the mate's +chests, and among them a number of Cervantes' works, the Frenchman +resolved to learn Spanish, which nobody on board knew, and which would +facilitate his search on the shores of Chili. Thanks to his love for +philology, he did not despair of speaking this new tongue fluently on +arriving at Concepcion. He therefore studied assiduously, and was heard +incessantly muttering heterogeneous syllables. During his leisure hours +he did not fail to give young Robert practical instruction, and taught +him the history of the country they were rapidly approaching.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the Duncan was proceeding at a remarkable rate. She +cut the Tropic of Capricorn, and her prow was headed toward the strait +of the celebrated geographer. Now and then the low shores of Patagonia +were seen, but like an almost invisible line on the horizon. They +sailed along the coast for more than ten miles, but Paganel's famous +telescope gave him only a vague idea of these American shores.</p> + +<p>The vessel soon found herself at the head of the strait, and entered +without hesitation. This way is generally preferred by steam-vessels +bound for the Pacific. Its exact length is three hundred and +seventy-six miles. Ships of the greatest tonnage can always find deep +water, even near its shores, an excellent bottom, and many springs of +water. The rivers abound in fish, the forest in game, there are safe +and easy landings at twenty places, and, in short, a thousand resources +that are wanting in the Strait of Lemaire, and off the terrible rocks +of Cape Horn, which are continually visited by storms and tempests.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p081.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> +During the first hours of the passage, till you reach Cape Gregory, +the shores are low and sandy. The entire passage lasted scarcely +thirty-six hours, and this moving panorama of the two shores well +rewarded the pains the geographer took to admire it under the radiant +beams of the southern sun. No inhabitant appeared on the shores of the +continent; and only a few Fuegians wandered along the barren rocks of +Terra del Fuego.</p> + +<p>At one moment the Duncan rounded the peninsula of Brunswick between +two magnificent sights. Just here the strait cuts between stupendous +masses of granite. The base of the mountains was hidden in the heart +of immense forests, while their summits, whitened with eternal snow, +were lost in the clouds. Towards the southeast Mount Taru towered +six thousand five hundred feet aloft. Night came, preceded by a long +twilight, the light melting away insensibly by gentle degrees, while +the sky was studded with brilliant stars.</p> + +<p>In the midst of this partial obscurity, the yacht boldly continued on +her course, without casting anchor in the safe bays with which the +shores abound. Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves. At others her propeller would +beat the waters of the great rivers, starting geese, ducks, snipe, +teal, and all the feathered tribes of the marshes. Soon deserted ruins +appeared, and fallen monuments, to which the night lent a grand aspect; +these were the mournful remains of an abandoned colony, whose name +will be an eternal contradiction to the fertility of the coasts and +the rich game of the forests. It was Port Famine, the place that the +Spaniard Sarmiento colonized in 1581 with four hundred emigrants. Here +he founded the city of San Felipe. But the extreme severity of the cold +weakened the colony; famine devoured those whom the winter had spared, +and in 1587 the explorer Cavendish found the last of these four hundred +unfortunates dying of hunger amid the ruins of a city only six years in +existence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHEERLESS MEMORIES.</div> + +<p>The vessel coasted along these deserted shores. At daybreak she sailed +in the midst of the narrow passes, between beeches, ash-trees, and +birches, from the bosom of which emerged ivy-clad domes, cupolas +tapestried with the hardy holly, and lofty spires, among which the +obelisk of Buckland rose to a great height. Far out in the sea sported +droves of seals and whales of great size, judging by their spouting, +which could be seen at a distance of four miles. At last they doubled +Cape Froward, still bristling with the ices of winter. On the other +side of the strait, on Terra del Fuego, rose Mount Sarmiento to the +height of six thousand feet, an enormous mass of rock broken by bands +of clouds which formed as it were an aerial archipelago in the sky.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p083.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Port Famine.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p>Cape Froward is the real end of the American continent, for Cape Horn +is only a lone rock in the sea. Passing this point the strait narrowed +between Brunswick Peninsula, and Desolation Island. Then to fertile +shores succeeded a line of wild barren coast, cut by a thousand inlets +of this tortuous labyrinth.</p> + +<p>The Duncan unerringly and unhesitatingly pursued its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> capricious +windings, mingling her columns of smoke with the mists on the rocks. +Without lessening her speed, she passed several Spanish factories +established on these deserted shores. At Cape Tamar the strait widened. +The yacht rounded the Narborough Islands, and approached the southern +shores. At last, thirty-six hours after entering the strait, the rocks +of Cape Pilares were discerned at the extreme point of Desolation +Island. An immense open glittering sea extended before her prow, and +Jacques Paganel, hailing it with an enthusiastic gesture, felt moved +like Ferdinand Magellan himself, when the sails of the Trinidad swelled +before the breezes of the Pacific.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE COURSE DECIDED.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Eight days after doubling Cape Pilares the Duncan entered at full speed +the Bay of Talcahuana, a magnificent estuary, twelve miles long and +nine broad. The weather was beautiful. Not a cloud is seen in the sky +of this country from November to March, and the wind from the south +blows continually along these coasts, which are protected by the chain +of the Andes.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, according to Lord Glenarvan's orders, had kept close +to the shore of the continent, examining the numerous wrecks that lined +it. A waif, a broken spar, a piece of wood fashioned by the hand of +man, might guide the Duncan to the scene of the shipwreck. But nothing +was seen, and the yacht continued her course and anchored in the harbor +of Talcahuana forty-two days after her departure from the waters of the +Clyde.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LEARNING SPANISH!</div> + +<p>Glenarvan at once lowered the boat, and, followed by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> Paganel, landed +at the foot of the palisade. The learned geographer, profiting by the +circumstance, would have made use of the language which he had studied +so conscientiously; but, to his great astonishment, he could not make +himself understood by the natives.</p> + +<p>"The accent is what I need," said he.</p> + +<p>"Let us go to the Custom-house," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>There they were informed by means of several English words, accompanied +by expressive gestures, that the British consul resided at Concepcion. +It was only an hour's journey. Glenarvan easily found two good horses, +and, a short time after, Paganel and he entered the walls of this great +city, which was built by the enterprising genius of Valdivia, the +valiant companion of Pizarro.</p> + +<p>How greatly it had declined from its ancient splendor! Often pillaged +by the natives, burnt in 1819, desolate, ruined, its walls still +blackened with the flames of devastation, eclipsed by Talcahuana, it +now scarcely numbered eight thousand souls. Under the feet of its +idle inhabitants the streets had grown into prairies. There was no +commerce, no activity, no business. The mandolin resounded from every +balcony, languishing songs issued from the lattices of the windows, and +Concepcion, the ancient city of men, had become a village of women and +children.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan appeared little desirous of seeking the causes of this +decline—though Jacques Paganel attacked him on this subject—and, +without losing an instant, betook himself to the house of J. R. +Bentock, Esq., consul of Her Britannic Majesty. This individual +received him very courteously, and when he learned the story of Captain +Grant undertook to search along the entire coast.</p> + +<p>The question whether the Britannia had been wrecked on the shores of +Chili or Araucania was decided in the negative. No report of such an +event had come either to the consul, or his colleagues in other parts +of the country.</p> + +<p>But Glenarvan was not discouraged. He returned to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> Talcahuana, and, +sparing neither fatigue, trouble, or money, he sent men to the coast, +but their search was in vain. The most minute inquiries among the +people of the vicinity were of no avail. They were forced to conclude +that the Britannia had left no trace of her shipwreck.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p086.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">In Concepcion.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">"TRY AGAIN!"</div> + +<p>Glenarvan then informed his companions of the failure of his endeavors. +Mary Grant and her brother could not restrain their grief. It was now +six days since the arrival of the Duncan at Talcahuana. The passengers +were together in the cabin. Lady Helena was consoling, not by her +words—for what could she say?—but by her caresses, the two children +of the captain. Jacques Paganel had taken up the document again, and +was regarding it with earnest attention, as if he would have drawn from +it new secrets.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> For an hour he had examined it thus, when Glenarvan, +addressing him, said,—</p> + +<p>"Paganel, I appeal to your sagacity. Is the interpretation we have made +of this document incorrect? Is the sense of these words illogical?"</p> + +<p>Paganel did not answer. He was reflecting.</p> + +<p>"Are we mistaken as to the supposed scene of the shipwreck?" continued +Glenarvan. "Does not the name Patagonia suggest itself at once to the +mind?"</p> + +<p>Paganel was still silent.</p> + +<p>"In short," said Glenarvan, "does not the word <i>Indian</i> justify us +still more?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly," replied MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"And therefore, is it not evident that these shipwrecked men, when they +wrote these lines, expected to be prisoners of the Indians?"</p> + +<p>"There you are wrong, my dear lord," said Paganel, at last; "and if +your other conclusions are just, the last at least does not seem to me +rational."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked Lady Helena, while all eyes were turned +towards the geographer.</p> + +<p>"I mean," answered Paganel, emphasizing his words, "that Captain Grant +is <i>now prisoner of the Indians</i>: and I will add that the document +leaves no doubt on this point."</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself, sir," said Miss Grant.</p> + +<p>"Nothing is easier, my dear Mary. Instead of reading <i>they will be +prisoners</i>, read <i>they are prisoners</i>, and all will be clear."</p> + +<p>"But that is impossible," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Impossible? And why, my noble friend?" asked Paganel, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Because the bottle must have been thrown when the vessel was breaking +on the rocks. Hence the degrees of longitude and latitude apply to the +very place of shipwreck."</p> + +<p>"Nothing proves it," said Paganel, earnestly; "and I do not see why +the shipwrecked sailors, after being carried by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> the Indians into the +interior of the country, could not have sought to make known by means +of this bottle the place of their captivity."</p> + +<p>"Simply, my dear Paganel, because to throw a bottle into the sea it is +necessary, at least, that the sea should be before you."</p> + +<p>"Or, in the absence of the sea," added Paganel, "the rivers which flow +into it."</p> + +<p>An astonished silence followed this unexpected, yet reasonable, answer. +By the flash that brightened the eyes of his hearers Paganel knew that +each of them had conceived a new hope. Lady Helena was the first to +resume the conversation.</p> + +<p>"What an idea!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"What a <i>good</i> idea!" added the geographer, simply.</p> + +<p>"Your advice then?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My advice is to find the thirty-seventh parallel, just where it meets +the American coast, and follow it, without deviating half a degree, to +the point where it strikes the Atlantic. Perhaps we shall find on its +course the survivors of the Britannia."</p> + +<p>"A feeble chance," replied the major.</p> + +<p>"However feeble it may be," continued Paganel, "we ought not to neglect +it. If I am right that this bottle reached the sea by following the +current of a river, we cannot fail to come upon the traces of the +prisoners. Look, my friends, look at the map of this country, and I +will convince you beyond a doubt."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">NIL DESPERANDUM!</div> + +<p>So saying, Paganel spread out before them upon the table a large map of +Chili and the Argentine Provinces. "Look," said he, "and follow me in +this passage across the American continent. Let us pass over the narrow +strip of Chili and the Cordilleras of the Andes, and descend into the +midst of the Pampas. Are rivers, streams, water-courses, wanting in +these regions? No. Here are the Rio Negro, the Rio Colorado, and their +affluents, cut by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> thirty-seventh parallel, all of which might have +served to transport the document. There, perhaps, in the midst of a +tribe, in the hands of settled Indians, on the shores of these unknown +rivers, in the gorges of the sierras, those whom I have the right to +call our friends are awaiting an interposition of Providence. Ought +we, then, to disappoint their hopes? Do you not think we should follow +across these countries an unswerving course? And if, contrary to all +expectation, I am still mistaken, is it not our duty to trace this +parallel to the very end, and, if necessary, make upon it the tour of +the world?"</p> + +<p>These words, spoken with a noble enthusiasm, excited a deep emotion +among Paganel's hearers. All rose to shake hands with him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my father is there!" cried Robert Grant, devouring the map with +his eyes.</p> + +<p>"And wherever he is," replied Glenarvan, "we shall find him, my child. +Nothing is more consistent than our friend Paganel's interpretation, +and we must follow without hesitation the course he has indicated. +Either Captain Grant is in the hands of countless Indians, or is +prisoner in a feeble tribe. In the latter case, we will rescue him. In +the former, after ascertaining his situation, we will join the Duncan +on the eastern coast, sail to Buenos Ayres, and with a detachment, +organized by the major, can overcome all the Indians of the Argentine +Plains."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, your lordship," answered Captain Mangles; "and I will add +that this passage of the continent will be without peril."</p> + +<p>"Without peril, or fatigue," continued Paganel. "How many have already +accomplished it who had scarcely our means for success, and whose +courage was not sustained by the grandeur of the undertaking!"</p> + +<p>"Sir, sir," exclaimed Mary Grant, in a voice broken with emotion, "how +can I thank a devotion that exposes you to so many dangers?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dangers!" cried Paganel. "Who uttered the word <i>danger</i>?"</p> + +<p>"Not I!" replied Robert Grant, with flashing eye and determined look.</p> + +<p>"Danger!" repeated Paganel; "does such a thing exist? Moreover, what is +the question? A journey of scarcely three hundred and fifty leagues, +since we shall proceed in a straight line; a journey which will be +accomplished in a favorable latitude and climate; in short, a journey +whose duration will be only a month at most. It is a mere walk."</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Paganel," asked Lady Helena at last, "do you think that, if +the shipwrecked sailors have fallen into the power of the Indians, +their lives have been spared?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly I do, madam. The Indians are not cannibals; far from that, +one of my countrymen whom I knew in the Society was three years +prisoner among the Indians of the Pampas. He suffered, was ill-treated, +but at last gained the victory in this trying ordeal. A European is +a useful person in these countries. The Indians know his value, and +esteem him very highly."</p> + +<p>"Well then, there is no more hesitation," said Glenarvan; "we must +start, and that, too, without delay. What course shall we take?"</p> + +<p>"An easy and agreeable one," replied Paganel. "A few mountains to begin +with; then a gentle descent on the eastern slope of the Andes; and at +last a level, grassy, sandy plain, a real garden."</p> + +<p>"Let us see the map," said the major.</p> + +<p>"Here it is, my dear MacNabb. We shall begin at the end of the +thirty-seventh parallel on the coast of Chili. After passing through +the capital of Araucania, we shall strike the Cordilleras, and +descending their steep declivities across the Rio Colorado, we shall +reach the Pampas. Passing the frontiers of Buenos Ayres, we shall +continue our search until we reach the shores of the Atlantic."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A STROLL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.</div> + +<p>Thus speaking and developing the programme of the expedition, Paganel +did not even take the trouble to look at the map spread before him. +And he had no need to; educated in the schools of Frézier, Molina, +Humboldt, and Miers, his unerring memory could neither be deceived nor +baffled. After finishing his plan, he added:</p> + +<p>"Therefore, my dear friends, the course is straight. In thirty days we +shall accomplish it, and arrive before the Duncan on the eastern shore, +since the westerly winds will delay her progress."</p> + +<p>"The Duncan then," said Captain Mangles, "will cross the thirty-seventh +parallel between Cape Corrientes and Cape St. Antonio?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"And whom would you constitute the members of such an expedition?" +asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"The fewer the better. The only point is to ascertain the situation of +Captain Grant, and not to engage in combat with the Indians. I think +that Lord Glenarvan, as our chief, the major, who would yield his place +to no one, your servant Jacques Paganel——"</p> + +<p>"And I!" cried Robert Grant.</p> + +<p>"Robert?" said Mary.</p> + +<p>"And why not?" answered Paganel. "Travels develop youth. We four, then, +and three sailors of the Duncan——"</p> + +<p>"What," exclaimed Captain Mangles, "your lordship does not intercede +for me?"</p> + +<p>"My dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we shall leave the ladies on +board, the dearest objects we have in the world. Who would watch over +them, if not the devoted captain of the Duncan?"</p> + +<p>"We cannot accompany you, then," said Lady Helena, whose eyes were +dimmed by a mist of sadness.</p> + +<p>"My dear wife," replied Glenarvan, "our journey will be performed with +unusual rapidity, our separation will be short, and——"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p092.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful fellow, and +Mulready, were the fortunate ones.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">GOOD AFTERNOON!</div> + +<p>"Yes, yes; I understand you," answered Lady Helena. "Go, then, and may +you succeed in your enterprise."</p> + +<p>"Besides, this is not a journey," added Paganel.</p> + +<p>"What is it, then?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"A passage, nothing more. We shall pass, that is all, like honest +men, over the country and do all the good possible. '<i>Transire +benefaciendo</i>' is our motto."</p> + +<p>With these words the discussion ended. The preparations were begun that +very day, and it was resolved to keep the expedition secret, in order +not to alarm the Indians. The 14th of October was fixed for the day of +departure.</p> + +<p>When they came to choose the sailors who were to go, they all offered +their services, and Glenarvan was forced to make a choice. He preferred +to have them draw lots, that he might not mortify such brave men. This +was accordingly done; and the mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful +fellow, and Mulready, were the fortunate ones.</p> + +<p>Lord Glenarvan had displayed great energy in his preparations, for he +wished to be ready at the day appointed; and he was. Captain Mangles +likewise supplied his ship with coal, that he might put to sea at any +moment. He wished to gain the Argentine shore before the travelers. +Hence there was a real rivalry between Glenarvan and the captain, which +was of advantage to both.</p> + +<p>At last, on the 14th of October, at the time agreed upon, every one was +ready. At the moment of departure the passengers of the yacht assembled +in the cabin. The Duncan was on the point of starting, and already her +propeller was agitating the quiet waters of Talcahuana Bay. Glenarvan, +Paganel, MacNabb, Robert Grant, Tom Austin, Wilson and Mulready, armed +with carbines and Colt's revolvers, were preparing to leave the vessel. +Guides and mules were waiting for them on shore.</p> + +<p>"It is time," said Lord Glenarvan at last.</p> + +<p>"Go, then, my husband!" replied Lady Helena, restraining her emotion.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>He pressed her to his breast, while Robert threw himself upon the neck +of his sister.</p> + +<p>"And now, dear companions," said Jacques Paganel, "one last clasp of +the hand to last us till we reach the shores of the Atlantic."</p> + +<p>It was not asking much, but these were clasps which would strengthen +the hopes of the worthy geographer.</p> + +<p>They then returned to the deck, and the seven travelers left the +vessel. They soon reached the wharf, which the yacht approached within +less than half a cable's length.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena cried for the last time,—</p> + +<p>"My friends, God help you!"</p> + +<p>"And he will help us, madam," answered Jacques Paganel; "for, I assure +you, we shall help ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Forward!" shouted Captain Mangles to his engineer.</p> + +<p>"<i>En route</i>!" returned Glenarvan; and at the same instant that the +travelers, giving reins to their animals, followed the road along the +shore, the Duncan started again at full speed on the highway of the +ocean.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> + +<h3>TRAVELING IN CHILI.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The native troop engaged by Glenarvan consisted of three men and a boy. +The leader of the muleteers was an Englishman who had lived in the +country for twenty years. His occupation was to let mules to travelers, +and guide them across the passes of the Andes. Then he consigned them +to the care of a "laqueano" (Argentine guide), who was familiar with +the road over the Pampas.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE PROCESSION FORMED.</div> + +<p>This Englishman had not so forgotten his native tongue,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> in the company +of mules and Indians, that he could not converse with the travelers. +Hence it was easy for Glenarvan to make known his wishes, and for +the muleteer to execute his orders, of which circumstance the former +availed himself, since Paganel had not yet succeeded in making himself +understood.</p> + +<p>This leader, or "catapaz," in the language of Chili, was assisted by +two native peons and a boy of twelve. The peons had charge of the +mules laden with the baggage of the party, and the boy led the madrina +(little mare), which wore small bells, and went in advance of the other +ten mules. The travelers were mounted on seven, and the catapaz on one, +of these animals, while the two others carried the provisions and a +few rolls of cloth designed to insure the good-will of the chiefs of +the plains. The peons traveled on foot according to their custom. This +journey in South America was, therefore, to be performed under the most +favorable conditions of safety and speed.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p095.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Crossing the Andes is not an ordinary journey. It cannot be undertaken +without employing those hardy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> mules, of which the most preferable +belong to the Argentine Republic. These excellent animals have attained +in that country a development superior to their pristine quality and +strength. They are not very particular about their food, drink only +once a day, and easily make ten leagues in eight hours.</p> + +<p>There are no taverns on this route, from one ocean to the other. You +eat dried meat, rice seasoned with allspice, and whatever game can be +captured on the way. In the mountains the torrents, and in the plains +the rivers, furnish water, generally flavored with a few drops of rum, +of which each has a supply in an ox-horn called "chiffle." However, +care must be taken not to indulge too much in alcoholic drinks, which +are specially injurious in a region where the nervous system is +peculiarly excited.</p> + +<p>As for your bedding, it consists merely of the native saddle called +"recado." This saddle is made of sheep-skins tanned on one side and +covered with wool on the other, and is supported by broad girths +elaborately embroidered. A traveler wrapped in one of these warm +coverings can brave with impunity the dampness of the nights, and enjoy +the soundest repose.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, who knew how to travel and conform to the customs of +different countries, had adopted the Chilian costume for himself and +his friends. Paganel and Robert, two children (a large and a small +one), felt no pleasure in introducing their heads into the national +poncho (a large blanket with a hole in the centre), and their legs +into leathern stirrups. They would rather have seen their mules +richly caparisoned, with the Arab bit in their mouths, a long bridle +of braided leather for a whip, and their heads adorned with metal +ornaments and the "alforjas" (double saddle-bags containing the +provisions).</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LAND AND WATER.</div> + +<p>Paganel, always absent-minded, received three or four kicks from his +excellent animal just as he was mounting. Once in the saddle, however, +with his inseparable telescope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> in a sling and his feet confined in the +stirrups, he confided himself to the sagacity of his beast, and had +no reason to repent. As for young Robert, he showed from the first a +remarkable capacity for becoming an excellent horseman.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p097.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>They started. The day was magnificent, the sky was perfectly clear, +and the atmosphere sufficiently refreshed by the sea-breezes in spite +of the heat of the sun. The little party followed at a rapid pace the +winding shores of the bay, and made good progress the first day across +the reeds of old dried marshes. Little was said. The parting farewells +had left a deep impression upon the minds of all. They could still see +the smoke of the Duncan as she gradually disappeared on the horizon. +All were silent, except Paganel; this studious geographer kept asking +himself questions, and answering them, in his new language.</p> + +<p>The catapaz was, moreover, quite a taciturn man, whose avocation had +not made him loquacious. He scarcely spoke to his peons, for they +understood their duty very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> well. Whenever a mule stopped, they urged +him with a guttural cry. If this did not suffice, a good pebble thrown +with sure aim overcame his obstinacy. If a girth gave way or a bridle +was loosened, the peon, taking off his poncho, enveloped the head of +the animal, which, when the injury was repaired, resumed its pace.</p> + +<p>The custom of the muleteers is to set out at eight o'clock in the +morning after breakfast, and travel thus till it is time to rest at +four o'clock in the afternoon. Glenarvan, accordingly, conformed +to this custom. Precisely when the signal to halt was given by the +catapaz, the travelers arrived at the city of Arauco, situated at the +southern extremity of the bay, without having left the foam-washed +shore of the ocean. They would have had to proceed twenty miles farther +to the west to reach the limits of the thirty-seventh parallel; but +Glenarvan's agents had already traversed that part of the coast +without meeting with any signs of shipwreck. A new exploration became, +therefore, useless, and it was decided that the city of Arauco should +be chosen as their point of departure. From this their course was to +be directed towards the east in a rigorously straight line. The little +party entered the city and took up their quarters in the open court of +a tavern, whose accommodations were still in a rudimentary state.</p> + +<p>While supper was preparing, Glenarvan, Paganel and the catapaz took a +walk among the thatch-roofed houses. Except a church and the remains +of a convent of Franciscans, Arauco presented nothing interesting. +Glenarvan attempted to make some inquiries, but failed, while Paganel +was in despair at not being able to make himself understood by the +inhabitants. But, since they spoke Araucanian, his Spanish served him +as little as Hebrew.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ONWARD, AND ONWARD STILL.</div> + +<p>The next day, the madrina at the head, and the peons in the rear, the +little troop resumed the line of the thirty-seventh parallel towards +the east. They now crossed the fertile territory of Araucania, rich in +vineyards and flocks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> But gradually solitude ensued. Scarcely, from +mile to mile, was there a hut of "rastreadores" (Indian horse-tamers). +Now and then they came upon an abandoned relay-station, that only +served as a shelter to some wanderer on the plains; and, by means of a +ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the mountains visible in the distance.</p> + +<p>At four o'clock in the afternoon, after a journey of thirty-five miles, +they halted in the open country under a group of giant myrtles. The +mules were unharnessed, and left to graze at will upon the rich herbage +of the prairie. The saddle-bags furnished the usual meat and rice, +the pelions spread on the ground served as covering, the saddles as +pillows, and each one found on these improvised beds a ready repose, +while the peons and the catapaz watched in turn.</p> + +<p>As the weather continued pleasant, all the travelers, not excepting +Robert, were still in good health; and, since the journey had begun +under such favorable auspices, they thought it best to profit by it, +and push on. The following day they advanced rapidly, crossed without +accident Bell Rapids, and at evening encamped on the banks of the Rio +Biobio. There were thirty-five miles more to travel before they were +out of Chili.</p> + +<p>The country had not changed. It was still rich in amaryllis, violets, +date-trees, and golden-flowered cactuses. A few animals, among +others the ocelot, inhabited the thickets. A heron, a solitary owl, +thrushes and snipes wary of the talons of the hawk, were the only +representatives of the feathered tribe.</p> + +<p>Of the natives few were seen; only some "guassos" (degenerate children +of the Indians and Spanish), galloping on horses which they lacerated +with the gigantic spurs that adorned their naked feet, and passing +like shadows. They met on the way no one who could inform them, and +inquiries were therefore utterly impossible.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ASTONISHED CATAPAZ.</div> + +<p>Glenarvan thought that Captain Grant, if prisoner of the Indians, must +have been carried by them beyond the Andes. Their search could be +successful only in the Pampas. They must be patient, and travel on +swiftly and continuously.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p100.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">By means of a ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the +mountains visible in the distance.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> +They advanced in the same order as before, which Robert with difficulty +kept, for his eagerness led him to press forward, to the great +annoyance of his animal. Nothing but a command from Glenarvan would +keep the young boy at his place in the line. The country now became +more uneven; and several hillocks indicated that they were approaching +the mountains.</p> + +<p>Paganel still continued his study of Spanish.</p> + +<p>"What a language it is!" exclaimed he; "so full and sonorous!"</p> + +<p>"But you are making progress, of course?" replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my dear lord. Ah! if there were only no accent! But, alas! +there is one!"</p> + +<p>In studying this language, Paganel did not, however, neglect his +geographical observations. In these, indeed, he was astonishingly +clever, and could not have found his superior. When Glenarvan +questioned the catapaz about some peculiarity of the country, his +learned companion would always anticipate the answer of the guide, who +then gazed at him with a look of amazement.</p> + +<p>That same day they met a road which crossed the line that they had +hitherto pursued. Lord Glenarvan naturally asked its name of their +guide, and Paganel as naturally answered,—</p> + +<p>"The road from Yumbel to Los Angelos."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan looked at the catapaz.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied he.</p> + +<p>Then, addressing the geographer, he said,—</p> + +<p>"You have traveled in this country?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Paganel gravely.</p> + +<p>"On a mule?"</p> + +<p>"No; in an arm-chair."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> + +<p>The catapaz did not understand, for he shrugged his shoulders and +returned to the head of the troop.</p> + +<p>At five o'clock in the afternoon they stopped in a shallow gorge, a +few miles above the little town of Loja; and that night the travelers +encamped at the foot of the first slopes of the Andes.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> + +<h3>ELEVEN THOUSAND FEET ALOFT.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The route through Chili had as yet presented no serious obstacles; but +now the dangers that attend a journey across the mountains suddenly +increased, the struggle with the natural difficulties was about to +begin in earnest.</p> + +<p>An important question had to be decided before starting. By what pass +could they cross the Andes with the least departure from the prescribed +course? The catapaz was questioned on this subject.</p> + +<p>"I know," he replied, "of but two passes that are practicable in this +part of the Andes."</p> + +<p>"Doubtless the pass of Arica," said Paganel, "which was discovered by +Valdivia Mendoza."</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"And that of Villarica, situated to the south of Nevado."</p> + +<p>"You are right."</p> + +<p>"Well, my friend, these two passes have only one difficulty; they will +carry us to the south, or the north, farther than we wish."</p> + +<p>"Have you another pass to propose?" asked the major.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Paganel; "the pass of Antuco."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Glenarvan; "but do you know this pass, catapaz?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ATTAINING TO EMINENCE.</div> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, I have crossed it, and did not propose it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> because it is +only a cattle-track for the Indian herdsmen of the eastern slopes."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, my friend," continued Glenarvan; "where the herds of the +Indians pass, we can also; and, since this will keep us in our course, +let us start for the pass of Antuco."</p> + +<p>The signal for departure was immediately given, and they entered the +valley of Los Lejos between great masses of crystalized limestone, and +ascended a very gradual slope. Towards noon they had to pass around +the shores of a small lake, the picturesque reservoir of all the +neighboring streams which flowed into it.</p> + +<p>Above the lake extended vast "llanos," lofty plains, covered with +grass, where the herds of the Indians grazed. Then they came upon a +swamp which extended to the south and north, but which the instinct +of the mules enabled them to avoid. Soon Fort Ballenare appeared on a +rocky peak which it crowned with its dismantled walls. The ascent had +already become abrupt and stony, and the pebbles, loosened by the hoofs +of the mules, rolled under their feet in a rattling torrent.</p> + +<p>The road now became difficult, and even perilous. The steepness +increased, the walls on either side approached each other more and +more, while the precipices yawned frightfully. The mules advanced +cautiously in single file, with their noses to the ground, scenting the +way.</p> + +<p>Now and then, at a sudden turn, the madrina disappeared, and the little +caravan was then guided by the distant tinkling of her bell. Sometimes, +too, the capricious windings of the path would bend the column into +two parallel lines, and the catapaz could talk to the peons, while a +crevasse, scarcely two fathoms wide, but two hundred deep, formed an +impassable abyss between them.</p> + +<p>Under these conditions it was difficult to distinguish the course. The +almost incessant action of subterranean and volcanic agency changes +the road, and the landmarks are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> never the same. Therefore the catapaz +hesitated, stopped, looked about him, examined the form of the rocks, +and searched on the crumbling stones for the tracks of Indians.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p104.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Glenarvan followed in the steps of his guide. He perceived, he <i>felt</i>, +his embarrassment, increasing with the difficulties of the way. He did +not dare to question him, but thought that it was better to trust to +the instinct of the muleteers and mules.</p> + +<p>For an hour longer the catapaz wandered at a venture, but always +seeking the more elevated parts of the mountain. At last he was forced +to stop short. They were at the bottom of a narrow valley,—one of +those ravines that the Indians call "quebradas." A perpendicular wall +of porphyry barred their exit.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN.</div> + +<p>The catapaz, after searching vainly for a passage, dismounted,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> folded +his arms, and waited. Glenarvan approached him.</p> + +<p>"Have you lost your way?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"No, my lord," replied the catapaz.</p> + +<p>"But we are not at the pass of Antuco?"</p> + +<p>"We are."</p> + +<p>"Are you not mistaken?"</p> + +<p>"I am not. Here are the remains of a fire made by the Indians, and the +tracks left by their horses."</p> + +<p>"Well, they passed this way?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but we cannot. The last earthquake has made it impracticable."</p> + +<p>"For mules," replied the major; "but not for men."</p> + +<p>"That is for you to decide," said the catapaz. "I have done what I +could. My mules and I are ready to turn back, if you please, and search +for the other passes of the Andes."</p> + +<p>"But that will cause a delay."</p> + +<p>"Of three days, at least."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan listened in silence to the words of the catapaz, who had +evidently acted in accordance with his engagement. His mules could go +no farther; but when the proposal was made to retrace their steps, +Glenarvan turned towards his companions, and said,—</p> + +<p>"Do you wish to go on?"</p> + +<p>"We will follow you," replied Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"And even precede you," added Paganel. "What is it, after all? To scale +a chain of mountains whose opposite slopes afford an unusually easy +descent. This accomplished, we can find the Argentine laqueanos, who +will guide us across the Pampas, and swift horses accustomed to travel +over the plains. Forward, then, without hesitation."</p> + +<p>"Forward!" cried his companions.</p> + +<p>"You do not accompany us?" said Glenarvan to the catapaz.</p> + +<p>"I am the muleteer," he replied.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> + +<p>"As you say."</p> + +<p>"Never mind," said Paganel; "on the other side of this wall we shall +find the pass of Antuco again, and I will lead you to the foot of the +mountain as directly as the best guide of the Andes."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan accordingly settled with the catapaz, and dismissed him, his +peons, and his mules. The arms, the instruments, and the remaining +provisions, were divided among the seven travelers. By common consent +it was decided that the ascent should be undertaken immediately, and +that, if necessary, they should travel part of the night. Around the +precipice to the left wound a steep path that mules could not ascend. +The difficulties were great; but, after two hours of fatigue and +wandering, Glenarvan and his companions found themselves again in the +pass of Antuco.</p> + +<p>They were now in that part of the Andes properly so called, not far +from the main ridge of the mountains; but of the path traced out, of +the pass, nothing could be seen. All this region had just been thrown +into confusion by the recent earthquakes.</p> + +<p>They ascended all night, climbed almost inaccessible plateaus, and +leaped over broad and deep crevasses. Their arms took the place of +ropes, and their shoulders served as steps. The strength of Mulready +and the skill of Wilson were often called into requisition. Many times, +without their devotion and courage, the little party could not have +advanced.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan never lost sight of young Robert, whose youth and eagerness +led him to acts of rashness, while Paganel pressed on with all the +ardor of a Frenchman. As for the major, he only moved as much as +was necessary, no more, no less, and mounted the path by an almost +insensible motion. Did he perceive that he had been ascending +for several hours? It is not certain. Perhaps he imagined he was +descending.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PRACTICING "EXCELSIOR."</div> + +<p>At five o'clock in the morning the travelers had attained a height of +seven thousand five hundred feet. They were now on the lower ridges, +the last limit of arborescent vegetation. At this hour the aspect of +these regions was entirely changed. Great blocks of glittering ice, of +a bluish color in certain parts, rose on all sides, and reflected the +first rays of the sun.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p107.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>The ascent now became very perilous. They no longer advanced without +carefully examining the ice. Wilson had taken the lead, and with his +foot tested the surface of the glaciers. His companions followed +exactly in his footsteps, and avoided uttering a word, for the least +sound might have caused the fall of the snowy masses suspended eight +hundred feet above their heads.</p> + +<p>They had reached the region of shrubs, which, four hundred and fifty +feet higher, gave place to grass and cactuses. At eleven thousand feet +all traces of vegetation disappeared. The travelers had stopped only +once to recruit their strength by a hasty repast, and with superhuman +courage they resumed the ascent in the face of the ever-increasing +dangers.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p108.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Two hours more of terrible exertion followed. They kept +ascending, in order to reach the highest summit of this part of the +mountain.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SOMEWHAT SERIOUS.</div> + +<p>The strength of the little troop, however, in spite of their courage, +was almost gone. Glenarvan, seeing the exhaustion of his companions, +regretted having engaged in the undertaking. Young Robert struggled +against fatigue, but could go no farther.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan stopped.</p> + +<p>"We must take a rest," said he, for he clearly saw that no one else +would make this proposal.</p> + +<p>"Take a rest?" replied Paganel; "how? where? we have no shelter."</p> + +<p>"It is indispensable, if only for Robert."</p> + +<p>"No, my lord," replied the courageous child; "I can still walk—do not +stop."</p> + +<p>"We will carry you, my boy," said Paganel, "but we must, at all +hazards, reach the eastern slope. There, perhaps, we shall find some +hut in which we can take refuge. I ask for two hours more of travel."</p> + +<p>"Do you all agree?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied his companions.</p> + +<p>"I will take charge of the brave boy," added the equally brave Mulready.</p> + +<p>They resumed their march towards the east. Two hours more of terrible +exertion followed. They kept ascending, in order to reach the highest +summit of this part of the mountain.</p> + +<p>Whatever were the desires of these courageous men, the moment now came +when the most valiant failed, and dizziness, that terrible malady of +the mountains, exhausted not only their physical strength but their +moral courage. It is impossible to struggle with impunity against +fatigues of this kind. Soon falls became frequent, and those who fell +could only advance by dragging themselves on their knees.</p> + +<p>Exhaustion was about to put an end to this too prolonged ascent; and +Glenarvan was considering with terror the extent of the snow, the cold +which in this fatal region<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> was so much to be dreaded, the shadows that +were deepening on the solitary peaks, and the absence of a shelter for +the night, when the major stopped him, and, in a calm tone, said,—</p> + +<p>"A hut!"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p110.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A SUDDEN DESCENT.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Any one but MacNabb would have passed by, around, or even over this +hut a hundred times without suspecting its existence. A projection on +the surface of the snow scarcely distinguished it from the surrounding +rocks. It was necessary to uncover it; after half an hour of persistent +labor, Wilson and Mulready had cleared away the entrance to the +"casucha," and the little party stepped in.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A "RESTAURANT" REOPENED.</div> + +<p>This casucha, constructed by the Indians, was made of adobes, a kind +of bricks dried in the sun. Ten persons could easily find room inside, +and, if its walls had not been sufficiently water-tight in the rainy +season, at this time, at least, they were some protection against the +severity of the cold. There was, besides, a sort of fireplace with a +flue of bricks very poorly laid, which enabled them to kindle a fire, +and thus withstand the external temperature.</p> + +<p>"Here is a shelter, at least," said Glenarvan, "even if it is not +comfortable. Providence has led us hither, and we cannot do better than +accept this fortune."</p> + +<p>"Why," replied Paganel, "it is a palace. It only wants sentries and +courtiers. We shall get along admirably here."</p> + +<p>"Especially when a good fire is blazing on the hearth," said Tom +Austin; "for, if we are hungry, we are none the less cold it seems to +me; and, for my part, a good fagot would delight me more than a slice +of venison."</p> + +<p>"Well, Tom," said Paganel, "we will try to find something combustible."</p> + +<p>"Something combustible on the top of the Andes?" said Mulready, shaking +his head doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"Since a chimney has been made in this hut," replied the major, "there +is probably something here to burn."</p> + +<p>"Our friend is right," added Glenarvan. "Prepare everything for supper; +and I will play the part of wood-cutter."</p> + +<p>"I will accompany you with Wilson," said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"If you need me——," said Robert, rising.</p> + +<p>"No, rest yourself, my brave boy," replied Glenarvan. "You will be a +man when others are only children."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Paganel, and Wilson went out of the hut. It was six o'clock +in the evening. The cold was keen and cutting, in spite of the calmness +of the air. The azure of the sky was already fading, and the sun +shedding his last rays on the lofty peaks of the mountains.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> + +<p>Reaching a hillock of porphyry, they scanned the horizon in every +direction. They had now gained the summit of the Andes, which commanded +an extended prospect. To the east the sides of the mountains declined +by gentle gradations, down which they could see the peons sliding +several hundred feet below. In the distance extended long lines of +scattered rocks and stones that had been crowded back by glacial +avalanches. The valley of the Colorado was already growing dim in the +increasing twilight; the elevations of land, the crags and the peaks, +illumined by the rays of the sun, gradually faded, and darkness covered +the whole eastern slope of the Andes.</p> + +<p>Towards the north undulated a succession of ridges that mingled +together insensibly. To the south, however, the view was magnificent; +and, as night descended, the grandeur was inimitable. Looking down +into the wild valley of Torbido, you saw Mount Antuco, whose yawning +crater was two miles distant. The volcano, like some enormous monster, +belched forth glowing smoke mingled with torrents of bright flame. The +circle of the mountains that inclosed it seemed to be on fire. Showers +of incandescent stones, clouds of reddish vapors, and streams of lava, +united in glittering columns. A loud rumbling that increased every +moment, and was followed by a dazzling flash, filled this vast circuit +with its sharp reverberations, while the sun, his light gradually +fading, disappeared as a star is extinguished in the shadows of the +horizon.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FOOD BROUGHT TO THE DOOR.</div> + +<p>Paganel and Glenarvan would have remained a long time to contemplate +this magnificent struggle of the fires of earth with those of heaven, +and the improvised wood-cutters were becoming admirers of nature; but +Wilson, less enthusiastic, reminded them of their situation. Wood was +wanting, it is true, but fortunately a scanty and dry moss clothed the +rocks. An ample supply was taken, as well as of a plant whose roots +were quite combustible. This precious fuel was brought to the hut, and +piled in the fire-place;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> but it was difficult to kindle the fire, and +especially to keep it burning.</p> + +<p>When the viands were prepared, each one drank several mouthfuls of +hot coffee with delight. As for the dried meat, it appeared a little +unsatisfactory, which provoked on the part of Paganel a remark as +useless as it was true.</p> + +<p>"Indeed," said he, "I must confess a llama-steak would not be bad just +now."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried the major, "are you not content with our supper, Paganel?"</p> + +<p>"Enchanted, my good major; but I acknowledge a plate of venison would +be welcome."</p> + +<p>"You are a sybarite," said MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"I accept the title, major; but you yourself, whatever you may say, +would not be displeased with a beefsteak."</p> + +<p>"Probably not."</p> + +<p>"And if you were asked to take your post at the cannon, you would go +without a word."</p> + +<p>"Certainly: and, although it pleases you——"</p> + +<p>His companions had not heard any more, when distant and prolonged howls +were heard. They were not the cries of scattered animals, but those of +a herd approaching with rapidity. Would Providence, after furnishing +them with shelter, give them their supper? Such was the thought of the +geographer. But Glenarvan humbled his joy somewhat by observing that +the animals of the Andes were never met with in so elevated a region.</p> + +<p>"Whence comes the noise, then?" asked Tom Austin. "Hear how it +approaches!"</p> + +<p>"An avalanche!" said Mulready.</p> + +<p>"Impossible! these are real howls!" replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Let us see," cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Let us see like hunters," answered the major, as he took his rifle.</p> + +<p>All rushed out of the hut. Night had come. It was dark, but the sky was +studded with stars. The moon had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> not yet shown her disk. The peaks +on the north and east were lost in the darkness, and the eye only +perceived the grotesque outlines of a few towering rocks.</p> + +<p>The howls—those of terrified animals—were redoubled. They came from +the dark side of the mountain. What was going on?</p> + +<p>Suddenly there came a furious avalanche, but one of living creatures, +mad with terror. The whole plateau seemed to tremble. There were +hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these animals. Were they wild beasts +of the Pampas, or only llamas? The whole party had only time to throw +themselves to the earth, while this living whirlwind passed a few feet +above them.</p> + +<p>At this moment the report of a fire-arm was heard. The major had shot +at a venture. He thought that a large animal fell a few paces from +him, while the whole herd, carried along by their resistless motion, +disappeared down the slopes illumined by the volcano.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I have them!" cried a voice, that of Paganel.</p> + +<p>"What have you?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My glasses, to be sure!"</p> + +<p>"You are not wounded?"</p> + +<p>"No, a little kick,—but by what?"</p> + +<p>"By this," replied the major, dragging after him the animal he had shot.</p> + +<p>Each one hastened to gain the hut; and by the light of the fire +MacNabb's prize was examined. It was a pretty animal, resembling a +little camel without a hump. It had a small head, flat body, long legs +and claws, fine coffee-colored hair, and its breast was spotted with +white.</p> + +<p>Scarcely had Paganel looked at it when he exclaimed,—</p> + +<p>"It is a guanaco!"</p> + +<p>"What is that?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"An animal that eats itself."</p> + +<p>"And is it good?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"A DISH FOR THE GODS."</div> + +<p>"Delicious! a dish for the gods! I knew well that you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> would like fresh +meat for supper. And what meat this is! But who will dress the animal?"</p> + +<p>"I will," said Wilson.</p> + +<p>"Well, I will engage to broil it," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"You are a cook, then, Monsieur Paganel?" said Robert.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my boy. A Frenchman is always a cook."</p> + +<p>In a little while Paganel placed large slices of meat on the coals, +and, in a short time, served up to his companions this appetizing +viand. No one hesitated, but each attacked it ravenously. To the great +amazement of the geographer, a general grimace accompanied by a "pwah!" +followed the first mouthful.</p> + +<p>"It is horrible!" said one.</p> + +<p>"It is not eatable!" replied another.</p> + +<p>The poor geographer, whatever was the difficulty, was forced to agree +that this steak was not acceptable even to starving men. They therefore +began to launch jokes at him, and deride his "dish for the gods," while +he himself sought a reason for this unaccountable result.</p> + +<p>"I have it!" he cried. "I have it!"</p> + +<p>"Is the meat too old?" asked MacNabb, calmly.</p> + +<p>"No, my intolerant major; but it has traveled too much. How could I +forget that?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"I mean that the animal is not good unless killed when at rest. I +can affirm from the taste that it has come from a distance, and, +consequently, the whole herd."</p> + +<p>"You are certain of this?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Absolutely so."</p> + +<p>"But what event could have terrified these animals so, and driven them +at a time when they ought to be peacefully sleeping in their lairs."</p> + +<p>"As to that, my dear Glenarvan," said Paganel, "it is impossible for me +to say. If you believe me, let us search no farther. For my part I am +dying for want of sleep. Let us retire, major!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Very well, Paganel."</p> + +<p>Thereupon each wrapped himself in his poncho, the fuel was replenished +for the night, and soon all but Glenarvan were buried in profound +repose.</p> + +<p>He alone did not sleep. A secret uneasiness held him in a state of +wakeful fatigue. He could not help thinking of that herd, flying in one +common direction, of their inexplicable terror. They could not have +been pursued by wild beasts: at that height there were scarcely any, +and yet fewer hunters. What fright had driven them over the abysses +of Antuco, and what was the cause of it? He thought of their strange +situation, and felt a presentiment of coming danger.</p> + +<p>However, under the influence of a partial drowsiness, his ideas +gradually modified, and fear gave place to hope. He saw himself in +anticipation, on the morrow, on the plain at the foot of the Andes. +There his actual search was to begin; and success was not, perhaps, far +distant. He thought of Captain Grant and his two sailors, delivered +from a cruel slavery.</p> + +<p>These images passed rapidly before his mind, every instant interrupted +by a flash of fire, a spark, a flame, illumining the faces of his +sleeping companions, and casting a flickering shadow over the walls of +the hut. Then his presentiments returned with more vividness, while +he listened vaguely to the external sounds so difficult to explain on +these solitary summits.</p> + +<p>At one moment he thought he heard distant rumblings, dull and +threatening like the rollings of thunder. These sounds could be caused +only by a tempest, raging on the sides of the mountain. He wished to +convince himself, and left the hut.</p> + +<p>The moon had risen, and the sky was clear and calm. Not a cloud was to +be seen either above or below, only now and then the moving shadows of +the flames of the volcano. At the zenith twinkled thousands of stars, +while the rumblings still continued. They seemed to approach, and run +along the chain of the mountains.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p117.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the +crash of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered +all communication with each other impossible.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> +Glenarvan returned more uneasy than before, seeking to divine what +relation there was between these subterranean noises and the flight of +the guanacos. He looked at his watch; it was two o'clock.</p> + +<p>However, having no certain knowledge of immediate danger, he did not +wake his companions, whom fatigue held in a deep repose, but fell +himself into a heavy sleep that lasted several hours.</p> + +<p>All at once a violent crash startled him to his feet. It was a +deafening roar, like the irregular noise of innumerable artillery +wagons rolling over a hollow pavement. Glenarvan suddenly felt the +earth tremble beneath his feet. He saw the hut sway and start open.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" he cried.</p> + +<p>His companions, awakened and thrown into confusion, were hurried down +a rapid descent. The day was breaking, and the scene was terrible. The +form of the mountains suddenly changed, their tops were truncated, +the tottering peaks disappeared, as if a pitfall had opened at their +base. A mass, several miles in extent, became detached entire, and slid +towards the plain.</p> + +<p>"An earthquake!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>He was not mistaken. It was one of those phenomena frequent on the +mountain frontier of Chili. This portion of the globe is disturbed +by subterranean fires, and the volcanoes of this chain afford only +insufficient outlets for the confined vapors.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the plateau, to which seven stunned and terrified men +clung by the tufts of moss, glided with the rapidity of an express. +Not a cry was possible, not a movement of escape. They could not hear +each other. The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the crash +of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered all +communication with each other impossible.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A STEEP GRADIENT.</div> + +<p>At one time the mass would slide without jolts or jars; at another, +seized with a pitching and rolling motion like the deck of a vessel +shaken by the billows, it would run along the edge of the abysses +into which the fragments of the mountain fell, uproot the trees of +centuries, and level with the precision of an enormous scythe all the +inequalities of the eastern slope.</p> + +<p>How long this indescribable scene lasted, no one could tell; in what +abyss all were to be engulfed, no one was able to foresee. Whether they +were all there alive, or whether one of them was lying at the bottom of +a crevasse, no one could say. Stunned by the swiftness of the descent, +chilled by the keenness of the cold, blinded by the whirlwinds of snow, +they panted, exhausted and almost inanimate, and only clung to the +rocks by the supreme instinct of preservation.</p> + +<p>All at once a shock of unusual violence arrested their gliding vehicle. +They were thrown forward and rolled upon the last declivities of the +mountains. The plateau had stopped short.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p119.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>For a few moments no one stirred. At last one rose,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> deafened by the +shock, but yet firm. It was the major. He shook off the snow that +blinded him, and looked around. His companions were not very far from +one another. He counted them. All but one lay on the ground. The +missing one was Robert Grant.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> + +<h3>PROVIDENTIALLY RESCUED.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The eastern side of the Andes consists of long slopes, declining +gradually to the plain upon which a portion of the mass had suddenly +stopped. In this new country, garnished with rich pastures and adorned +with magnificent vegetation, an incalculable number of apple-trees, +planted at the time of the conquest, glowed with their golden fruit +and formed true forests. It seemed as if a part of beautiful Normandy +had been cast into these monotonous regions, and under any other +circumstances the eye of a traveler would have been struck with this +sudden transition from desert to oasis, from snowy peak to verdant +prairie, from winter to summer.</p> + +<p>The earth had regained an absolute immobility, and the earthquake had +ceased. But without doubt the subterranean forces were still exerting +their devastating action at a distance, for the chain of the Andes is +always agitated or trembling in some part. This time, however, the +commotion had been of extreme violence. The outline of the mountains +was entirely changed; a new view of summits, crests, and peaks was +defined against the azure of the sky; and the guide of the Pampas would +have sought in vain for his accustomed landmarks.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">COMEDY CHANGED TO TRAGEDY.</div> + +<p>A wonderfully beautiful day was breaking. The rays of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> the sun, issuing +from their watery bed in the Atlantic, glittered over the Argentine +plains and were already silvering the waves of the other ocean. It was +eight o'clock in the morning.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions, revived by the aid of the major, +gradually recovered consciousness. Indeed, they had only undergone +a severe giddiness. The mountain was descended, and they would have +applauded a means of locomotion which had been entirely at nature's +expense, if one of the feeblest, Robert Grant, had not been missing. +Every one loved the courageous boy: Paganel was particularly attached +to him; the major, too, in spite of his coldness; but especially +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>When the latter learned of Robert's disappearance, he was desperate. He +pictured to himself the poor child engulfed in some abyss, and calling +vainly for him whom he considered his second father.</p> + +<p>"My friends," said he, scarcely restraining his tears, "we must search +for him, we must find him! We cannot abandon him thus! Every valley, +every precipice, every abyss must be explored to the very bottom! You +shall tie a rope around me and let me down! I will do it, you hear me, +I will! May Heaven grant that Robert is still living! Without him, +how could we dare find his father? What right have we to save Captain +Grant, if his rescue costs the life of his child?"</p> + +<p>His companions listened without speaking. They felt that he was seeking +in their looks some ray of hope, and they lowered their eyes.</p> + +<p>"Well," continued Glenarvan, "you understand me; you are silent! You +have no more hope!"</p> + +<p>A few moments of silence ensued, when MacNabb inquired:</p> + +<p>"Who of you, my friends, remembers when Robert disappeared?"</p> + +<p>To this question no answer was given.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"At least," continued the major, "you can tell with whom the boy was +during the descent."</p> + +<p>"With me," replied Wilson.</p> + +<p>"Well, at what moment did you last see him with you? Recall the +circumstances. Speak."</p> + +<p>"This is all that I remember. Robert Grant was at my side, his hand +grasping a tuft of moss, less than two minutes before the shock that +caused our descent."</p> + +<p>"Less than two minutes? Remember, Wilson, the minutes may have seemed +long to you. Are you not mistaken?"</p> + +<p>"I think not—yes, it is so, less than two minutes."</p> + +<p>"Well," said MacNabb; "and was Robert on your right, or on your left?"</p> + +<p>"On my left. I remember that his poncho flapped in my face."</p> + +<p>"And where were you situated in reference to us?"</p> + +<p>"On the left also."</p> + +<p>"Then Robert could have disappeared only on this side," said the major, +turning towards the mountain, and pointing to the right. "And also +considering the time that has elapsed since his disappearance, the +child must have fallen at a high part of the mountain. There we must +search, and, by taking different ways, we shall find him."</p> + +<p>Not a word more was said. The six men, scaling the declivities of the +mountain, stationed themselves at different heights along the ridge, +and began their search. They kept always to the right of their line of +descent, sounding the smallest fissures, descending to the bottom of +precipices half filled with fragments of the mass; and more than one +came forth with his garments in shreds, his feet and hands lacerated, +at the peril of his life.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A SLEEPLESS NIGHT.</div> + +<p>All this portion of the Andes, except a few inaccessible plateaus, +was carefully explored for many hours without one of these brave men +thinking of rest. But it was a vain search. The child had not only +found death in the mountains,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> but also a tomb, the stone of which, +made of some enormous rock, was forever closed over him.</p> + +<p>Towards noon Glenarvan and his companions, bruised and exhausted, found +themselves again in the valley. The former was a prey to the most +violent grief. He scarcely spoke, and from his lips issued only these +words, broken by sighs,—"I will not go; I will not go!"</p> + +<p>Each understood this determination, and respected it.</p> + +<p>"We will wait," said Paganel to the major and Tom Austin. "Let us take +some rest, and recruit our strength. We shall need it, whether to begin +our search or continue our journey."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied MacNabb, "let us remain, since Edward wishes it. He +hopes: but what does he hope?"</p> + +<p>"God knows!" said Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"Poor Robert!" replied Paganel, wiping his eyes.</p> + +<p>Trees thronged the valley in great numbers. The major chose a group of +lofty carob-trees, under which was established a temporary encampment. +A few blankets, the arms, a little dried meat, and some rice, was +all that remained to the travelers. A stream, which flowed not far +off, furnished water, still muddy from the effects of the avalanche. +Mulready kindled a fire on the grass, and soon presented to his master +a warm and comforting repast. But Glenarvan refused it, and remained +stretched on his poncho in profound prostration.</p> + +<p>Thus the day passed. Night came, clear and calm as the preceding. While +his companions lay motionless, although wakeful, Glenarvan reascended +the mountain. He listened closely, still hoping that a last cry might +reach him. He ventured alone and afar, pressing his ear to the ground, +listening, restraining the beatings of his heart, and calling in a +voice of despair.</p> + +<p>The whole night long he wandered on the mountain. Sometimes Paganel, +sometimes the major, followed him, ready to help him on the slippery +summits, or on the edge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> of the chasms, where his rashness led him. But +his last efforts were fruitless; and to the cry of "Robert! Robert!" a +thousand times repeated, echo alone replied.</p> + +<p>Day dawned, and it was necessary to go in search of Glenarvan on +the mountain, and bring him in spite of his reluctance back to the +encampment. His despair was terrible. Who would now dare to speak +to him of departure, and propose leaving this fatal valley? But the +provisions were failing. They would soon meet the Argentine guides +and horses to take them across the Pampas. To retrace their steps was +more difficult than to advance. Besides, the Atlantic was the place +appointed to meet the Duncan. All these reasons did not permit a longer +delay, and it was for the interest of all that the hour for departure +should be no longer deferred.</p> + +<p>MacNabb attempted to draw Glenarvan from his grief. For a long time he +spoke without his friend appearing to hear him. Glenarvan shook his +head. At length, words escaped his lips.</p> + +<p>"Go?" said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes, go."</p> + +<p>"One hour more!"</p> + +<p>"Well, one hour more," replied the worthy major.</p> + +<p>When it had passed, Glenarvan asked for another. You would have thought +a condemned man was praying for his life. Thus it continued till about +noon, when MacNabb, by the advice of all, would no longer hesitate, and +told Glenarvan that they must go, the lives of his companions depended +upon a prompt decision.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," replied Glenarvan, "we will go, we will go!"</p> + +<p>But as he spoke his eyes were turned away from MacNabb. His gaze was +fixed upon a black speck in the air. Suddenly his hand rose, and +remained immovable, as if petrified.</p> + +<p>"There! there!" cried he. "See! see!"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p125.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The bird had raised him by his garments, and was now +hovering in mid-air at least one hundred and fifty feet above the +encampment. He had perceived the travelers, and was violently striving +to escape with his heavy prey.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +All eyes were raised towards the sky, +in the direction so imperatively indicated. At that moment the black +speck visibly increased. It was a bird hovering at a measureless height.</p> + +<p>"A condor," said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a condor," replied Glenarvan. "Who knows? He is coming, he is +descending! Let us wait."</p> + +<p>What did Glenarvan hope? Was his reason wandering? He had said, "Who +knows?" Paganel was not mistaken. The condor became more distinct every +moment.</p> + +<p>This magnificent bird, long revered by the Incas, is the king of +the southern Andes. In these regions he attains an extraordinary +development. His strength is prodigious; and he often precipitates +oxen to the bottom of the abysses. He attacks sheep, goats, and calves +wandering on the plain, and carries them in his talons to a great +height. Sometimes he hovers at an elevation beyond the limit of human +vision, and there this king of the air surveys, with a piercing look, +the regions below, and distinguishes the faintest objects with a power +of sight that is the astonishment of naturalists.</p> + +<p>What had the condor seen? A corpse,—that of Robert Grant? "Who knows?" +repeated Glenarvan, without losing sight of him. The enormous bird +approached, now hovering, now falling with the swiftness of inert +bodies. He soon described circles of larger extent, and could be +perfectly distinguished. He measured fifteen feet across his wings, +which supported him in the air almost without motion, for it is the +peculiarity of these great birds to sail with a majestic calmness +unlike all others of the winged tribes.</p> + +<p>The major and Wilson had seized their rifles, but Glenarvan stopped +them with a gesture. The condor was approaching in the circles of his +flight a sort of inaccessible plateau a quarter of a mile distant. +He was turning with a vertical rapidity, opening and closing his +formidable claws, and shaking his cartilaginous neck.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SOMETHING WORSE.</div> + +<p>"There! there!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Then suddenly a thought flashed through his mind.</p> + +<p>"If Robert is still living!" exclaimed he, with a cry of terror, "this +bird! Fire, my friends, fire!"</p> + +<p>But he was too late. The condor had disappeared behind the lofty +boulders. A second passed that seemed an eternity. Then the enormous +bird reappeared, heavily laden, and rising slowly.</p> + +<p>A cry of horror was uttered. In the claws of the condor an inanimate +body was seen suspended and dangling. It was Robert Grant. The bird had +raised him by his garments, and was now hovering in mid-air at least +one hundred and fifty feet above the encampment. He had perceived the +travelers, and was violently striving to escape with his heavy prey.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p127.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> +"May Robert's body be dashed upon these rocks," cried Glenarvan, +"rather than serve——"</p> + +<p>He did not finish, but, seizing Wilson's rifle, attempted to take aim +at the condor. But his arm trembled; he could not sight the piece. His +eyes were dimmed.</p> + +<p>"Let me try," said the major.</p> + +<p>With clear eye, steady hand, and motionless body, he aimed at the bird, +that was already three hundred feet above him. But he had not pressed +the trigger, when a report resounded in the valley. A light smoke +curled up between two rocks, and the condor, shot in the head, fell, +slowly turning, sustained by his broad outspread wings. He had not +released his prey, and at last reached the ground, ten paces from the +banks of the stream.</p> + +<p>"Quick! quick!" said Glenarvan; and without seeking whence this +providential shot had come, he rushed towards the condor. His +companions closely followed him.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p128.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<div class="sidenote">"THE LOST IS FOUND."</div> + +<p>When they arrived the bird was dead, and the body of Robert was hidden +under its great wings. Glenarvan threw himself upon the child, released +him from the talons<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> of the condor, stretched him on the grass, and +pressed his ear to his breast.</p> + +<p>Never did a wilder cry of joy issue from human lips than when Glenarvan +rose, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"He lives! he lives!"</p> + +<p>In an instant Robert was stripped of his garments, and his face bathed +with fresh water. He made a movement, opened his eyes, looked around, +and uttered a few words:</p> + +<p>"You, my lord—my father!——"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan could not speak. Emotion stifled him, and, kneeling, he wept +beside this child so miraculously saved.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> + +<h3>THALCAVE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>After the great danger that he had just escaped, Robert incurred +another, no less great,—that of being overwhelmed with caresses. +However feeble he was still, not one of these good people could refrain +from pressing him to his heart. But it must be confessed that these +well-meant embraces are not fatal, for the boy did not die.</p> + +<p>When his rescue was certain, thought reverted to his rescuer, and the +major very naturally thought of looking around him. Fifty paces from +the stream, a man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on one +of the first ledges of the mountain. A long gun lay at his feet. This +individual, who had so suddenly appeared, had broad shoulders, and +long hair tied with leathern thongs. His height exceeded six feet, and +his bronzed face was red between his eyes and mouth, black below his +eyelids, and white on his forehead. After the manner of the Patagonians +of the frontiers, the native wore a splendid cloak, decorated with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> +red arabesques, made of the skin of a guanaco, its silky fur turned +outward, and sewed with ostrich-tendons. Under his cloak a tippet of +fox-skin encircled his neck and terminated in a point in front. At his +girdle hung a little bag containing the colors with which he painted +his face. His leggings were of ox-hide, and fastened to the ankle with +straps regularly crossed.</p> + +<p>The figure of this Patagonian was fine, and his face denoted real +intelligence in spite of the colors that adorned (!) it. He waited in +an attitude full of dignity, and, seeing him so motionless and stern on +his pedestal of rocks, you would have taken him for a statue.</p> + +<p>The major, as soon as he perceived him, pointed him out to Glenarvan, +who hastened towards him. The Patagonian took two steps forward; +Glenarvan took his hand, and pressed it. There was in the latter's +look, in his physiognomy, such a feeling, such an expression of +gratitude, that the native could not mistake it. He inclined his head +gently, and uttered a few words that neither the major nor his friend +could understand.</p> + +<p>The Patagonian, after regarding the strangers attentively, now changed +the language; but whatever it was, this new idiom was no better +understood than the first. However, certain expressions which he used +struck Glenarvan. They seemed to belong to the Spanish language, of +which he knew several common words.</p> + +<p>"Spanish?" said he.</p> + +<p>The Patagonian nodded.</p> + +<p>"Well," said the major, "this is our friend Paganel's business. It is +fortunate that he thought of learning Spanish."</p> + +<p>Paganel was called. He came at once and with all the grace of a +Frenchman saluted the Patagonian, to which the latter paid no +attention. The geographer was informed of the state of affairs, and was +only too glad to use his diligently-acquired knowledge.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">SOMETHING WRONG.</div> + +<p>"Exactly," said he. And opening his mouth widely in order to articulate +better, he said, in his best Spanish,—</p> + +<p>"You—are—a—brave—man."</p> + +<p>The native listened, but did not answer.</p> + +<p>"He does not understand," said the geographer.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you do not pronounce well," replied the major.</p> + +<p>"Very true! Curse the pronunciation!"</p> + +<p>And again Paganel began, but with no better success.</p> + +<p>"I will change the expression," said he. And pronouncing with +magisterial slowness, he uttered these words,—</p> + +<p>"A—Patagonian,—doubtless?"</p> + +<p>The native remained mute as before.</p> + +<p>"Answer!" added Paganel.</p> + +<p>The Patagonian did not reply.</p> + +<p>"Do—you—understand?" cried Paganel, violently enough to damage his +organs of speech.</p> + +<p>It was evident that the Indian did not understand, for he answered, but +in Spanish,—</p> + +<p>"I do not understand."</p> + +<p>It was Paganel's turn now to be astonished, and he hastily put on his +glasses, like one irritated.</p> + +<p>"May I be hanged," said he, "if I understand a word of this infernal +jargon! It is certainly Araucanian."</p> + +<p>"No," replied Glenarvan; "this man answered in Spanish."</p> + +<p>And, turning to the Patagonian, he repeated,—</p> + +<p>"Spanish?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the native.</p> + +<p>Paganel's surprise became amazement. The major and Glenarvan looked at +him quizzingly.</p> + +<p>"Ah, my learned friend!" said the major, while a half smile played +about his lips, "you have committed one of those blunders peculiar to +you."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried the geographer, starting.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is plain that this Patagonian speaks Spanish."</p> + +<p>"He?"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p132.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on +one of the first ledges of the mountain. This individual had broad +shoulders, and long hair tied with leathern thongs.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">A PENINSULAR BABEL.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +"Yes. By mistake you have learnt another language, while thinking that +you studied——"</p> + +<p>MacNabb did not finish. A loud "Oh!" from the geographer, accompanied +by shrugs of the shoulders, cut him short.</p> + +<p>"Major, you are going a little too far," said Paganel in a very dry +tone.</p> + +<p>"To be sure, since you do not understand."</p> + +<p>"I do not understand because this native speaks so badly!" answered the +geographer, who began to be impatient.</p> + +<p>"That is to say, he speaks badly, because you do not understand," +returned the major, calmly.</p> + +<p>"MacNabb," said Glenarvan, "that is not a probable supposition. However +abstracted our friend Paganel may be, we cannot suppose that his +blunder was to learn one language for another."</p> + +<p>"Now, my dear Edward, or rather you, my good Paganel, explain to me +what the difficulty is."</p> + +<p>"I will not explain," replied Paganel, "I insist. Here is the book +in which I practice daily the difficulties of the Spanish language! +Examine it, major, and you will see whether I impose upon you."</p> + +<p>So saying, Paganel groped in his numerous pockets. After searching a +few moments, he drew forth a volume in a very bad state, and presented +it with an air of assurance. The major took the book, and looked at it.</p> + +<p>"Well, what work is this?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"The Lusiad," replied Paganel; "an admirable poem which——"</p> + +<p>"The Lusiad!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my friend, the Lusiad of the immortal Camoëns, nothing more or +less."</p> + +<p>"Camoëns!" repeated Glenarvan; "but, unfortunate friend, Camoëns was +a Portuguese! It is Portuguese that you have been studying for six +weeks."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Camoëns! Lusiad! Portuguese!"</p> + +<p>Paganel could say no more. His eyes wandered, while a peal of Homeric +laughter rang in his ears.</p> + +<p>The Patagonian did not wink; he waited patiently for the explanation of +this event, which was totally incomprehensible to him.</p> + +<p>"Insensate! fool!" cried Paganel, at last. "What! is it so? Is it not +a mere joke? Have I done this? It is the confusion of languages, as at +Babel. My friends! my friends! to start for India and arrive at Chili! +to learn Spanish and speak Portuguese! this is too much, and, if it +continues, I shall some day throw myself out of the window instead of +my cigar."</p> + +<p>To hear Paganel take his blunder thus, to see his comical actions, it +was impossible to keep serious. Besides, he set the example himself.</p> + +<p>"Laugh, my friends," said he, "laugh with a will! you cannot laugh as +much as I do at myself."</p> + +<p>And he uttered the most formidable peal of laughter that ever issued +from the mouth of a geographer.</p> + +<p>"But we are none the less without an interpreter," said the major.</p> + +<p>"Oh, do not be troubled," replied Paganel. "The Portuguese and Spanish +resemble each other so much that I made a mistake. However, this very +resemblance will soon enable me to rectify my error, and in a short +time I will thank this worthy Patagonian in the language he speaks so +well."</p> + +<p>Paganel was right, for he could soon exchange a few words with the +native. He even learned that his name was Thalcave, a word which +signifies in Araucanian "the thunderer." This surname was doubtless +given to him for his skill in the use of fire-arms.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BETTER PROSPECTS.</div> + +<p>But Glenarvan was particularly rejoiced to discover that the Patagonian +was a guide, and, moreover, a guide of the Pampas. There was, +therefore, something so providential<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> in this meeting that the success +of the enterprise seemed already an accomplished fact, and no one any +longer doubted the rescue of Captain Grant.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the travelers and the Patagonian had returned to +Robert. The latter stretched his arms towards the native, who, without +a word, placed his hand upon his head. He examined the child and felt +his wounded limbs. Then, smiling, he went and gathered on the banks +of the stream a few handfuls of wild celery, with which he rubbed the +boy's body. Under this treatment, performed with an extreme gentleness, +the child felt his strength revive, and it was plain that a few hours +would suffice to restore him.</p> + +<p>It was therefore decided that that day and the following night should +be passed at the encampment. Besides, two important questions remained +to be settled—food, and means of conveyance. Provisions and mules were +both wanting.</p> + +<p>Fortunately Thalcave solved the difficulty. This guide, who was +accustomed to conduct travelers along the Patagonian frontiers, and +was one of the most intelligent baqueanos of the country, engaged to +furnish Glenarvan all that his little party needed. He offered to take +him to a "tolderia" (encampment) of Indians, about four miles distant, +where they would find everything necessary for the expedition. This +proposal was made partly by gestures, partly by Spanish words which +Paganel succeeded in understanding. It was accepted, and Glenarvan and +his learned friend, taking leave of their companions, reascended the +stream under the guidance of the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>They proceeded at a good pace for an hour and a half, taking long +strides to keep up to the giant Thalcave. All the region was charming, +and of a rich fertility. The grassy pastures succeeded each other, +and could easily have fed thousands of cattle. Large ponds, united by +a winding chain of streams, gave these plains a verdant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> moisture. +Black-headed swans sported on the mirror-like surface, and disputed the +empire of the waters with numberless ostriches that gamboled over the +plains, while the brilliant feathered tribes were in wonderful variety.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p136.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Jacques Paganel proceeded from admiration to ecstasy. Exclamations +of delight continually escaped his lips, to the astonishment of the +Patagonian, who thought it very natural that there should be birds in +the air, swans on the lakes, and grass on the prairies. The geographer +had no reason to regret his walk, or complain of its length. He +scarcely believed himself started, or that the encampment would soon +come in sight.</p> + +<p>This tolderia was at the bottom of a narrow valley among the mountains. +Here in huts of branches lived thirty wandering natives, grazing +large herds of milch cows, sheep, cattle and horses. Thus they roamed +from one pasture to another, always finding a repast ready for their +four-footed companions.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">GLENARVAN GOING TO MARKET.</div> + +<p>Thalcave took upon himself the negotiation, which was not long. In +return for seven small Argentine horses, all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> saddled, a hundred pounds +of dried meat, a few measures of rice, and some leathern bottles for +water, the Indians received twenty ounces of gold, the value of which +they perfectly understood. Glenarvan would have bought another horse +for the Patagonian, but he intimated that it was unnecessary.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p137.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>The bargain concluded, Glenarvan took leave of his new "providers," as +Paganel expressed it, and returned to the encampment. His arrival was +welcomed by cries of joy at sight of the provisions and horses. Every +one ate with avidity. Robert partook of some nourishment; he had almost +entirely regained his strength, and the remainder of the day was passed +in perfect rest. Various subjects were alluded to: the absent dear +ones, the Duncan, Captain Mangles, his brave crew, and Harry Grant who +was, perhaps, not far distant.</p> + +<p>As for Paganel, he did not leave the Indian. He became Thalcave's +shadow, and could not remain quiet in the presence of a real +Patagonian, in comparison with whom he would have passed for a dwarf. +He overwhelmed the grave Indian with Spanish phrases, to which the +latter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> quietly listened. The geographer studied this time without a +book, and was often heard repeating words aloud.</p> + +<p>"If I do not get the accent," said he to the major, "you must not be +angry with me. Who would have thought that one day a Patagonian would +teach me Spanish!"</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> + +<h3>NEWS OF THE LOST CAPTAIN.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>At eight o'clock the next morning Thalcave gave the signal for +departure. The slope was gradual, and the travelers had only to descend +a gentle declivity to the sea.</p> + +<p>When the Patagonian declined the horse that Glenarvan offered him, the +latter thought that he preferred to go on foot, according to the custom +of certain guides; and indeed, his long legs ought to have made walking +easy. But he was mistaken.</p> + +<p>At the moment of departure Thalcave whistled in a peculiar manner. +Immediately a magnificent Argentine horse, of superb form, issued from +a small wood near by, and approached at the call of his master. The +animal was perfectly beautiful. His brown color indicated a sound, +spirited and courageous beast. He had a small and elegantly poised +head, widely opening nostrils, a fiery eye, large hams, swelling +withers, broad breast, long pasterns, in short, all the qualities that +constitute strength and suppleness. The major, like a perfect horseman, +admired unreservedly this specimen of the horses of the plains. This +beautiful creature was called Thaouka, which means "bird" in the +Patagonian language, and he justly merited this appellation.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FRESH START.</div> + +<p>When Thalcave was in the saddle, the horse pranced with spirited grace, +and the Patagonian, a skillful rider, was magnificent to behold. His +outfit comprised two weapons of the chase, the "bolas" and the lasso. +The bolas consists of three balls tied together by a leathern string, +which are fastened to the front of the saddle. The Indians frequently +throw them the distance of a hundred paces at the animal or enemy that +they are pursuing, and with such precision that they twist about their +legs and bring them to the ground. It is, therefore, in their hands a +formidable instrument, and they handle it with surprising dexterity. +The lasso, on the contrary, does not leave the hand that wields it. It +consists simply of a leathern thong thirty feet in length, terminating +in a slip-noose which works upon an iron ring. The right hand throws +the slip-noose, while the left hand holds the remainder of the lasso, +the end of which is firmly tied to the saddle. A long carbine in a +sling completed the Patagonian's armament.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, without observing the admiration caused by his natural +grace, ease and courage, took the lead, and the party advanced, now +at a gallop, and now at a walk, for their horses seemed entirely +unaccustomed to trotting. Robert mounted with much boldness, and +speedily convinced Glenarvan of his ability to keep his seat.</p> + +<p>On issuing from the gorges of the Andes, they encountered a great +number of sand-ridges, called "medanos," real waves incessantly +agitated by the wind, when the roots of the herbage did not confine +them to the earth. This sand is of an extreme fineness; and, at the +least breath, they saw it float away in light clouds, or form regular +sand-columns which rose to a considerable height. This spectacle caused +pleasure as well as annoyance to the eyes. Pleasure, for nothing was +more curious than these columns, wandering over the plain, struggling, +mingling, sinking and rising in inexpressible confusion; and annoyance, +since an impalpable dust emanated from these innumerable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> medanos and +penetrated the eyelids, however tightly they were closed.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p140.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>This phenomenon continued during a great part of the day. Nevertheless, +they advanced rapidly, and towards six o'clock the Andes, forty miles +distant, presented a darkish aspect already fading in the mists of the +evening.</p> + +<p>The travelers were a little fatigued with their journey, and, +therefore, saw with pleasure the approach of the hour for retiring. +They encamped on the shores of a turbulent stream, enclosed by lofty +red cliffs. Toward noon of the next day, the sun's rays became very +oppressive, and at evening a line of clouds on the horizon indicated +a change in the weather. The Patagonian could not be deceived, and +pointed out to the geographer the western portion of the sky.</p> + +<p>"Good, I know," said Paganel, and addressing his companions: "A change +in the weather is about to take place. We shall have a 'pampero.'"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TALKING LIKE A BOOK.</div> + +<p>He explained that this pampero is frequent on the Argentine Plains. It +is a very dry wind from the southwest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> Thalcave was not mistaken, and +during the night, which was quite uncomfortable for people sheltered +with a simple poncho, the wind blew with great violence. The horses lay +down on the ground, and the men near them in a close group. Glenarvan +feared they would be delayed if the storm continued; but Paganel +reassured him after consulting his barometer.</p> + +<p>"Ordinarily," said he, "this wind creates tempests, which last for +three days; but when the barometer rises as it does now, you are free +from these furious hurricanes in a few hours. Be assured, then, my dear +friend; at break of day the sky will have resumed its usual clearness."</p> + +<p>"You talk like a book, Paganel," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"And I am one," replied Paganel, "which you are free to consult as much +as you please."</p> + +<p>He was not mistaken. At one o'clock in the morning the wind suddenly +subsided, and every one was able to enjoy an invigorating sleep. The +next morning they rose bright and fresh, especially Paganel, who +displayed great cheerfulness and animation.</p> + +<p>During this passage across the continent, Lord Glenarvan watched with +scrupulous attention for the approach of the natives. He wished to +question them concerning Captain Grant, by the aid of the Patagonian, +with whom Paganel had begun to converse considerably. But they +followed a path little frequented by the Indians, for the trails over +the Pampas, which lead from the Argentine Republic to the Andes, are +situated too far to the north. If by chance a wandering horseman +appeared in the distance, he fled rapidly away, little caring to come +in contact with strangers.</p> + +<p>However, although Glenarvan, in the interest of his search, regretted +the absence of the Indians, an incident took place which singularly +justified the interpretation of the document.</p> + +<p>Several times the course pursued by the expedition<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> crossed paths on +the Pampas, among others quite an important road—that from Carmen to +Mendoza—distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun. There were thousands of them, and, without +doubt, more than one human skeleton had added its bones to those of +these humbler animals.</p> + +<p>Hitherto Thalcave had made no remark concerning the line so rigorously +followed. He understood, however, that if they kept no definite +course over the Pampas, they would not come to cities or villages. +Every morning they advanced towards the rising sun, without deviating +from the straight line, and every evening the setting sun was behind +them. In his capacity of guide, Thalcave must, therefore, have been +astonished to see that not only he did not guide them, but that they +guided him. Nevertheless, if he was astonished, with the reserve +natural to the Indians he made no remark. But to-day arriving at the +above-mentioned road, he stopped his horse, and turned towards Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Road to Carmen," said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my good Patagonian," replied the geographer, in his purest +Spanish; "road to Carmen and Mendoza."</p> + +<p>"We do not take it?" resumed Thalcave.</p> + +<p>"No," answered Paganel.</p> + +<p>"And we are going——?"</p> + +<p>"Always to the east."</p> + +<p>"That is going nowhere."</p> + +<p>"Who knows?"</p> + +<p>Thalcave was silent, and gazed at the geographer with profound +surprise. He did not admit, however, that Paganel was joking the least +in the world. An Indian, with his natural seriousness, never imagines +that you are not speaking in earnest.</p> + +<p>"You are not going to Carmen then?" he added, after an instant of +silence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A PROFESSORIAL DIFFICULTY.</div> + +<p>"No," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Nor to Mendoza?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>At this moment Glenarvan, rejoining Paganel, asked what Thalcave said, +and why he had stopped.</p> + +<p>When he had told him, Glenarvan said,—</p> + +<p>"Could you not explain to him the object of our expedition, and why we +must always proceed toward the east?"</p> + +<p>"That would be very difficult," answered Paganel, "for an Indian +understands nothing of geography."</p> + +<p>"But," said the major seriously, "is it the history, or the historian, +that he cannot understand?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, MacNabb," said Paganel, "you still doubt my Spanish!"</p> + +<p>"Try, my worthy friend."</p> + +<p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>Paganel turned to the Patagonian, and began a discourse, frequently +interrupted for want of words and from the difficulty of explaining to +a half-ignorant savage details which were rather incomprehensible to +him.</p> + +<p>The geographer was just then a curious sight. He gesticulated, +articulated, and exerted himself in a hundred ways, while great +drops of sweat rolled down his face. When his tongue could no longer +move, his arm came to his aid. He dismounted, and traced on the +sand a geographical map, with lines of latitude and longitude, the +two oceans, and the road to Carmen. Never was professor in such +embarrassment. Thalcave watched these manœuvres without showing whether +he comprehended or not.</p> + +<p>The lesson in geography lasted more than half an hour. At last Paganel +ceased, wiped his face, which was wet with perspiration, and looked at +the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>"Did he understand?" inquired Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"We shall see," replied Paganel; "but, if he did not, I give it up."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"PERHAPS!"</div> + +<p>Thalcave did not stir. He no longer spoke. His eyes were fixed upon +the figures traced on the sand, which the wind was gradually effacing.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p144.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">An important road—that from Carmen to +Mendoza—distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p>"Well?" asked Paganel.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p>Thalcave did not appear to hear him. Paganel already saw an ironical +smile forming upon the lips of the major, and, wishing to save +his reputation, had begun with renewed energy his geographical +demonstrations, when the Patagonian stopped him with a gesture.</p> + +<p>"You are searching for a prisoner?" he said.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"And exactly on the line from the setting to the rising sun?" said +Thalcave, indicating by a comparison, in the Indian manner, the course +from west to east.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, that is it!"</p> + +<p>"And it is your God," said the Patagonian, "who has confided to the +waves of the vast ocean the secrets of the prisoner?"</p> + +<p>"God himself."</p> + +<p>"May his will be accomplished then!" replied Thalcave, with a certain +solemnity. "We will go to the east, and, if necessary, even to the sun."</p> + +<p>Paganel, in his exultation over his pupil, immediately translated to +his companions the replies of the Indian.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan requested Paganel to ask the Patagonian if he had heard +of any strangers falling into the hands of the Indians, which was +accordingly done.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," replied the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>As soon as this word was translated, Thalcave was surrounded by the +seven travelers, who gazed at him with questioning looks. Paganel, +excited and scarcely finding his words, resumed these interesting +interrogatories, while his eyes, fixed upon the grave Indian, strove +to anticipate his reply before it issued from his lips. Every word the +Patagonian said he repeated in English, so that his companions heard +the Indian speak, as it were, in their own language.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And this prisoner?" inquired Paganel.</p> + +<p>"He was a stranger," replied Thalcave slowly; "a European."</p> + +<p>"You have seen him?"</p> + +<p>"No, but he is mentioned in the accounts of the Indians. He was a brave +man."</p> + +<p>"You understand, my friends," said Paganel; "a courageous man!"</p> + +<p>"My father!" cried Robert Grant.</p> + +<p>Then, addressing Paganel:</p> + +<p>"How do you say 'It is my father,' in Spanish?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"<i>Es mio padre</i>," answered the geographer.</p> + +<p>Immediately Robert, taking Thalcave's hands, said in a sweet voice,—</p> + +<p>"<i>Es mio padre!</i>"</p> + +<p>"<i>Suo padre!</i>" replied the Patagonian, whose look brightened.</p> + +<p>He took the boy in his arms, lifted him from his horse, and gazed at +him with the most curious sympathy. His intelligent countenance became +suffused with a peaceful emotion.</p> + +<p>But Paganel had not finished his inquiries. Where was this prisoner? +What was he doing? When had Thalcave heard of him? All these questions +thronged his mind at once. He did not have to wait long for answers, +but learnt that the European was a slave of one of the Indian tribes +that scour the plains.</p> + +<p>"But where was he last?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"With the cazique Calfoucoura," answered Thalcave.</p> + +<p>"On the line we have been following?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And who is this cazique?"</p> + +<p>"The chief of the Poyuches Indians; a man with two tongues and two +hearts."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A SCIENTIFIC BATH.</div> + +<p>"That is to say, false in word and in deed," said Paganel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> after +translating to his companions this beautiful metaphor of the Indian +language. "And can we rescue our friend?" he added.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so, if your friend is still in the hands of the Indians."</p> + +<p>"And when did you hear of him?"</p> + +<p>"A long time ago, and, since then, the sun has brought back two summers +to the sky."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan's joy could not be described. This answer coincided exactly +with the date of the document. But one question remained to be asked.</p> + +<p>"You speak of a prisoner," said Paganel; "but were there not three?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know," replied Thalcave.</p> + +<p>"And you know nothing of their actual situation?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing."</p> + +<p>This last word ended the conversation. It was possible that the three +prisoners had been separated a long time. But the substance of the +Patagonian's information was that the Indians spoke of a European who +had fallen into their power. The date of his captivity, the place where +he must have been, everything, even to the Patagonian phrase used to +express his courage, related evidently to Captain Harry Grant.</p> + +<p>Their progress was now somewhat slow and difficult; their next object +being to reach and cross the river Colorado, to which at length +their horses brought them. Here Paganel's first care was to bathe +"geographically" in its waters, which are colored by a reddish clay. He +was surprised to find the depth so great as it really was, this being +the result of the snow having melted rapidly under the first heat of +summer. The width likewise of this stream was so considerable that it +was almost impossible for their horses to swim across; but they happily +discovered a sort of weir-bridge, of wattles looped and fastened +together, which the Indians were in the habit of using; and by its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> aid +the little troop was enabled to pass over to the left bank, where they +rested for the night.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p148.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A SERIOUS NECESSITY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk pace among +the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the Indians +as a shelter during the storms. At certain distances, but less and +less frequent, pools of shallow water contributed to the growth of +willows and a certain plant which is found in the neighborhood of +fresh water. Here the horses drank their fill, to fortify themselves +for the journey. Thalcave, who rode in advance, beat the bushes, and +thus frightened away the "cholinas" (vipers), while the agile Thaouka +bounded over all obstacles, and aided his master in clearing a passage +for the horses that followed.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p149.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk +pace among the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the +Indians as a shelter during the storms.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> +Early in the afternoon, the first traces of animals were +encountered—the bones of an innumerable drove of cattle, in whitened +heaps. These fragments did not extend in a winding line, such as +animals exhausted and falling one by one would leave behind them. Thus +no one, not even Paganel, knew how to explain this chain of skeletons +in a space comparatively circumscribed. He therefore questioned +Thalcave, who was not at a loss for a reply.</p> + +<p>"What is this?" they asked, after Paganel had inquired of the Indian.</p> + +<p>"The fire of heaven," replied the geographer.</p> + +<p>"What! the lightning could not have produced such a disaster," said Tom +Austin, "and stretched five hundred head of cattle on the earth!"</p> + +<p>But Thalcave reaffirmed it, and he was not mistaken; for the storms of +the Pampas are noted for their violence.</p> + +<p>At evening they stopped at an abandoned rancho, made of interlaced +branches plastered with mud and covered with thatch. This structure +stood within an inclosure of half-rotten stakes which, however, +sufficed to protect the horses during the night against the attacks of +the foxes. Not that they had anything to fear personally from these +animals, but the malicious beasts gnawed the halters, so that the +horses could escape.</p> + +<p>A few paces from the rancho, a hole was dug which served as a kitchen +and contained half-cooled embers. Within, there was a bench, a bed of +ox-hide, a saucepan, a spit, and a pot for boiling maté. The maté is +a drink very much in use in South America. It is the Indian's tea, +consisting of a decoction of leaves dried in the fire, and is imbibed +through a straw. At Paganel's request, Thalcave prepared several +cups of this beverage, which very agreeably accompanied the ordinary +eatables, and was declared excellent.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE.</div> + +<p>The next day they resumed their journey towards the east. About noon +a change took place in the appearance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> of the Pampas, which could +not escape eyes wearied with its monotony. The grass became more and +more scanty, and gave place to sickly burdocks and gigantic thistles; +while stunted nettles and other thorny shrubs grew here and there. +Heretofore, a certain moisture, preserved by the clay of the prairie, +freshened the meadows; the vegetation was thick and luxuriant. But now +a patchy growth, bare in many places, exposed the earth, and indicated +the poverty of the soil. These signs of increasing dryness could not be +mistaken, and Thalcave called attention to them.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p151.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"I am not sorry at this change," said Tom Austin; "to see always grass, +nothing but grass, becomes tiresome before long."</p> + +<p>"But where there is grass there is water," replied the major.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we are not in want," said Wilson, "and shall find some river on +our course."</p> + +<p>However, when Wilson said that the supply of water would not fail +he had not calculated for the unquenchable thirst that consumed his +companions all that day; and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> when he added that they would meet with +some stream in their journey he had anticipated too much. Indeed, not +only were rivers wanting, but even the artificial wells dug by the +Indians were empty. On seeing these indications of dryness increase +from mile to mile, Paganel asked Thalcave where he expected to find +water.</p> + +<p>"At Lake Salinas," replied the Indian.</p> + +<p>"And when shall we arrive there?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow evening."</p> + +<p>The natives ordinarily, when they travel on the Pampas, dig wells, and +find water a few feet below the surface; but the travelers, destitute +of the necessary implements, could not employ this expedient. It was +therefore necessary to obtain a supply in some other way, for, if they +did not absolutely suffer from the tormenting desire for drink, no one +could entirely allay his thirst.</p> + +<p>At evening they halted, after a journey of thirty miles. Every one +relied upon a good night to recruit himself after the fatigues of +the day; but they were greatly annoyed by a very persistent swarm of +mosquitoes, which disappeared, however, after the wind changed.</p> + +<p>If the major preserved his calmness in the midst of the petty +annoyances of life, Paganel, on the contrary, could not treat the +matter so indifferently. He fought the mosquitoes, and sadly regretted +the absence of his acid-water, which would have soothed the pain of +their bites. Although the major endeavored to console him, he awoke in +a very bad humor.</p> + +<p>However, he was very easily persuaded to set out at daybreak, for it +was important to arrive at Lake Salinas the same day. The horses were +very much exhausted: they were dying of thirst; and, although their +riders had denied themselves on their account, still their share of +water had been very limited. The dryness was to-day even greater, and +the heat no less intolerable, with the dusty wind, the simoom of the +Pampas.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">INDIANS AHEAD!</div> + +<p>During the day the monotony of the journey was interrupted. Mulready, +who rode in advance, turned back, signaling the approach of a party of +Indians. This meeting elicited different opinions. Glenarvan thought +of the information that these natives might furnish concerning the +shipwrecked seamen of the Britannia. Thalcave, for his part, scarcely +enjoyed meeting in his journey the wandering Indians of the plains. +He considered them plunderers and robbers, and only sought to avoid +them. According to his orders, the little party collected together, and +made ready their fire-arms. It was necessary to be prepared for any +emergency.</p> + +<p>The Indian detachment was soon perceived. It consisted of only ten +men, which fact reassured the Patagonian. They approached within a +hundred paces, so that they could be easily distinguished. Their high +foreheads, prominent rather than receding, their tall forms, and their +olive color, showed them to be magnificent types of the Indian race. +They were clad in the skins of guanacos, and carried various weapons of +war and the chase, while their dexterity in horsemanship was remarkable.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p153.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> +Having halted, they appeared to hold a conference, crying and +gesticulating. Glenarvan advanced toward them; but he had not proceeded +two yards, when the detachment wheeled about and disappeared with +incredible swiftness. The tired horses of the travelers could never +have overtaken them.</p> + +<p>"The cowards!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"They fly too fast for honest men," said MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"What are these Indians?" inquired Paganel of Thalcave.</p> + +<p>"Gauchos!" replied the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>"Gauchos!" repeated Paganel, turning toward his companions, "Gauchos! +We had no need, then, to take such precautions. There was nothing to +fear!"</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked the major.</p> + +<p>"Because the Gauchos are inoffensive peasants."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so, Paganel?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. They took us for robbers, and fled."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was quite disappointed in not speaking with them, as he +expected to obtain additional tidings of the lost sailors; but it +was necessary to push on, if they would reach their destination that +evening.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock Thalcave, who had gone a little in advance, announced +that the lake so long desired was in sight. A quarter of an hour +afterward the little party descended the high banks. But here a serious +disappointment awaited them,—the lake was dry!</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>IN SEARCH OF WATER.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Lake Salinas terminates the cluster of lagoons that adjoin the Ventana +and Guamini mountains. Numerous expeditions are made to this place +to obtain supplies of salt, with which these waters are strongly +impregnated. But now the water had evaporated under the heat of the +sun, and the lake was only a vast glittering basin.</p> + +<p>When Thalcave announced the presence of a drinkable liquid at Lake +Salinas, he meant the streams of fresh water that flow from it in +many places. But at this time its affluents were as dry as itself. +The burning sun had absorbed everything. Hence, the consternation was +general when the thirsty party arrived at the parched shores of Lake +Salinas.</p> + +<p>It was necessary to take counsel. The little water in the leathern +bottles was half spoiled, and could not quench their thirst, which +began to make itself acutely felt. Hunger and fatigue gave place to +this imperative want. A "roukah," a kind of upright tent, of leather, +which stood in a hollow, and had been abandoned by the natives, served +as a refuge for the travelers, while their horses, stretched on the +muddy shores of the lake, ate the saline plants and dry reeds, although +reluctantly.</p> + +<p>When each had sat down in the roukah, Paganel asked Thalcave's advice +as to what was best to be done. A rapid conversation, of which +Glenarvan caught a few words, ensued between the geographer and the +Indian. Thalcave spoke calmly, while Paganel gesticulated for both. +This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> consultation lasted a few minutes, and then the Patagonian folded +his arms.</p> + +<p>"What did he say?" inquired Glenarvan. "I thought I understood him to +advise us to separate."</p> + +<p>"Yes, into two parties," replied Paganel. "Those of us whose horses are +so overcome with fatigue and thirst that they can scarcely move will +continue the journey as well as possible. Those who are better mounted, +on the contrary, will ride in advance, and reconnoitre the Guamini +River, which empties into Lake San Lucas. If there is sufficient water +there, they will wait for their companions on the banks of the stream; +if not, they will return to save the rest a useless journey."</p> + +<p>"And then?" asked Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"Then we must go southward to the first branches of the Ventana +mountains, where the rivers are numerous."</p> + +<p>"The plan is good," replied Glenarvan, "and we will follow it without +delay. My horse has not suffered so much yet from want of water, and I +offer to accompany Thalcave."</p> + +<p>"Oh, my lord, take me!" cried Robert, as if a pleasure excursion were +in question.</p> + +<p>"But can you keep up with us, my child?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have a good beast that asks nothing better than to go in +advance. Will you, my lord? I beseech you!"</p> + +<p>"Come then, my boy," said Glenarvan, delighted not to be separated from +Robert. "And we three," he added, "will be very stupid if we do not +discover some clear and fresh stream."</p> + +<p>"And I?" said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you, my dear Paganel!" replied the major, "you will remain with +the reserve detachment. You know the course, the Guamini River, and the +Pampas, too well to abandon us. Neither Wilson, Mulready, nor myself +are capable of rejoining Thalcave at his rendezvous, unless we advance +confidently under the guidance of the brave Jacques Paganel."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p157.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you +when you have found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand +and pressed it to his lips.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +"I resign," said the geographer, very much flattered to obtain a higher +command.</p> + +<p>"But no distractions!" added the major. "Do not lead us where we have +nothing to do, and bring us back to the shores of the Pacific!"</p> + +<p>"You would deserve it, my intolerable major," said Paganel, smiling. +"But tell me, my dear Glenarvan, how will you understand Thalcave's +language?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose," answered Glenarvan, "that the Patagonian and I will not +need to talk. Besides, with the few Spanish words that I know, I shall +succeed well enough on an emergency in giving him my opinion and +understanding his."</p> + +<p>"Go then, my worthy friend," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Let us eat first," said Glenarvan, "and sleep till the hour of +departure."</p> + +<p>They ate supper without drink, which was rather unrefreshing, and then +fell asleep. Paganel dreamed of torrents, cascades, streams, rivers, +ponds, brooks, nay even full bottles, in short, of everything which +generally contains water. It was a real nightmare.</p> + +<p>The next morning at six o'clock the horses were saddled. They gave them +the last drink of water left, which they took with more dislike than +pleasure, for it was very nauseating. The three horsemen then mounted.</p> + +<p>"<i>Au revoir!</i>" said the major, Austin, Wilson, and Mulready.</p> + +<p>Soon the Patagonian, Glenarvan, and Robert (not without a certain +throbbing of the heart) lost sight of the detachment confided to the +sagacity of the geographer.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE YOUNG SAILOR ON HORSEBACK.</div> + +<p>Thalcave was right in first proceeding towards the Guamini, since this +stream lay on the prescribed course, and was the nearest. The three +horses galloped briskly forward. These excellent beasts perceived, +doubtless, by instinct, whither their masters were guiding them. +Thaouka, especially, showed a spirit that neither fatigue nor thirst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> +could overcome. The other horses followed, at a slower pace, but +incited by his example.</p> + +<p>The Patagonian frequently turned his head to look at Robert Grant, and, +seeing the young boy firm and erect, in an easy and graceful position, +testified his satisfaction by a word of encouragement.</p> + +<p>"Bravo, Robert!" said Glenarvan. "Thalcave seems to congratulate you. +He praises you, my boy!"</p> + +<p>"And why, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"Because of the way you ride."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I merely keep firm; that is all," replied Robert, who blushed with +pleasure at hearing himself complimented.</p> + +<p>"That is the main point, Robert," said Glenarvan; "but you are too +modest, and I am sure you cannot fail to become an accomplished +equestrian."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Robert, "but what will papa say, who wishes to make a +sailor of me?"</p> + +<p>"The one does not interfere with the other. If all horsemen do not make +good sailors, all sailors may certainly make good horsemen. To ride on +the yards, you must learn to keep yourself firm. As for knowing how to +manage your horse, that comes more easily."</p> + +<p>"Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you when you have +found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand and pressed it +to his lips.</p> + +<p>"You love him well, Robert?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord; he was so kind to sister and me. He thought only of us, +and every voyage brought us a memento of the countries he visited, and, +what was better, tender caresses and kind words, on his return. Ah! +you will love him too, when you know him! Mary resembles him. He has a +sweet voice like her. It is singular for a sailor, is it not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, very singular, Robert," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I see him still," replied the boy, as if speaking to himself. "Good +and brave papa! He rocked me to sleep on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> his knees, when I was little, +and kept humming an old Scottish song which is sung around the lakes of +our country. I sometimes recall the air, but indistinctly. How we loved +him, my lord! Well, I think one must be very young to love his father +well."</p> + +<p>"And old to reverence him, my child," replied Glenarvan, quite moved by +the words that came from this young heart.</p> + +<p>During this conversation, their horses had relaxed their pace and +fallen behind the other; but Thalcave called them, and they resumed +their former gait. It was soon evident, however, that, with the +exception of Thaouka, the horses could not long maintain this speed. At +noon it was necessary to give them an hour's rest.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan grew uneasy. The signs of dryness did not diminish, and the +want of water might result in disastrous consequences. Thalcave said +nothing, but probably thought that if the Guamini was dry it would then +be time to despair, if indeed an Indian's heart has ever experienced +such an emotion.</p> + +<p>They therefore kept on, and by use of whip and spur the horses were +induced to continue their journey, but they could not quicken their +pace. Thalcave might easily have gone ahead, for in a few hours Thaouka +could have carried him to the banks of the stream. He doubtless thought +of it, but probably did not like to leave his two companions alone in +the midst of this desert, and, that he might not outstrip them, he +forced Thaouka to lessen his speed. It was not, however, without much +resistance, prancing and neighing, that Thalcave's horse consented to +keep pace with the others. It was not so much the strength as the voice +of his master which restrained him; the Indian actually talked to his +horse; and the animal, if he did not answer, at least comprehended +him. The Patagonian must have used excellent arguments, for, after +"discussing" some time, Thaouka yielded, and obeyed his master's +commands.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">GAINED AT LAST.</div> + +<p>But, if Thaouka understood Thalcave, Thalcave had none the less +understood Thaouka. The intelligent animal, through his superior +instincts, had perceived a moisture in the air. He inhaled it eagerly, +and kept moving his tongue, as if it were steeped in a grateful liquid. +The Patagonian could not be deceived; water was not far distant.</p> + +<p>He therefore encouraged his companions by explaining the impatience of +his horse, which the others were not long in understanding. They made a +final effort, and galloped after the Indian.</p> + +<p>About three o'clock a bright line appeared in a hollow of the plain. It +trembled under the rays of the sun.</p> + +<p>"Water!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Water, yes, water!" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>They had no more need to urge their horses. The poor beasts, feeling +their strength renewed, rushed forward with an irresistible eagerness. +In a few moments they had reached the Guamini River, and, saddled as +they were, plunged to their breasts into the cooling stream. Their +masters imitated their example, without reluctance, and took an +afternoon bath which was as healthful as it was pleasant.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p161.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>"Ah, how good it is!" said Robert, as he quenched his thirst in the +middle of the river.</p> + +<p>"Be moderate, my boy," said Glenarvan, who did not set a good example.</p> + +<p>Nothing was heard but the sound of rapid drinking. As for Thalcave, +he drank quietly, without hurrying, long and deeply, till they might +perhaps fear that the stream would be drained.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Glenarvan, "our friends will not be disappointed in their +expectations. They are sure, on arriving at the Guamini, to find an +abundance of clear water, if Thalcave leaves any!"</p> + +<p>"But could we not go to meet them?" asked Robert. "We could spare them +several hours of anxiety."</p> + +<p>"Doubtless, my boy; but how carry the water? Wilson has charge of the +water-bottles. No, it is better to wait, as we agreed. Calculating the +necessary time, and the slow pace of the horses, our friends will be +here at night. Let us, then, prepare them a safe shelter and a good +repast."</p> + +<p>Thalcave had not waited for Glenarvan's orders to search for a place +to encamp. He had very fortunately found on the banks of the river a +"ramada," a kind of inclosure designed for a cattle-fold and shut in +on three sides. The situation was excellent for the purpose, so long +as one did not fear to sleep in the open air; and that was the least +anxiety of Thalcave's companions. Thus they did not seek a better +retreat, but stretched themselves on the ground in the sun to dry their +water-soaked garments.</p> + +<p>"Well, since here is shelter," said Glenarvan, "let us think of supper. +Our friends must be satisfied with the couriers whom they have sent +forward; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, they will have no reason +to complain. I think an hour's hunting will not be time lost. Are you +ready, Robert?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord," replied he, with gun in hand.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN EVENING'S SPORT.</div> + +<p>Glenarvan had conceived this idea because the banks of the Guamini +seemed to be the haunt of the game of the surrounding plains. +"Tinamous," a kind of partridge, plovers called "teru-teru," yellow +rails, and water-fowl of magnificent green were seen rising in flocks. +As for quadrupeds, they did not make their appearance; but Thalcave, +pointing to the tall grass and thick coppice, explained that they +were hidden there. The hunters had only to take a few steps to find +themselves in one of the best game-coverts in the world.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p163.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>They began to hunt, therefore, and, disdaining the feathered tribe, +their first attempts were made upon the large game of the Pampas. Soon +hares and guanacos, like those that had attacked them so violently on +the Andes, started up before them by hundreds; but these very timid +animals fled with such swiftness that it was impossible to come within +gun-shot. The hunters, therefore, attacked other game that was less +fleet. A dozen partridges and rails were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> brought down, and Glenarvan +shot a peccary, which was very good eating.</p> + +<p>In less than half an hour they had obtained without difficulty all the +game they needed. Robert captured a curious animal called an armadillo, +which was covered with a sort of helmet of movable bony pieces and +measured a foot and a half in length. It was very fat, and would be an +excellent dish, as the Patagonian said; while Robert was proud of his +success.</p> + +<p>As for Thalcave, he showed his companions a "nandou" hunt. This bird, +peculiar to the Pampas, is a kind of ostrich, whose swiftness is +marvelous.</p> + +<p>The Indian did not try to decoy so nimble an animal, but urged his +horse to a gallop, straight towards the bird, so as to overtake it +at once, for, if the first attack should fail, the nandou would soon +fatigue both horse and rider with its giddy backward and forward +movements.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, arriving at a proper distance, launched his "bolas" with a +strong hand, and so skillfully that they twisted about the legs of +the ostrich and paralyzed its efforts. In a few moments it lay on +the ground. The Indian soon captured his prize and contributed it +to the common repast. The string of partridges, Thalcave's ostrich, +Glenarvan's peccary, and Robert's armadillo were brought back to camp. +The ostrich and the peccary were immediately stripped of their skin +and cut into small slices. As for the armadillo, it is a dainty animal +which carries its roasting dish with it, and it was, accordingly, +placed in its own bony covering on the glowing embers.</p> + +<p>The three hunters were satisfied with the partridges for supper, and +kept the rounds of beef for their friends. This repast was washed down +with clear water, which was then considered superior to all the wines +in the world.</p> + +<p>The horses were not forgotten. A great quantity of dry fodder, piled in +the ramada, served them for food and bedding.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">DESERT SILENCE.</div> + +<p>When everything was ready, Glenarvan, Robert, and the Indian wrapped +themselves in their ponchos, and stretched their limbs on a bundle of +alfafares, the usual bed of the hunters of the Pampas.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE RED WOLVES.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Night came,—the night of the new moon, only the uncertain light of +the stars illumined the plain. On the horizon the zodiacal light faded +away in a dark mist. The waters of the Guamini flowed without a murmur, +while birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles reposed after the fatigues of +the day. The silence of the desert reigned on the vast expanse of the +Pampas.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Robert, and Thalcave had yielded to the common law, and, +stretched on their thick beds of grass, they enjoyed a refreshing +sleep. The horses, overcome with fatigue, had lain down on the ground: +Thaouka alone, like a true blooded horse, slept standing, spirited in +repose as in action, and ready to start at the least sign from his +master. Perfect tranquillity reigned within the inclosure, and the +embers of the night-fire, as they gradually died out, cast their last +rays over the silent obscurity.</p> + +<p>About ten o'clock, after a short sleep, the Indian awoke. His eyes +became fixed beneath his lowered eyebrows, and his head was turned in a +listening attitude towards the plain. He seemed endeavoring to detect +some scarcely perceptible sound. A vague uneasiness was soon expressed +on his face, usually so calm. Had he perceived the approach of prowling +Indians, or the coming of jaguars, water-tigers, and other formidable +beasts which are numerous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> in the neighborhood of rivers? This last +possibility doubtless appeared plausible to him, for he cast a rapid +glance over the combustible materials piled in the inclosure, and his +anxiety increased. In fact, all this dry bedding would quickly be +consumed, and could not long intimidate the audacious animals.</p> + +<p>According to this conjecture, Thalcave had only to await the progress +of events, which he did, half reclining, his head resting on his hands, +his elbows on his knees, his eyes motionless, in the attitude of a man +whom a sudden anxiety has awakened from sleep.</p> + +<p>An hour passed. Any other person but Thalcave, reassured by the outward +silence, would have lain down again. But where a stranger would have +suspected nothing, the highly-trained senses and natural instinct of +the Indian foresaw the coming danger.</p> + +<p>While he was listening and watching, Thaouka gave a low neigh. His +nose was stretched towards the entrance to the ramada. The Patagonian +suddenly started.</p> + +<p>"Thaouka has scented some enemy," said he.</p> + +<p>He arose and scanned the plain attentively. Silence still reigned, but +not tranquillity. Thalcave discerned shadows moving noiselessly among +the tufts of grass. Here and there glittered luminous points, which +spread on all sides, now fading away, and now gleaming forth again. You +would have thought fantastic elves were dancing on the surface of an +immense lagoon. A stranger would doubtless have taken these flitting +sparks for glow-worms, which shine, when night comes, in many parts of +the Pampas. But Thalcave was not deceived; he knew with what enemies he +had to deal. He loaded his carbine, and took a position near the first +stakes of the inclosure.</p> + +<p>He did not wait long. A strange cry, a mingling of barks and howls, +resounded over the plain. The report of the carbine answered it, +and was followed by a hundred frightful yelps. Glenarvan and Robert +suddenly awoke.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FEARFUL ODDS.</div> + +<p>"What is the matter?" asked Robert.</p> + +<p>"Indians?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Thalcave, "aguaras."</p> + +<p>Robert looked at Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Aguaras?" said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "the red wolves of the Pampas."</p> + +<p>Both seized their weapons, and joined the Indian. The latter pointed +to the plain, from which arose a series of formidable howls. Robert +involuntarily took a step backward.</p> + +<p>"You are not afraid of the wolves, my boy?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"No, my lord," replied Robert, in a firm tone. "With you I fear +nothing."</p> + +<p>"So much the better. These aguaras are not very formidable beasts; and +were it not for their numbers I should not even think of them."</p> + +<p>"What does it matter?" replied Robert. "We are well armed. Let them +come."</p> + +<p>"And they shall be well received."</p> + +<p>Speaking thus, Glenarvan endeavored to reassure the lad; but he did +not think without a secret terror of that dense horde of exasperated +beasts. Perhaps there were hundreds of them; and these three, however +well armed, could not advantageously contend against so many and such +antagonists.</p> + +<p>By the howls that resounded over the Pampas, and by the multitude of +shadows that flitted about the plain, Glenarvan could not be mistaken +as to the number. These animals had scented a sure prey, horse-flesh or +human flesh, and not one among them would return to his lair without +having his portion. The situation was, therefore, very alarming.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the circle of wolves grew gradually narrower. The horses, +awakened, gave signs of the liveliest terror.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> Thaouka alone pawed the +ground, seeking to break his halter, and ready to rush out. His master +succeeded in calming him only by whistling continually.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and Robert had stationed themselves so as to defend the +entrance of the ramada, and with their loaded rifles were about to fire +at the first ranks of wolves, when Thalcave turned aside their weapons +already poised for a shot.</p> + +<p>"What does Thalcave wish?" asked Robert.</p> + +<p>"He prohibits us from firing," answered Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he does not consider it the proper time."</p> + +<p>This was not, however, the motive which actuated the Indian, but a +graver reason, which Glenarvan understood when Thalcave, raising his +powder-flask and inverting it, showed that it was almost empty.</p> + +<p>"Well?" said Robert.</p> + +<p>"We must economize our ammunition. Our hunt to-day has cost us dear, +and we are deficient in powder and shot. We have not twenty charges +left."</p> + +<p>The boy answered nothing.</p> + +<p>"You are not afraid, Robert?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Very well, my boy."</p> + +<p>At this moment another report resounded. Thalcave had brought down a +too bold enemy. The wolves that were advancing in close ranks recoiled, +and gathered together again a hundred paces from the inclosure.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LAST HOUR.</div> + +<p>Glenarvan, at a sign from the Indian, took his place at once, while the +latter, collecting the bedding, grass, and all combustible materials, +piled them at the entrance of the ramada and threw on a burning ember. +Soon a curtain of flame was defined against the dark background of the +sky, and through the openings the plain appeared illumined by great +moving reflections. Glenarvan could therefore judge of the great number +of animals against which they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> had to defend themselves. Never had so +many wolves been seen together before, nor so excited by rapacity. The +fiery barrier that Thalcave had just opposed to them had redoubled +their fury. Some, however, advanced to the very fire, crowded by +the rear ranks, and burned their paws. From time to time a shot was +necessary to check the howling horde, and at the end of an hour fifteen +bodies lay on the prairie.</p> + +<p>The besieged were now in a situation relatively less dangerous. So long +as their supplies lasted, so long as the barrier of fire stood at the +entrance to the ramada, invasion was not to be feared. But what was to +be done if all these methods of repelling the wolves should fail at the +same time?</p> + +<p>Glenarvan gazed at Robert, and felt his heart beat quick with +excitement. He forgot himself, and thought only of this poor child, who +displayed a courage beyond his years. Robert was pale, but his hand did +not leave his weapon, and he awaited with firm bearing the assault of +the enraged wolves.</p> + +<p>Meantime, Glenarvan, after coolly considering the situation, resolved +to do something decisive.</p> + +<p>"In one hour," said he, "we shall have no more powder, shot, or fire. +We must not wait till then to make a sally."</p> + +<p>He turned towards Thalcave, and, recalling a few words of Spanish, +began a conversation with the Indian, frequently interrupted by the +cracks of the rifle.</p> + +<p>It was not without difficulty that these two men succeeded in +understanding each other. Glenarvan, fortunately, knew the habits of +the red wolf. Without this knowledge he could not have interpreted the +words and gestures of the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless, a quarter of an hour passed before he could give to +Robert the meaning of Thalcave's answer. He had questioned the Indian +concerning their situation.</p> + +<p>"And what did he answer?" inquired Robert.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He said that, cost what it may, we must hold out till daybreak. The +aguara goes out only at night, and when morning comes he returns to +his lair. He is the wolf of darkness, a cowardly beast that fears the +daylight."</p> + +<p>"Well, let us defend ourselves till day."</p> + +<p>"Yes, my boy, and with our knives if we can no longer use our guns."</p> + +<p>Already Thalcave had set the example, and when a wolf approached the +fire, the long knife of the Patagonian was thrust through the flames +and drawn back again red with blood.</p> + +<p>However, the means of defense were failing. About two o'clock in the +morning, Thalcave threw into the fire the last armful of fuel, and the +besieged had only five charges left.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan cast about him a sorrowful glance. He thought of the child +who was there, of his companions, of all whom he loved. Robert said +nothing; perhaps the danger did not appear imminent to his hopeful +spirit. But Glenarvan pictured to himself that terrible event, now +apparently inevitable, the being devoured alive! He was not master of +his emotion; he drew the child to his breast, he clasped him to his +heart, he pressed his lips to his forehead, while tears flowed from his +eyes.</p> + +<p>Robert gazed at him with a smile. "I am not afraid," said he.</p> + +<p>"No, my boy, no," replied Glenarvan; "and you are right. In two hours, +day will appear, and we shall be saved! Well done, Thalcave, my brave +Patagonian!" cried he, as the Indian killed with the butt of his gun +two enormous beasts that were attempting to cross the glowing barrier.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A DYING HOPE.</div> + +<p>But at this moment the dying light of the fire showed him the aguaras +advancing in a dense body to assail the ramada. The dénouement of the +bloody drama was approaching. The fire gradually subsided, for want +of fuel; the flames sank; the plain, before illumined, now relapsed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> +into shadow, and in the shadow reappeared the terrible eyes of the red +wolves. A few moments more, and the whole drove would rush into the +inclosure.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p171.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>Thalcave discharged his carbine for the last time, stretched out one +more of their enemies, and, as his ammunition was exhausted, folded +his arms. His head sank upon his breast; he appeared to be questioning +himself. Was he searching for some bold, novel, or rash scheme for +repelling this furious herd? Glenarvan did not venture to ask him.</p> + +<p>At this moment a change took place in the action of the wolves. They +seemed to be retreating, and their howls, so deafening before, suddenly +ceased. An ominous silence reigned over the plain.</p> + +<p>"They are going," said Robert.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," replied Glenarvan, who was listening with intentness.</p> + +<p>But Thalcave shook his head. He knew well that the animals would not +abandon a certain prey until at daybreak they returned to their holes +and dens.</p> + +<p>However, the tactics of their enemies had evidently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> changed, they no +longer endeavored to force the entrance of the ramada; but their new +manœuvres were already causing a still more imminent danger.</p> + +<p>The wolves, abandoning their design of penetrating the inclosure by +this entrance, which was defended by weapon and fire, went to the +back of the ramada and sought to assail it in the rear. Their claws +were soon heard rattling against the half-decayed wood. Already their +powerful paws and bloody mouths had forced their way between the +shattered stakes. The horses, bewildered and panic-stricken, broke +their halters and dashed into the inclosure. Glenarvan seized Robert +in his arms, to defend him to the last extremity; and he would have +attempted a rash flight, and rushed out of the ramada, had not his eyes +fallen upon the Indian.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, turning like a deer, had suddenly approached his horse, +which was neighing with impatience, and was beginning to saddle him +carefully, forgetting neither strap nor buckle. He seemed no longer to +care for the howls, that were now redoubled. Glenarvan gazed at him +with a dark foreboding.</p> + +<p>"He is leaving us!" cried he, seeing Thalcave gather up his reins as +though he were about to mount.</p> + +<p>"He? never!" said Robert.</p> + +<p>In truth the Indian was about to make a venture, not to leave his +friends, but to save them by sacrificing himself. Thaouka was ready. +He champed his bit; he pranced; his eyes, full of a fiery spirit, shot +forth lightning flashes; he understood his master.</p> + +<p>Just as the Indian was seizing the mane of his horse, Glenarvan caught +him by the arm with a convulsive grasp.</p> + +<p>"You are going?" said he, pointing to the plain, which was now deserted.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the Indian, who comprehended the gesture of his +companion; and, with vehement gesticulations which were however +perfectly intelligible, he added a few words in Spanish, which +signified: "Thaouka—good horse—swift—will draw the wolves after him."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p173.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Frightful howls resounded. The wolves, starting on the +track of the horse, fled into the darkness with a terrible speed.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p>"Ha! Thalcave!" cried Glenarvan.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Quick, quick!" continued the Indian; while Glenarvan said to Robert, +in a voice broken by emotion,—</p> + +<p>"Robert, my lad, you hear! He will sacrifice himself for us; he will +rush out over the plain, and turn aside the fury of the wolves upon +himself."</p> + +<p>"Friend Thalcave," replied Robert, looking imploringly at the +Patagonian, "friend Thalcave, do not leave us!"</p> + +<p>"No," said Glenarvan, "he will not leave us."</p> + +<p>And, turning to the Indian, he added, pointing to the terrified horses +crowding against the stakes,—</p> + +<p>"Let us go together."</p> + +<p>"No," said the Indian, who was not mistaken as to the meaning of these +words. "Bad beasts—frightened—Thaouka—good horse."</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Glenarvan. "Thalcave shall not leave, Robert. He +shows me what I have to do. It is my duty to go, and his to remain with +you."</p> + +<p>Then, seizing Thaouka's bridle, he added,—</p> + +<p>"I will go."</p> + +<p>"No," replied the Patagonian, calmly.</p> + +<p>"I tell you," cried Glenarvan, taking the bridle from the hands of the +Indian, "I will go. Save this boy! I trust him to you, Thalcave!"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, in his excitement, mingled English and Spanish together. But +what matters the language? In such a terrible situation, signs tell +all, and men quickly understand each other.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SAFETY FOR TWO.</div> + +<p>However, Thalcave resisted, and the discussion was prolonged. The +danger was increasing every moment. Already the broken stakes were +yielding to the teeth and claws of the wolves. But neither Glenarvan +nor Thalcave appeared willing to yield. The Indian had drawn Glenarvan +towards the entrance of the inclosure. He pointed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> to the plain, now +free from wolves. In his animated language, he explained that not a +moment was to be lost; that the danger, if this plan failed, would be +greater for those who remained; in short, that he alone knew Thaouka +well enough to employ his marvelous agility and speed for the common +safety. Glenarvan blindly persisted in his resolve to sacrifice +himself, when suddenly he was pushed violently back. Thaouka pranced, +reared on his hind legs, and all at once, with a spring, cleared the +barrier of fire and the rampart of bodies, while a boyish voice cried,—</p> + +<p>"God save you, my lord!"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and Thalcave had scarcely time to perceive Robert, who, +clinging to the horse's mane, disappeared in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"Robert, unfortunate!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>But these words the Indian himself could not hear. Frightful howls +resounded. The wolves, starting on the track of the horse, fled into +the darkness with a terrible speed.</p> + +<p>Thalcave and Glenarvan rushed out of the ramada. Already the plain had +resumed its tranquillity, and they could scarcely distinguish a moving +line which undulated afar in the shadows of the night.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan sank upon the ground, overcome, in despair, clasping his +hands. He gazed at Thalcave, who smiled with his accustomed calmness.</p> + +<p>"Thaouka—good horse—brave child—he will be saved!" he repeated, +nodding his head.</p> + +<p>"But if he falls?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"He will not fall!"</p> + +<p>In spite of Thalcave's confidence, his companion passed the night in +terrible anguish. He was no longer even mindful of the danger still to +be feared from the wolves. He would have gone in search of Robert, but +the Indian restrained him, and explained that their horses could not +overtake the boy, that Thaouka must have distanced his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> enemies, and +could not be found in the darkness. They must wait for day to start in +search of Robert.</p> + +<p>At four o'clock in the morning day began to break. The mists of the +horizon were soon tinged with pale rays. A sparkling dew covered the +plain, and the tall grass began to wave under the first breezes of the +dawn.</p> + +<p>The moment of departure had arrived.</p> + +<p>"Forward!" said the Indian.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan did not reply, but sprang upon Robert's horse, and the two +were soon galloping towards the west in the direction from which their +companions were to come.</p> + +<p>For an hour they traveled thus with great speed, gazing around for +Robert, and dreading at each step to behold his mangled body. Glenarvan +tortured the flanks of his horse with his spurs. Suddenly shots were +heard, and reports at regular intervals, like signals for recognition.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/verne_p176.jpg" width="450" alt="" /> +</div> + +<p>"It is they!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Thalcave and he urged their horses to a more rapid pace, and a few +moments afterwards they joined the party led by Paganel.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LIVELY GRATITUDE.</div> + +<p>To Glenarvan's joy, Robert was there, alive, borne<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> by the noble +Thaouka, who neighed with pleasure at seeing his master.</p> + +<p>"Ah, my boy! my boy!" cried Glenarvan, with unspeakable tenderness; and +Robert and he, dismounting, rushed into each other's arms.</p> + +<p>Then it was the Indian's turn to clasp to his breast the courageous son +of Captain Grant.</p> + +<p>"He lives! he lives!" exclaimed Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Robert, "thanks to Thaouka."</p> + +<p>The Indian had not waited for these words of gratitude to embrace his +horse, but at that very moment he spoke to him and embraced him, as +if human blood flowed in the veins of the noble animal. Then, turning +towards Paganel, he pointed to young Robert.</p> + +<p>"A brave boy!" said he.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, however, asked, even while he admired the lad,—</p> + +<p>"Why, my son, did you not let Thalcave or me try this last chance of +saving you?"</p> + +<p>"My lord," replied he, in accents of the liveliest gratitude, "was it +not my duty to sacrifice myself, when Thalcave has saved my life, and +you are going to save my father?"</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> + +<h3>STRANGE SIGNS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>After their first outbursts of joy at meeting were over, Paganel, +Austin, Wilson, and Mulready—all who had remained behind, except the +major—were conscious of one thing, namely, that they were suffering +from thirst. Fortunately, the Guamini flowed at no great distance. +They accordingly continued their journey, and at seven o'clock in the +morning the little party arrived at the ramada. On seeing its entrance +strewn with the bodies of the wolves, it was easy to understand the +violence of the attack and the vigor of the defense. The travelers, +after fully quenching their thirst, devoted their attention to +breakfast in the inclosure. The ostrich-steaks were declared excellent, +and the armadillo, roasted in its own covering, was a delicious dish.</p> + +<p>"To eat reasonably of this," said Paganel, "would be ingratitude +towards Providence. We really must eat immoderately."</p> + +<p>And he did so accordingly,—but was not sick, thanks to the clear water +of the Guamini, which appeared to possess superior digestive properties.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AEROSTATIC EXPERIMENTS.</div> + +<p>At ten o'clock Glenarvan gave the signal for departure. The +water-bottles were filled, and they set out. The horses, being greatly +revived, evinced much spirit, and maintained an easy and almost +continuous canter. The next morning they crossed the boundary which +separates the Argentine Plains from the Pampas. Here Thalcave hoped +to meet the chiefs in whose hands he doubted not that he should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> find +Harry Grant and rescue him and his two companions from slavery.</p> + +<p>Since they had left the Guamini, the travelers noticed, with great +satisfaction, a considerable change in the temperature, thanks to the +cold winds of Patagonia, which cause continual currents of air. Neither +man nor beast had any reason to complain, after suffering so much from +dryness and heat. They therefore pushed on with courage and confidence. +But, whatever might have been said, the country seemed to be entirely +uninhabited, or, to use a more exact word, "disinhabited."</p> + +<p>Frequently they skirted the shores of fresh-water lagoons, on whose +banks, in the shelter of the bushes, tiny wrens skipped and melodious +larks warbled, in company with the brilliant-plumaged tanagers. These +pretty birds gayly fluttered about, heedless of the haughty starlings +that strutted on the banks like soldiers with their epaulettes and red +breasts. In the thorny coppices the nests of the annubis swung like +hammocks, and on the shores of the lagoons magnificent flamingoes, +marching in regular file, spread their fiery-colored wings to the wind. +Their nests were seen, by thousands together, like a small village, in +the shape of truncated cones a foot high. The birds were not startled +at the approach of the travelers, which was contrary to Paganel's +calculations.</p> + +<p>"I have been curious for a long time," said he to the major, "to see a +flamingo fly."</p> + +<p>"Well," said MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"Now, since I have an opportunity, I shall profit by it."</p> + +<p>"Do so, Paganel."</p> + +<p>"Come with me, major, and you too, Robert; I need witnesses."</p> + +<p>And Paganel, leaving his companions to go on, proceeded towards the +flock of flamingoes, followed by Robert and the major. Arriving within +range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for he would not needlessly +destroy even a bird),<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> and all the flamingoes flew away, while the +geographer gazed at them attentively through his glasses.</p> + +<p>"Well," said he to the major, when the flock had disappeared, "did you +see them fly?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied MacNabb; "you could not do otherwise, unless you +were blind. But let us hasten on, for we have fallen a mile behind."</p> + +<p>When he had joined his companions, Paganel found Glenarvan in excited +conversation with the Indian, whom he did not appear to understand. +Thalcave had frequently stopped to examine the horizon, and each time +his countenance expressed a lively astonishment. Glenarvan, not seeing +his ordinary interpreter present, had attempted, but in vain, to +question the Patagonian. So, as soon as he perceived the geographer at +a distance, he cried,—</p> + +<p>"Come, friend Paganel, Thalcave and I can scarcely succeed in +understanding each other."</p> + +<p>Paganel conversed a few moments with the Indian, and, turning to +Glenarvan, said,—</p> + +<p>"Thalcave is astonished at a circumstance that is really strange."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"At meeting neither Indians, nor any traces of them, on these plains, +which are usually furrowed with their trails, whether they are driving +home the cattle stolen from the ranchos, or going to the Andes to sell +their zorillo carpets and whips of braided leather."</p> + +<p>"And to what does Thalcave attribute this abandonment?"</p> + +<p>"He cannot tell; he is astonished. That is all."</p> + +<p>"But what Indians did he expect to find in this part of the Pampas?"</p> + +<p>"The very ones who have had foreign prisoners; those natives who are +commanded by the caziques Calfoucoura, Catriel, and Yanchetruz."</p> + +<p>"Who are these caziques?"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p181.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Arriving within range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for +he would not needlessly destroy even a bird), and all the flamingoes +flew away, while the geographer gazed at them attentively through his +glasses.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> +"Chiefs of tribes that were very powerful thirty years ago, before they +were driven beyond the sierras. Since that time they have been subdued +as much as an Indian can be, and now scour the Pampas as well as the +province of Buenos Ayres. I am therefore astonished, like Thalcave, +at not encountering traces of them in a country where they generally +pursue the calling of plunderers."</p> + +<p>"Well, then," inquired Glenarvan, "what course ought we to take?"</p> + +<p>"I will see," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>After a few moments' conversation with Thalcave, he said,—</p> + +<p>"This is his advice, which seems to me very wise. We must continue our +journey to the east as far as Fort Independence; and there, if we have +no news of Captain Grant, we shall at least know what has become of the +Indians of the plain."</p> + +<p>"Is Fort Independence far?"</p> + +<p>"No; it is situated at Tandil, sixty miles distant."</p> + +<p>"And when shall we arrive there?"</p> + +<p>"On the evening of the day after to-morrow."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was quite disconcerted at finding no Indians on the Pampas, +a circumstance which was little expected. There are ordinarily too +many of them. Some special cause must therefore have removed them. +But a serious question was to be considered. If Captain Grant was a +prisoner of one of these tribes, had he been carried to the north or +to the south? This problem harassed Glenarvan. It was advisable at all +hazards to keep track of the captain. In short, it was better to follow +Thalcave's advice and reach the village of Tandil, where at least they +could obtain information.</p> + +<p>About four o'clock in the afternoon they approached a hill that might +have passed for a mountain in so level a country. It was Tapalquem +Sierra, and at its foot the travelers encamped for the night.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">GALLOPING GAUCHOS.</div> + +<p>The passage of this mountain was accomplished the next day with the +greatest ease. They followed the sandy undulations of a gradually +sloping terrace, which certainly did not present difficulties to +people who had scaled the Andes, and the horses scarcely relaxed their +rapid pace. At noon they reached the abandoned Fort Tapalquem, the +first of the chain of forts built on the southern frontier against the +plundering natives. But not a shadow of an Indian did they encounter, +to the increasing surprise of Thalcave; although, towards the middle of +the day, three rovers of the plain, well armed and mounted, gazed for +a moment at the little party, but prevented their approach, galloping +away with incredible rapidity. Glenarvan was furious.</p> + +<p>"Gauchos," said the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Gauchos," replied MacNabb. "Well, Paganel, what do you think of +these creatures?"</p> + +<p>"I think they look like famous bandits," answered Paganel.</p> + +<p>"And hence of course are, my dear geographer?"</p> + +<p>"Of course, my dear major."</p> + +<p>Paganel's avowal was followed by a general laugh, which did not +disconcert him at all.</p> + +<p>According to Thalcave's orders, they advanced in close ranks, and +at evening encamped in a spacious abandoned rancho, where the chief +Catriel generally assembled his bands of natives. From an examination +of the ground and the absence of fresh tracks, the Patagonian knew that +it had not been occupied for a long time.</p> + +<p>The next morning Glenarvan and his companions found themselves again +on the plain. The first estancias (vast establishments for raising +cattle), which border upon the Tandil, were descried; but Thalcave +resolved not to stop, but to keep straight on to Fort Independence, +where he wished to obtain information, especially concerning the +singular condition of this abandoned country.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> + +<p>The trees, so rare since leaving the Andes, now reappeared. The greater +part of these have been planted since the arrival of the Europeans +on the American continent. They generally surround "corrals," vast +cattle-inclosures protected with stakes. Here thousands of cattle, +sheep, cows, and horses, branded with the mark of the owner, graze +and fatten, while large numbers of huge dogs keep watch. The soil is +admirably adapted to raising cattle, and yields an excellent fodder.</p> + +<p>The people lead the life of the shepherds of the Bible. Their flocks +are perhaps even more numerous than those which fed on the plains of +Mesopotamia; but the family element is wanting, and the owners of the +great folds of the Pampas have little to recommend themselves or their +manner of life.</p> + +<p>Paganel explained all these particulars to his companions, and even +succeeded in interesting the major.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, meanwhile, hastened their progress, as he wished to arrive +that evening at Fort Independence. The horses, urged on by their +masters, and following the example of Thaouka, dashed through the +tall grass. They passed several farms, fortified and defended by deep +ditches. The principal house was provided with an elevated terrace, +from which the inmates could fire upon the plunderers of the plain. +Glenarvan might perhaps have obtained here the information that he +sought; but it was wisest to go to the village of Tandil. They did not +stop, therefore, and soon the feet of the horses struck the grassy +sward of the first mountain slopes. An hour afterward the village +appeared at the bottom of a narrow gorge crowned by the embattled walls +of Fort Independence.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p185.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">In fact, they were a dozen young children and boys who +were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a striped shirt +confined at the waist by a leathern girdle.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> + +<h3>A FALSE TRAIL.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Paganel, after giving his companions a brief account of the village of +Tandil, added that they could not fail to obtain information there; +moreover, the fort was always garrisoned by a detachment of national +troops. Glenarvan, accordingly, put the horses into the stable of a +"fonda;" and Paganel, the major, Robert, and he, under the guidance of +Thalcave, proceeded towards Fort Independence.</p> + +<p>After ascending the ridges of the mountains for a short time, they +arrived at the postern, rather carelessly guarded by a native sentinel. +They passed without difficulty, and inferred either great negligence or +extreme security. A few soldiers were exercising on the parade-ground +of the fort, the oldest of whom was not more than twenty and the +youngest scarcely ten. In fact, they were a dozen young children and +boys who were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a +striped shirt confined at the waist by a leathern girdle. The mildness +of the climate justified this light costume. Each of these young +soldiers carried a gun and a sword, which were too long and heavy for +the little fellows. All had a certain family resemblance, and the +corporal who commanded resembled them too: they were twelve brothers, +who were parading under the orders of the thirteenth.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ARGENTINE COMMANDANT.</div> + +<p>Paganel was not astonished. He remembered his Argentine statistics, and +knew that in this country the average number of children in a family +exceeds nine. But what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> surprised him exceedingly was to see these +little soldiers practicing the French tactics, and to hear the orders +of the corporal given in his own native language.</p> + +<p>"This is singular," said he.</p> + +<p>But Glenarvan had not come to see boys drill, still less to occupy +himself with their nationality or relationship. He did not, therefore, +give Paganel time to express further astonishment, but besought him +to ask for the commander of the fortress. Paganel did so, and one of +the soldiers proceeded towards a small building which served as the +barracks.</p> + +<p>A few moments after, the commander appeared in person. He was a man +of fifty, robust, with a military air, thick whiskers, prominent +cheek-bones, gray hair, and commanding look, so far as one could judge +through the clouds of smoke that issued from his short pipe.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, addressing him, introduced Lord Glenarvan and his companions. +While he spoke, the commander kept scrutinizing Paganel with quite +embarrassing persistence. The geographer did not know what the trooper +meant, and was about to ask him, when the latter unceremoniously seized +his hand, and said, in a joyous tone, in his own language,—</p> + +<p>"A Frenchman?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, a Frenchman," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a Frenchman," +cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with rather painful +violence.</p> + +<p>"One of your friends?" asked the major of Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied he, with national pride; "we have friends in all parts +of the world!"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p188.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a +Frenchman," cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with +rather painful violence.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">RAISING A REGIMENT.</div> + +<p>He then entered into conversation with the commander. Glenarvan would +gladly have put in a word in regard to his affairs, but the soldier +was telling his story, and was not in the mood to be interrupted. +This honest man had left France a long time before; and the native +language<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> was no longer perfectly familiar to him: he had forgotten, +if not words, at least the manner of combining them. As his visitors +soon learned, he had been a sergeant in the French army. Since the +foundation of the fort he had not left it, and commanded it by +appointment from the Argentine government. He was by parentage a +Basque, and his name was Manuel Ipharaguerre. A year after his arrival +in the country, Sergeant Manuel was naturalized, joined the Argentine +army, and married an honest Indian woman, who had twins,—boys, to be +sure, for the sergeant's worthy consort would never present him with +daughters. Manuel did not think of any other calling than that of the +soldier, and hoped, in time, with the help of God, to offer to the +republic a whole battalion of young soldiers.</p> + +<p>"You have seen them?" said he. "Charming fellows! Good soldiers! José! +Juan! Miguel! Pepe! Pepe is only seven years old, and is already biting +his cartridge!"</p> + +<p>Pepe, hearing himself complimented, joined his two little feet, and +presented arms with perfect precision.</p> + +<p>"He will do!" added the sergeant. "He will be a major—or +brigadier-general one day!"</p> + +<p>This story lasted a quarter of an hour, to Thalcave's great +astonishment. The Indian could not understand how so many words could +come from a single throat. No one interrupted the commander; and even +a French sergeant had to conclude at last, though not without forcing +his guests to accompany him to his dwelling. Here they were introduced +to Madame Ipharaguerre, who appeared to be "a good-looking person," if +this expression may be employed in regard to an Indian.</p> + +<p>When he had exhausted himself, the sergeant asked his guests to what he +owed the honor of their visit. And now it was their turn to explain.</p> + +<p>Paganel, opening the conversation in French, told him of their journey +across the Pampas, and ended by asking why the Indians had abandoned +the country.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<p>"War!" replied the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"War?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, civil war."</p> + +<p>"Civil war?" rejoined Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, war between Paraguay and Buenos Ayres," answered the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>"Why, all the Indians of the north are in the rear of General Flores, +and those of the plains are plundering."</p> + +<p>"But the caziques?"</p> + +<p>"The caziques with them."</p> + +<p>This answer was reported to Thalcave, who shook his head. Indeed, +he either did not know, or had forgotten, that a civil war, which +was afterwards to involve Brazil, was decimating two-thirds of the +republic. The Indians had everything to gain in these internal +struggles, and could not neglect such fine opportunities for plunder. +The sergeant, therefore, was not mistaken in attributing this desertion +of the Pampas to the civil war that was being waged in the northern +part of the Argentine Provinces.</p> + +<p>But this event disconcerted Glenarvan's hopes. If Captain Grant was +a prisoner of the caziques, he must have been carried by them to the +northern frontiers. Yet how and where to find him? Must they attempt +a perilous and almost useless search to the northern limits of the +Pampas? It was a serious matter, which was to be earnestly considered.</p> + +<p>However, one important question was still to be asked of the sergeant, +and the major thought of this, while his companions were looking at +each other in silence.</p> + +<p>"Have you heard of any Europeans being retained as prisoners by the +caziques of the Pampas?"</p> + +<p>Manuel reflected for a few moments, like a man who recalls events to +recollection.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said he, at length.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Glenarvan, conceiving a new hope.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">REVELATIONS.</div> + +<p>Paganel, MacNabb, Robert, and he now surrounded the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"Speak, speak!" cried they, gazing at him with eagerness even in their +looks.</p> + +<p>"Several years ago," replied Manuel, "yes,—that is it,—European +prisoners—but have never seen them."</p> + +<p>"Several years ago?" said Glenarvan. "You are mistaken. The date of the +shipwreck is definite. The Britannia was lost in June, 1862, less than +two years ago."</p> + +<p>"Oh, more than that, my lord!"</p> + +<p>"Impossible!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Not at all. It was when Pepe was born. There were two men."</p> + +<p>"No, three!" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Two," replied the sergeant, in a positive tone.</p> + +<p>"Two?" exclaimed Glenarvan, very much chagrined. "Two Englishmen?"</p> + +<p>"No," continued the sergeant. "Who speaks of Englishmen? It was a +Frenchman and an Italian."</p> + +<p>"An Italian who was massacred by the Indians?" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I learned afterwards—Frenchman saved."</p> + +<p>"Saved!" exclaimed Robert, whose very life seemed to hang on the +sergeant's lips.</p> + +<p>"Yes, saved from the hands of the Indians," replied Manuel.</p> + +<p>Each looked to the geographer, who beat his brow in despair.</p> + +<p>"Ah! I understand," said he, at last. "All is clear, all is explained."</p> + +<p>"But what is to be done?" asked Glenarvan, with as much anxiety as +impatience.</p> + +<p>"My friends," answered Paganel, taking Robert's hands, "we must submit +to a severe misfortune. We have followed a false trail! The captive +in question is not the captain, but one of my countrymen (whose +companion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> Marco Vazello, was actually assassinated by the Indians), +a Frenchman who often accompanied these cruel savages to the banks of +the Colorado, and who, after fortunately escaping from their hands, +returned to France. While thinking that we were on the track of Captain +Grant, we have fallen upon that of young Guinnard."</p> + +<p>A profound silence followed this declaration. The mistake was palpable. +The sergeant's story, the nationality of the prisoner, the murder +of his companion, and his escape from the hands of the Indians, all +accorded with the evident facts. Glenarvan gazed at Thalcave with a +bewildered air. The Indian then resumed the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Have you never heard of three English captives?" he asked the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"Never," replied Manuel. "It would have been known at Tandil. I should +have heard of it. No, it cannot be."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, after this formal response, had nothing more to do at Fort +Independence. He and his friends, therefore, departed, not without +thanking the sergeant and shaking hands with him.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was in despair at this complete overthrow of his hopes. +Robert walked beside him in silence, with tearful eyes, while his +protector could not find a single word to console him. Paganel +gesticulated and talked to himself. The major did not open his lips. +As for Thalcave, his Indian pride seemed humbled at having gone astray +on a false trail. No one, however, thought of reproaching him for so +excusable an error.</p> + +<p>They returned to the encampment, saddened indeed. Still, not one of +the courageous and devoted men regretted so many hardships uselessly +endured, so many dangers vainly incurred. But each saw all hope of +success annihilated in an instant. Could they find Captain Grant +between Tandil and the sea? No. If any prisoner had fallen into the +hands of the Indians on the Atlantic coast, Sergeant Manuel would +certainly have been informed.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p193.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">More than once during the journey, the attention and +interest of all, but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the +curious illusion of the mirage.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +An event of such a nature could not +have escaped the natives who trade from Tandil to Carmen. Among the +traders of the Argentine Plains everything is known and reported. There +was therefore but one course now to take,—to join, without delay, the +Duncan at Cape Medano, the appointed rendezvous.</p> +<p>In the meantime, Paganel had asked Glenarvan for the document, by +relying on which their search had resulted so unfortunately. He +read it again with unconcealed vexation, seeking to discover a new +interpretation.</p> + +<p>"This document is, at all events, clear," said Glenarvan. "It explains +in the most definite manner the shipwreck of the captain and the place +of his captivity."</p> + +<p>"No," replied the geographer, stamping with his foot, "a hundred times +no! Since Captain Grant is not on the Pampas, he is not in America. +This document ought to tell where he is; and it shall, my friends, or I +am no longer Jacques Paganel."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE FLOOD.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">OMENS AND MIRAGES.</div> + +<p>Fort Independence is one hundred and fifty miles from the shores of +the Atlantic. But for unforeseen and unexpected delays, Glenarvan +could have rejoined the Duncan in four days. He could not, however, +reconcile himself to the idea of returning on board without Captain +Grant, and failing so completely in his search; and did not therefore, +as usual, give the orders for departure. But the major assumed the +task of saddling the horses, renewing the provisions, and making his +arrangements for the journey. Thanks to his activity, the little party, +at eight o'clock<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> in the morning, was on its way down the grassy slopes +of the Tandil Sierra.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, with Robert at his side, galloped on in silence. His +lordship's bold and resolute character did not permit him to accept +this disappointment calmly. His heart beat violently, and his brain was +on fire. Paganel, tormented by the mystery of the document, arranged +the words in every way, as if to draw from them a new meaning. Thalcave +silently resigned himself to Thaouka's sagacity. The major, always +confident, performed his duties like a man upon whom discouragement can +have no effect. Tom Austin and his two sailors shared their master's +annoyance. Once, when a timid hare crossed the path in front of them, +the superstitious Scotchmen gazed at one another.</p> + +<p>"A bad omen," said Wilson.</p> + +<p>"Yes, in the Highlands," replied Mulready.</p> + +<p>"What is bad in the Highlands is no better here," added Wilson, +sententiously.</p> + +<p>About noon the travelers had descended the mountains and gained the +undulating plains that extend to the sea; the boundless prairie spread +its broad carpet of verdure before them.</p> + +<p>More than once during the journey the attention and interest of all, +but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the curious illusion of +the mirage, by which was presented in the sky, at the limits of the +horizon, a semblance of the estancias, the poplars and willows near +them, and other objects; the images being so much like the reality that +it required a strong effort to realize their deceptive character.</p> + +<p>The weather hitherto had been fine, but now the sky assumed a less +pleasing aspect. Masses of vapor, generated by the high temperature +of the preceding days, condensed into thick clouds and threatened to +dissolve in showers of rain. Moreover, the proximity of the Atlantic, +and the west wind, which here reigns supreme, rendered the climate of +this region peculiarly moist. However, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> that day at least the heavy +clouds did not break; and at evening the horses, after traveling forty +miles, halted on the edge of a deep "cañada," an immense natural ditch +filled with water. A shelter was wanting, but the ponchos served for +tents as well as clothing, and peaceful slumbers enwrapped all.</p> + +<p>The next day, as they progressed farther, the presence of subterranean +streams betrayed itself more noticeably, and moisture was seen in every +depression of the ground. Soon they came to large ponds, some already +deep and others just forming. So long as there were only lagoons, the +horses could easily extricate themselves; but with these treacherous +swamps it was more difficult. Tall grass obstructed them, and it was +necessary to incur the danger before it could be understood. These +quagmires had been already fatal to more than one human being.</p> + +<p>Robert, who had ridden half a mile in advance, returned at a gallop, +crying,—</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Paganel! Monsieur Paganel! A forest of horns!"</p> + +<p>"What!" replied the geographer, "have you found a forest of horns?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; or at least a field."</p> + +<p>"A field! you are dreaming, my boy," said Paganel, shrugging his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I am not dreaming," retorted Robert; "you shall see for yourself. This +is a strange country! People sow horns, and they spring up like corn! I +should like very well to have some of the seed."</p> + +<p>"But he speaks seriously," said the major.</p> + +<p>"Yes, major, you shall see."</p> + +<p>Robert was not mistaken, and soon they found themselves before a vast +field of horns, regularly planted.</p> + +<p>"Well?" said Robert.</p> + +<p>"This is something singular," replied Paganel, turning towards the +Indian with a questioning look.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ANXIOUS INDIAN.</div> + +<p>"The horns come from the ground," explained Thalcave; "and the cattle +are under it."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried Paganel, "is there a whole drove in this mire?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>In fact, a vast herd had perished in this bog, which had given way +beneath them. Hundreds of cattle had thus met their death, side by +side, by suffocation in this vast quagmire. This circumstance, which +sometimes takes place on the plains, could not be ignored by the +Indian, and it was a warning which it was proper to heed. They passed +around this immense hecatomb, which would have satisfied the most +exacting gods of antiquity; and an hour after the field of horns was +far behind.</p> + +<p>Thalcave now began to observe with an anxious air the state of things +around him. He frequently stopped, and rose in his stirrups. His tall +form enabled him to survey a wide range; but, perceiving nothing that +could enlighten him, he resumed his undeviating course. A mile farther, +he stopped again, and, turning from the beaten track, proceeded a short +distance, first to the north, then to the south, and then resumed his +place at the head of the party, without saying either what he hoped or +what he feared.</p> + +<p>These manœuvres, many times repeated, puzzled Paganel and annoyed +Glenarvan. The geographer was accordingly requested to interrogate +the Indian, which he did at once. Thalcave replied that he was +astonished to see the plain so soaked with moisture. Never within his +recollection, since he had performed the office of guide, had his feet +trodden a soil so saturated. Even in the season of the great rains the +Argentine plain was always easily passed.</p> + +<p>"But to what do you attribute this increasing moisture?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"I know not," replied the Indian; "and what if I did?"</p> + +<p>"Do the mountain streams, when swollen with the rains, ever overflow +their banks?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Sometimes."</p> + +<p>"And now, perhaps?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," said Thalcave.</p> + +<p>Paganel was forced to be contented with this answer, and communicated +to Glenarvan the result of the conversation.</p> + +<p>"And what does Thalcave advise?" inquired Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"What is to be done?" asked Paganel of the Patagonian.</p> + +<p>"Advance quickly," replied the Indian.</p> + +<p>This advice was easier to give than to follow. The horses were quickly +fatigued with treading a soil that sank beneath them deeper and deeper +as they progressed, so that this part of the plain might have been +compared to an immense basin in which the invading waters would rapidly +accumulate. It was advisable, therefore, to cross without delay these +sloping terraces that an inundation would have instantly transformed +into a lake.</p> + +<p>They hastened their pace, though there was no great depth to the water +which spread out in a sheet beneath the horses' feet. About two o'clock +the flood-gates of the heavens opened, and tropical torrents of rain +descended. Never was a finer opportunity presented for showing oneself +a philosopher. There was no chance of escaping this deluge, and it was +better for the travelers to receive it stoically. Their ponchos were +soon dripping, and their hats wet them still more, like roofs whose +gutters have overflowed. The fringes of the saddle-cloths seemed so +many liquid streams; and the horsemen, bespattered by their animals, +whose hoofs splashed in the water at every step, rode in a double +shower, which came from the ground as well as the sky.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HYDROPATHIC TREATMENT.</div> + +<p>It was in this wretchedly cold and exhausted state that they arrived, +towards evening, at a very miserable rancho. Only people who were not +fastidious could have given it the name of a shelter, only travelers in +distress would consent to occupy it. But Glenarvan and his companions +had no choice. They therefore cowered down in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> the abandoned hut which +would not have satisfied even a poor Indian of the plains. A sorry +fire of grass, which gave out more smoke than heat, was kindled with +difficulty. The torrents of rain made havoc without, and large drops +oozed through the mouldy thatch. The fire was extinguished twenty +times, and twenty times did Wilson and Mulready struggle against the +invading water.</p> + +<p>The supper was very meagre and comfortless, and every one's appetite +failed. The major alone did justice to the water-soaked repast, and did +not lose a mouthful: he was superior to misfortune. As for Paganel, +like a Frenchman, he tried to joke; but now he failed.</p> + +<p>"My jokes are wet," said he: "they miss fire."</p> + +<p>However, as it was more agreeable—if possible, under the +circumstances—to sleep, each one sought in slumber a temporary +forgetfulness of his fatigues.</p> + +<p>The night was stormy. The sides of the rancho cracked as if they would +break, while the frail structure bent beneath the gusts of wind and +threatened to give way at every shock. The unfortunate horses neighed +in terror without, exposed to the inclemency of the tempest; and their +masters did not suffer less in their miserable shelter. However, sleep +drowned all their troubles at last. Robert first closed his eyes, +reclining his head on Lord Glenarvan's shoulder; and soon all the +inmates of the rancho slept under the protection of God.</p> + +<p>They woke the next morning at the call of Thaouka, who, always ready, +neighed without, and struck the wall of the hut vigorously with his +hoof, as though to give the signal for departure. They owed him too +much not to obey him, and they accordingly resumed their journey.</p> + +<p>The rain had ceased, but the hard earth held what had fallen. On the +impenetrable clay, pools, marshes, and ponds overflowed and formed +immense "bañados" of treacherous depth. Paganel, on consulting his map, +judged rightly that the Grande and Nivarota Rivers, into which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> the +waters of the plain usually flow, must have mingled together in one +broad stream.</p> + +<p>An extremely rapid advance, therefore, became necessary. The common +safety was at stake. If the inundation increased, where could they find +a refuge? The vast circle of the horizon did not offer a single point, +and on this level plain the progress of the water must be rapid. The +horses were urged to their utmost speed. Thaouka took the lead, and +might have borne the name of sea-horse, for he pranced as if he had +been in his native element.</p> + +<p>Suddenly, about six o'clock in the evening, he manifested signs of +extreme agitation. He turned frequently towards the vast expanse to the +south; his neighs were prolonged, his nostrils keenly snuffed the air, +and he reared violently. Thalcave, whom his antics could not unseat, +managed his steed without difficulty. The froth from the horse's mouth +was mingled with blood under the action of the firmly-closed bit, and +yet the spirited animal could not be calm. If free, his master felt but +too well that he would have fled away at full speed towards the north.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter with Thaouka?" asked Paganel. "Has he been bitten +by those voracious blood-suckers of the Argentine waters?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied the Indian.</p> + +<p>"Is he terrified, then, at some danger?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he has scented danger."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know."</p> + +<p>Although the eye did not yet reveal the peril that Thaouka divined, +the ear could already detect it. A low murmur, like the sound of a +rising tide, was heard as from the limit of the horizon. The wind blew +in damp gusts laden with spray; the birds, as if fleeing from some +unknown phenomenon, shot swiftly through the air; and the horses, +wading to their knees, felt the first impulse of the current. Soon a +mingled roar, like bellowing, neighing, and bleating, resounded half +a mile to the south, and immense herds appeared, tumbling, rising, +and rushing, a confused mass of terrified beasts, and fled by with +frightful rapidity. It was scarcely possible to distinguish them in the +midst of the clouds of spray dashed up by their flight.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p201.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his +horse towards the north.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> +"Quick! quick!" cried Thalcave, in a piercing voice.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his horse towards +the north.</p> + +<p>"The inundation!" cried Paganel; and his companions, with him at their +head, fled away in the track of Thaouka.</p> + +<p>It was time. Five miles to the south a high and broad wall of water +was rushing over the plain, which was fast becoming an ocean. The tall +grass disappeared as before the scythe, and the tufts of mimosas, torn +up by the current, separated and formed floating islands. The mass of +waters spread itself in broad waves of irresistible power. The dikes of +the great rivers had evidently given way, and perhaps the waters of the +Colorado and Rio Negro were now mingling in a common stream.</p> + +<p>The wall of water descried by Thalcave advanced with the speed of a +race-horse. The travelers fled before it like a cloud driven by the +storm. Their eyes sought in vain a place of refuge. Sky and water +mingled together on the horizon. The horses, excited by the danger, +dashed along in a mad gallop, so that their riders could scarcely keep +their seats. Glenarvan frequently glanced behind him.</p> + +<p>"The water is overtaking us," he thought.</p> + +<p>"Quick! quick!" cried Thalcave.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE ARK.</div> + +<p>The unfortunate beasts were urged to a swifter pace. From their flanks, +lacerated with the spur, flowed bright red streams, which marked +their course on the water by long, crimson lines. They stumbled in +the hollows of the ground; they were entangled in the hidden grass; +they fell and rose again continually. The depth of the water sensibly +increased. Long surges announced the on-rush<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> of the mass of water that +tossed its foaming crests less than two miles distant.</p> + +<p>For a quarter of an hour this final struggle against the most terrible +of elements was prolonged. The fugitives could keep no account of the +distance they had traversed; but, judging by the rapidity of their +flight, it must have been considerable.</p> + +<p>Meantime the horses, immersed to their breasts, could no longer +advance without extreme difficulty. Glenarvan, Paganel, Austin, all +believed themselves lost, victims of the horrible death of unfortunates +abandoned at sea. Their animals began to lose their footing; six feet +of water was sufficient to drown them.</p> + +<p>We must forbear to picture the acute anguish of these eight men +overtaken by a rising inundation. They felt their powerlessness to +struggle against these convulsions of nature, superior to human +strength. Their safety was no longer in their own hands.</p> + +<p>Five minutes after, the horses were swimming, while the current alone +carried them along with irresistible force and furious swiftness. All +safety seemed impossible, when the voice of the major was heard.</p> + +<p>"A tree!" said he.</p> + +<p>"A tree!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yonder!" replied Thalcave, and he pointed northward to a kind of +gigantic walnut-tree, which rose solitary from the midst of the waters.</p> + +<p>His companions had no need to be urged. This tree that was opportunely +presented to them they must reach at all hazards. The horses probably +could not accomplish the distance; but the men, at least, could be +saved,—the current would carry them.</p> + +<p>At that moment Tom Austin's horse gave a stifled neigh and disappeared. +His rider, extricating himself from the stirrups, began to swim +vigorously.</p> + +<p>"Cling to my saddle!" cried Glenarvan to him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thanks, my lord," replied he, "my arms are strong."</p> + +<p>"Your horse, Robert?" continued Glenarvan, turning towards the boy.</p> + +<p>"All right, my lord, all right! He swims like a fish."</p> + +<p>"Attention!" cried the major, in a loud voice.</p> + +<p>This word was scarcely pronounced, when the enormous wall of water +reached them. A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide. When the deluge had passed, the men regained the surface, and +rapidly counted their numbers; but the horses, except Thaouka, had +disappeared forever.</p> + +<p>"Courage! courage!" cried Glenarvan, who supported Paganel with one arm +and swam with the other.</p> + +<p>"All right! all right!" replied the worthy geographer; "indeed I am not +sorry——"</p> + +<p>What was he not sorry for? No one ever knew; for the poor man was +forced to swallow the end of his sentence in half a pint of muddy water.</p> + +<p>The major calmly advanced, taking a regular stroke of which the most +skillful swimmer would not have been ashamed. The sailors worked their +way along like porpoises in their native element. As for Robert, he +clung to Thaouka's mane, and was thus drawn along. The horse proudly +cut the waters, and kept himself instinctively on a line with the tree, +towards which the current bore him, and which was now not far distant.</p> + +<p>In a few moments the entire party reached it. It was fortunate; for, if +this refuge had failed, all chance of safety would have vanished, and +they must have perished in the waves. The water was up to the top of +the trunk where the main branches grew, so that it was easy to grasp +them.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, leaving his horse, and lifting Robert, seized the first limb, +and soon his powerful arms had lodged the exhausted swimmers in a place +of safety. But Thaouka, carried away by the current, was rapidly +disappearing. He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p205.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> +"Do you abandon him?" said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"I?" cried the Indian, and, plunging into the tempestuous waters, he +reappeared some distance from the tree. A few moments after, his arm +rested upon the neck of Thaouka, and horse and horseman swam away +together towards the misty horizon of the north.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A SINGULAR ABODE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The tree upon which Glenarvan and his companions had just found refuge +resembled a walnut-tree. It had the same shining foliage and rounded +form. It was the "ombu," which is met with only on the Argentine +Plains. It had an enormous, twisted trunk, and was confined to the +earth not only by its great roots, but also by strong shoots which held +it most tenaciously. It had thus resisted the force of the inundation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ORNITHOLOGICAL OMNIUM-GATHERUM.</div> + +<p>This ombu measured one hundred feet in height, and might have covered +with its shade a circumference of three hundred and sixty feet. All +the upper part rested on three great branches, which forked from the +top of the trunk, that was six feet in diameter. Two of these branches +were nearly perpendicular, and supported the immense canopy of foliage, +whose crossed, twisted, and interlaced limbs, as if woven by the hand +of a basket-maker, formed an impenetrable shelter. The third branch, +on the contrary, extended almost horizontally over the roaring waters; +its leaves were bathed in them, while it seemed a promontory<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> to this +island of verdure surrounded by an ocean. There was abundant space, +also, in the interior of this gigantic tree. The foliage, which was +not very dense at its outer circumference, left large openings like +sky-lights, and made it well ventilated and cool. At sight of these +branches rising in innumerable ramifications towards the clouds, while +the parasitic convolvuli bound them to each other, and the rays of the +sun shone through the interstices of the leaves, you would really have +thought that the trunk of this ombu bore upon itself alone an entire +forest.</p> + +<p>On the arrival of the fugitives, a feathered population flew away to +the top branches, protesting by their cries against so flagrant a +usurpation of their dwelling. These birds, that had themselves sought +refuge upon this solitary ombu, were seen by hundreds,—blackbirds, +starlings, and many other richly-feathered varieties; and when they +flew away it seemed as if a gust of wind had stripped the tree of its +leaves.</p> + +<p>Such was the asylum offered to Glenarvan's little party. Robert and the +nimble Wilson were scarcely perched in the tree, before they hastened +to climb to the topmost branches. Their heads protruded above the dome +of verdure. From this lofty position the view embraced a wide range. +The ocean created by the inundation surrounded them on all sides, +and their eyes could discern no limit. No other tree emerged from +the watery surface; the ombu, alone in the midst of the unconfined +waters, groaned at every shock. At a distance, borne along by the +impetuous current, floated uprooted trunks, twisted branches, thatch +torn from some demolished rancho, beams swept by the waters from the +roofs of cattle-folds, bodies of drowned animals, bloody skins, and, +on a swaying tree, a whole family of growling jaguars that clung with +their claws to this fragile raft. Still farther off, a black speck +almost invisible attracted Wilson's attention. It was Thalcave and his +faithful Thaouka, disappearing in the distance.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p208.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.</div> + +<p>"Thalcave, friend Thalcave!" cried Robert, stretching out his hands +towards the courageous Patagonian.</p> + +<p>"He will be saved, Mr. Robert," said Wilson; "but let us join Lord +Glenarvan."</p> + +<p>A moment after, Robert and the sailor descended the three stories +of branches and found themselves among their companions. Glenarvan, +Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were seated astraddle, or +dangling in the branches, according to their own inclinations. Wilson +gave an account of their visit to the top of the tree. All shared his +opinion in regard to Thalcave. The only question was, whether Thalcave +would save Thaouka, or Thaouka Thalcave.</p> + +<p>The present situation of these refugees was undeniably insecure. The +tree would not probably give way to the force of the current, but the +rising waters might reach the top branches, for the depression of +the soil made this part of the plain a deep reservoir. Glenarvan's +first care, therefore, was to establish, by means of notches, points +of comparison which enabled him to note the different heights of the +water. The flood was now stationary, and it appeared to have reached +its greatest elevation. This was encouraging.</p> + +<p>"And now what shall we do?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Build our nest, of course," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Build our nest!" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my boy, and live the life of birds, since we cannot live +the life of fishes."</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Glenarvan; "but who will give us our beakful?"</p> + +<p>"I," replied the major.</p> + +<p>All eyes were turned towards MacNabb, who was comfortably seated in a +natural arm-chair formed of two pliant branches, and with one hand was +holding out the wet though well-filled saddle-bags.</p> + +<p>"Ah, MacNabb," cried Glenarvan, "this is just like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> you! You think of +everything, even under circumstances where it is allowable to forget."</p> + +<p>"As soon as it was decided not to be drowned, I concluded not to die of +hunger."</p> + +<p>"I should not have thought of this," said Paganel, innocently; "but I +am so absent-minded!"</p> + +<p>"And what do the saddle-bags contain?" inquired Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"Provisions for seven men for two days," replied MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Glenarvan, "I hope that the inundation will be +considerably lower twenty-four hours hence."</p> + +<p>"Or that we shall find some means of gaining <i>terra firma</i>," added +Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Our first business, then, is to breakfast," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"After drying ourselves," observed the major.</p> + +<p>"And fire?" said Wilson.</p> + +<p>"Why, we must make one," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Where?"</p> + +<p>"At the top of the trunk, of course."</p> + +<p>"With what?"</p> + +<p>"With dead wood that we shall cut in the tree."</p> + +<p>"But how kindle it?" said Glenarvan. "Our tinder is like a wet sponge."</p> + +<p>"We will manage that," answered Paganel; "a little dry moss, a ray of +sunlight, the lens of my telescope, and you will see by what a fire I +will dry myself. Who will go for wood in the forest?"</p> + +<p>"I!" cried Robert, and, followed by his friend Wilson, he disappeared +like a cat in the depths of the foliage.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">GOING BIRD'S-NESTING.</div> + +<p>During their absence Paganel found dry moss in sufficient quantity; he +availed himself of a ray of sunlight, which was easy, for the orb of +day now shone with a vivid brightness, and then, with the aid of his +lens, he kindled without difficulty the combustible materials which +were laid on a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> bed of leaves in the fork of the branches. It was a +natural fireplace, with no danger of conflagration.</p> + +<p>Wilson and Robert soon returned with an armful of dead wood, which was +cast on the fire. Paganel, to cause a draught, placed himself above the +fireplace, his long legs crossed in the Arab fashion; then, moving his +body rapidly up and down, he produced, by means of his poncho, a strong +current of air. The wood kindled, and a bright, roaring flame soon rose +from this improvised oven. Each dried himself in his own way, while the +ponchos, hung on the branches, swung to and fro in the breeze.</p> + +<p>They now breakfasted, sparingly however, for they had to allow for the +following day. The immense basin might not perhaps be empty so soon as +Glenarvan hoped, and, moreover, the provisions were limited. The tree +bore no fruit; but fortunately it afforded a remarkable supply of fresh +eggs, thanks to the numerous nests that loaded the branches, not to +speak of their feathered occupants. These resources were by no means to +be despised. The question now was, therefore, in case of a prolonged +stay, how to secure comfortable quarters.</p> + +<p>"Since the kitchen and dining-room are on the ground floor," said +Paganel, "we will sleep in the first story. The house is large, the +rent reasonable, and we must take our ease. I perceive that above there +are natural cradles, in which, when we have once laid ourselves, we +shall sleep as well as in the best beds in the world. We have nothing +to fear; moreover, we will keep watch, and there are enough of us to +repulse all the wild animals."</p> + +<p>"Only we have no arms," said Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"I have my revolvers," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"And I mine," replied Robert.</p> + +<p>"What use," continued Tom Austin, "if Mr. Paganel does not find the +means of manufacturing powder?"</p> + +<p>"It is not necessary," replied MacNabb, showing a full flask.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where did you get that, major?" inquired Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Of Thalcave. He thought it might be useful to us, and gave it to me +before going back to Thaouka."</p> + +<p>"Brave and generous Indian!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes," added Tom Austin, "if all the Patagonians are fashioned after +this model, I pay my respects to Patagonia."</p> + +<p>"I desire that the horse be not forgotten," said Paganel. "He forms +part of the Patagonian, and, if I am not greatly mistaken, we shall see +them again."</p> + +<p>"How far are we from the Atlantic?" inquired the major.</p> + +<p>"Not more than forty miles," answered Paganel. "And now, my friends, +since each is free to act, I ask permission to leave you. I am going to +choose an observatory above, and, with the aid of my telescope, will +keep you acquainted with what goes on here."</p> + +<p>The geographer was allowed to go. He very adroitly swung himself +from branch to branch, and disappeared behind the thick curtain of +foliage. His companions at once occupied themselves with making the +sleeping-room and preparing their beds, which was neither a difficult +nor a lengthy task. As there were no bedclothes to fix nor furniture to +arrange, each soon resumed his place by the fire.</p> + +<p>They then conversed, but not about their present condition, which they +must patiently endure. They returned to the inexhaustible subject of +Captain Grant's recovery. If the waters subsided, in three days the +travelers would be again on board the Duncan. But the captain and his +two sailors, those unfortunate castaways, would not be with them; and +it even seemed after this failure, after this vain search in South +America, as if all hope of finding them were irrevocably lost. Whither +direct a new search? What, too, would be the grief of Lady Helena and +Mary Grant on learning that the future had no hope in store for them!</p> + +<p>"Poor sister!" exclaimed Robert; "all is over for us!"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p213.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were +seated astraddle, or dangling in the branches, according to their own +inclinations.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> +Glenarvan, for the first time, had no consoling answer to make. +What hope could he give the child? Had he not followed with rigorous +exactitude the directions of the document?</p> + +<p>"At all events," said he, "this thirty-seventh degree of latitude is +no vain indication. Have we not supposed, interpreted, and ascertained +that it relates to the shipwreck or the captivity of Captain Grant? +Have we not read it with our own eyes?"</p> + +<p>"All that is true, my lord," replied Tom Austin; "nevertheless our +search has not succeeded."</p> + +<p>"It is discouraging as well as annoying," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Annoying if you will," replied MacNabb, in a calm tone, "but not +discouraging. Precisely because we thus have a definite item, we must +thoroughly exhaust all its instructions."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" inquired Glenarvan. "What do you think ought to be +done?"</p> + +<p>"A very simple and reasonable thing, my dear Edward. Let us turn our +faces towards the east, when we are on board the Duncan, and follow +the thirty-seventh parallel even around to our starting-point, if +necessary."</p> + +<p>"Do you think, my dear major, that I have not thought of this?" replied +Glenarvan. "Indeed I have, a hundred times. But what chance have we of +succeeding? Is not leaving the American continent departing from the +place indicated by Captain Grant himself, from Patagonia, so clearly +named in the document?"</p> + +<p>"Do you wish to begin your search in the Pampas again," replied the +major, "when you are sure that the shipwreck of the Britannia did not +take place on the Pacific or Atlantic coast?"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan did not answer.</p> + +<p>"And however feeble the chance of finding Captain Grant by following +this latitude may be, still ought we not to attempt it?"</p> + +<p>"I do not deny it," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">APPLIED GEOGRAPHY.</div> + +<p>"And you, my friends," added the major, addressing the sailors, "are +you not of my opinion?"</p> + +<p>"Entirely," answered Tom Austin, while Wilson and Mulready nodded +assent.</p> + +<p>"Listen to me, my friends," continued Glenarvan, after a few moments +of reflection, "and you too, Robert, for this is a serious question. +I shall do everything possible to find Captain Grant, as I have +undertaken to do, and shall devote my entire life, if necessary, +to this object. All Scotland would join me to save this noble man +who sacrificed himself for her. I too think, however slight may +be the chance, that we ought to make the tour of the world on the +thirty-seventh parallel; and I shall do so. But this is not the point +to be settled: there is a much more important one, and it is this: +Ought we once and for all to abandon our search on the American +continent?"</p> + +<p>This question, so directly asked, was unanswered. No one dared to +declare his opinion.</p> + +<p>"Well?" resumed Glenarvan, addressing the major more especially.</p> + +<p>"My dear Edward," replied MacNabb, "it would involve too great a +responsibility to answer you now. The case requires consideration. +But first of all I desire to know what countries the thirty-seventh +parallel crosses."</p> + +<p>"That is Paganel's business," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Let us ask him, then," said the major.</p> + +<p>The geographer was no longer to be seen, as he was hidden by the thick +foliage. It was necessary to call him.</p> + +<p>"Paganel! Paganel!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Present!" answered a voice which seemed to come to them from the sky.</p> + +<p>"Where are you?"</p> + +<p>"In my tower."</p> + +<p>"What are you doing?"</p> + +<p>"Surveying the wide horizon."</p> + +<p>"Can you come down a moment?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you need me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"To know what countries the thirty-seventh parallel crosses."</p> + +<p>"Nothing easier," replied Paganel; "I need not even disturb myself to +tell you."</p> + +<p>"Very well, then."</p> + +<p>"Leaving America, the thirty-seventh parallel crosses the Atlantic."</p> + +<p>"Good."</p> + +<p>"It strikes Tristan d'Acunha Island."</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>"It passes two degrees to the south of the Cape of Good Hope."</p> + +<p>"And then?"</p> + +<p>"It runs across the Indian Ocean."</p> + +<p>"And then?"</p> + +<p>"It grazes St. Paul's Island of the Amsterdam group."</p> + +<p>"Go on."</p> + +<p>"It cuts Australia across the province of Victoria."</p> + +<p>"Proceed."</p> + +<p>"Leaving Australia——"</p> + +<p>This last sentence was not finished. Did the geographer hesitate? +Did he know no more? No; but a startling cry was heard in the top of +the tree. Glenarvan and his friends grew pale as they gazed at each +other. Had a new calamity happened? Had the unfortunate Paganel fallen? +Already Wilson and Mulready were hastening to his assistance, when a +long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to branch. His hands +could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead? They did not know; but +he was about to fall into the roaring waters, when the major, with a +strong hand, arrested his progress.</p> + +<p>"Very much obliged, MacNabb!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Why, what is the matter with you?" said the major.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p217.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to +branch. His hands could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead?</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +"What has got into you? Is this another of your eternal distractions?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," replied Paganel, in a voice choked with emotion (and +leaves). "Yes, a distraction,—phenomenal this time."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"We have been mistaken! We are still mistaken!"</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself."</p> + +<p>"Glenarvan, major, Robert, my friends," cried Paganel, "all you who +hear me, we are seeking Captain Grant where he is not."</p> + +<p>"What do you say?" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Not only where he is not," added Paganel, "but even where he has never +been."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> + +<h3>PAGANEL'S DISCLOSURE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>A profound astonishment greeted these unexpected words. What did the +geographer mean? Had he lost his senses? He spoke, however, with +such conviction that all eyes were turned towards Glenarvan. This +declaration of Paganel was a direct answer to the question the former +had asked. But Glenarvan confined himself to a negative gesture, +indicating disbelief in the geographer, who, as soon as he was master +of his emotion, resumed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said he, in a tone of conviction, "yes, we have gone astray in +our search, and have read in the document what is not written there."</p> + +<p>"Explain yourself, Paganel," said the major; "and more calmly."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NEW IDEA.</div> + +<p>"That is very simple, major. Like you, I was in error; like you, I +struck upon a false interpretation. When, but a moment ago, at the top +of this tree, in answer to the question, at the word 'Australia' an +idea flashed through my mind, and all was clear."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried Glenarvan, "do you pretend that Captain Grant——"</p> + +<p>"I pretend," replied Paganel, "that the word <i>Austral</i> in the document +is not complete, as we have hitherto supposed, but the root of the word +<i>Australia</i>."</p> + +<p>"This is something singular," said the major.</p> + +<p>"Singular!" replied Glenarvan, shrugging his shoulders; "it is simply +impossible!"</p> + +<p>"Impossible," continued Paganel, "is a word that we do not allow in +France."</p> + +<p>"What!" added Glenarvan, in a tone of the greatest incredulity, "do you +pretend, with that document in your possession, that the shipwreck of +the Britannia took place on the shores of Australia?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it!" replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"By my faith, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "this is a pretension that +astonishes me greatly, coming from the secretary of a geographical +society."</p> + +<p>"Why?" inquired Paganel, touched in his sensitive point.</p> + +<p>"Because, if you admit the word Australia, you admit at the same time +that there are Indians in that country, a fact which has not yet been +proved."</p> + +<p>Paganel was by no means surprised at this argument. He seemingly +expected it, and began to smile.</p> + +<p>"My dear Glenarvan," said he, "do not be too hasty in your triumph. +I am going to defeat you completely, as no Englishman has ever been +defeated."</p> + +<p>"I ask nothing better. Defeat me, Paganel."</p> + +<p>"Listen, then. You say that the Indians mentioned in the document +belong exclusively to Patagonia. The incomplete<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> word <i>indi</i> does not +mean Indians, but natives (<i>indigènes</i>). Now do you admit that there +are natives in Australia?"</p> + +<p>It must be confessed that Glenarvan now gazed fixedly at Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Bravo, Paganel!" said the major.</p> + +<p>"Do you admit my interpretation, my dear lord?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "if you can prove to me that the imperfect +word <i>gonie</i> does not relate to the country of the Patagonians."</p> + +<p>"No," cried Paganel, "it certainly does not mean Patagonia. Read +anything you will but that."</p> + +<p>"But what?"</p> + +<p>"<i>Cosmogonie! théogonie! agonie!</i>"</p> + +<p>"<i>Agonie!</i>" cried the major.</p> + +<p>"That is indifferent to me," replied Paganel; "the word has no +importance. I shall not even search for what it may signify. The +principal point is that <i>Austral</i> means Australia, and we must have +been blindly following a false trail, not to have discovered before so +evident a meaning. If I had found the document, if my judgment had not +been set aside by your interpretation, I should never have understood +it otherwise."</p> + +<p>This time cheers, congratulations, and compliments greeted Paganel's +words. Austin, the sailors, the major, and Robert especially, were +delighted to revive their hopes, and applauded the worthy geographer. +Glenarvan, who had gradually been undeceived, was, as he said, almost +ready to surrender.</p> + +<p>"One last remark, my dear Paganel, and I have only to bow before your +sagacity."</p> + +<p>"Speak!"</p> + +<p>"How do you arrange these newly-interpreted words, and in what way do +you read the document?"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p221.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The hunt promised well, and gave hopes of culinary +wonders.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> +"Nothing is easier. Here is the document," said Paganel, producing the +precious paper that he had studied so conscientiously for several +days. A profound silence ensued, while the geographer, collecting his +thoughts, took his time to answer. His finger followed the incomplete +lines on the document, while, in a confident tone, he expressed himself +in the following terms:</p> + +<p>"'June 7th, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered after'—let +us put, if you wish, 'two days, three days,' or, 'a long struggle,'—it +matters little, it is quite unimportant,—'on the coast of Australia. +Directing their course to shore, two sailors and Captain Grant +endeavored to land,' or 'did land on the continent, where they will +be,' or 'are prisoners of cruel natives. They cast this document,' and +so forth. Is it clear?"</p> + +<p>"It is clear," replied Glenarvan, "if the word <i>continent</i> can be +applied to Australia, which is only an island."</p> + +<p>"Be assured, my dear Glenarvan, the best geographers are agreed in +naming this island the Australian continent."</p> + +<p>"Then I have but one thing to say, my friends," cried Glenarvan. "To +Australia, and may Heaven assist us!"</p> + +<p>"To Australia!" repeated his companions, with one accord.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Paganel," added Glenarvan, "that your presence on board +the Duncan is a providential circumstance?"</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Paganel, "let us suppose that I am an envoy of +Providence, and say no more about it."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FESTIVE BANQUET.</div> + +<p>Thus ended this conversation, that in the future led to such great +results. It completely changed the moral condition of the travelers. +They had caught again the thread of the labyrinth in which they had +thought themselves forever lost. A new hope arose on the ruins of +their fallen projects. They could fearlessly leave behind them this +American continent, and already all their thoughts flew away to the +Australian land. On reaching the Duncan, they would not bring despair +on board, and Lady Helena and Mary Grant would not have to lament the +irrevocable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> loss of the captain. Thus they forgot the dangers of their +situation in their new-found joy, and their only regret was that they +could not start at once.</p> + +<p>It was now four o'clock in the afternoon, and they resolved to take +supper at six. Paganel wished to celebrate this joyful day by a +splendid banquet. As the bill of fare was very limited, he proposed +to Robert that they should go hunting "in the neighboring forest," +at which idea the boy clapped his hands. They took Thalcave's +powder-flask, cleaned the revolvers, loaded them with fine shot, and +started.</p> + +<p>"Do not go far," said the major, gravely, to the two huntsmen.</p> + +<p>After their departure Glenarvan and MacNabb went to consult the notches +on the tree, while Wilson and Mulready revived the smouldering embers.</p> + +<p>Arriving at the surface of this immense lake, they saw no sign of +abatement. The waters seemed to have attained their highest elevation; +but the violence with which they rolled from south to north proved that +the equilibrium of the Argentine rivers was not yet established. Before +the liquid mass could lower, it must first become calm, like the sea +when flood-tide ends and ebb begins. They could not, therefore, expect +a subsidence of the waters so long as they flowed towards the north +with such swiftness.</p> + +<p>While Glenarvan and the major were making these observations, reports +resounded in the tree, accompanied by cries of joy almost as noisy. +The clear treble of Robert contrasted sharply with the deep bass of +Paganel, and the strife was which should be the most boyish. The hunt +promised well, and gave hopes of culinary wonders.</p> + +<p>When the major and Glenarvan returned to the fire, they had to +congratulate Wilson upon an excellent idea. The honest sailor had +devoted himself to fishing with wonderful success, with the aid of +a pin and a piece of string. Several dozen of little fish, delicate +as smelts, called "mojarras,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> wriggled in a fold of his poncho, and +seemed likely to make an exquisite dish.</p> + +<p>At this moment the hunters descended from the top of the tree. Paganel +carefully carried some black swallows' eggs and a string of sparrows, +which he meant afterwards to serve up as larks. Robert had adroitly +brought down several pairs of "hilgueros,"—little green-and-yellow +birds, which are excellent eating, and very much in demand in the +Montevideo market. The geographer, who knew many ways of preparing +eggs, had to confine himself this time to cooking them in the hot +ashes. However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. The dried +meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast sparrows and +hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered.</p> + +<p>The conversation was very animated. Paganel was greatly complimented in +his twofold capacity of hunter and cook, and accepted these encomiums +with the modesty that belongs to true merit. Then he gave himself up to +singular observations on the magnificent tree that sheltered them with +its foliage, and whose extent, as he declared, was immense.</p> + +<p>"Robert and I," said he jokingly, "imagined ourselves in the open +forest during the hunt. One moment I thought we should be lost. I could +not find my way. The sun was declining towards the horizon. I sought +in vain to retrace my steps. Hunger made itself felt acutely. Already +the gloomy coppices were resounding with the growls of ferocious +beasts,—but no, there are no ferocious beasts, and I am sorry."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried Glenarvan, "you are sorry there are no ferocious beasts?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"But, when you have everything to fear from their ferocity——"</p> + +<p>"Ferocity does not exist,—scientifically speaking," replied the +geographer.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p225.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. +The dried meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast +sparrows and hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> +"Ha! this time, Paganel," said the major, "you will not make me admit +the utility of ferocious beasts. What are they good for?"</p> + +<p>"Major," cried Paganel, "they are good to form classifications, orders, +families, genera, sub-genera, species——"</p> + +<p>"Very fine!" said MacNabb. "I should not have thought of that! If I +had been one of Noah's companions at the time of the deluge, I should +certainly have prevented that imprudent patriarch from putting into +the ark pairs of tigers, lions, bears, panthers, and other animals as +destructive as they were useless."</p> + +<p>"Should you have done so?" inquired Paganel.</p> + +<p>"I should."</p> + +<p>"Well, you would have been wrong in a zoological point of view."</p> + +<p>"But not in a human one."</p> + +<p>"This is shocking," continued Paganel; "for my part, I should have +preserved all the animals before the deluge of which we are so +unfortunately deprived."</p> + +<p>"I tell you," replied MacNabb, "that Noah was right in abandoning them +to their fate, admitting that they lived in his time."</p> + +<p>"I tell you that Noah was wrong," retorted Paganel, "and deserves the +malediction of scholars to the end of time."</p> + +<p>The listeners to this argument could not help laughing at seeing the +two friends dispute about what Noah ought to have done or left undone. +The major, who had never argued with any one in his life, contrary to +all his principles, was every day at war with Paganel, who must have +particularly excited him.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, according to his custom, interrupted the debate, and said,—</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WANTED, A JAGUAR!</div> + +<p>"However much it is to be regretted, in a scientific or human point of +view, that we are deprived of ferocious animals, we must be resigned +to-day to their absence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> Paganel could not hope to encounter any in +this aerial forest."</p> + +<p>"No," replied the geographer, "although we beat the bush. It is a pity, +for it would have been a glorious hunt. A ferocious man-eater like the +jaguar! With one blow of his paw he can twist the neck of a horse. When +he has tasted human flesh, however, he returns to it ravenously. What +he likes best is the Indian, then the negro, then the mulatto, and then +the white man."</p> + +<p>"However that may be, my good Paganel," said Glenarvan, "so long as +there are no Indians, mulattoes, or negroes among us, I rejoice in +the absence of your dear jaguars. Our situation is not, of course, so +agreeable——"</p> + +<p>"What!" cried Paganel, "you complain of your lot?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Glenarvan. "Are you at your ease in these +uncomfortable and uncushioned branches?"</p> + +<p>"I have never been more so, even in my own study. We lead the life of +birds; we sing and flutter about. I almost think that men were destined +to live in the trees."</p> + +<p>"They only want wings," said the major.</p> + +<p>"They will make them some day."</p> + +<p>"In the meantime," replied Glenarvan, "permit me, my dear friend, to +prefer the sand of a park, the floor of a house, or the deck of a +vessel to this aerial abode."</p> + +<p>"Glenarvan," said Paganel, "we must take things as they come. If +favorable, so much the better; if unfavorable, we must not mind it. I +see you long for the comforts of Malcolm Castle."</p> + +<p>"No, but——"</p> + +<p>"I am certain that Robert is perfectly happy," interrupted Paganel, to +secure one advocate, at least, of his theories.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Monsieur Paganel!" cried the boy, in a joyful tone.</p> + +<p>"It is natural at his age," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"And at mine," added the geographer. "The less ease we have, the fewer +wants; the fewer wants, the happier we are."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well," said the major, "here is Paganel going to make an attack upon +riches and gilded splendor."</p> + +<p>"No, my dear major," continued Paganel; "but, if you wish, I will tell +you, in this connection, a little Arab story that occurs to me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, Monsieur Paganel," cried Robert.</p> + +<p>"And what will your story prove?" asked the major.</p> + +<p>"What all stories prove, my brave companion."</p> + +<p>"Not much, then," replied MacNabb. "But go on, Scheherezade, and tell +one of those stories that you relate so well."</p> + +<p>"There was once upon a time," said Paganel, "a son of the great +Haroun-al-Raschid who was not happy. He accordingly consulted an old +dervish, who told him that happiness was a very difficult thing to +find in this world. 'However,' added he, 'I know an infallible way +to procure you happiness.' 'What is it?' inquired the young prince. +'It is,' replied the dervish, 'to put on the shirt of a happy man.' +Thereupon the prince embraced the old man, and set out in search of his +talisman. He visited all the capitals of the earth; he tried the shirts +of kings, emperors, princes, and nobles; but it was a useless task, he +was no happier. Then he put on the shirts of artists, warriors, and +merchants, but with no more success. He had thus traveled far, without +finding happiness. At last, desperate from having tried so many shirts, +he was returning very sadly one beautiful day to the palace of his +father, when he spied in the field an honest laborer, who was joyously +singing as he ploughed. 'Here is, at all events, a man who possesses +happiness,' said he to himself, 'or happiness does not exist on earth.' +He approached him. 'Good man,' said he, 'are you happy?' 'Yes,' replied +the other. 'You wish for nothing?' 'No.' 'You would not change your lot +for that of a king?' 'Never!' 'Well, sell me your shirt!' 'My shirt! I +have none!'"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p229.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to +have courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one +has neither palace nor cottage.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> + +<h3>BETWEEN FIRE AND WATER.</h3> +<hr class="h5" /> + +<p>Jacques Paganel's story had a very great success. He was greatly +applauded, but each retained his own opinion, and the geographer +obtained the result common to most discussions,—of convincing nobody. +However, they were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to have +courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one has +neither palace nor cottage.</p> + +<p>During the course of this confabulation evening had come on. Only a +good sleep could thoroughly refresh, after this eventful day. The +inmates of the tree felt themselves not only fatigued by the sudden +changes of the inundation, but especially overcome by the heat, which +had been excessive. Their feathered companions had already set the +example; the hilgueros, those nightingales of the Pampas, had ceased +their melodious warblings, and all the birds had disappeared in the +recesses of the foliage. The best plan was to imitate them.</p> + +<p>But before "retiring to their nest," as Paganel said, Glenarvan, +Robert, and he climbed to the observatory, to examine for the last +time the watery expanse. It was about nine o'clock. The sun had just +set in the sparkling mists of the horizon, and all the western part +of the firmament was bathed in a warm vapor. The constellations, +usually so dazzling, seemed veiled in a soft haze. Still they could +be distinguished, and Paganel pointed out to Robert, for Glenarvan's +benefit, that zone where the stars are most brilliant.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PHILOSOPHY AND PONCHOS.</div> + +<p>While the geographer was discoursing thus, the whole eastern horizon +assumed a stormy aspect. A dense and dark band, clearly defined, +gradually rose, dimming the light of the stars. This cloud of +threatening appearance soon invaded almost the entire vault of the sky. +Its motive power must have been inherent in itself, for there was not +a breath of wind. Not a leaf stirred on the tree, not a ripple curled +the surface of the waters. Even the air seemed to fail, as if some +huge pneumatic machine had rarefied it. A strong electric current was +perceptible in the atmosphere, and every creature felt it course along +the nerves. Glenarvan, Paganel, and Robert were sensibly affected by +these electric currents.</p> + +<p>"We shall have a storm," said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"You are not afraid of thunder?" asked Glenarvan of the boy.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, my lord," replied Robert.</p> + +<p>"Well, so much the better; for the storm is now not far distant."</p> + +<p>"And it will be violent," continued Paganel, "so far as I can judge +from the state of the sky."</p> + +<p>"It is not the storm that troubles me," said Glenarvan, "but the +torrents of rain with which it will be accompanied. We shall be +drenched to the skin again. Whatever you may say, Paganel, a nest +cannot suffice a man, as you will soon learn to your cost."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, it can, with philosophy," briskly replied the geographer.</p> + +<p>"Philosophy does not prevent you from getting wet."</p> + +<p>"No, but it warms you."</p> + +<p>"Well, then," said Glenarvan, "let us join our friends and persuade +them to envelop us with their philosophy and their ponchos as closely +as possible, and especially to lay in a stock of patience, for we shall +need it."</p> + +<p>So saying, he gave another look at the threatening sky. The mass of +clouds now covered it entirely. A faint line of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> light towards the +horizon was scarcely discernible in the dimness. The sombre appearance +of the water had increased, and between the dark mass below and the +clouds above there was scarcely a separation. At the same time all +perception seemed dulled; and a leaden torpor rested upon both eyes and +ears, while the silence was profound.</p> + +<p>"Let us go down," said Glenarvan; "the lightning will soon be here."</p> + +<p>His two companions and himself slid down the smooth branches, and were +somewhat surprised to find themselves in a remarkable kind of twilight, +which was produced by myriads of luminous objects that crossed each +other and buzzed on the surface of the water.</p> + +<p>"Phosphorescences?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Paganel, "but phosphorescent insects, real +glow-worms,—living diamonds, and not expensive, of which the ladies of +Buenos Ayres make magnificent ornaments for themselves."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried Robert, "are these things, that fly like sparks, insects?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my boy."</p> + +<p>Robert caught one of the brilliant creatures. Paganel was right. It +was a kind of large beetle, an inch in length, to which the Indians +give the name of "tuco-tuco." This curious insect threw out flashes at +two points situated in front of its sheath, and its light would have +enabled one to read in the darkness. Paganel, on bringing it close to +his watch, saw that it was ten o'clock.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan now joined the major and the three sailors, and gave them +instructions for the night. A terrible storm was to be expected. After +the first rollings of the thunder, the wind would doubtless break forth +and the tree be violently shaken. It was, therefore, advisable for +every one to tie himself firmly to the bed of branches that had been +appropriated to him. If they could not avoid the torrents of the sky, +they must at least guard against those of the earth, and not fall +into the rapid current that broke against the trunk of the tree. They +wished each other good night without much hope of passing one, and then +each, getting into his aerial resting-place, wrapped himself in his +poncho and waited for sleep.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p233.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, +darting perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six +times in the same place; others spread in zigzag lines, and produced on +the dark vault of the heavens astonishing jets of arborescent flame.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> +But the approach of a mighty tempest brings to the hearts of most +sentient beings a vague anxiety of which the bravest cannot divest +themselves. The occupants of the tree, agitated and fearful, could not +close their eyes, and the first thunder-clap found them all awake. +It took place about eleven o'clock, resembling a distant rumbling. +Glenarvan climbed to the end of the branch, and peered out from the +foliage. The dark firmament was fitfully illumined by vivid and +brilliant flashes, which the waters brightly reflected, and which +disclosed great rifts in the clouds. Glenarvan, after surveying the +zenith and the horizon, returned to his couch.</p> + +<p>"What do you think, Glenarvan?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"I think that the storm is beginning, and, if it continues, it will be +terrible."</p> + +<p>"So much the better," replied the enthusiastic Paganel. "I like a fine +spectacle, especially when I cannot avoid it. Only one thing would make +me anxious, if anxiety served to avert danger," added he, "and that +is, that the culminating point of this plain is the ombu upon which we +are perched. A lightning-conductor would be very useful here, for this +very tree among all those of the Pampas is the one that particularly +attracts the lightning. And then, as you are aware, my friends, +meteorologists advise us not to take refuge under trees during a storm."</p> + +<p>"Well," said the major, "that is timely advice."</p> + +<p>"It must be confessed, Paganel," replied Glenarvan, "that you choose a +good time to tell us these encouraging things!"</p> + +<p>"Bah!" replied Paganel; "all times are good to receive information. Ah, +it is beginning!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN EXTRAORDINARY STORM.</div> + +<p>Violent thunder-claps interrupted this conversation, and their +intensity increased till they reached the most deafening peals. +They soon became sonorous, and made the atmosphere vibrate in rapid +oscillations. The firmament was on fire, and during this commotion +it was impossible to distinguish from what electric spark emanated +the indefinitely-prolonged rumblings that reverberated throughout the +abysses of the sky.</p> + +<p>The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, darting +perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six times in +the same place; others, separating into a thousand different branches, +spread in zigzag lines and produced on the dark vault of the heavens +astonishing jets of arborescent flame. Soon the sky, from east to +north, was crossed by a phosphorescent band of intense brilliancy. This +illumination gradually overspread the entire horizon, lighting up the +clouds like a bonfire, and was reflected in the mirror-like waters, +forming what seemed to be an immense circle of fire, of which the tree +occupied the centre.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions watched this terrific spectacle in +silence. Sheets of dazzling light glided towards them, and blinding +flashes followed in rapid succession, now showing the calm countenance +of the major, then the speculative face of Paganel or the energetic +features of Glenarvan, and again the frightened look of Robert or the +unconcerned expression of the sailors. The rain, however, did not fall +as yet, nor had the wind risen. But soon the flood-gates of the heavens +opened, and the rain came down in torrents, the drops, as they struck +the surface of the water, rebounding in thousands of sparks illuminated +by the incessant lightning.</p> + +<p>Did this rain predict the end of the storm? Were Glenarvan and his +companions to be released with a few thorough drenchings? At the height +of this struggle of the elements, suddenly there appeared at the end +of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> branch which extended horizontally, a flaming globe, of the +size of a fist, and surrounded by a black smoke. This ball, after +revolving a few moments, burst like a bombshell, and with a noise that +was distinguishable in the midst of the general tumult. A sulphurous +vapor filled the atmosphere. There was a moment of silence, and then +Tom Austin was heard crying,—</p> + +<p>"The tree is on fire!"</p> + +<p>He was right. In a moment the flame, as if it had been communicated +to an immense piece of fireworks, spread along the west side of the +tree. The dead limbs, the nests of dry grass, and finally the live wood +itself, furnished material for the devouring element.</p> + +<p>The wind now rose and fanned the flames into fury. Glenarvan and his +friends, speechless with terror, and venturing upon limbs that bent +beneath their weight, hastily took refuge in the other, the eastern +part of the tree.</p> + +<p>Meantime the boughs shriveled, crackled, and twisted in the fire like +burning serpents. The glowing fragments fell into the rushing waters +and floated away in the current, sending forth flashes of ruddy light. +The flames at one moment would rise to a fearful height, to be lost +in the aerial conflagration, and the next, beaten back by the furious +hurricane, would envelop the tree like a robe of molten gold.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Robert, the major, Paganel, and the sailors, were terrified. +A thick smoke was stifling them; an intolerable heat was scorching +them. The fire was extending to the lower part of the tree on their +side; nothing could stop or extinguish it; and they felt themselves +irrevocably doomed to the torture of those victims who are confined +within the burning sides of a sacrificial fire-basket.</p> + +<p>At last their situation was no longer tenable, and of two deaths they +were forced to choose the least cruel.</p> + +<p>"To the water!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p237.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the +ombu, and enveloped it in its watery folds.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> +Wilson, whom the flames had reached, had already plunged into the +current, when they heard him cry, in tones of the greatest terror,—</p> + +<p>"Help! help!"</p> + +<p>Austin rushed towards him and assisted him to regain the trunk.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?"</p> + +<p>"Caymans! caymans!" replied Wilson. And, in truth, the foot of the +tree was seen to be surrounded by the most formidable monsters. +Their scales glittered in broad plates of light, sharply defined +by the conflagration. Their flat tails, their pointed heads, their +protruding eyes, their jaws, extending back of their ears, all these +characteristic signs were unmistakable. Paganel recognized the +voracious alligators peculiar to America, and called caymans in Spanish +countries. There were a dozen of them, beating the water with their +powerful tails, and attacking the tree with their terrible teeth.</p> + +<p>At this sight the unfortunate travelers felt themselves lost indeed. A +horrible death was in store for them,—to perish either by the flames +or by the teeth of the alligators. There are circumstances in which +man is powerless to struggle, and where a raging element can only be +repulsed by another equally strong. Glenarvan, with a wild look, gazed +at the fire and water leagued against him, not knowing what aid to +implore of Heaven.</p> + +<p>The storm had now begun to abate; but it had developed in the air a +great quantity of vapor, which the electric phenomena were about to +set in violent commotion. To the south an enormous water-spout was +gradually forming,—an inverted cone of mist, uniting the raging waters +below to the stormy clouds above. It advanced revolving with frightful +rapidity, collected at its centre a liquid column, and by a powerful +attraction, caused by its gyratory motion, drew towards it all the +surrounding currents of air.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A STRANGE BARK.</div> + +<p>In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the ombu and enveloped +it in its watery folds. The tree was shaken to its very base, so that +Glenarvan might have thought that the alligators had attacked it +with their powerful jaws and were uprooting it from the ground. His +companions and he, clinging to one another, felt the mighty tree give +way and fall, and saw its flaming branches plunge into the tumultuous +waters with a frightful hiss. It was the work of a second. The +water-spout had passed, to exert elsewhere its destructive violence, +and pumping the waters of the plain as if it would exhaust them.</p> + +<p>The tree now, loosened from its moorings, floated onward under the +combined impulses of wind and current. The alligators had fled, except +one which crawled along the upturned roots and advanced with open jaws; +but Mulready, seizing a large brand, struck the creature so powerful +a blow that he broke its back. The vanquished animal sank in the +eddies of the torrent, still lashing his formidable tail with terrible +violence.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions, delivered from these voracious creatures, +took refuge on the branches to leeward of the fire, while the tree, +wrapped by the blast of the hurricane in glowing sheets of flame, +floated on like a burning ship in the darkness of the night.</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE RETURN ON BOARD.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>For two hours the tree floated on the immense lake without reaching +<i>terra firma</i>. The flames had gradually died out, and thus the +principal danger of this terrible voyage had vanished. The current, +still keeping its original direction, flowed from southwest to +northeast; the darkness, though illumined now and then by flashes, had +become profound, and Paganel sought in vain for his bearings. But the +storm was abating, the large drops of rain gave place to light spray +that was scattered by the wind, while the huge distended clouds were +crossed by light bands.</p> + +<p>The tree advanced rapidly on the impetuous torrent, gliding with +surprising swiftness, as if some powerful propelling means were +inclosed within its trunk. There was as yet no certainty that they +would not float on thus for many days. About three o'clock in the +morning, however, the major observed that the roots now and then struck +the bottom. Tom Austin, by means of a long branch, carefully sounded, +and declared that the water was growing shallow. Twenty minutes later, +a shock was felt, and the progress of the tree was checked.</p> + +<p>"Land! land!" cried Paganel, in ringing tones.</p> + +<p>The ends of the charred branches had struck against a hillock on the +ground, and never were navigators more delighted to land. Already +Robert and Wilson, having reached a firm plateau, were uttering shouts +of joy, when a well-known whistle was heard. The sound of a horse's +hoofs was heard upon the plain, and the tall form of the Indian emerged +from the darkness.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p241.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The sound of a horse's hoofs was heard upon the plain, +and the tall form of the Indian emerged from the darkness.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> +"Thalcave!" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>"Thalcave!" repeated his companions, as with one voice.</p> + +<p>"Friends!" said the Patagonian, who had waited for them there, knowing +that the current would carry them as it had carried him.</p> + +<p>At the same moment he raised Robert in his arms and clasped him to his +breast. Glenarvan, the major, and the sailors, delighted to see their +faithful guide again, shook his hands with the most earnest cordiality. +The Patagonian then conducted them to an abandoned estancia. Here +a good fire was burning, which revived them, and on the coals were +roasting succulent slices of venison, to which they did ample justice. +And when their refreshed minds began to reflect, they could scarcely +believe that they had escaped so many perils,—the fire, the water, and +the formidable alligators.</p> + +<p>Thalcave, in a few words, told his story to Paganel, and ascribed to +his intrepid horse all the honor of having saved him. Paganel then +endeavored to explain to him the new interpretation of the document, +and the hopes it led them to entertain. Did the Indian understand the +geographer's ingenious suppositions? It was very doubtful; but he saw +his friends happy and very confident, and he desired nothing more.</p> + +<p>It may be easily believed that these courageous travelers, after their +day of rest on the tree, needed no urging to resume their journey. At +eight o'clock in the morning they were ready to start. They were too +far south to procure means of transport, and were therefore obliged +to travel on foot. The distance, however, was only forty miles, and +Thaouka would not refuse to carry from time to time a tired pedestrian. +In thirty-six hours they would reach the shores of the Atlantic.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">IN THE DARK.</div> + +<p>As soon as refreshed the guide and his companions left<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> behind them +the immense basin, still covered with the waters, and proceeded across +elevated plains, on which, here and there, were seen groves planted by +Europeans, meadows, and occasionally native trees. Thus the day passed.</p> + +<p>The next morning, fifteen miles before reaching the ocean, its +proximity was perceptible. They hastened on in order to reach Lake +Salado, on the shores of the Atlantic, the same day. They were +beginning to feel fatigued, when they perceived sand-hills that hid the +foaming waves, and soon the prolonged murmur of the rising tide struck +upon their ears.</p> + +<p>"The ocean!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the ocean!" replied Thalcave.</p> + +<p>And these wanderers, whose strength had seemed almost about to fail, +climbed the mounds with wonderful agility. But the darkness was +profound, and their eyes wandered in vain over the gloomy expanse. They +looked for the Duncan, but could not discern her.</p> + +<p>"She is there, at all events," said Glenarvan, "waiting for us."</p> + +<p>"We shall see her to-morrow," replied MacNabb.</p> + +<p>Tom Austin shouted seaward, but received no answer. The wind was very +strong, and the sea tempestuous. The clouds were driving from the west, +and the foaming crests of the waves broke over the beach in masses of +spray. If the Duncan was at the appointed rendezvous, the lookout man +could neither hear nor be heard. The coast afforded no shelter. There +was no bay, no harbor, no cove; not even a creek. The beach consisted +of long sand-banks that were lost in the sea, and the vicinity of +which is more dangerous than that of the rocks in the face of wind and +tide. These banks, in fact, increase the waves; the sea is peculiarly +boisterous around them, and ships are sure to be lost if they strike on +these bars in heavy storms.</p> + +<p>It was therefore very natural that the Duncan, considering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> this coast +dangerous, and knowing it to be without a port of shelter, kept at a +distance. Captain Mangles must have kept to the windward as far as +possible. This was Tom Austin's opinion, and he declared that the +Duncan was not less than five miles at sea.</p> + +<p>The major, accordingly, persuaded his impatient relative to be +resigned, as there was no way of dissipating the thick darkness. And +why weary their eyes in scanning the gloomy horizon? He established a +kind of encampment in the shelter of the sand-hills; the remains of +the provisions furnished them a final repast; and then each, following +the major's example, hollowed out a comfortable bed in the sand, and, +covering himself up to his chin, was soon wrapped in profound repose.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan watched alone. The wind continued strong, and the ocean still +showed the effects of the recent storm. The tumultuous waves broke +at the foot of the sand-banks with the noise of thunder. Glenarvan +could not convince himself that the Duncan was so near him; but as for +supposing that she had not arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it +was impossible, for such a ship there were no delays. The storm had +certainly been violent and its fury terrible on the vast expanse of the +ocean, but the yacht was a good vessel and her captain an able seaman; +she must, therefore, be at her destination.</p> + +<p>These reflections, however, did not pacify Glenarvan. When heart and +reason are at variance, the latter is the weaker power. The lord of +Malcolm Castle seemed to see in the darkness all those whom he loved, +his dear Helena, Mary Grant, and the crew of the Duncan. He wandered +along the barren coast which the waves covered with phosphorescent +bubbles. He looked, he listened, and even thought that he saw a fitful +light on the sea.</p> + +<p>"I am not mistaken," he soliloquized; "I saw a ship's light, the +Duncan's. Ah! why cannot my eyes pierce the darkness?"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p245.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Glenarvan watched alone. He could not convince himself +that the Duncan was so near him; but as for supposing that she had not +arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it was impossible, for such a ship +there were no delays.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> +Then an idea occurred to him. Paganel called himself a nyctalops; he +could see in the night.</p> + +<p>The geographer was sleeping like a mole in his bed, when a strong hand +dragged him from his sandy couch.</p> + +<p>"Who is that?" cried he.</p> + +<p>"I."</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"Glenarvan. Come, I need your eyes."</p> + +<p>"My eyes?" replied Paganel, rubbing them vigorously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, your eyes, to distinguish the Duncan in this darkness. Come."</p> + +<p>"And why my eyes?" said Paganel to himself, delighted, nevertheless, to +be of service to Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>He rose, shaking his torpid limbs in the manner of one awakened from +sleep, and followed his friend along the shore. Glenarvan requested +him to survey the dark horizon to seaward. For several moments Paganel +conscientiously devoted himself to this task.</p> + +<p>"Well, do you perceive nothing?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Nothing. Not even a cat could see two paces before her."</p> + +<p>"Look for a red or a green light, on the starboard or the larboard +side."</p> + +<p>"I see neither a red nor a green light. All is darkness," replied +Paganel, whose eyes were thereupon involuntarily closed.</p> + +<p>For half an hour he mechanically followed his impatient friend in +absolute silence, with his head bowed upon his breast, sometimes +raising it suddenly. He tottered along with uncertain steps, like those +of a drunken man. At last Glenarvan, seeing that the geographer was in +a state of somnambulism, took him by the arm, and, without waking him, +led him back to his sand-hole, and comfortably deposited him therein.</p> + +<p>At break of day they were all started to their feet by the cry,—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">IMPATIENCE.</div> + +<p>"The Duncan! the Duncan!"</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah!" replied Glenarvan's companions, rushing to the shore.</p> + +<p>The Duncan was indeed in sight. Five miles distant, the yacht was +sailing under low pressure, her main-sails carefully reefed, while her +smoke mingled with the mists of the morning. The sea was high, and a +vessel of her tonnage could not approach the shore without danger.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, provided with Paganel's telescope, watched the movements of +the Duncan. Captain Mangles could not have perceived them, for he did +not approach, but continued to coast along with only a reefed top-sail.</p> + +<p>At this moment Thalcave, having loaded his carbine heavily, fired it in +the direction of the yacht. They gazed and listened. Three times the +Indian's gun resounded, waking the echoes of the shore.</p> + +<p>At last a white smoke issued from the side of the yacht.</p> + +<p>"They see us!" cried Glenarvan. "It is the Duncan's cannon."</p> + +<p>A few moments after, a heavy report rang out on the air, and the +Duncan, shifting her sail and putting on steam, was seen to be +approaching the shore. By the aid of the glass they saw a boat leave +the ship's side.</p> + +<p>"Lady Helena cannot come," said Tom Austin: "the sea is too rough."</p> + +<p>"Nor Captain Mangles," replied MacNabb: "he cannot leave his vessel."</p> + +<p>"My sister! my sister!" cried Robert, stretching his arms towards the +yacht, which rolled heavily.</p> + +<p>"I hope I shall soon get on board!" exclaimed Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Patience, Edward! You will be there in two hours," replied MacNabb.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan now joined Thalcave, who, standing with folded arms alongside +of Thaouka, was calmly gazing at the waves.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan took his hand, and, pointing to the yacht, said,—</p> + +<p>"Come!"</p> + +<p>The Indian shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Come, my friend!" continued Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Thalcave, gently. "Here is Thaouka, and there are the +Pampas!" he added, indicating with a sweep of his hand the vast expanse +of the plains.</p> + +<p>It was clear that the Indian would never leave the prairies, where the +bones of his fathers whitened. Glenarvan knew the strong attachment +of these children of the desert to their native country. He therefore +shook Thalcave's hand, and did not insist; not even when the Indian, +smiling in his peculiar way, refused the price of his services, +saying,—</p> + +<p>"It was done out of friendship."</p> + +<p>His lordship, however, desired to give the brave Indian something which +might at least serve as a souvenir of his European friends. But what +had he left? His arms, his horses, everything had been lost in the +inundation. His friends were no richer than himself. For some moments +he was at a loss how to repay the disinterested generosity of the brave +guide; but at last a happy idea occurred to him. He drew from his +pocket-book a costly medallion inclosing an admirable portrait, one of +Lawrence's master-pieces, and presented it to Thalcave.</p> + +<p>"My wife," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Thalcave gazed with wonder at the portrait, and pronounced these simple +words,—</p> + +<p>"Good and beautiful!"</p> + +<p>Then Robert, Paganel, the major, Tom Austin, and the two sailors +bade an affectionate adieu to the noble Patagonian, who clasped each +one in succession to his broad breast. All were sincerely sorry at +parting with so courageous and devoted a friend. Paganel forced him +to accept a map of South America and the two oceans, which the +Indian had frequently examined with interest. It was the geographer's +most precious possession. As for Robert, he had nothing to give but +caresses, which he freely lavished upon his deliverer and upon Thaouka.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p249.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the +shore by the ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the +Indian was seen through the foam of the waves.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> +At that instant the Duncan's boat approached, and, gliding into the +narrow channel between the sand-banks, grounded on the beach.</p> + +<p>"My wife?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My sister?" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>"Lady Helena and Miss Grant await you on board," replied the cockswain. +"But we have not a moment to lose, my lord, for the tide is beginning +to ebb."</p> + +<p>The last acknowledgments were given, and Thalcave accompanied his +friends to the boat. Just as Robert was about to embark, the Indian +took him in his arms and gazed at him tenderly.</p> + +<p>"Now go," said he; "you are a man!"</p> + +<p>"Adieu, my friend, adieu!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Shall we ever see each other again?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Who knows?" replied Thalcave, raising his arms towards heaven.</p> + +<p>They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the shore by the +ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the Indian was +seen through the foam of the waves. Then his tall form grew indistinct, +and soon became invisible. An hour afterwards they reached the Duncan. +Robert was the first to spring upon the deck, where he threw himself +upon his sister's neck, while the crew of the yacht filled the air with +their joyous shouts.</p> + +<p>Thus had our travelers accomplished the journey across South America +on a rigorously straight line. Neither mountains nor rivers had turned +them aside from their course; and, although they were not forced to +struggle against the evil designs of men, the relentless fury of the +elements had often tested their generous intrepidity to its utmost +powers of endurance.</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A NEW DESTINATION.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The first moments were consecrated to the happiness of meeting. +Lord Glenarvan did not wish the joy in the hearts of his friends to +be chilled by tidings of their want of success. His first words, +therefore, were,—</p> + +<p>"Courage, my friends, courage! Captain Grant is not with us, but we are +sure to find him."</p> + +<p>It needed only such an assurance to restore hope to the passengers of +the Duncan. Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was approaching +the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From the deck +they endeavored to count those who were returning. At one time the +young girl would despair; at another she would think she saw her +father. Her heart beat quickly; she could not speak; she could scarcely +stand. Lady Helena supported her, while Captain Mangles stood beside +her in silence. His keen eyes, accustomed to distinguish distant +objects, could not discern the captain.</p> + +<p>"He is there! he is coming! my father!" murmured the young girl.</p> + +<p>But as the boat gradually drew near, the illusion vanished. Not only +Lady Helena and the captain, but Mary Grant, had now lost all hope. It +was, therefore, time for Glenarvan to utter his assuring words.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"BREAKFAST!"</div> + +<p>After the first embraces, all were informed of the principal incidents +of the journey; and, first of all, Glenarvan made known the new +interpretation of the document, due to the sagacity of Jacques Paganel. +He also praised Robert, of whom his sister had a right to be proud. +His courage, his devotion, and the dangers that he had overcome, were +conspicuously set forth by his noble friend, so that the boy would not +have known where to hide himself, if his sister's arms had not afforded +him a sure refuge.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p252.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was +approaching the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From +the deck they endeavored to count those who were returning.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>"You need not blush, Robert," said Captain Mangles; "you have behaved +like the worthy son of Captain Grant."</p> + +<p>He stretched out his arms towards Mary's brother, and pressed his lips +to the boy's cheeks, which were still wet with tears.</p> + +<p>They then spoke of the generous Thalcave. Lady Helena regretted that +she could not have shaken hands with the brave Indian. MacNabb, after +the first outbursts of enthusiasm, repaired to his cabin to shave +himself. As for Paganel, he flitted hither and thither, like a bee, +extracting the honey of compliments and smiles. He wished to embrace +all on board the Duncan, and, beginning with Lady Helena and Mary +Grant, ended with Mr. Olbinett, the steward, who could not better +recognize such politeness than by announcing breakfast.</p> + +<p>"Breakfast!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Paganel," replied Olbinett.</p> + +<p>"A real breakfast, on a real table, with table-cloth and napkins?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"And shall we not eat hard eggs, or ostrich steaks?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mr. Paganel!" replied the worthy steward, greatly embarrassed.</p> + +<p>"I did not mean to offend you, my friend," said the geographer; "but +for a month our food has been of that sort, and we have dined, not at +a table, but stretched on the ground, except when we were astride of +the trees. This breakfast that you have just announced seemed to me, +therefore, like a dream, a fiction, a chimera."</p> + +<p>"Well, we will test its reality, Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady +Helena, who could not help laughing.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Accept my arm," said the gallant geographer.</p> + +<p>"Has your lordship any orders to give?" inquired Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"After breakfast, my dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we will discuss +in council the programme of the new expedition."</p> + +<p>The passengers and the young captain then descended to the cabin. +Orders were given to the engineer to keep up steam, that they might +start at the first signal. The major and the travelers, after a rapid +toilette, seated themselves at the table. Ample justice was done to +Mr. Olbinett's repast, which was declared excellent and even superior +to the splendid banquets of the Pampas. Paganel called twice for every +dish, "through absent-mindedness," as he said. This unfortunate word +led Lady Helena to inquire if the amiable Frenchman had occasionally +shown his habitual failing. The major and Lord Glenarvan looked at each +other with a smile. As for Paganel, he laughed heartily, and promised +"upon his honor" not to commit a single blunder during the entire +voyage. He then in a very comical way told the story of his mistake in +the study of Spanish.</p> + +<p>"After all," he added, in conclusion, "misfortunes are sometimes +beneficial, and I do not regret my error."</p> + +<p>"And why, my worthy friend?" asked the major.</p> + +<p>"Because I not only know Spanish, but Portuguese also. I speak two +languages instead of one."</p> + +<p>"By my faith, I should not have thought of that," replied MacNabb. "My +compliments, Paganel, my sincere compliments!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TABLE-TALK IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC.</div> + +<p>Paganel was applauded, but did not lose a single mouthful. He did not, +however, notice one peculiarity observed by Glenarvan, and that was the +young captain's attentions to his neighbor, Mary Grant. A slight sign +from Lady Helena to her husband told him how matters stood. He gazed at +the two young people with affectionate sympathy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> and finally addressed +the captain, but upon a different subject.</p> + +<p>"How did you succeed with your voyage, captain?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Excellently," replied the captain; "only I must inform your lordship +that we did not return by way of the Strait of Magellan."</p> + +<p>"What!" cried Paganel, "you doubled Cape Horn, and I was not there!"</p> + +<p>"Hang yourself!" said the major.</p> + +<p>"Selfish fellow! you give me this advice in order that you may share my +rope!" retorted the geographer.</p> + +<p>"Well, my dear Paganel," added Glenarvan, "unless we are endowed with +ubiquity, we cannot be everywhere. Since you crossed the Pampas, you +could not at the same time double Cape Horn."</p> + +<p>"Nevertheless, I am sorry," replied the geographer.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles now told the story of his voyage, and was congratulated +by Glenarvan, who, addressing Mary Grant, said,—</p> + +<p>"My dear young lady, I see that Captain John pays his homage to your +noble qualities, and I am happy to find that you are not displeased +with his ship."</p> + +<p>"Oh, how could I be?" replied Mary, gazing at Lady Helena, and perhaps +also at the young captain.</p> + +<p>"My sister loves you, Mr. Captain," cried Robert, "and I do too."</p> + +<p>"And I return your love, my dear boy," replied Captain Mangles, a +little confused by Robert's words, which also brought a slight blush to +the face of the young girl.</p> + +<p>Then, changing the conversation to a less embarrassing subject, the +captain added,—</p> + +<p>"Since I have related the Duncan's voyage, will not your lordship give +us a few particulars of your travels, and the exploits of our young +hero?"</p> + +<p>No recital could have been more agreeable to Lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> Helena and Miss +Grant, and Glenarvan hastened to satisfy their curiosity. He told, word +for word, all about their journey from ocean to ocean. The passage +of the Andes, the earthquake, Robert's disappearance, his capture by +the condor, Thalcave's fortunate shot, the adventure with the wolves, +the boy's devotion, the meeting with Sergeant Manuel, the inundation, +their refuge in the tree, the lightning, the fire, the alligators, +the water-spout, the night on the shores of the Atlantic, all these +incidents, cheerful or serious, excited alternately the joy and terror +of his hearers. Many a circumstance was related that brought Robert +the caresses of his sister and Lady Helena. Never was boy more highly +praised, or by more enthusiastic friends.</p> + +<p>"Now, my friends," remarked Lord Glenarvan, when he had finished his +recital, "let us think of the present. Let us return to the subject of +Captain Grant."</p> + +<p>When breakfast was over, the party repaired to Lady Helena's +state-room, and, taking seats around a table loaded with maps and +charts, resumed the conversation. Glenarvan explained that the +shipwreck had not taken place on the shores either of the Pacific or +the Atlantic, and that, consequently, the document had been wrongly +interpreted so far as Patagonia was concerned; that Paganel, by a +sudden inspiration, had discovered the mistake and proved that they had +been following a false trail. The geographer was accordingly asked to +explain the French document, which he did to the satisfaction of every +one. When he had finished his demonstration, Glenarvan announced that +the Duncan would immediately set sail for Australia.</p> + +<p>The major, however, before the order was given, asked permission to +make a single remark.</p> + +<p>"Speak, major," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the arguments of my +friend Paganel, still less to refute them. I consider them rational, +sagacious, and worthy of our whole attention. But I desire to submit +them to a final examination, that their validity may be incontestable."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p257.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the +arguments of my friend Paganel, still less to refute them."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>No one knew what the prudent MacNabb meant, and his hearers listened +with some anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Go on, major," said Paganel: "I am ready to answer all your questions."</p> + +<p>"Nothing can be simpler," said the major. "Five months ago, in +the Frith of Clyde, when we studied the three documents, their +interpretation seemed clear to us. No place but the western coast of +Patagonia could, we thought, have been the scene of the shipwreck. We +had not even the shadow of a doubt on the subject."</p> + +<p>"Very true," added Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Afterwards," resumed the major, "when Paganel, in a moment of +providential absent-mindedness, embarked on board our vessel, the +documents were submitted to him, and he unhesitatingly sanctioned our +search upon the American coast."</p> + +<p>"You are right," observed the geographer.</p> + +<p>"And, nevertheless, we are mistaken," said the major.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are mistaken," repeated Paganel; "but to be mistaken is only +to be human, while it is the part of a madman to persist in his error."</p> + +<p>"Wait, Paganel," continued the major; "do not get excited. I do not +mean that our search ought to be prolonged in America."</p> + +<p>"What do you ask, then?" inquired Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Simply the acknowledgment that Australia now seems to be the scene of +the Britannia's shipwreck as much as South America did before."</p> + +<p>"Granted," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Who knows, then," resumed the major, "whether, after Australia, +another country may not offer us the same probabilities, and whether, +when this new search proves vain, it may not seem evident that we ought +to have searched elsewhere?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FRIENDS IN COUNCIL.</div> + +<p>Glenarvan and Paganel glanced at each other. The major's remarks were +strictly correct.</p> + +<p>"I desire, therefore," added MacNabb, "that a final test be made before +we start for Australia. Here are the documents and maps. Let us examine +successively all points that the thirty-seventh parallel crosses, and +see if there is not some other country to which the document has as +precise a reference."</p> + +<p>"Nothing is easier," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>The map was placed before Lady Helena, and all showed themselves ready +to follow Paganel's demonstration. After carefully examining the +documents, it was unanimously agreed that Paganel's interpretation was +the correct one.</p> + +<p>"I leave you, therefore, my friends," said he, in conclusion, "to +decide whether all the probabilities are not in favor of the Australian +continent."</p> + +<p>"Evidently," replied the passengers and the captain with unanimity.</p> + +<p>"Captain," said Glenarvan, "have you sufficient provisions and coal?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, I procured ample supplies at Talcahuana, and, besides, +we can lay in a fresh stock of fuel at Cape Town."</p> + +<p>"One more remark," said the major.</p> + +<p>"A thousand, if you please!"</p> + +<p>"Whatever may be the guarantees for success in Australia, will it not +be well to call for a day or two, in passing, at the islets of Tristan +d'Acunha and Amsterdam? They are situated so near our strict line of +search, that it is worth our while to ascertain if there be on them any +trace of the shipwreck of the Britannia."</p> + +<p>"The unbeliever!" said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"I do not want to have to return to them, monsieur, if Australia does +not after all realize our newly-conceived expectations."</p> + +<p>"The precaution is not a bad one," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p260.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">At sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, +seemingly separated from all the rest of the rocky group.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p261.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A few hours of their united toil resulted in the death +of a large number of seals who were "caught napping."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> +"And I do not wish to dissuade you; quite the contrary," replied the +geographer.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, we will adopt it, and start forthwith," said Lord +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Immediately, my lord," replied the captain, as he went on deck, while +Robert and Mary Grant uttered the liveliest expressions of gratitude; +and the Duncan, leaving the American coast and heading to the east, was +soon swiftly ploughing the waves of the Atlantic.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>TRISTAN D'ACUNHA AND THE ISLE OF AMSTERDAM.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">LOOKING ALOFT.</div> + +<p>The Duncan now had before her a broad stretch of ocean but little +traversed by navigators. Between the shores of South America and the +little speck in the ocean known by the name of Tristan d'Acunha, there +was no probability of her meeting with any strange sail; and under some +circumstances, or in some company, the days might have been monotonous +and the hours might have hung wearily. But so ardent was the desire +for success, and so accomplished, yet varied, were the characters of +those who composed the little assembly, that the voyage on the South +Atlantic, though devoid of striking incident, was by no means wanting +in interest. Much of the time was spent on deck, where the ladies' +cabins were now located, Mary Grant especially training her hand, head, +and heart in feeling, thought, and action. The geographer set to work +on a composition entitled "Travels of a Geographer on the Argentine +Pampas;" but many a blank page did he leave. Tho Scottish peer (when +tired of examining for the thousandth time all that belonged to his +yacht) could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> look at the books and documents which he had brought with +him, intending to peruse them carefully. And as to the major he was +never in company and never out of company; his cigar insured, nothing +else was wanted.</p> + +<p>Ever and anon many miles of the ocean would be covered by masses of +sea-weed; these different species of algæ would afford subject for +research; specimens must be preserved, authorities must be consulted, +and as one result at least all would become wiser. Then a discussion +would ensue on some geographical problem, and maps that were not +attainable were of course appealed to by each disputant, though the +subject in question was often of very trivial moment. It was in the +midst of a debate of this kind, during the evening, that a sailor cried +out,—</p> + +<p>"Land ahead!"</p> + +<p>"In what direction?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"To windward," replied the sailor.</p> + +<p>The landsmen's eyes were strained, but to no purpose. The geographer's +telescope was brought into requisition, but with no avail. "I do not +see the land," said its owner.</p> + +<p>"Look into the clouds," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" replied Paganel, struck with the idea, and shortly with the +reality also; for there was the barren mountain-top of Tristan d'Acunha.</p> + +<p>"Then," said he, "if I remember aright, we are eighty miles from it. Is +not that the distance from which this mountain is visible?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly so," replied the captain.</p> + +<p>A few hours brought them much nearer to the group of high and steep +rocks, and at sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, seemingly +separated from all the rest of the rocky group, and reflecting the +glory of the blue heavens and of the rising orb on the placid sea at +its base.</p> + + + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p264.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p265.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook fish, +Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> +There are three islets in this group,—Tristan d'Acunha, +Inaccessible, and Rossignol; but it was only at the first of these +that the Duncan called. Inquiry was made of the authorities (for these +islets are governed by a British official from the Cape of Good Hope) +if there were any tidings of the Britannia. But nothing was known of +such a ship; they were told of the shipwrecks which had occurred, but +there was nothing that afforded a clue to that which they sought. They +spent some hours in examination of the fauna and flora, which were not +very extensive. They saw and were seen by the sparse population that +subsist here, and in the afternoon of the same day the yacht left the +islands and islanders so rarely visited.</p> + +<p>Whilst the passengers had been thus engaged, Lord Glenarvan had allowed +his crew to employ their time advantageously to themselves in capturing +some of the seals which are so plentiful in these latitudes. A few +hours of their united toil resulted in the death of a large number +of seals who were "caught napping," and in the stowing away, for the +profit of the crew when they should reach the Australian market, +several barrels of the oil obtained from their carcases.</p> + +<p>Still onward on the same parallel lay the course of the Duncan, +towards the Isles of Amsterdam and St. Paul; and the same subjects +of conversation, study, and speculation engaged them all, until, one +morning, they espied the first mentioned island, far ahead; and as they +drew nearer, a peak rose clearly before their vision which strongly +reminded them of the Peak of Teneriffe they had beheld a few months +before.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WARM SPRINGS AND WARM TALK.</div> + +<p>The Isle of Amsterdam or St. Peter, and the Isle of St. Paul, have been +visited by very few, and but little is known of them. The latter is +uninhabited; but our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot. Here again inquiry was made, but in vain, +for any information of the Britannia, her voyage, or her shipwreck.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> +Neither on the Isle of Amsterdam nor on that of St. Paul, which the +whalers and seal-fishers sometimes visit, had there been any trace of +the catastrophe.</p> + +<p>Desolate as these lonely islands appeared to our travelers, they still +were not devoid of objects of interest. They were meagre enough in +vegetation and in animal life; but there were warm springs which well +repaid a visit. Captain Mangles found the temperature of their waters +to be 166° Fahrenheit; and, inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook +fish, Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically."</p> + +<p>When they resumed their course, though many miles were before them, +there was a growing sense of anticipation; they were not to pause again +until the "Australian continent" was reached; and more and more did +the conversation and discussions tend towards this continent as their +subject. On one occasion so certain was Paganel as to the ease with +which they would be able to pursue their search, when they arrived, +that he asserted that more than fifty geographers had already made the +course clear for them.</p> + +<p>"What! fifty, do you say?" asked the major, with an air of doubt.</p> + +<p>"Yes, MacNabb, decidedly," said the geographer, piqued at the hesitancy +to believe him.</p> + +<p>"Impossible!" replied the major.</p> + +<p>"Not at all; and if you doubt my veracity, I will cite their names."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said the major, quietly, "you clever people stick at nothing."</p> + +<p>"Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle against my telescope +that I cannot name at least fifty Australian explorers?"</p> + +<p>"Of course, Paganel, if you like," replied MacNabb, seeing that he +could not now recede from his position without incurring the ridicule +of the company.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p268.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle +against my telescope that I cannot name at least fifty Australian +explorers?"</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p269.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> +"Well, then," said Paganel to Lady Helena and Miss Grant, "come and +be umpires, and Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia, with the names of its discoverers and the +dates of their explorations, as fluently as though his sole calling in +life was to be professor of Australian history. Rapidly he mentioned +the first twenty who found or traversed the Austral shores; as rapidly +did the names of the second score flow from his lips; and after the +prescribed fifty had been enumerated, he kept on as though his list +were inexhaustible.</p> + +<p>"Enough, enough, Monsieur Paganel!" said Lady Helena. "You have shown +that there is nothing, great or small, about Australia, of which you +are ignorant."</p> + +<p>"Nay, madam," said the geographer, with a bow.</p> + +<p>Then, with a peculiar expression, he smiled as he said to the major, +"We will talk about the rifle at another time."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE STORM ON THE INDIAN OCEAN.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Two days after this conversation, Captain Mangles took an observation, +and the passengers saw, to their great satisfaction, upon consulting +the map, that they were in the vicinity of Cape Bernouilli, which +they might expect to reach in four days. The west wind had hitherto +favored the progress of the yacht, but for several days it had shown a +tendency to fail, and now there was a perfect calm. The sails flapped +idly against the masts, and had it not been for her powerful screw, the +Duncan would have been becalmed on the ocean.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FOREBODINGS OF DISASTER.</div> + +<p>This state of things might be prolonged indefinitely. At evening +Glenarvan consulted the captain on the subject. The latter, whose +supply of coal was rapidly diminishing, appeared much disturbed at the +subsidence of the wind. He had covered his ship with canvas, and set +his studding- and main-sails, that he might take advantage of the least +breeze; but, in nautical language, there was not enough wind "to fill a +hat."</p> + +<p>"At all events," said Glenarvan, "we need not complain. It is better to +be without wind than to have a contrary one."</p> + +<p>"Your lordship is right," replied Captain Mangles; "but I dread some +sudden change in the weather. We are now in the neighborhood of the +trade-winds, which, from October to April, blow from the northeast, and +our progress will, therefore, be very much retarded."</p> + +<p>"But what can we do, captain? If this misfortune occurs, we must submit +to it. It will only be a delay, after all."</p> + +<p>"Probably, if a storm does not come upon us too."</p> + +<p>"Do you fear bad weather?" asked Glenarvan, looking at the sky, which, +however, was cloudless.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the captain. "I tell your lordship, but would conceal my +apprehensions from Lady Helena and Miss Grant."</p> + +<p>"You act wisely. What do you apprehend?"</p> + +<p>"There are signs of a great storm. Do not trust the appearance of the +sky, my lord; nothing is more deceptive. For two days the barometer +has fallen to an alarming degree. This is a warning that I cannot +disregard. I particularly fear the storms of the South Seas, for I have +been already exposed to them."</p> + +<p>"John," replied Glenarvan, "the Duncan is a stout vessel, and her +captain a skillful seaman. Let the storm come; we will take care of +ourselves."</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, while giving expression to his fears, was by no means +forgetful of his duty as a sailor. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> steady fall of the barometer +caused him to take every measure of precaution. The sky, as yet, gave +no indication of the approaching tempest; but the warnings of his +infallible instrument were not to be disregarded.</p> + +<p>The young captain accordingly remained on deck all night. About eleven +o'clock the sky grew threatening towards the south. All hands were +immediately called on deck, to take in the sails. At midnight the wind +freshened. The creaking of the masts, the rattling of the rigging, +and the groaning of bulkheads informed the passengers of the state of +affairs. Paganel, Glenarvan, the major, and Robert came on deck to +render assistance if it should be needed. Over the sky, that they had +left clear and studded with stars, now rolled thick clouds broken by +light bands and spotted like the skin of a leopard.</p> + +<p>"Has the storm broken upon us?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Not yet, but it will presently," replied the captain.</p> + +<p>At that moment he gave the order to reef the top-sail. The sailors +sprang into the windward rattlings, and with difficulty accomplished +their task. Captain Mangles wished to keep on as much sail as possible, +to support the yacht and moderate her rolling. After these precautions +had been taken, he told the mate and the boatswain to prepare for the +assault of the tempest, which could not be long in breaking forth. +Still, like an officer at the storming of a breach, he did not leave +the point of observation, but from the upper deck endeavored to draw +from the stormy sky its secrets.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ADDED CALAMITY.</div> + +<p>It was now one o'clock in the morning. Lady Helena and Miss Grant, +aroused by the unusual bustle, ventured to come on deck. The wind was +sharply whistling through the cordage, which, like the strings of a +musical instrument, resounded as if some mighty bow had caused their +rapid vibrations; the pulleys clashed against each other; the ropes +creaked with a sharp sound in their rough sockets; the sails cracked +like cannon, and vast waves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> rolled up to assail the yacht, as it +lightly danced on their foaming crests.</p> + +<p>When the captain perceived the ladies, he approached and besought them +to return to the cabin. Several waves had already been shipped, and the +deck might be swept at any moment. The din of the elements was now so +piercing that Lady Helena could scarcely hear the young captain.</p> + +<p>"Is there any danger?" she managed to ask him during a momentary lull +in the storm.</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied he; "but neither you nor Miss Mary can remain on +deck."</p> + +<p>The ladies did not oppose an order that seemed more like an entreaty, +and returned to the cabin just as a wave, rolling over the stern, +shook the compass-lights in their sockets. The violence of the wind +redoubled; the masts bent under the pressure of sail, and the yacht +seemed to rise on the billows.</p> + +<p>"Brail up the main-sail!" cried the captain; "haul in the top-sails and +jibs!"</p> + +<p>The sailors sprang to their places; the halyards were loosened, the +brails drawn down, the jibs taken in with a noise that rose above the +storm, and the Duncan, whose smoke-stack belched forth torrents of +black smoke, rolled heavily in the sea.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and Robert gazed with admiration and +terror at this struggle with the waves. They clung tightly to the +rigging, unable to exchange a word, and watched the flocks of stormy +petrels, those melancholy birds of the storm, as they sported in the +raging winds.</p> + +<p>At that moment a piercing sound was heard above the roar of +the hurricane. The steam was rapidly escaping, not through the +escape-valve, but through the pipes of the boiler. The alarm-whistle +sounded with unusual shrillness; the yacht gave a terrible lurch, and +Wilson, who was at the helm, was overthrown by an unexpected blow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> +of the wheel. The vessel was in the trough of the sea, and no longer +manageable.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" cried Captain Mangles, rushing to the stern.</p> + +<p>"The ship is careening!" replied Austin.</p> + +<p>"Is the rudder unhinged?"</p> + +<p>"To the engine! to the engine!" cried the engineer.</p> + +<p>The captain rushed down the ladder. A cloud of steam filled the +engine-room; the pistons were motionless in their cylinders, and the +cranks gave no movement to the shaft. The engineer, seeing that all +efforts were useless, and fearing for his boilers, had let out the +steam through the escape-valve.</p> + +<p>"What has happened?" asked the captain.</p> + +<p>"The screw is either bent or entangled," replied the engineer; "it will +not work."</p> + +<p>"Is it impossible to free it?"</p> + +<p>"Impossible, at present."</p> + +<p>To attempt to repair the accident at that moment was out of the +question. The screw would not move, and the steam, being no longer +effective, had escaped through the valves. The captain was, therefore, +forced to rely on his sails, and seek the aid of the wind, which had +been hitherto his most dangerous enemy.</p> + +<p>He came on deck, and, briefly informing Glenarvan of the situation, +begged him to return to the cabin with the others; but the latter +wished to remain.</p> + +<p>"No, my lord," replied Captain Mangles, in a firm tone: "I must be +alone here with my crew. Go! The ship may be in danger, and the waves +would drench you unmercifully."</p> + +<p>"But we may be of use——"</p> + +<p>"Go, go, my lord; you must! There are times when I am master on board. +Retire, as I wish!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE STRUGGLE CONTINUED.</div> + +<p>For John Mangles to express himself so authoritatively, the situation +must have been critical. Glenarvan understood<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> that it was his duty to +obey. He therefore left the deck, followed by his three companions, and +joined the ladies in the cabin, who were anxiously awaiting the result +of this struggle with the elements.</p> + +<p>"My brave John is an energetic man," remarked Glenarvan as he entered.</p> + +<p>Meantime Captain Mangles lost no time in extricating the ship from +her perilous situation. He resolved to keep towards the Cape, that he +might deviate as little as possible from his prescribed course. It was, +therefore, necessary to brace the sails obliquely to the wind. The +top-sail was reefed, a kind of fore-sail rigged on the main-stay, and +the helm crowded hard aport. The yacht, which was a stanch and fleet +vessel, started like a spirited horse that feels the spur, and proudly +breasted the angry billows.</p> + +<p>The rest of the night was passed in this situation. They hoped that the +tempest would abate by break of day. Vain hope! At eight o'clock in the +morning it was still blowing hard, and the wind soon became a hurricane.</p> + +<p>The captain said nothing, but he trembled for his vessel and those +whom she carried. The Duncan now and then gave a fearful lurch; her +stanchions cracked, and sometimes the yards of the mainmast struck the +crests of the waves. At one moment the crew thought the yacht would +not rise again. Already the sailors, hatchet in hand, were rushing +to cut away the fore-shrouds, when they were violently torn from +their fastenings by the blast. The ship righted herself, but, without +support on the waves, she was tossed about so terribly that the masts +threatened to break at their very foundations. She could not long +endure such rolling; she was growing weak, and soon her shattered sides +and opening seams must give way for the water.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p276.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Then, impelled by the hurricane, the billows outran +her; they leaped over the taffrail, and the whole deck was swept with +tremendous violence.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">NEARING THE END.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> +Captain Mangles had but one resource,—to rig a storm-jib. He succeeded +after several hours' labor, but it was not until three o'clock in the +afternoon that the jib was hauled to the main-stay and set to the +wind. With this piece of canvas the Duncan flew before the wind +with inconceivable rapidity. It was necessary to keep up the greatest +possible speed, for upon this alone depended her safety. Sometimes, +outstripping the waves, she cut them with her slender prow and plunged +beneath them, like an enormous sea-monster, while the water swept +her deck from stem to stern. At other times her swiftness barely +equaled that of the surges, her rudder lost all power, and she gave +terrific lurches that threatened to capsize her. Then, impelled by the +hurricane, the billows outran her; they leaped over the taffrail, and +the whole deck was swept with tremendous violence.</p> + +<p>The situation was indeed alarming. The captain would not leave his +post for an instant. He was tortured by fears that his impassive face +would not betray, and persistently sought to penetrate with his gaze +the gathering gloom. And he had good cause for fear. The Duncan, driven +out of her course, was running towards the Australian coast with a +swiftness that nothing could arrest. He felt, too, as if by instinct, +that a strong current was drawing him along. At every moment he feared +the shock of a reef upon which the yacht would be dashed into a +thousand pieces, and he calculated that the shore was not more than a +dozen miles to leeward.</p> + +<p>Finally he went in search of Lord Glenarvan, consulted with him in +private, explained their actual situation, viewed it with the coolness +of a sailor who is ready for any emergency, and ended by saying that he +should be obliged perhaps to run the Duncan ashore.</p> + +<p>"To save those she carries, if possible, my lord," he added.</p> + +<p>"Very well, captain," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"And Lady Helena and Miss Grant?"</p> + +<p>"I will inform them only at the last moment, when all hope is gone of +keeping at sea. You will tell me."</p> + +<p>"I will, my lord."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan returned to the ladies, who, without knowing all the danger, +felt it to be imminent. They displayed, however, a noble courage, equal +at least to that of their companions. Paganel gave himself up to the +most unreasonable theories concerning the direction of atmospheric +currents, while the major awaited the end with the indifference of a +Mussulman.</p> + +<p>About eleven o'clock the hurricane seemed to moderate a little, the +heavy mists were gradually dissipated, and through the openings the +captain could see a low land at least six miles to leeward. He steered +directly for it. Huge waves rolled to a prodigious height, and he knew +that they must have a firm point of support to reach such an elevation.</p> + +<p>"There are sand-bars here," said he to Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>"That is my opinion," replied the mate.</p> + +<p>"We are in the hands of God," continued the captain. "If He does not +himself guide the Duncan over the bar, we are lost."</p> + +<p>"It is high tide now, captain; perhaps we may do it."</p> + +<p>"But see the fury of those waves! What ship could resist them? God help +us, my friend!"</p> + +<p>Meantime the Duncan dashed towards the shore with terrible swiftness. +Soon she was only two miles from the sand-bars. The mists still +continued to conceal the land. Nevertheless Captain Mangles thought he +perceived, beyond this foaming barrier, a tranquil haven, where the +Duncan would be in comparative safety. But how to reach it?</p> + +<p>He called the passengers on deck, for he did not wish, when the hour +of shipwreck had come, that they should be confined in the cabin. +Glenarvan and his companions gazed at the awful sea. Mary Grant grew +pale.</p> + +<p>"John," said Glenarvan in a low tone to the young captain, "I will try +to save my wife, or will perish with her. Do you take charge of Miss +Grant."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">OILY INFLUENCES.</div> + +<p>"Yes, your lordship," was the prompt reply.</p> + +<p>The Duncan was now only a few cable-lengths from the sand-bars. As it +was high tide, there would doubtless have been sufficient water to +enable the yacht to cross these dangerous shoals; but the enormous +waves upon which she rose and fell would infallibly have wrecked her. +Was there then any means of allaying these billows, of calming this +tumultuous sea?</p> + +<p>A sudden idea occurred to the captain.</p> + +<p>"The oil!" cried he; "pour on oil, men, pour on oil!"</p> + +<p>These words were quickly understood by all the crew. They were about +to employ a method that sometimes succeeds. The fury of the sea can +often be appeased by covering it with a sheet of oil, which floats +on the surface and destroys the shock of the waters. The effect is +instantaneous, but transient. As soon as a ship has crossed this +treacherous sea, it redoubles its fury; and woe to those who would +venture to follow.</p> + +<p>The barrels containing the supply of seal-oil were hoisted into the +forecastle by the crew, to whom the danger gave new strength. Here +they were stove in with a blow of the hatchet, and suspended over the +starboard rattlings.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" cried the captain, waiting for the favorable moment.</p> + +<p>In a few seconds the yacht reached the entrance to the pass, which was +barred by a terrible line of foam.</p> + +<p>"Let go!" cried the young captain.</p> + +<p>The barrels were inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil. +Immediately the unctuous liquid leveled the foaming surface of the sea, +and the Duncan sailed on calm waters, and was soon in a quiet harbor +beyond the terrible sand-bars; and then the ocean, released from its +fetters, bounded after its escaped prey with indescribable fury.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p280.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Let go!" cried the young captain. The barrels were +inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h4> + +<h3>A HOSPITABLE COLONIST.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The captain's first care was to secure anchorage. He moored the vessel +in five fathoms of water. The bottom was good, a hard gravel, affording +an excellent hold. There was no danger of drifting, or of stranding at +low tide. The Duncan, after so many hours of peril, was now in a sort +of creek sheltered by a high promontory from the fury of the wind.</p> + +<p>Lord Glenarvan shook the hand of the young captain, saying,—</p> + +<p>"Thanks, John!"</p> + +<p>And Captain Mangles felt himself fully rewarded by these simple words. +Glenarvan kept to himself the secret of his anguish, and neither Lady +Helena, Mary Grant, nor Robert suspected the magnitude of the perils +they had just escaped.</p> + +<p>One important point remained to be settled. On what part of the +coast had the Duncan been cast by the storm? How could she regain +her prescribed course? How far were they from Cape Bernouilli? Such +were the first questions addressed to the captain, who at once took +his bearings and noted his observations on the map. The Duncan had +not deviated very far from her route. She was at Cape Catastrophe, on +the southern coast of Australia, not three hundred miles from Cape +Bernouilli.</p> + +<p>But could the Duncan's injuries be repaired? This was the question to +decide. The captain wished to know the extent of the damage. It was +discovered, by diving, that a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> flange of the screw was bent and came +in contact with the stern-post. Hence it was impossible for the screw +to rotate. This injury was considered serious enough to necessitate +going into dry-dock, which of course could not be done in their present +locality.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and the captain, after mature reflection, resolved that +the Duncan should follow the western shore, seeking traces of the +Britannia, should stop at Cape Bernouilli, where further information +could be obtained, and then continue southward to Melbourne, where her +injuries could be repaired; and, as soon as this was done, that she +should cruise along the eastern shores to finish the search.</p> + +<p>This arrangement was approved, and Captain Mangles resolved to take +advantage of the first favorable wind. He did not have to wait long. +Towards evening the hurricane had entirely subsided, and a moderate +breeze was blowing from the southwest. Preparations were made for +getting under way; new sails were set, and at four o'clock in the +morning the sailors heaved at the capstan, the anchor was weighed, and +the Duncan, with all sails set, cruised close to windward along the +coast.</p> + +<p>They arrived at Cape Bernouilli without finding the least trace of the +lost vessel. But this failure proved nothing. Indeed, during the two +years since the shipwreck, the sea might have scattered or destroyed +the fragments of the brig. Besides, the natives, who scent shipwrecks +as a vulture does a corpse, might have carried away every vestige of +it. Harry Grant and his two companions, therefore, without doubt, had +been taken prisoners the moment the waves cast them ashore, and been +carried into the interior of the country.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HOPING AGAINST HOPE.</div> + +<p>But here one of Paganel's ingenious suppositions failed. So long as +they were in the Argentine territory, the geographer could rightly +maintain that the latitude of the document referred to the place of +captivity,—not to the scene of the shipwreck. Indeed, the great rivers +of the Pampas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> and their numerous affluents could easily bear the +document to the sea. In this part of Australia, on the contrary, few +streams cross the thirty-seventh parallel, and the principal Australian +rivers—the Murray, the Yara, the Torrens, and the Darling—either flow +into each other, or empty into the ocean by mouths where navigation +is active. What probability was there, then, that a fragile bottle +could have descended these continually navigated waters, and reached +the Indian Ocean? This consideration could not escape such sagacious +minds. Paganel's supposition, plausible in Patagonia, was illogical +in Australia. The geographer perceived this in a discussion on the +subject with the major. It was clear that the latitude applied only to +the place of shipwreck, and that consequently the bottle had been cast +into the sea where the Britannia was wrecked,—on the western coast of +Australia.</p> + +<p>However, as Glenarvan justly observed, this interpretation did not +preclude the possibility of Captain Grant's captivity, who, moreover, +had intimated as much by the words "where they will be prisoners of the +cruel Indians." But there was no more reason for seeking the prisoners +on the thirty-seventh parallel than on any other.</p> + +<p>This conclusion, after much discussion, was finally accepted, and it +was decided that, if no traces of the Britannia were found at Cape +Bernouilli, Lord Glenarvan should return to Europe, relinquishing all +hope of finding the object of their search.</p> + +<p>This resolution occasioned profound grief to the children of the lost +captain. As the boats containing the whole of the party were rowed +ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be probably +decided; irrevocably, we may say, for Paganel, in a former discussion, +had clearly demonstrated that the shipwrecked seamen would have reached +their country long ago, if their vessel had stranded on the other, the +eastern coast.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NEW PROSPECT.</div> + +<p>"Hope! hope! never cease to hope!" said Lady Helena to the young girl +seated beside her, as they approached the shore. "The hand of God will +never fail us."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p284.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">As the boats containing the whole of the party were +rowed ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be +probably decided.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> +"Yes, Miss Mary," said the captain; "when men have exhausted human +resources, then Heaven interposes, and, by some unforeseen event, opens +to them new ways."</p> + +<p>"God grant it, captain!" replied Mary.</p> + +<p>The shore was now only a cable's length distant. The cape terminated in +gentle declivities extending far out into the sea. The boat entered a +small creek, between banks of coral in process of formation, which in +time would form a chain of reefs along the southern coast of the island.</p> + +<p>The passengers of the Duncan disembarked on a perfectly barren shore. +Steep cliffs formed a lofty sea-wall, and it would have been difficult +to scale this natural rampart without ladders or cramping-irons. +Fortunately, the captain discovered a breach half a mile southward, +caused by a partial crumbling of the cliffs. Probably the sea, during +violent equinoctial storms, had beaten against this fragile barrier, +and thus caused the fall of the upper portions of the mass.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions entered this opening, and reached the +summit of the cliffs by a very steep ascent. Robert climbed an abrupt +declivity with the agility of a cat, and arrived first at the top, +to the great chagrin of Paganel, who was quite mortified at seeing +himself outstripped by a mere lad of twelve. However, he distanced the +peaceable major; but that worthy was utterly indifferent to his defeat.</p> + +<p>The little party surveyed the plain that stretched out beneath them. +It was a vast, uncultivated tract, covered with bushes and brushwood, +and was compared by Glenarvan to the glens of the Scottish lowlands, +and by Paganel to the barren lands of Brittany. But though the country +along the coast was evidently uninhabited, the presence of man, not the +savage, but the civilized worker, was betokened by several substantial +structures in the distance.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A mill!" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>True enough, at no great distance apparently, the sails of a mill were +seen.</p> + +<p>"It is indeed a mill," replied Paganel. "Here is a beacon as modest as +it is useful, the sight of which delights my eyes."</p> + +<p>"It is almost a belfry," said Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam; and while one makes bread for the body, the other +announces bread for the soul. In this respect they resemble each other."</p> + +<p>"Let us go to the mill," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>They accordingly started. After half an hour's walk the soil assumed +a new aspect. The transition from barren plains to cultivated fields +was sudden. Instead of brushwood, quick-set hedges surrounded an +inclosure freshly ploughed. Some cattle, and half a dozen horses, +grazed in pastures encircled by acacias. Then fields of corn were +reached, several acres of land bristling with the yellow ears, haycocks +like great bee-hives, vineyards with blooming inclosures, a beautiful +garden, where the useful and the ornamental mingled; in short, a fair +and comfortable locality, which the merry mill crowned with its pointed +gable and caressed with the moving shadow of its sails.</p> + +<p>At this moment a man of about fifty, of prepossessing countenance, +issued from the principal house, at the barking of three great dogs +that announced the coming of the strangers. Five stout and handsome +boys, his sons, accompanied by their mother, a tall, robust woman, +followed him. This man, surrounded by his healthful family, in the +midst of these new erections, in this almost virgin country, presented +the perfect type of the colonist, who, endeavoring to better his lot, +seeks his fortune and happiness beyond the seas.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his friends had not yet introduced themselves, they had +not had time to declare either their names or their rank, when these +cordial words saluted them:—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN AUSTRALIAN HOME.</div> + +<p>"Strangers, welcome to the house of Patrick O'Moore."</p> + +<p>"You are an Irishman?" said Glenarvan, taking the hand that the +colonist offered him.</p> + +<p>"I was," replied Mr. O'Moore. "Now I am an Australian. But come in, +whoever you are, gentlemen; this house is at your service."</p> + +<p>The invitation so hospitably given was accepted without ceremony. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant, conducted by Mrs. O'Moore, entered the house, +while the colonist's sons relieved the visitors of their fire-arms.</p> + +<p>A large, cool, airy room occupied the ground-floor of the house, +which was built of stout beams arranged horizontally. Several wooden +benches, built into the walls, and painted in gay colors, ten stools, +two oaken trunks, in which white china and jugs of polished pewter were +arranged, and a long table, at which twenty people could be comfortably +seated, constituted the furniture, worthy of the house and its hardy +inhabitants.</p> + +<p>Dinner was soon served. Dishes of soup smoked between roast beef and +legs of mutton, flanked by large plates of olives, grapes, and oranges. +The host and hostess had such an engaging air, and the fare was so +tempting, so ample, and so abundantly furnished, that it would have +been unbecoming not to accept this rural bounty. The domestics of the +farm, the equals of their master, had already come to partake of the +repast; and the host reserved the place of honor for the strangers.</p> + +<p>"I expected you," said he, quietly, to Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"You did?" replied the latter, very much surprised.</p> + +<p>"I always expect those who are coming," replied the Irishman.</p> + +<p>Then, in a grave voice, while his household stood respectfully, he +invoked a Divine blessing. Lady Helena was much affected by his perfect +simplicity of manner, and a look from her husband told her that he +likewise was touched by it.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p288.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A fair and comfortable locality, which the merry mill +crowned with its pointed gable and caressed with the moving shadow of +its sails.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE OLD QUESTION.</div> + +<p>Ample justice was done to the repast. The conversation was general. +The colonist told his story. It was like that of most deserving and +voluntary emigrants. Many go far to seek their fortunes, and find +only sorrow and disaster; they accuse fate, forgetting to blame their +ignorance, laziness, and vices. The man who is sober and persevering, +economical and honest, is almost sure to succeed.</p> + +<p>This had been the case with Mr. O'Moore. He had left Dundalk, where +he was poor, and, emigrating with his family to Australia, had landed +at Adelaide. At first he engaged in mining, but soon relinquished +this for the less hazardous pursuits of the farmer, in which he had +been successful beyond his highest anticipations. His agricultural +knowledge was a great aid to him. He economized, and bought new lands +with the profits of the first. His family flourished, as well as his +farm. The Irish peasant had become a landed proprietor, and, although +his establishment was only two years old, he owned at that moment five +hundred acres of well-cultivated land and five hundred head of cattle, +was his own master, and as independent as one can be even in the freest +country in the world.</p> + +<p>His guests congratulated him sincerely when his story was finished. He +doubtless expected a similar confidence, but did not urge it. Glenarvan +had an immediate interest in speaking of the Duncan, of his own +presence at Cape Bernouilli, and of the search that they had pursued so +perseveringly. But, like a man who considers the main object in view, +he first questioned his host concerning the shipwreck of the Britannia.</p> + +<p>The Irishman's answer was not cheering. He had never heard of the +ship. No vessel had for some time been lost on the coast; and, as the +shipwreck had occurred only two years before, he could affirm with +absolute certainty that the sailors had not been cast on that part of +the western shore.</p> + +<p>"And now, my lord," added he, "may I be allowed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> ask why you have +inquired of me concerning this shipwreck?"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan then told the story of the document, the voyage of the +Duncan, and the attempts made to find Captain Grant. He confessed that +his dearest hopes had been destroyed by Mr. O'Moore's discouraging +information, and that he now despaired of ever finding the shipwrecked +seamen of the Britannia.</p> + +<p>These words produced a gloomy impression upon his hearers. Robert and +Mary listened to them with tearful eyes. Paganel could not find a word +of consolation or hope. Captain Mangles suffered a grief that he could +not subdue. Despair was seizing upon the souls of the noble people whom +the Duncan had vainly brought to these distant shores, when all at once +a voice was heard:—</p> + +<p>"My lord, praise and thank God! If Captain Grant is living, he is in +Australia."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE QUARTERMASTER OF THE BRITANNIA.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The astonishment that these words produced cannot be described. +Glenarvan sprang to his feet, and, pushing back his chair, cried,—</p> + +<p>"Who says that?"</p> + +<p>"I!" replied one of O'Moore's workmen, seated at the end of the table.</p> + +<p>"You, Ayrton?" said the colonist, no less astonished than Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I," repeated Ayrton, in an excited but firm tone; "I, a Scotchman like +yourself, my lord, one of the shipwrecked sailors of the Britannia!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FRESH FACE.</div> + +<p>Mary Grant, half fainting with emotion, and overcome with happiness, +sank into the arms of Lady Helena; while Captain Mangles, Robert, and +Paganel went towards the man whom their host had called Ayrton.</p> + +<p>He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, of about +forty-five, of more than medium height, and with piercing eyes sunk +deeply beneath his projecting brows. His strength must have been +unusual, even considering his stature, for he was all bone and sinew. +His countenance, full of intelligence and energy, although the features +were stern, prepossessed one in his favor. The sympathy that he +elicited was still more increased by the traces of recent hardships +imprinted upon his face. It was evident that he had suffered much, +although he seemed a man able to brave, endure, and conquer suffering.</p> + +<p>The travelers felt all this at first sight. Ayrton's appearance had +interested them; and Glenarvan, acting as spokesman for all, pressed +him with inquiries. This strange meeting had evidently produced a +bewildering effect, and the first questions were, to some extent, +without order.</p> + +<p>"You are one of the sailors of the Britannia?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord; Captain Grant's quartermaster," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Saved with him from the shipwreck?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord. At that terrible moment I was washed overboard and cast +ashore."</p> + +<p>"You are not one of the sailors, then, of whom the document makes +mention?"</p> + +<p>"No; I did not know of the existence of such a document. The captain +must have thrown it overboard after I was gone."</p> + +<p>"But the captain, the captain?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose he was lost, drowned, with the rest of the crew. I thought I +was the sole survivor."</p> + +<p>"But you said that Captain Grant was living!"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p292.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, +of about forty-five.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p293.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling +down the jib, the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, +which was not two cable-lengths distant."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> +"No. I said, 'if the captain is living'——"</p> + +<p>"'He is in Australia,' you added."</p> + +<p>"He can be nowhere else."</p> + +<p>"You do not know, then, where he is?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord. I repeat that I thought he was buried in the waves or +dashed upon the rocks. You say that perhaps he is still living."</p> + +<p>"What do you know, then?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Simply this, that if Captain Grant is living he is in Australia."</p> + +<p>"Where did the shipwreck take place?" inquired the major.</p> + +<p>This should have been the first question; but, in the excitement of the +moment, Glenarvan, anxious to know where Captain Grant was, had not +inquired where the Britannia was lost. From this point the conversation +assumed a more definite form, and soon the details of the complicated +story appeared clear and exact to the minds of Ayrton's hearers.</p> + +<p>To the major's question Ayrton replied,—</p> + +<p>"When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling down the jib, +the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, which was not +two cable-lengths distant. The shipwreck, therefore, took place at that +point."</p> + +<p>"In latitude thirty-seven?" asked Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Thirty-seven," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"On the west coast?"</p> + +<p>"No. On the east coast."</p> + +<p>"And when?"</p> + +<p>"On the night of June 27th, 1862."</p> + +<p>"The same! the very same!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"You see, then, my lord," added Ayrton, "that I was right in saying +that, if Captain Grant still lives, you must seek him in Australia."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">OLD MEMORIES.</div> + +<p>"And we will seek, find, and save him, my friend!" cried Paganel. "Ah, +precious document!" added he, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> perfect simplicity: "it must be +confessed that you have fallen into the hands of very sagacious people."</p> + +<p>No one noticed these flattering words of Paganel. Glenarvan, Lady +Helena, Mary, and Robert had crowded around Ayrton, and eagerly clasped +his hands. It seemed as if the presence of this man was a guarantee of +the safety of Harry Grant. Since the sailor had escaped the dangers +of shipwreck, why should not the captain be safe and sound? Ayrton +repeated his declaration that if Captain Grant were living he must be +in Australia. He answered with remarkable intelligence and clearness +the many questions that were propounded to him. Miss Mary, while +he spoke, held one of his hands in her own. This sailor had been a +companion of her father, one of the shipwrecked survivors of the +Britannia. He had lived with Harry Grant, had sailed the seas with him, +had braved the same dangers! She could not withdraw her eyes from that +weather-beaten face, and she wept with happiness.</p> + +<p>Hitherto no one had thought of doubting the veracity of the +quartermaster. Only the major, and perhaps Captain Mangles, questioned +whether Ayrton's story merited <i>entire</i> confidence. This unexpected +meeting might be suspicious. To be sure, Ayrton had mentioned facts and +dates that agreed, and striking particulars. But details, however exact +they may be, do not constitute a certainty; and generally, as we know, +falsehood endeavors to strengthen itself by its preciseness. MacNabb, +therefore, reserved his opinion.</p> + +<p>As for Captain Mangles, his doubts did not stand long before the +assertions of the sailor, and he considered him a real companion of +Captain Grant when he heard him speak to the young girl of her father. +Ayrton knew Mary and Robert perfectly. He had seen them at Glasgow +on the departure of the Britannia. He remembered that they had been +present at the farewell dinner given on board to the friends of the +captain. Sheriff MacIntyre was one of the guests. Robert—scarcely +ten years old—had been confided to the care of Dick Turner, the +boatswain, but had escaped from him and climbed to the top-sail +yard-arm.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p296.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">When he came to himself, he was in the hands of the natives, +who carried him into the interior of the country.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p297.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached the +hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> +"It is true! it is true!" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>The quartermaster remembered, too, a thousand little circumstances +to which he did not seem to attach so much importance as did Captain +Mangles. When he stopped, Mary said, in her sweet voice,—</p> + +<p>"Mr. Ayrton, please tell us more about our father."</p> + +<p>Ayrton acceded to the young girl's request. Glenarvan was reluctant to +interrupt him, and yet many more important questions thronged his mind. +But Lady Helena, pointing out to him Mary's joyful excitement, checked +his inquiries.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TWO YEARS OF SLAVERY.</div> + +<p>The quartermaster now told the story of the Britannia and her voyage +across the Pacific. During the period of a year Harry Grant landed +at the principal ports of Oceanica, opposing unjustifiable captures, +and often a victim to the hostility of unjust traders. He found, +however, an important point on the western coast of Papua. Here the +establishment of a Scottish colony appeared to him feasible, and its +prosperity assured. After examining Papua, the Britannia sailed to +Callao for provisions, and left that port on the 30th of May, 1862, to +return to Europe by the way of the Indian Ocean and the Cape. Three +weeks after her departure, a terrible tempest disabled her. It became +necessary to cut away the masts. A leak was discovered in the hold, +which they did not succeed in stopping. The crew were soon overtasked +and exhausted. The pumps could not be worked. For eight days the +vessel was at the mercy of the storm. There were six feet of water +in her hold, and she gradually foundered. The boats had been washed +overboard, and the crew had given themselves up for lost, when on the +night of June 22nd, as Paganel had rightly interpreted, they descried +the eastern coast of Australia. The vessel soon stranded. A violent +shock was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> felt. At this moment Ayrton, borne by a wave, was cast into +the midst of the breakers, and lost all consciousness. When he came to +himself, he was in the hands of the natives, who carried him into the +interior of the country. Since then he had heard nothing more of the +Britannia, and naturally supposed that she had been wrecked, with all +on board, on the dangerous reefs of Twofold Bay.</p> + +<p>This was Ayrton's story, which elicited more than once exclamations of +sympathy. The major could not justly doubt its correctness; and after +this recital the quartermaster's own experiences possessed a more real +interest. Indeed, thanks to the document, they no longer doubted that +Captain Grant had survived the shipwreck with two of his sailors. From +the fate of the one they could fairly conjecture that of the other.</p> + +<p>Ayrton was invited to tell of his own adventures, which was soon and +simply done. The shipwrecked sailor, prisoner of a native tribe, was +carried into the interior regions watered by the Darling. Here he led +a very wretched existence, because the tribe itself was miserable; but +he was not maltreated. For two long years he endured a painful slavery. +However, the hope of regaining his liberty sustained his courage. He +watched for the least opportunity of escaping, although his flight +would plunge him into the midst of innumerable perils. One night +in October he eluded the vigilance of the natives, and took refuge +in the depths of extensive forests. For a month, living on roots, +edible ferns, and the gum of the mimosa, often overcome by despair, +he wandered in those vast solitudes, with the sun as his guide by +day and the stars by night. In this way he crossed marshes, rivers, +mountains, in short, all that uninhabited portion of country that few +travelers have explored. At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached +the hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood.</p> + +<p>"And if Ayrton is pleased with me," said the Irish colonist,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> when the +story was finished, "I cannot but be pleased with him. He is an honest +and intelligent man, a good worker, and, if he chooses, this house +shall long be at his service."</p> + +<p>Ayrton thanked Mr. O'Moore, and waited for further questions. He +probably thought, however, that the legitimate curiosity of his hearers +ought to be satisfied. What could he say that had not been repeated +a hundred times already? Glenarvan was, therefore, about to open the +conversation on a new topic, to profit by the information received from +Ayrton, when the major, addressing him, said:</p> + +<p>"You were quartermaster of the Britannia?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>But perceiving that a certain feeling of distrust, a doubt, however +slight, had suggested this inquiry, he added,—</p> + +<p>"I saved my contract from the wreck."</p> + +<p>He immediately left the room in search of this authoritative document. +During his absence, which lasted but a few moments, Mr. O'Moore said:</p> + +<p>"My lord, I will answer for it that Ayrton is an honest man. During the +two months that he has been in my employ, I have had no fault to find +with him. I knew the story of his shipwreck and captivity. He is a true +man, and worthy of your entire confidence."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was about to answer that he had never doubted Ayrton's +honesty, when the latter returned and presented his contract. It was a +paper signed by the owners of the Britannia and Captain Grant, whose +writing Mary recognized immediately. It stated that "Tom Ayrton, able +seaman, was engaged as quartermaster on board the brig Britannia of +Glasgow." There was, therefore, no possible doubt of Ayrton's identity, +for it would have been difficult to suppose that this contract could be +in his hands and not belong to him.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ENTANGLEMENTS.</div> + +<p>"Now," said Glenarvan, "I appeal to you all for advice as to what is +best to be done. Your advice, Ayrton,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> would be particularly valuable, +and I should be much obliged if you would give it to us."</p> + +<p>The sailor reflected a few moments, and then replied:</p> + +<p>"I thank you, my lord, for the confidence you place in me, and hope to +show myself worthy of it. I have some knowledge of the country, and of +the customs of the natives; and, if I can be of use to you——"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I think, like you," continued Ayrton, "that Captain Grant and his two +sailors were saved from the shipwreck; but, since they have not reached +the English possessions, since they have not reappeared, I doubt not +that their fate was the same as my own, and that they are prisoners of +the natives."</p> + +<p>"You repeat, Mr. Ayrton, the arguments that I have already +substantiated," said Paganel. "The shipwrecked seamen are evidently +prisoners of the natives, as they feared. But ought we to suppose that, +like you, they have been carried to the north?"</p> + +<p>"It is quite likely, sir," replied Ayrton. "The hostile tribes would +hardly remain in the neighborhood of the English provinces."</p> + +<p>"This fact will complicate our search," said Glenarvan, quite +disconcerted. "How shall we find the traces of the prisoners in the +interior of so vast a continent?"</p> + +<p>A prolonged silence followed this remark. Lady Helena frequently +cast a questioning glance at her companions, but without eliciting a +responsive sign. Paganel himself was silent, contrary to his custom. +His usual ingenuity now failed him. Captain Mangles paced the room with +long strides, as if he had been on the deck of his vessel, involved in +some difficulty.</p> + +<p>"And you, Mr. Ayrton," said Lady Helena, at length, to the +quartermaster, "what would you do?"</p> + +<p>"Madam," replied he, promptly, "I should re-embark on board the Duncan, +and go straight to the place of the shipwreck.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> There I should act +according to circumstances, or indications that chance might furnish."</p> + +<p>"Very good," said Glenarvan; "but we must wait till the Duncan is +repaired."</p> + +<p>"Ah! you have suffered injuries?" inquired Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replies the captain.</p> + +<p>"Serious?"</p> + +<p>"No; but they necessitate repairs which cannot be made on board. One +of the flanges of the screw is bent, and this work can be done only at +Melbourne."</p> + +<p>"Can you not sail?" asked the quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but, if the wind is contrary, it would take considerable time +to reach Twofold Bay, and at any rate we should have to return to +Melbourne."</p> + +<p>"Well, let the yacht go to Melbourne," said Paganel, "and we will go +without her to Twofold Bay."</p> + +<p>"But how?"</p> + +<p>"By crossing Australia, as we crossed South America."</p> + +<p>"But the Duncan?" added Ayrton, with singular persistency.</p> + +<p>"The Duncan will join us, or we will join her, according to +circumstances. If Captain Grant is found during our journey, we will +return together to Melbourne. If, on the contrary, we continue our +search to the coast, the Duncan shall join us there. Who has any +objections to make to this plan? Have you, major?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied MacNabb, "if it is practicable."</p> + +<p>"So practicable," said Paganel, "that I propose that Lady Helena and +Miss Grant accompany us."</p> + +<p>"Do you speak seriously, Paganel?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Quite seriously, my lord. It is a journey of three hundred and fifty +miles. At the rate of twelve miles a day it would last scarcely a +month,—long enough to give time for repairing the Duncan."</p> + +<p>"But the ferocious animals?" said Glenarvan, wishing to state all +possible objections.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">OBSTACLES EXPLAINED AWAY.</div> + +<p>"There are none in Australia."</p> + +<p>"But the savages?"</p> + +<p>"There are none in the course we shall take."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, the convicts?"</p> + +<p>"There are no convicts in the southern provinces of Australia, but only +in the eastern colonies."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Paganel is perfectly right," said O'Moore; "they have all left the +southern provinces. Since I have lived on this farm, I have not heard +of one."</p> + +<p>"And, for my part, I never met one," added Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"You see, my friends," continued Paganel, "that there are few savages, +no wild beasts, and no convicts. There are not many countries of Europe +of which we could say as much. Well, is it agreed?"</p> + +<p>"What do you think, Helena?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"What we all think," replied she, turning towards her companions. +"Forward!"</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h4> + +<h3>PREPARATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>It was not Glenarvan's habit to lose time in adopting and executing a +plan. As soon as Paganel's proposal was accepted, he at once resolved +that the preparations for the journey should be completed as soon as +possible.</p> + +<p>And what was to be the result of this search? The existence of +Harry Grant seemed to have become undeniable, which increased the +probabilities of success. No one expected to find the captain exactly +on the line of the thirty-seventh parallel; but perhaps they would come +upon traces of him, and, at all events, their course would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> bring them +straight to the scene of the shipwreck, which was the principal point.</p> + +<p>Moreover, if Ayrton would consent to join the travelers, to guide them +through the forests, and to the eastern coast, there was another chance +of success. Glenarvan felt the importance of this arrangement, and was +therefore particularly desirous of obtaining the services of Captain +Grant's companion. He inquired of his host whether he was willing for +him to propose to Ayrton to accompany them. Mr. O'Moore consented, +though not without regret at losing so good an assistant.</p> + +<p>"Well, Ayrton, will you aid us in our search for the sailors of the +Britannia?"</p> + +<p>The quartermaster did not answer immediately; he seemed to hesitate for +a few moments, but finally, after reflecting, said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, I will follow you; and, if I do not set you upon the +track of Captain Grant, I will at least guide you to the place where +his vessel was wrecked."</p> + +<p>"Thanks," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"One question, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Ask it."</p> + +<p>"Where will you join the Duncan?"</p> + +<p>"At Melbourne, if we do not cross Australia; on the eastern coast, if +our search is continued so far."</p> + +<p>"But the captain of the Duncan?"</p> + +<p>"He will await my orders at Melbourne."</p> + +<p>"Very well, my lord," said Ayrton; "rely on me."</p> + +<p>"I will," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The quartermaster was heartily thanked by the travelers. Captain +Grant's children lavished upon him their most grateful caresses. All +were delighted at his decision, except the colonist, who would lose +in him an intelligent and faithful assistant. But he understood the +importance that Glenarvan attached to this new addition to his force, +and was resigned. He had, moreover, engaged to furnish them with the +means of conveyance for the journey, and, this business being settled, +the party returned on board.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p305.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">This business being settled, the party returned on +board.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> +Everything was now changed; all hesitation had vanished. These +courageous searchers were no longer to wander on blindly. Harry Grant, +they believed, had found a refuge on the continent, and each heart +was full of the satisfaction that certainty brings when it takes the +place of doubt. In two months, perhaps, the Duncan would land the lost +captain on the shores of Scotland.</p> + +<p>When Captain Mangles seconded the proposal that they should attempt to +cross Australia with the ladies, he supposed that this time he would +accompany the expedition. He therefore consulted Glenarvan on the +subject, and brought forward various arguments in his own favor, such +as his desire to take part in the search for his countryman, and his +usefulness in the undertaking.</p> + +<p>"One question, John," said Glenarvan. "You have absolute confidence in +your mate?"</p> + +<p>"Absolute," replied he. "Tom Austin is a good sailor. He will take the +Duncan to Melbourne, repair her thoroughly, and bring her back at the +appointed time. He is a man devoted to duty and discipline, and will +never take the responsibility of changing or delaying the execution of +an order. You can rely upon him as fully as on myself."</p> + +<p>"Very well, captain," replied Glenarvan; "you shall accompany us; for," +added he, smiling, "you certainly ought to be present when we find Mary +Grant's father."</p> + +<p>"Ah, my lord!" murmured Captain Mangles, with something like a blush +upon his swarthy cheeks.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A PALACE-CART.</div> + +<p>The next day the captain, accompanied by the carpenter and by the +sailors loaded with provisions, returned to the farm of Mr. O'Moore, +who was to assist him in the preparations. All the family were waiting +for him, ready to work under his orders. Ayrton was there, and freely +gave them the benefit of his experience. He and his employer were +agreed on this point, that the ladies ought to make the journey in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> an +ox-cart, and the gentlemen on horseback. The colonist could procure +them the animals and vehicle.</p> + +<p>The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with an awning, +the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, or tires. +The front wheels were a long way from the hind ones, and were joined +together by a rude contrivance that made it impossible to turn short. +To the body of the cart was attached a pole thirty-five feet long, to +which three pairs of oxen were coupled. The animals, thus arranged, +drew by means of a yoke across their necks, to which the bow was +fastened with an iron pin. It required great skill to manage this long, +narrow, tottering vehicle, and guide the oxen by means of the whip. +But Ayrton had served his apprenticeship at O'Moore's farm, and his +employer guaranteed his dexterity. Upon him, therefore, devolved the +duty of driving.</p> + +<p>The cart, being without springs, was not very easy; but our travelers +were obliged to conform to circumstances as much as they could. As no +change was possible in its rude construction, Captain Mangles arranged +the interior in the most comfortable manner. He divided it into two +compartments by a wooden partition. The rear one was designed for +the provisions, the baggage, and Mr. Olbinett's portable kitchen, +while the forward one was reserved exclusively for the ladies. The +carpenter converted it into a convenient chamber, covered it with a +thick carpet, and furnished it with a dressing-table and two berths for +Lady Helena and Mary Grant. Thick leathern curtains secured privacy, +when necessary, and were a protection against the chilliness of the +night. In rainy weather the men could find shelter under the awning; +but a tent was to serve this purpose at the time of encampment. Captain +Mangles succeeded in crowding into this narrow space all that two +ladies could need, and Lady Helena and Mary Grant did not greatly miss +the comfortable cabins of the Duncan.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A RETURN VISIT.</div> + +<p>As for the men, seven strong horses were apportioned to Lord +Glenarvan, Paganel, Robert Grant, Major MacNabb, Captain Mangles, +and the two sailors, Wilson and Mulready, who accompanied this new +expeditionary party. The horses and oxen grazed near at hand, and could +be easily collected at the moment of departure.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p308.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with +an awning, the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, +or tires.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> +Having made his arrangements, and given his orders to the carpenter, +Captain Mangles returned on board with the colonist's family, who +wished to pay Lord Glenarvan a visit. Ayrton thought proper to join +them, and about four o'clock the captain crossed the gangway of the +Duncan.</p> + +<p>Of course, Glenarvan invited his visitors to dinner, and they willingly +accepted his return hospitality. Mr. O'Moore was amazed. The furniture +of the cabins, the tapestry, the upholstery, and the fancy-work of +maple and ebony excited his admiration. Ayrton, on the contrary, gave +only a secondary attention to these costly luxuries. He first examined +the yacht from a sailor's point of view. He explored the hold; he +went down into the engine-room; he looked at the engine, inquired +its effective power and consumption; he visited the coal-house, the +pantry, and the powder-magazine, and took particular interest in the +gun-room and the mounted cannon in the forecastle. Glenarvan now had to +deal with a man who was a critical judge, as he could see by Ayrton's +keen inquiries. At last the quartermaster finished his exploration by +inspecting the masts and rigging; and, after a few moments of general +review, said:</p> + +<p>"You have a fine vessel, my lord."</p> + +<p>"A good one, too," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"How many tons' burden is she?"</p> + +<p>"Two hundred and ten."</p> + +<p>"Shall I be greatly mistaken," added Ayrton, "if I say that the Duncan +can easily make fifteen knots an hour at full speed?"</p> + +<p>"Say seventeen," interposed the captain, "and you will be nearer +right."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Seventeen!" cried the quartermaster: "why, then, no man-of-war, not +even the best, could overtake her."</p> + +<p>"Not one," said the captain. "The Duncan is a real racing yacht, and is +not to be beaten in any way."</p> + +<p>"Not even in sailing?" asked Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Not even in sailing."</p> + +<p>"Well, my lord, and you, captain, accept the compliments of a sailor +who knows what a vessel is worth."</p> + +<p>"Thanks, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan; "and now remain on board, and it +will be your own fault if the ship is not all you can desire."</p> + +<p>"I will think of it, my lord," said the quartermaster, modestly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Olbinett now approached, and informed Lord Glenarvan that dinner +was ready; and they all adjourned to the saloon.</p> + +<p>"That Ayrton is an intelligent man," said Paganel to the major.</p> + +<p>"Too intelligent!" growled MacNabb, who, without any apparent reason, +disliked the looks and manners of the quartermaster.</p> + +<p>During dinner, Ayrton gave some interesting information concerning +Australia, with which he was perfectly familiar. He inquired the number +of sailors that Glenarvan intended to take with him in his expedition. +When he learned that only two, Wilson and Mulready, were to accompany +them, he seemed astonished. He advised Glenarvan to form his party of +the best seamen of the Duncan. He even insisted upon this point, which +must have removed all suspicion from the mind of the major.</p> + +<p>"But," said Glenarvan, "is there any danger in our journey across +Australia?"</p> + +<p>"None," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A CHANGE OF RESIDENCE.</div> + +<p>"Well, then, let us leave on board as many as possible. There must be +men to navigate the Duncan and take charge of her. It is especially +important that she should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> arrive promptly at the place of meeting, +which we will appoint hereafter. Let us not, therefore, lessen the +crew."</p> + +<p>Ayrton seemed to appreciate this reason, and no longer insisted.</p> + +<p>At evening the party separated. Ayrton and O'Moore's family returned to +their home. The horses and cart were to be ready the next day, and the +travelers were to start at eight o'clock in the morning.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Mary Grant now made their last preparations, which were +short and less minute than those of Jacques Paganel. The geographer +passed half the night in unscrewing, cleaning, and screwing on again +the lenses of his telescope. He was still asleep the next morning, when +the major awoke him early with a loud summons.</p> + +<p>The baggage had already been conveyed to the farm through the care of +Captain Mangles. A boat was waiting for the travelers, and they were +not long in embarking. The young captain gave his last orders to Tom +Austin, and instructed him above all to await the commands of Lord +Glenarvan at Melbourne, and execute them scrupulously whatever they +might be. The trusty sailor replied that they might rely on him. In the +name of the crew he offered to his lordship their best wishes for the +success of the expedition. The boat put off, and a thunder of applause +rent the air. In a few moments the party reached the shore, and in no +great length of time arrived at O'Moore's farm.</p> + +<p>Everything was ready. Lady Helena was delighted with her quarters. The +immense cart, with its rude wheels and massive timbers, especially +pleased her. The six oxen yoked in pairs seemed to indicate primeval +simplicity, and were a novel sight. Ayrton, whip in hand, awaited the +orders of his new chief.</p> + +<p>"I declare!" said Paganel, "this is an admirable vehicle, worth all the +mail-coaches in the world. I know of no better way of traversing the +earth than in this style, like mountebanks. A house that moves when +you please and stops wherever you please is all you can desire."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p312.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Ayrton and Olbinett took their places respectively in +front and in the rear part of the cart, while Glenarvan, the major, +Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two sailors, mounted their +horses.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p313.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The "Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, +and serves to tell of the tortures that our friends had to encounter.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> +"Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady Helena, "I hope to have the pleasure +of receiving you in my parlor."</p> + +<p>"Madam," replied the geographer, "you do me great honor! Have you +chosen a day?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be at home every day for my friends," replied Lady Helena, +smiling, "and you are——"</p> + +<p>"The most devoted of all," added Paganel, gallantly.</p> + +<p>This exchange of compliments was interrupted by the arrival of seven +horses, all harnessed, driven by one of O'Moore's sons. Lord Glenarvan +paid for these new acquisitions, and added many thanks, which the +honest colonist seemed to value as highly as the gold and notes which +he received.</p> + +<p>The signal for departure was now given. Lady Helena and Miss Grant +seated themselves in their compartment, Ayrton and Olbinett took their +places respectively in front and in the rear part of the cart, while +Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two +sailors, all armed with carbines and revolvers, mounted their horses. A +"God bless you" was Mr. O'Moore's parting salute, which was echoed in +chorus by his family. Ayrton uttered a peculiar cry, and started his +long team. The cart moved, the timbers cracked, the axles creaked, and +the farm of the honest hospitable Irishman soon disappeared from view +at the turn of the road.</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></p> + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>AN ACCIDENT.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Our travelers made tolerably good progress by their new mode of +conveyance. The heat was great, but endurable, and the road was +quite easy for the horses. They were still in the province of South +Australia, and in this part at least the scenery was not of the +most interesting character. A succession of small hills, with very +dusty tracks, small shrubs, and scant herbage, had to be traversed +for several miles; and when these had been passed they reached the +"Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, and serves to tell +of the tortures that our friends had to encounter. Both the bipeds and +the quadrupeds suffered terribly from the infliction of these flying +pests, whom to avoid was impossible; but there was some consolation for +the former in the spirits of hartshorn, carried in the medicine-chest, +which alleviated the pain caused by the sting of those whom Paganel was +continually consigning to a place and person whom they would not visit.</p> + +<p>But shortly a more pleasant neighborhood was reached. Hedges of +acacias, then a newly cut and better made roadway, then European +imported trees—oaks, olives, and lemons,—then a well-kept fence,—all +these signs told of their approach to Red-gum Station, the home and +settlement of an emigrant engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the +source of so much Australian wealth. It was in itself an establishment +of small importance; but to its owners it was a home, and to its +visitors, on this occasion, it was a hotel, as the "station" generally +is to the traveler.</p> + + + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p316.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Red-gum Station, the home and settlement of an emigrant +engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the source of so much +Australian wealth.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p317.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare +bird,—a "jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; +and its broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in +length.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> +Glenarvan's party invariably found beneath the roof of these solitary +settlers a well-spread and hospitable table; and in the Australian +farmer they always met an obliging host.</p> + +<p>After a night spent at this resting-place the party advanced through a +grove, and at evening encamped on the shores of a brackish and muddy +lake. Mr. Olbinett prepared supper with his usual promptness, and the +travelers—some in the cart and others under the tent—were not long +in falling asleep, in spite of the dismal howlings of the dingos,—the +jackals of Australia.</p> + +<p>The next morning Glenarvan and his companions were greeted with a +magnificent sight. As far as the eye could reach, the landscape seemed +to be one flowery meadow in spring-like luxuriance. The delicate blue +of the slender-leaved flax-plant mingled with the flaming scarlet +of the acanthus, and the ground was clothed with a rich carpet of +green and crimson. After a rapid journey of about ten miles, the cart +wound through tall groups of acacias, mimosas, and white gum-trees. +The vegetable kingdom on these plains did not show itself ungrateful +towards the orb of day, and repaid in perfume and color what it +received in sunshine.</p> + +<p>As for the animal kingdom, it was no less lavish of its products. +Several cassowaries bounded over the plain with unapproachable +swiftness. The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare bird,—a +"jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; and its +broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in length. +The violet and purple colors of its head contrasted strongly with the +lustrous green of its neck, the dazzling white of its breast, and the +vivid red of its long legs.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FOUR-FOOTED ARMY.</div> + +<p>This bird was greatly admired, and the major would have won the honors +of the day, if young Robert had not encountered a few miles farther +on, and bravely vanquished,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> an unsightly beast, half hedgehog, half +ant-eater, a chaotic-looking animal, like those of pre-historic +periods. A long, glutinous, extensible tongue hung out of its mouth, +and fished up the ants that constituted its principal food. Of course, +Paganel wished to carry away the hideous creature, and proposed to +put it in the baggage-room; but Mr. Olbinett opposed this with such +indignation that the geographer gave up his idea of preserving this +curious specimen.</p> + +<p>Hitherto few colonists or squatters had been seen. The country seemed +deserted. There was not even the trace of a native; for the savage +tribes wander farther to the north, over the immense wastes watered by +the Darling and the Murray. But now a singular sight was presented to +Glenarvan's party. They were fortunate enough to see one of those vast +herds of cattle which bold speculators bring from the eastern mountains +to the provinces of Victoria and South Australia.</p> + +<p>About four o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Mangles descried, three +miles in advance, an enormous column of dust that spread along the +horizon. What occasioned this? It would have been very difficult to +say. Paganel was inclined to regard it as some phenomenon, for which +his lively imagination already sought a natural cause. But Ayrton +dissipated all his conjectures by declaring that this cloud of dust +proceeded from a drove of cattle.</p> + +<p>The quartermaster was not mistaken. The thick cloud approached, from +the midst of which issued a chorus of bleatings, neighings, and +bellowings, while the human voice mingled in cries and whistles with +this pastoral symphony. A man emerged from the noisy multitude; it was +the commander-in-chief of this four-footed army. Glenarvan advanced to +meet him, and friendly relations were established without ceremony. +The leader, or, to give him his real title, the "stock-keeper," was +proprietor of a part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> of the herd. His name was Sam Machell, and he +was on his way from the eastern provinces to Portland Bay. His cattle +comprised one thousand oxen, eleven thousand sheep, and seventy-five +horses. All these animals, bought when lean on the plains of the +Blue Mountains, were to be fattened in the healthy pastures of South +Australia, where they would be sold for a large price.</p> + +<p>Sam Machell briefly told his story, while the drove continued its +course through the clumps of mimosas. Lady Helena, Mary Grant, and +the horsemen dismounted, and, seated in the shade of a huge gum-tree, +listened to the stock-keeper's narrative.</p> + +<p>He had set out seven months before, and had made about ten miles a day, +at which rate his journey would last three months longer. To aid him +in this laborious task, he had with him twenty dogs and thirty men. +Five of the men were blacks, who are very skillful in recovering stray +animals. Six carts followed the drove; and the drivers, provided with +stock-whips, the handles of which were eighteen inches and the lashes +nine feet in length, moved among the ranks and maintained order, while +the canine light dragoons hovered about on the wings.</p> + +<p>The travelers were amazed at the discipline of this novel army. The +different classes advanced separately, for wild oxen and sheep do +not associate well; the first will never graze where the second have +passed. Hence it was necessary to place the oxen at the head; and these +accordingly, divided into two battalions, took the lead. Five regiments +of sheep, commanded by five drivers, followed, and the platoon of +horses formed the rear-guard.</p> + +<p>The stock-keeper observed to his hearers that the leaders of the army +were neither dogs nor men, but oxen, whose superiority was recognized +by their mates. They advanced in the front rank with perfect gravity, +choosing the best course by instinct, and thoroughly convinced of their +right to be treated with consideration.</p> + +<p class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN UNFORESEEN HINDRANCE.</div> + +<p>Thus the discipline was maintained, for the drove obeyed them without +resistance. If it pleased them to stop, the others were obliged to +yield, and it was useless to attempt to resume the line of march if the +leaders did not give the signal.</p> + +<p>Such was Sam Machell's account, during which a great part of the +herd had advanced in good order. It was now time for him to join his +army, and choose the best pastures. He therefore took leave of Lord +Glenarvan, mounted a fine native horse that one of his men was holding +for him, and a few moments after had disappeared in a cloud of dust, +while the cart, resuming its interrupted journey, stopped at nightfall +at the foot of Mount Talbot.</p> + +<p>The next day they reached the shores of the Wimerra, which is half a +mile wide, and flows in a limpid stream between tall rows of gum-trees +and acacias. Magnificent myrtles raised aloft their long, drooping +branches, adorned with crimson flowers, while thousands of goldfinches, +chaffinches, and golden-winged pigeons, not to speak of chattering +parrots, fluttered about in the foliage. Below, on the surface of the +stream, sported a pair of black swans, shy and unapproachable.</p> + +<p>Meantime the cart had stopped on a carpet of turf whose fringes hung +over the swiftly flowing waters. There was neither raft nor bridge, but +they must cross at all hazard. Ayrton busied himself in searching for +a practicable ford. A quarter of a mile up-stream, the river seemed to +him less deep, and from this point he resolved to reach the other bank. +Various soundings gave a depth of only three feet. The cart could, +therefore, pass over this shallow without running much risk.</p> + +<p>"Is there no other way of crossing the river?" asked Glenarvan of the +quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"No, my lord," replied Ayrton; "but this passage does not seem to me +dangerous. We can extricate ourselves from any difficulty."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Shall Lady Helena and Miss Grant leave the cart?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all. My oxen are sure-footed, and I will engage to keep them in +the right track."</p> + +<p>"Well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan, "I trust to you."</p> + +<p>The horsemen surrounded the heavy vehicle, and the party boldly entered +the river. Usually, when these fordings are attempted, the carts are +encircled by a ring of empty barrels, which support them on the water. +But here this buoyant girdle was wanting, and it was, therefore, +necessary to confide to the sagacity of the oxen, guided by the +cautious Ayrton. The major and the two sailors dashed through the rapid +current some distance ahead, while Glenarvan and Captain Mangles, one +on each side of the cart, stood ready to assist the ladies, and Paganel +and Robert brought up the rear.</p> + +<p>Everything went well till they reached the middle of the river, but +here the depth increased, and the water rose above the felloes. The +oxen, if thrown out of their course, might lose their footing and +overturn the unsteady vehicle. Ayrton exerted himself to the utmost. He +leaped into the water, and, seizing the oxen by the horns, succeeded in +keeping them in the right track.</p> + +<p>At this moment an accident, impossible to foresee, took place. A crack +was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming angle; the water reached +the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle threatened to give way. +It was an anxious moment.</p> + +<p>Fortunately a vigorous blow upon the yoke brought the cart nearer the +shore. The river grew shallower, and soon men and beasts were in safety +on the opposite bank. Only the front wheels of the cart were damaged, +and Glenarvan's horse had lost the shoes of his fore-feet.</p> + +<p>This mishap required immediate repair. The travelers gazed at each +other in some degree of perplexity, when Ayrton proposed to go to Black +Point Station, twenty miles to the north, and bring a farrier.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FOOD, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL.</div> + +<p>"Very well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "How much time do you need to make +the journey and return to the encampment?"</p> + +<p>"Fifteen hours," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Go, then; and, while waiting for your return, we will encamp on the +banks of the Wimerra."</p> + +<p>A few moments after, the quartermaster, mounted on Wilson's horse, +disappeared behind the thick curtain of mimosas.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h4> + +<h3>AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>After the departure of Ayrton, and during this compulsory halt, +promenades and conversations became the order of the day. There was +an abundance of agreeable surroundings to talk about, and nature +seemed dressed in one of her most attractive garbs. Birds, novel and +varied in their plumage, with flowers such as they had never before +gazed on, were the constant theme of the travelers' remark; and when, +in addition, they had in Mr. Olbinett one who knew how to spread +before them and make the best of all the culinary novelties that were +within reach, a very substantial foundation was possible for the +"feast of reason and the flow of soul" which followed, and for which, +as usual, they were to no small extent indebted to their learned +historico-geographical professor, whose stock of information was as +varied as it was pleasant.</p> + +<p>After dinner the traveling party had, as if in anticipation, seated +themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; the young moon was +rising high into the heavens, lengthening the twilight, and prolonging +it into the evening hour; whilst the smoke of the major's cigar was +seen curling upwards, losing itself in the foliage of the tree.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p324.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A crack was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming +angle; the water reached the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle +threatened to give way. It was an anxious moment.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p325.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">After dinner the traveling party had, as if in +anticipation, seated themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; +the young moon was rising high into the heavens, lengthening the +twilight, and prolonging it into the evening hour.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena, "you have never given us the +history that you promised when you supplied us with that long list of +names."</p> + +<p>The gentleman addressed did not require any lengthened entreaties on +this subject, but, with an attentive auditory, and in the grandest +of all lecture-rooms, he rehearsed to them the two great dramas of +Australian travel, which have made the names of Burke and Stuart +immortal in the history of that continent.</p> + +<p>He told them that it was on the 20th of August, 1860, that Robert +O'Hara Burke set out, under the auspices of the Royal Society of +Melbourne, to cross the continent from south to north, and so to reach +the Indian Ocean. Eleven others—including a botanist, an astronomer, +and an army officer—accompanied him, with horses and other beasts of +burden. But the expedition did not long continue so numerous or so well +provided; in consequence of misunderstandings, several returned, and +Burke pressed on with but few followers and fewer aids. Again, on the +20th of November, he still further diminished his numbers by leaving +behind at an encampment several of his companions, that he and three +others might press on towards the north with as little incumbrance as +possible. After a very painful journey across a stony desert, they +arrived at the extreme point reached by Stuart in 1845; and from this +point, after determining as accurately as possible their latitude and +longitude, they again started northward and seaward.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LYING DOWN TO DIE.</div> + +<p>By the 7th of January they had gone so far as to reach the southern +limit of the tropical heat; and now under a scorching sun, deceived by +the mirage, often without water, and then hailing a storm as a source +of refreshment, now and then meeting with the aborigines, who could in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span> +no wise help them, they had indeed a hard road to travel, though having +neither rivers, lakes, nor mountains to bar their path.</p> + +<p>At length, however, there were various signs that they were approaching +the sea; by-and-by they reached the bank of a river which flows into +the Gulf of Carpentaria; and finally Burke and Wills, after terrible +hardships, arrived at the point where the sea-water flowed up to and +inundated the marshes, though the sea-shore itself they did not reach. +With naught but barrenness in sight on either hand, their great desire +was to get back and rejoin their companions; but peril after peril +awaited them, many of which their note-book has preserved an account +of, but many more will be forever unrecorded. The three survivors +(for one of the party had succumbed to the hardships) now strained +every effort to reach the encampment, where they hoped to find their +companions and a store of provisions. On the 21st of April they +gained the goal, but the prize was missing; only seven hours before, +after five months of waiting in vain, their companions had taken +their departure. Of course nothing remained but to follow them with +their feeble strength and scanty means of subsistence; but calamities +still dogged their footsteps, and at last the leader, Burke, lay down +exhausted, saying to his companion, King, "I have not many hours to +live; here are my watch and my notes; when I am dead, place a pistol +in my right hand, and leave me without burial." His forebodings were +realized, and the next morning he died. King, in despair, went in +search of some Australian tribe, for now Wills had begun to sink, +and he shortly afterwards died also. At length the sole survivor was +rescued by an expedition sent out in search of Burke; and thus the sad +tale was told of this Australian tragedy.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p328.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"When I am dead, place a pistol in my right hand, and +leave me without burial." His forebodings were realized, and the next +morning he died.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p329.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">He beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly +unfurled the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest +tree he could find.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> +The narrative concerning Stuart was a less melancholy one, though the +trials endured on his expedition were likewise great. Aided by the +parliament of South Australia, he likewise proceeded northward, +in the year 1862, about seven degrees to the west of the line taken +by Burke. He found his route to be a more accessible and easy one +than the other, and was rewarded for his toil when, on the 24th of +July, he beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly unfurled +the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest tree he +could find. His return to the inhabited regions was successfully +accomplished, and his entry into Adelaide, on the 17th of December, was +an ovation indeed. But his health was shattered, and, after receiving +the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society, and returning to his +native Scotland, he died on the 5th of June, 1866.</p> + +<p>The histories of these Australian travels were lengthy, as told by +Paganel. When he had finished, hope and despair seemed to fight for the +mastery in the breasts of his listeners; but they did not fight long, +for peaceful slumbers soon enwrapped the company, except those whose +turn it was to watch over their fellow-travelers.</p> + + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h4> + +<h3>CRIME OR CALAMITY?</h3> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE MISCHIEF REPAIRED.</div> + +<p>It was not without a certain feeling of apprehension that the major +had seen Ayrton leave the Wimerra to procure a farrier at Black Point +Station. However, he did not breathe a word of his personal suspicions, +but contented himself with exploring the surroundings of the river, +whose tranquillity was undisturbed. As for Glenarvan, his only fear was +to see Ayrton return alone. In the absence of skilled labor, the cart +could not resume its journey, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> would be interrupted for several +days perhaps; and his longings for success and eagerness to attain his +end admitted of no delay.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, Ayrton had lost neither his time nor his trouble. The +next morning he reappeared at break of day. A man accompanied him, by +profession a farrier. He was a tall, stout fellow, but of a low and +brutish appearance, which did not prepossess one in his favor. However, +this was of little importance, if he knew his business. At all events +his breath was not wasted in idle words.</p> + +<p>"Is he an efficient workman?" inquired Captain Mangles of the +quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"I know no more than you, captain," replied Ayrton. "We shall see."</p> + +<p>The farrier began his work. He was a man who understood his trade, as +one could see by the way in which he repaired the wheels of the cart. +He labored skillfully and with uncommon energy.</p> + +<p>During the operation, the major noticed that the farrier's wrists were +considerably eroded, and that they were each encircled by a blackish +ring of extravasated blood. These were the marks of recent wounds, +which the sleeves of a miserable woolen shirt but partially concealed. +MacNabb questioned the man about these erosions, which must have been +very painful. He, however, made no reply, but stolidly kept on at his +work.</p> + +<p>Two hours after, the injuries of the cart were repaired. As for +Glenarvan's horse, he was quickly shod. The farrier had taken care to +bring shoes all prepared. There was a peculiarity about them, however, +which did not escape the major. It was a trefoil rudely carved on the +outer rim. He pointed it out to Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"It is the Black Point mark," replied the quartermaster, "which enables +them to follow the tracks of the horses that stray from the station, +and not confound them with others."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></p> + +<p>The farrier, having done all that was required of him, now claimed his +wages, and departed without having spoken four words.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, the travelers were on the move. Beyond the curtain +of mimosas extended a broad, uncovered space, which justly deserved its +name of "open plain." Fragments of quartz and ferruginous rocks lay +among the bushes, tall grass, and hedgerows that protected numerous +flocks. Several miles farther on, the wheels of the cart sank deeply +in the marshy lowlands, through which ran winding creeks, half hidden +beneath a canopy of gigantic rushes. The journey, notwithstanding, was +neither difficult nor tedious.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena invited the horsemen to call upon her in turn, for her +parlor was very small. Each was thus relieved from the fatigue of +horseback riding, and enjoyed the society of this amiable lady, +who, assisted by Miss Mary, performed with perfect grace the honors +of her movable mansion. Captain Mangles was not forgotten in these +invitations, and his rather sober conversation was not at all +displeasing.</p> + +<p>At eleven o'clock they arrived at Carlsbrook, quite an important +municipality. Ayrton thought it best to pass by the city without +entering. Glenarvan was of the same opinion; but Paganel, always +eager for something new, desired to visit the place. Accordingly, +the geographer, taking Robert with him as usual, started on his +explorations, while the cart slowly continued its journey. Their +inspection of the town was very rapid, and shortly afterwards they had +joined their companions.</p> + +<p>While they were passing through this region, the travelers requested +Paganel to give them some account of its progress, and the geographer, +in compliance with their wishes, had just begun a lecture upon the +civilization of the country, when he was interrupted by a shrill +whistle. The party were not a mile from the railroad.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p333.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, but a +running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled with +the fragments of cars and locomotives.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> +A locomotive, +coming from the south, and going slowly, had stopped just where +the road they were following crossed the iron track. At this point +the railway passes over the Lutton on an iron bridge, and thither +Ayrton directed his cart, preceded by the horsemen. The travelers +were attracted, moreover, by a lively feeling of curiosity, for +a considerable crowd was already rushing towards the bridge. The +inhabitants of the neighboring stations, leaving their houses, and the +shepherds their flocks, lined the sides of the track. Frequent cries +were heard. Some serious event must have taken place to cause such +excitement,—a great accident, perhaps.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, followed by his companions, urged on his horse, and in a few +moments arrived at Camden Bridge. Here the cause of this agitation was +at once manifest. A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, +but a running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled +with the fragments of cars and locomotives. Either the bridge had +given way, or the engine had run off the track; for five coaches out +of six had been precipitated into the bed of the Lutton. The last car, +miraculously preserved by the breaking of its coupling, stood on the +very verge of the abyss. Below was to be seen nothing but a terrible +heap of blackened and bent axle-trees, broken cars, twisted rails, and +charred timbers. The boiler, which had burst at the shock, had thrown +its iron plates to an enormous distance. From this mass of unsightly +objects issued flames and spiral wreaths of steam, mingled with black +smoke. Large spots of blood, scattered limbs, and trunks of burnt +bodies appeared here and there; and no one dared to estimate the number +of victims buried beneath the ruins.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, and Captain Mangles mingled with the +crowd, and listened to the conjectures that passed from one to another. +Each sought to explain the catastrophe, while laboring to save what was +left.</p> + +<p>"The bridge has broken," said one.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CAUSES AND EFFECTS.</div> + +<p>"Broken?" replied others. "That cannot be, for it is still uninjured. +They forgot to close it for the passage of the train, that is all."</p> + +<p>It was a draw-bridge, which had been constructed for the convenience of +the shipping. Had the man on guard, through unpardonable negligence, +forgotten to close it, and thus precipitated the train, at full speed, +into the bed of the Lutton? This supposition seemed plausible, for one +half of the bridge lay beneath the fragments of the cars, while the +other still hung intact in its chains. Doubt was no longer possible; +surely carelessness must have caused the calamity.</p> + +<p>The accident had happened to the night express, which left Melbourne +at forty-five minutes past eleven. It must have been a quarter-past +three in the morning when the train reached Camden Bridge, where this +terrible destruction of life and property took place. The travelers +and employés of the last car at once busied themselves in seeking +assistance; but the telegraph-wires, whose poles lay on the ground, +were no longer available. It took the authorities of Castlemaine three +hours to reach the scene of the disaster; and it was, therefore, six +o'clock in the morning before a corps of workers was organized under +the direction of the surveyor-general of the district, and a detachment +of policemen, commanded by an officer. The squatters had come to their +aid, and exerted themselves to extinguish the fire, which consumed the +heap of ruins with unconquerable fierceness. Several unrecognizable +bodies lay on the edge of the embankment, but it was impossible +to rescue a living being from this furnace. The fire had rapidly +accomplished the work of destruction. Of the travelers in the train, +whose number was not known, only ten survived, those in the last car. +The railroad company had just sent an extra locomotive to convey them +to Castlemaine.</p> + +<p>Meantime, Lord Glenarvan, having made the acquaintance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> of the +surveyor-general, was conversing with him and the police-officer. The +latter was a tall, thin man, of imperturbable coolness, who, if he +had any feeling, betrayed no sign of it on his impassible features. +He was like a mathematician engaged upon a problem; he was seeking to +elucidate the mystery of the disaster. To Glenarvan's first words, +"This is a great calamity!" he replied, calmly, "It is more than that."</p> + +<p>"More than that!" cried Glenarvan; "and what can be more than that?"</p> + +<p>"It is a crime!" replied the officer, coolly.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan turned to Mr. Mitchell, the surveyor-general, with a +questioning look.</p> + +<p>"That is correct," said the latter; "our examination has convinced us +that the catastrophe is the result of a crime. The last baggage-wagon +was robbed. The surviving travelers were attacked by a party of five or +six malefactors. The bridge was opened intentionally; and, taking into +account this fact with the disappearance of the guard, I cannot but +come to the conclusion that the miserable man was the accomplice of the +criminals."</p> + +<p>The police-officer, at these words, slowly shook his head.</p> + +<p>"You are not of my opinion?" inquired Mr. Mitchell.</p> + +<p>"Not as regards the complicity of the guard."</p> + +<p>"At any rate, this assumed complicity," continued the surveyor-general, +"enables us to attribute the crime to the natives who wander about the +country. Without the guard's assistance these natives could not have +opened the draw-bridge, for they do not understand its working."</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied the officer.</p> + +<p>"Now, it is known," added Mr. Mitchell, "from the testimony of a +boatman, whose boat passed Camden Bridge at forty minutes past ten in +the evening, that the bridge was closed according to regulation, after +his passage."</p> + +<p>"Quite right."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p337.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a +corpse. It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had +pierced him to the heart.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> +"Therefore the complicity of the guard seems to me to be proved +incontestably."</p> + +<p>The officer again made a gesture of dissent.</p> + +<p>"Then you do not attribute the crime to the natives?" inquired +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I do not."</p> + +<p>"To whom, then?"</p> + +<p>At this moment a loud uproar was heard half a mile up the river. A +crowd had formed, which rapidly increased, and was now approaching the +station. In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a corpse. +It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had pierced +him to the heart. The assassins had dragged the body some distance from +Camden Bridge, doubtless intending by this means to mislead the police +in their first investigations. This discovery clearly justified the +doubts of the officer. The natives had no hand in the crime.</p> + +<p>"Those who struck the blow," said he, "are persons already familiar +with the use of these little instruments."</p> + +<p>As he spoke he displayed a pair of "darbies," a kind of manacles +consisting of a double ring of iron, furnished with a padlock.</p> + +<p>"Before long," added he, "I shall have the pleasure of presenting them +with these bracelets as a new year's gift."</p> + +<p>"Then you suspect——?"</p> + +<p>"People who have 'traveled free on Her Majesty's vessels.'"</p> + +<p>"What! convicts?" cried Paganel, who recognized the phrase employed in +the Australian colonies.</p> + +<p>"I thought," observed Glenarvan, "that those who have been transported +had no right to stay in the province of Victoria."</p> + +<p>"Ah, well," replied the officer, "if they have not the right, they take +it! Sometimes they escape; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, these +fellows have come direct from Perth. Well, they shall return again, you +may be sure."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A RAILROAD SLEEPER.</div> + +<p>Mr. Mitchell nodded approvingly at the words of the officer. At this +moment the cart arrived at the railroad crossing. Glenarvan, wishing +to spare the ladies the spectacle at Camden Bridge, took leave of the +surveyor-general, and made a sign to his companions to follow him.</p> + +<p>"There is no occasion," said he, "for us to interrupt our journey."</p> + +<p>On reaching the cart, Glenarvan simply told Lady Helena that a railroad +accident had taken place, without mentioning the part that the convicts +had played in the catastrophe. He reserved this matter that he might +question Ayrton in private. The little party then crossed the track, +not far above the bridge, and resumed their route towards the east.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h4> + +<h3>FRESH FACES.</h3> +<hr class="h5" /> + +<p>They had not proceeded far before they reached a native cemetery, +pleasantly situated and with abundance of shady trees. Here for a +time they halted, and, whilst Robert and Paganel were exploring, Lord +and Lady Glenarvan almost stumbled over a queer object. It was human, +indigenous, and sleeping; but at first this was all that they could +decide, until, as the eyes opened and the sleeper roused to active +life, they saw before them a boy of eight years, with a notice pinned +to the back of his jacket which read as follows: "<span style="font-size: 0.8em;">TOLINÉ</span>, to be +conducted to Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p340.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A boy of eight years, with a notice pinned to the back +of his jacket which read as follows: "Toliné, to be conducted to +Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p341.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and +Toliné had to answer many a question. He came out of his examination +very creditably.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5 " /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> +Here, it would seem, was another waif that Providence had cast in their +path. They questioned him, and his answers were pertinent and clear. He +had been educated in the Wesleyan Methodist day-school at Melbourne, +and was now going for a time to visit his parents, who were living +with the rest of their tribe in Lachlan. He had been in the train to +which the accident had happened, and had, with childlike confidence, +troubled less about his fate than did those of older years. Going to a +little distance, and laying himself on the grass, he had soon fallen +into the slumber from which our travelers had aroused him.</p> + +<p>Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and Toliné had to answer +many a question. He came out of his examination very creditably; the +reverence with which he spoke of the Creator and of the Bible produced +a very favorable impression on the Scottish heads of the expedition, +whilst the fact that he had taken "the first prize in geography" was +sufficient introduction to Monsieur Paganel, who forthwith tested his +knowledge, greatly to his own satisfaction, and considerably to the +credit of his young pupil. The curiosity of his discoverers having been +fully satisfied, Toliné was made welcome, and partook with the others +of the general repast. Many were the plans and purposes concerning +him, and much wonder was expressed as to how they could speed him on +his way; but in the morning it was discovered that he had solved the +problem for himself, and a bouquet of fresh leaves and flowers, laid by +the side of Lady Helena's seat, was the only memento that Toliné had +left.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A GOLDEN CITY.</div> + +<p>The party were now approaching the district which, in the years 1851 +and 1852, was so much talked of throughout the civilized world, +and attracted from all parts so many reckless adventurers and +fortune-hunters. The line of the thirty-seventh parallel, on which they +were traveling, led them through the diggings and municipality of Mount +Alexander, which was one of the most successful spots for the digger at +the commencement of the gold fever, in consequence of the comparatively +level nature of the ground and the general richness of the soil, so +different from some other localities where only once in a while was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> +some enormous nugget to be found. As they drew near to the streets of +this hastily-built town, Ayrton and Mulready, who were in charge of the +cart, were sent forward, whilst the others walked through the place to +inspect what there might be of interest, as well as to ascertain what +might be learned concerning the object of their expedition.</p> + +<p>Thus, in this strange gathering of all nationalities and creeds and +professions, the regular inhabitants beheld a still more extraordinary +sight than that every day afforded them: folks who to the refinement +which education and civilization give added both the earnestness +of the worker and the freshness and vigor of the pleasure-seeking +tourist. In the streets, in connection with the strange sign-boards and +announcements, the novel erections and purposes to which some of them +were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary for every one.</p> + +<p>Still more did he expatiate upon the thousand-and-one topics of +interest when they visited the bank building, which here is the +centre of more than one agency connected with this great gold-bearing +district. Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be seen +specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold has +been found, whether in combination with clay or other minerals, or—as +it is sometimes, to the great joy of the finder, discovered—<i>pur +et simple</i>. Here also were models, diagrams, and even the tools +themselves, to illustrate the different methods by which the object +of search was dug out, or washed, or crushed, or tested. Here also +was an almost unequaled collection of precious stones, gems of all +sorts, making the gallery in which they were placed a real Golconda +for its wealth and attractions.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p344.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">In the streets, in connection with the strange +sign-boards and announcements, the novel erections and purposes to +which some of them were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary +for every one.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p345.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be +seen specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold +has been found.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span> +Besides all this, here was the centre +of the varied agencies by which the reports were brought in from the +companies established for mining purposes, and also from each isolated +worker, of the space purchased, the number of feet or yards dug, the +ore extracted, the comparative richness or poverty of the soil here, +there, and elsewhere, which in their summarized and aggregate form have +greatly helped to a correct knowledge of the comparative and absolute +gold-bearing value of various spots. Then, in addition to the usual +operations of a banking establishment, it was here that the ore was +stored, from hence that it was sent, under government escort and with +government guarantee, subject to a fixed, though moderate, charge, +so that the transport to Melbourne, which at first was a dangerous +and expensive "middle passage," was now as easily and inexpensively +accomplished as is the transmission of freight from London to Paris.</p> + +<p>Over the whole of this establishment they were conducted by the most +courteous and obliging of officials, and the services thus rendered +charmed the Frenchman, who was none the less loquacious, and was in +truth able even to enlighten his guides.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PLEASING PROGRESS.</div> + +<p>But his joy culminated when, after some time spent in the hotel, the +party left the town, and passed through the "diggings," properly so +called. It was difficult to persuade Paganel and Robert—who kept +together—to come on, in order that they might not leave Ayrton and +Mulready too long in suspense. Now the Frenchman would see just the key +that he needed to understand a point not before clear to him; anon you +might see him as in the illustration, when he had picked up a pebble +and was sure that it was in itself so interesting as a mineralogical +specimen that he must treasure it up for the Bank of France, so that +his own land might have at least one part of Australia. All this was +done with such a mingling of childish good-nature and scientific and +national pride that it was useless to do anything but laugh, and an +irrepressible smile came over even the major's features. At length, +however, by drawing him into a lecture, they succeeded in persuading +him to follow them; and, as they left the diggings, he told them the +history of the prophecies, the discovery, and the spread of knowledge +as to the rich auriferous deposits of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span> this part of Australia. He +could give them facts and incidents and dates as to the ingress into +Melbourne, and the exodus therefrom to the diggings, in the year 1852; +he told them how the energy and the love of order which characterize +the English-speaking peoples had reduced to system, method, +subordination, the chaotic surgings and restlessness which marked the +first weeks and months of this new era; and he detailed, as though +he had studied the subject to the entire neglect of other matters, +the working of the system,—how the land was registered, what was the +sum paid in the aggregate, how the taxes were collected, wherein the +system had been found faulty. All this occupied much time, and, before +he had finished, the cart was in sight, in which Lady Helena and Miss +Grant reseated themselves, and for the remainder of the day and the +succeeding night their progress was in the accustomed order.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A WARNING.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>At sunrise the travelers left the gold regions and crossed the +frontiers of the county of Talbot. Their line of travel now struck +the dusty roads of the county of Dalhousie. Half the journey was +accomplished. In fifteen days more of travel equally rapid the little +party would reach the shores of Twofold Bay. Moreover, every one was in +good health. Paganel's assertions as to the salubrity of this climate +were verified. There was little or no moisture, and the heat was quite +endurable. Neither men nor animals complained.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p348.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Anon you might see him as in the illustration, when +he had picked up a pebble and was sure that it was in itself so +interesting as a mineralogical specimen that he must treasure it up for +the Bank of France.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">A PILLARED GROVE.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span> +Only one change had been made in the line of march since leaving +Camden Bridge. The criminal disaster on the railway, when made known +to Ayrton, had induced him to take precautions hitherto needless. +The horsemen were not to lose sight of the cart. During the hours of +encampment one of them was always on guard. Morning and evening the +priming of the fire-arms was renewed. It was certain that a band of +malefactors were scouring the country; and, although nothing gave cause +for immediate suspicion, still it was necessary to be ready for any +emergency.</p> + +<p>In truth they had reason to act thus. An imprudence, or negligence +even, might cost them dear. Glenarvan, moreover, was not alone in +giving heed to this state of affairs. In the isolated towns and +stations the inhabitants and squatters took precautions against any +attack or surprise. The houses were closed at nightfall. The dogs were +let loose within the palisades, and barked at the slightest alarm. +There was not a shepherd, collecting his numerous flocks on horseback +for the evening return, who did not carry a carbine suspended from the +pommel of his saddle. The news of the crime committed at Camden Bridge +was the reason for this excessive caution, and many a colonist who had +formerly slept with open doors and windows now carefully locked his +house at twilight.</p> + +<p>After awhile, the cart entered a grove of giant trees, the finest +they had hitherto seen. There was a cry of admiration at sight of the +eucalyptuses, two hundred feet high, whose spongy bark was five inches +in thickness. The trunks measured twenty feet in circumference, and +were furrowed by streams of odorous sap. Not a branch, not a twig, not +a wanton shoot, not even a knot, disfigured their perfect symmetry. +They could not have issued smoother from the hand of the turner. They +were like so many columns exactly mated, and could be counted by +hundreds, spreading at a vast height into capitals of finely-shaped +branches adorned with vertical leaves, from which hung solitary +flowers, whose calices were like inverted urns.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span></p> + +<p>Under this evergreen canopy the air circulated freely. A continual +ventilation absorbed the moisture of the earth, and horses, herds of +cattle, and carts could easily pass between these trees, which were +widely separated and arranged in straight rows. It was neither a +wood with thickets crowded and obstructed by brambles, nor a virgin +forest barricaded with fallen trunks and entangled with inextricable +parasites, where only axe and fire can clear a way for the pioneers. +A carpet of herbage below, and a sheet of verdure above; long vistas +of noble pillars; little shade or coolness; a peculiar light, like +the rays that sift through a delicate tissue; shadows sharply defined +upon the ground: all this constituted a strange sight. The forests of +Oceanica are entirely different from those of the New World, and the +eucalyptus—the "tara" of the aborigines—is the most perfect tree of +the Australian flora.</p> + +<p>The shade is not dense, nor the darkness profound, beneath these domes +of verdure, owing to a strange peculiarity in the arrangement of the +leaves of the eucalyptus. Not one presents its face to the sun, but +only its sharp edge. The eye sees nothing but profiles in this singular +foliage. Thus the rays of the sun glide to the earth as if they had +passed between the slats of a window-blind.</p> + +<p>Every one observed this and seemed surprised. Why this particular +arrangement? This question was naturally addressed to Paganel, who +replied like a man who is never at fault.</p> + +<p>"What astonishes me," said he, "is not the freak of nature, for she +knows what she does; but botanists do not always know what they say. +Nature was not mistaken in giving to these trees this singular foliage; +but men are wrong in calling them eucalyptuses."</p> + +<p>"What does the word mean?" asked Mary Grant.</p> + +<p>"It comes from the Greek words εῡ καλύπτω;, signifying <i>I cover +well</i>. But you all see that the eucalyptus covers badly."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A SILENT MARCH.</div> + +<p>"Just so, my dear Paganel," replied Glenarvan; "and now tell us why the +leaves grow thus."</p> + +<p>"In this country, where the air is dry," said Paganel, "where rains +are rare and the soil is parched, the trees need neither wind nor +sun. Hence these narrow leaves seek to defend themselves against the +elements and preserve themselves from too great an evaporation. They +therefore present their edges, and not their faces, to the action of +the solar rays. There is nothing more intelligent than a leaf."</p> + +<p>"Nor more selfish," remarked the major. "They thought only of +themselves, and not at all of travelers."</p> + +<p>The entire party was inclined to be of MacNabb's opinion, except +Paganel, who, as he wiped his face, congratulated himself upon +traveling beneath these shadowless trees. However, this arrangement of +foliage was to be regretted; for the journey through these forests is +frequently very long and painful, since nothing protects the traveler +from the heat of the sun.</p> + +<p>All day long our travelers pursued their way under these interminable +arches. They met neither quadruped nor human being. A few cockatoos +inhabited the tops of the trees; but at that height they could scarcely +be distinguished, and their chattering was an almost inaudible murmur. +Sometimes a flock of parrots would shoot across a distant vista, +illumining it with a rapid flash of variegated light. But generally a +deep silence reigned in this vast temple of verdure, and the measured +tread of the horses, a few words exchanged now and then in desultory +conversation, the creaking of the cart-wheels, and from time to time a +cry from Ayrton as he urged on his sluggish team, were the only sounds +that disturbed this vast solitude.</p> + +<p>At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that bore the marks +of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, for the flames +had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire length. +Having only this shell of bark remaining, they no longer suffered +severely from this treatment.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p352.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They were like so many columns exactly mated, and could +be counted by hundreds.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p353.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that +bore the marks of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, +for the flames had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire +length.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> +However, this lamentable habit of the squatters and natives will +finally destroy these magnificent trees, and they will disappear like +the cedars of Lebanon, so many centuries old, consumed by the careless +fires of wandering encampments.</p> + +<p>Olbinett, according to Paganel's advice, kindled a fire in one of these +tubular trunks. He obtained a draught at once, and the smoke soon +disappeared in the dark mass of foliage. The necessary precautions were +taken for the night, and Ayrton, Mulready, Wilson, and Captain Mangles +watched by turns till sunrise.</p> + +<p>During all the next day the interminable forest presented its long, +monotonous avenues, till it seemed as if it would never end. Towards +evening, however, the rows of trees became thinner; and a few miles +farther on, upon a small plain, appeared a collection of regularly +built houses.</p> + +<p>"Seymour!" cried Paganel. "This is the last place we shall meet with +before leaving the province of Victoria."</p> + +<p>"Is it an important town?" inquired Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Madam," replied he, "it is a simple parish that would like to become a +municipality."</p> + +<p>"Shall we find a comfortable hotel?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I hope so," answered the geographer.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, let us go into the town; for the ladies will not be sorry, +I imagine, to rest here one night."</p> + +<p>"My dear Edward," replied Lady Helena, "Mary and I accept; but on the +condition that it shall cause no trouble or delay."</p> + +<p>"None at all," said Lord Glenarvan. "Moreover, our oxen are fatigued. +To-morrow we will start at break of day."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A TALK AFTER SUPPER.</div> + +<p>It was now nine o'clock. The moon was approaching the horizon, and her +rays were dimmed by the gathering mist. The darkness was increasing. +The whole party, accordingly, entered the broad street of Seymour under +the guidance of Paganel, who always seemed to be perfectly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span> acquainted +with what he had never seen. But his instinct directed him, and he went +straight to Campbell's North British Hotel. Horses and oxen were taken +to the stable, the cart was put under the shed, and the travelers were +conducted to quite comfortable apartments.</p> + +<p>At ten o'clock the guests took their seats at a table, over which +Olbinett had cast his experienced eye. Paganel had just explored the +town, in company with Robert, and now related his nocturnal impressions +in a very laconic style. He had seen absolutely nothing.</p> + +<p>However, a man less absent-minded would have observed a certain +excitement in the streets of Seymour. Groups were formed here and +there, which gradually increased. People talked at the doors of the +houses, and questioned each other with an air of anxiety. Various daily +papers were read aloud, commented upon, and discussed. These signs, +one might suppose, could not have escaped the most careless observer; +Paganel, however, had suspected nothing.</p> + +<p>The major, on the contrary, without even leaving the hotel, had +ascertained the fears that were agitating the little community. Ten +minutes' conversation with the loquacious landlord had informed him; +but he did not utter a word. Not until supper was over, and Lady +Helena, Mary, and Robert had retired to their chambers, did the major +say to his companions:</p> + +<p>"They have traced the authors of the crime committed at Camden Bridge."</p> + +<p>"Have they been arrested?" asked Ayrton, quickly.</p> + +<p>"No," replied MacNabb, without seeming to notice the eagerness of the +quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"So much the worse," added Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Well," inquired Glenarvan, "to whom do they attribute the crime?"</p> + +<p>"Read," said the major, handing to Glenarvan a copy of the <i>Australian +and New Zealand Gazette</i>, "and you will see that the police-officer was +not mistaken."</p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan read aloud the following passage:</p> + +<blockquote> +<p>"Sydney, Jan. 2, 1865.—It will be remembered that on the night of +December 29 an accident took place at Camden Bridge, five miles from +Castlemaine Station, on the Melbourne and Sandhurst Railway, by which +the night express was precipitated at full speed into the Lutton River. +Numerous thefts committed after the accident, and the corpse of the +guard found half a mile above, prove that it was the result of a crime; +and, in accordance with the verdict at the inquest, this crime is to +be attributed to a band of convicts who escaped, six months ago, from +the Perth penitentiary, in Western Australia, as they were about to +be transferred to Norfolk Island. These convicts are twenty-nine in +number, and are commanded by a certain Ben Joyce, a dangerous criminal, +who arrived in Australia several months ago in some way, and upon whom +justice has not yet succeeded in laying hands. The inhabitants of the +cities, and the colonists and squatters of the stations, are warned +to be on their guard, and requested to send to the undersigned any +information which may assist his investigations.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 50%;">"<span style="font-size: 0.8em;">J. P. MITCHELL</span>, Surveyor-General."</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>When Glenarvan had finished reading this article, MacNabb turned to the +geographer and said:</p> + +<p>"You see, Paganel, that there may yet be convicts in Australia."</p> + +<p>"Runaways there may be, of course," replied Paganel, "but not those +who have been transported and regularly received. These people have no +right to be here."</p> + +<p>"Well, at any rate they are here," continued Glenarvan; "but I do not +suppose that their presence need cause us to change our plans or delay +our journey. What do you think, captain?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">LOOKING AT BOTH SIDES.</div> + +<p>Captain Mangles did not answer immediately. He hesitated between the +grief that the abandonment of the search<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> would cause the two children, +and the fear of compromising the safety of the party.</p> + +<p>"If Lady Glenarvan and Miss Grant were not with us," said he, "I should +care very little for this band of wretches."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan understood him, and added:</p> + +<p>"Of course it is not advisable to give up our undertaking; but perhaps +it would be prudent for the sake of the ladies to join the Duncan at +Melbourne, and continue our search for Captain Grant towards the east. +What do you think, MacNabb?"</p> + +<p>"Before replying," said the major, "I should like to hear Ayrton's +opinion."</p> + +<p>The quartermaster, thus addressed, looked at Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I think," said he, "that, as we are two hundred miles from Melbourne, +the danger, if there is any, is as great on the southern as on the +eastern road. Both are little frequented, and one is as good as the +other. Moreover, I do not think that thirty malefactors can intimidate +eight well-armed and resolute men. Therefore, in the absence of better +advice, I should go on."</p> + +<p>"Well said," replied Paganel. "By continuing our course we shall cross +Captain Grant's track, while by returning to the south we should go +directly away from it. I agree with you, therefore, and shall give +myself no uneasiness about the runaway convicts."</p> + +<p>Thus the determination to make no change in the programme was +unanimously approved of.</p> + +<p>"One more remark, my lord," said Ayrton, as they were about to separate.</p> + +<p>"Speak."</p> + +<p>"Would it not be advisable to send an order to the Duncan to sail to +the coast?"</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Captain Mangles. "It will be time enough to send the order +when we arrive at Twofold Bay. If any unforeseen event should compel +us to return to Melbourne, we might be sorry not to find the Duncan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span> +there. Moreover, her injuries cannot yet have been repaired. I think, +therefore, that it would be better to wait."</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Ayrton, without further remark.</p> + +<p>The next day the little party, armed and ready for any emergency, left +Seymour, and half an hour after re-entered the forest of eucalyptuses, +which appeared again towards the east. Glenarvan would have preferred +to travel in the open country, for a plain is less favorable to sudden +attacks and ambuscades than a thick wood. But they had no alternative; +and the cart kept on all day between the tall, monotonous trees, and at +evening encamped on the borders of the district of Murray.</p> + +<p>They were now setting foot on one of the least frequented portions of +the Australian continent, a vast uninhabited region stretching away to +the Australian Alps. At some future day its forests will be leveled, +and the home of the colonist will stand where now all is desolation; +but at present it is a desert. In this region is situated the so-styled +"reserve for the blacks." On these remote plains various spots have +been set apart, where the aboriginal race can enjoy to the full the +privilege of gradually becoming extinct. Though the white man is at +perfect liberty to invade this "reserved" territory, yet the black may +call it his own.</p> + +<p>Paganel, who was in his element wherever statistics or history was +concerned, went into full details respecting the native races. He gave +a long account of the cruelties to which these unfortunate beings +had been subjected at the hands of the early colonists, and showed +how little had been done by the interference of the government. As +a striking instance of the manner in which the aborigines melt away +before the advance of civilization, he cited the case of Tasmania, +which at the beginning of this century had five thousand native +inhabitants, but in 1863 had only seven.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">STUDIES IN ANTHROPOLOGY.</div> + +<p>"Fifty years ago," said he, "we should have met in our course many +a tribe of natives; whereas thus far we have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> not seen even one. A +century hence, the black race will have utterly disappeared from this +continent."</p> + +<p>At that moment Robert, halting in front of a group of eucalyptuses, +cried out:</p> + +<p>"A monkey! there is a monkey!"</p> + +<p>The cart was instantly stopped, and, looking in the direction +indicated by the boy, our travellers saw a huge black form moving with +astonishing agility from branch to branch, until it was lost from view +in the depths of the grove.</p> + +<p>"What sort of a monkey is that?" asked MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"That monkey," answered Paganel, "is a full-blooded Australian."</p> + +<p>Just then were heard sounds of voices at some little distance; the oxen +were put in motion, and after proceeding a few hundred paces the party +came suddenly upon an encampment of aborigines, consisting of some +ten or twelve tents, made of strips of bark arranged in the manner of +tiles, and giving shelter to their wretched inhabitants on only one +side. Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, women, +and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins. Their first movement +was one of flight; but a few words from Ayrton restored confidence, and +they slowly approached the party of Europeans.</p> + +<p>The major jocularly insisted that Robert was correct in saying that +he had seen a monkey; but Lady Helena declined to accept his views, +and, getting out of the cart, made friendly advances to these degraded +beings, who seemed to look upon her as a divinity. Reassured by her +gentle manner, they surrounded the travelers, and began to cast wishful +glances at the provisions which the cart contained. Glenarvan, at the +request of his wife, distributed a quantity of food among the hungry +group.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p360.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, +women, and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p361.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the women +urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who fell in +the fray.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span> +After this had been dispatched, our friends were favored by their new +acquaintances with a sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the +women urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who +fell in the fray. Suddenly the excited crowd dropped their arms, and +a profound silence succeeded to the din of war. A flight of cockatoos +had made its appearance in the neighboring trees; and the opportunity +to display their proficiency in the use of the boomerang was at once +improved by the Australians. The skill manifested in the construction +and use of this instrument served Lady Helena as a strong argument +against the monkey theory, though the major pretended that he was not +yet convinced.</p> + +<p>Lord Glenarvan was now about to give the order to advance, when a +native came running up with the news that he had discovered half +a dozen cassowaries. The chase that followed, with the ingenious +disguise assumed by the hunter, and the marvelous fidelity with which +he imitated the movements and cries of the bird, was witnessed with +interest by the travelers. Lady Helena adduced the skill displayed as +a still further argument against the major's theory; but the obstinate +MacNabb declined to recede from his position, citing to his antagonist +the statement of the negroes concerning the orang-outangs,—that they +are negroes like themselves, only that they are too cunning to talk, +for fear of being made to work.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>WEALTH IN THE WILDERNESS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + + +<p>After a peaceful night, the travelers, at seven o'clock in the morning, +resumed their journey eastward over the plains. Twice they crossed the +tracks of squatters, leading towards the north; and then the different +hoof-prints would have been confounded if Glenarvan's horse had not +left<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> upon the dust the Black Point mark, distinguishable by its three +trefoils.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A PIANO IN THE DESERT.</div> + +<p>Sometimes the plain was furrowed with winding creeks, bordered by +box-wood, which took their source on the slopes of the Buffalo Range, +a chain of mountains whose picturesque outlines stretched along the +horizon, and which the party resolved to reach that evening. Ayrton +urged on his oxen, and, after a journey of thirty-five miles, they +reached the place. The tent was pitched beneath a great tree. Night had +come, and supper was quickly dispatched; all thought more of sleeping +than of eating, after the fatigues of the day.</p> + +<p>Paganel, to whom fell the first watch, did not lie down, but, rifle on +shoulder, guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the +better resist sleep. In spite of the absence of the moon, the night was +almost bright with the splendor of the southern constellations; and the +geographer amused himself in reading the great book of the firmament, +which is always open. The silence of sleeping nature was broken only +by the sound of the horses' chains as they rattled against their feet. +Paganel was becoming fully absorbed in his astronomical meditations, +and occupying himself more with the things of heaven than those of +earth, when a distant sound startled him from his reverie.</p> + +<p>He listened attentively, and, to his great astonishment, thought he +distinguished the tones of a piano. A few boldly-struck chords wafted +to his ears their harmonious vibrations. He could not be mistaken.</p> + +<p>"A piano in the desert!" said he to himself. "It cannot be!"</p> + +<p>It was indeed very surprising, and Paganel began to think that some +strange Australian bird was imitating the sound of the instrument.</p> + +<p>But at that moment a voice, harmoniously pitched, was heard. The +pianist was accompanied by a vocalist. The geographer listened +incredulously, but in a few moments was forced to recognize the +sublime air that struck upon his ear. It was "<i>Il mio tesoro tanto</i>" +from Don Juan.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p364.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Paganel did not lie down, but, rifle on shoulder, +guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the better +resist sleep.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></p> +<div class="sidenote">A TWOFOLD SURPRISE.</div> + +<p>"Parbleu!" thought the geographer, "however strange the Australian +birds may be, or even though the parrots were the most musical in the +world, they could not sing Mozart."</p> + +<p>He listened to the end of this grand inspiration of the master. The +effect of this sweet melody, in the stillness of the starlit night, +was indescribable. He remained a long time under the influences of its +enchantment. At last the voice ceased, and all was silent.</p> + +<p>When Wilson came to relieve the geographer, he found him wrapt in a +profound reverie. Paganel said nothing to the sailor, but, reserving +his account of the incident for Glenarvan the next day, he crept into +the tent.</p> + +<p>In the morning the whole party were awakened by unexpected bayings. +Glenarvan at once arose. Two magnificent pointers were gamboling along +the edge of a small wood; but at the approach of the travelers they +disappeared among the trees, barking loudly.</p> + +<p>"There must be a station in this desert," said Glenarvan, "and hunters, +since those are hunting-dogs."</p> + +<p>Paganel was just about to relate his experiences of the past night, +when two men appeared, in hunting costume, mounted on fine horses. They +naturally stopped at sight of the little party, encamped in gypsy-like +fashion, and seemed to be wondering what the presence of armed men in +this place meant, when they perceived the ladies, who were alighting +from the cart.</p> + +<p>They immediately dismounted, and advanced towards them, hat in hand. +Glenarvan went to meet them, and introduced himself and party, giving +the name and rank of each member. The young men bowed, and one of them, +the elder, said:</p> + +<p>"My lord, will your ladies, your companions, and yourself do us the +honor to accompany us to our house?"</p> + +<p class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></p> + +<p>"May I ask, gentlemen, whom I have the honor of addressing?" inquired +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Michael and Alexander Patterson, proprietors of Hottam Station. You +are already on the grounds of the establishment, and have but a quarter +of a mile to go."</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," replied Glenarvan, "I should be unwilling to slight a +hospitality so graciously offered——"</p> + +<p>"My lord," interrupted Michael Patterson, "by accepting you will confer +a favor upon two poor colonists, who will be only too happy to extend +to you the honors of the desert."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan bowed in token of assent.</p> + +<p>"Sir," said Paganel, addressing Michael Patterson, "should I be too +inquisitive were I to ask if it was you who sang that divine air of +Mozart last night?"</p> + +<p>"It was I, sir," replied the gentleman; "and my brother accompanied me."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir," continued Paganel, extending his hand, "accept the sincere +compliments of a Frenchman, who is an ardent admirer of Mozart's music."</p> + +<p>The young man modestly returned the geographer's greeting, and then +pointed towards the right to the road they were to take. The horses had +been confided to the care of Ayrton and the sailors, and the travelers +at once betook themselves on foot to Hottam Station, under the guidance +of the two young men.</p> + +<p>It was a magnificent establishment, characterized by the perfect order +of an English park. Immense meadows, inclosed by fences, extended as +far as the eye could reach. Here grazed thousands of oxen and sheep. +Numerous shepherds and still more numerous dogs tended this vast herd, +while with the bellowing and bleating mingled the baying of mastiffs +and the sharp crack of stock-whips.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ARTIFICIAL SELECTION.</div> + +<p>To the east the prospect was broken by a border of gum-trees, beyond +which rose the imposing peak of Mount Hottam, seven thousand five +hundred feet high. Long<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span> avenues of tall trees stretched in all +directions, while here and there stood dense clumps of grass-trees, +shrubby plants about ten feet high, resembling the dwarf palm, with a +thick foliage of long narrow leaves. The air was laden with the perfume +of laurels, whose clusters of white flowers in full bloom exhaled the +most delicate fragrance.</p> + +<p>With the charming groups of native trees were mingled those +transplanted from European climes. The peach, the pear, the apple, +the fig, the orange, and even the oak were hailed with delight by the +travelers, who, if they were not astonished at walking in the shade of +the trees of their country, wondered, at least, at the sight of the +birds that fluttered among the branches, the satin-birds with their +silky plumage, and the canaries, clad in golden and black velvet.</p> + +<p>Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or lyre-bird, whose tail +has the form of the graceful instrument of Orpheus. As the bird fled +away among the arborescent ferns, its tail striking the branches, they +almost expected to hear those harmonious chords that helped Amphion to +rebuild the walls of Thebes.</p> + +<p>Lord Glenarvan was not satisfied with merely admiring the fairy +wonders of this oasis of the Australian desert. He listened with +profound interest to the young men's story. In England, in the heart +of civilization, a new-comer would have first informed his host +whence he came and whither he was going; but here, by a nice shade +of distinction, Michael and Sandy Patterson thought they should +make themselves known to the travelers to whom they offered their +hospitalities, and briefly told their story.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p368.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or +lyre-bird, whose tail has the form of the graceful instrument of +Orpheus.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">NATURE AND ART.</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span> +It was like that of all intelligent and active young Englishmen, +who do not believe that the possession of riches absolves from the +responsibility to labor for the welfare of others. Michael and +Alexander Patterson were the sons of a London banker. When they were +twenty years old, their father had said: "Here is money, my sons. Go +to some distant land, found there a useful establishment, and acquire +in labor the knowledge of life. If you succeed, so much the better; if +you fail, it matters little. We shall not regret the money that will +have enabled you to become men." They obeyed; they chose the province +of Victoria as the place to sow the paternal bank-notes, and had no +reason to repent. At the end of three years their establishment had +attained its present prosperity.</p> + +<p>They had just finished the brief account of their career, when the +dwelling came in sight at the end of a fine avenue of trees. It was a +charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by clusters of plants, and +had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage, while a veranda, from which +hung Chinese lanterns, encircled it like a Roman impluvium. The windows +were shaded by brilliant-colored awnings, which at a distance looked +almost like masses of flowers. Nothing could be prettier, cozier, or +pleasanter to the sight. On the lawn and among the shrubbery round +about stood bronze candelabra, supporting elegant lamps with glass +globes, which at nightfall illumined the whole garden with a beauteous +light.</p> + +<p>No farm-hands, stables, or outhouses were to be seen,—nothing that +indicated scenes of toil. The dwellings of the workmen—a regular +village, consisting of some twenty cottages—were a quarter of a mile +distant, in the heart of a little valley. Telegraph-wires secured +immediate communication between the village and the house of the +proprietors, which, far from all tumult, was in truth "a thing of +beauty."</p> + +<p>The avenue was soon passed. A little iron bridge, of great elegance, +crossing a murmuring stream, gave access to the private grounds. A +courteous attendant advanced to meet the travelers; the doors of +the house were opened, and the guests of Hottam Station entered the +sumptuous dwelling.</p> + +<p>All the luxuries of refined and civilized life seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span> be present. +Into the vestibule, which was adorned with decorative subjects, +illustrating the turf or the chase, opened a spacious parlor, lighted +with five windows. A piano, covered with classic and modern music; +easels, upon which were half-finished paintings; marble statues, +mounted on tasteful pedestals; on the walls, a few pictures by Flemish +masters; rich carpets, soft to the feet as grassy meadows; panels of +tapestry, descriptive of pleasing mythological episodes; an antique +chandelier, costly chinaware, delicate vases, and a great variety +of articles of <i>virtù</i>, indicated a high appreciation of beauty and +comfort. Everything that could please, everything that could relieve +the tedium of a voluntary exile, everything that could remind one of a +luxurious European home, was to be found in this fairy abode. It would +have been easy to imagine oneself in some princely castle of England, +France, or Germany.</p> + +<p>The five windows admitted, through delicate curtains, a light tempered +and softened by the shadows of the veranda. Lady Helena looked out, +and was astonished. The house, upon this side, commanded the view of a +broad valley, which extended to the eastern mountains. The alternation +of meadow and woodland, broken here and there by vast clearings, the +graceful sweep of the hill-sides, and the outlines of the entire +landscape, formed a picture beyond the power of description. This vast +panorama, intersected by broad bands of light and shade, changed every +hour with the progress of the sun.</p> + +<p>In the mean time, in accordance with the hosts' orders, breakfast +had been prepared by the steward of the station, and in less than a +quarter of an hour the travelers were seated at a bountiful table. The +quality of the viands and the wines was unexceptionable; but what was +especially gratifying, in the midst of these refinements of wealth, was +the evident pleasure experienced by the young settlers in dispensing to +strangers, beneath their own roof, this magnificent hospitality.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AUSTRALIANS, NATIVE AND IMPORTED.</div> + +<p>The young gentlemen were soon made acquainted with the object of the +expedition, and took a lively interest in Glenarvan's search, giving +also great encouragement to the captain's children.</p> + +<p>"Harry Grant," said Michael, "has evidently fallen into the hands of +the natives, since he has not appeared in the settlements on the coast. +He knew his position exactly, as the document proves, and, as he has +not reached any English colony, he must have been made prisoner by the +natives as soon as he landed."</p> + +<p>"That is precisely what happened to his quartermaster, Ayrton," replied +Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"But, gentlemen," inquired Lady Helena, "have you never heard of the +shipwreck of the Britannia?"</p> + +<p>"Never, madam," said Michael.</p> + +<p>"And what treatment do you think Captain Grant would experience as a +prisoner among the Australians?"</p> + +<p>"The Australians are not cruel, madam," replied the young settler: +"Miss Grant may reassure herself on this point. There are many +instances of their kindness; and some Europeans have lived a long time +among them, without having any reason to complain of brutality." These +words corroborated the information previously given by Paganel and +Ayrton.</p> + +<p>When the ladies had left the table, the conversation turned upon +convicts. The settlers had heard of the accident at Camden Bridge, +but the band of runaways gave no uneasiness, they would not dare to +attack a station that was guarded by more than a hundred men. They were +confident, too, that they would not venture into the deserted regions +of the Murray, nor into the colonies of New South Wales, where the +roads are well protected.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan could not decline the invitation of his amiable hosts to +spend the entire day at Hottam Station. The delay thus occasioned +could be turned to good account: the horses and oxen would be +greatly benefited by their rest in the comfortable stables of the +establishment. It was, therefore, decided to remain, and the two young +men submitted to their guests a programme for the day's sports, which +was adopted with alacrity.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p372.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">It was a charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by +clusters of plants, and had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></p> +<div class="sidenote">A DAY'S SPORT.</div> + +<p>At noon, seven fine hunters pawed the ground at the gate of the +house. For the ladies was provided an elegant coach, and the long +reins enabled their driver to show his skill in manœuvring the +"four-in-hand." The horsemen, accompanied by outriders, and well armed, +galloped beside the carriage, while the pack of hounds bayed joyously +in the coppices.</p> + +<p>For four hours the cavalcade traversed the paths and avenues of these +spacious grounds. As for game, an army of bushmen could not have +started up a greater number of animals. Young Robert, who kept close to +the major's side, accomplished wonders. The intrepid boy, in spite of +his sister's injunctions, was always ahead, and the first to fire. But +Captain Mangles had promised to watch over him, a fact which tended not +a little to allay Miss Grant's apprehension for her brother's safety.</p> + +<p>Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was unquestionably +a kangaroo hunt. About four o'clock the dogs started a troop of these +curious animals. The little ones took refuge in their mothers' pouches, +and the whole drove rushed away in single file. Nothing can be more +astonishing than the enormous bounds of the kangaroo, whose hind legs +are twice as long as its fore ones, and bend like a spring. At the head +of the drove was a male five feet high,—"an old man," in the language +of the bushmen.</p> + +<p>For four or five miles the chase was briskly continued. The kangaroos +did not slacken their pace; and the dogs, who feared, with good reason, +the powerful blows of their formidable paws, did not venture to +approach them. But at last the drove stopped in exhaustion, and "the +old man" braced himself against the trunk of a tree, ready to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span> fight +for his life. One of the pointers, carried on by the impetus of his +course, rolled within reach of him. A moment after, the unfortunate +dog was tossed into the air, and fell back lifeless. The entire pack, +deterred by the fate of their comrade, kept at a respectful distance. +It became necessary to dispatch the kangaroo with the rifle, and +nothing but bullets could bring down the gigantic quadruped.</p> + +<p>At this juncture Robert narrowly escaped being the victim of his +rashness. In order to make sure of his aim, he approached so near the +kangaroo that the animal made a spring at him. Robert fell. A cry of +alarm resounded. Mary Grant, speechless with apprehension, stretched +her hands towards her brother. No one dared to fire, for fear of +hitting the boy.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Captain Mangles, with his hunting-knife open, rushed upon the +kangaroo, at the risk of his life, and stabbed it to the heart. The +beast fell dead, and Robert rose unharmed. An instant after, he was in +the arms of his sister.</p> + +<p>"Thanks, Captain Mangles! thanks!" said Mary, extending her hand to the +young captain.</p> + +<p>"I promised to take care of him," replied the captain, as he took the +trembling hand of the young girl.</p> + +<p>This adventure ended the hunt. The troop of kangaroos had scattered +after the death of their leader, whose carcass was brought to the house.</p> + +<p>It was now six o'clock, and dinner was in readiness for the hunters; +comprising, among other dishes, a soup of kangaroo's tail, prepared in +the native style.</p> + +<p>After a dessert of ices and sherbet, the party repaired to the parlor, +where the evening was devoted to music. Lady Helena, who was a good +pianiste, presided at the instrument, while Michael and Alexander +Patterson sang with great taste selections from the latest compositions +of the modern musical masters.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FRESH DEPARTURE.</div> + +<p>At eleven o'clock tea was served in true English style. Paganel +having desired to taste the Australian tea, a liquid, black as ink, +was brought to him. It consisted of a quart of water, in which half +a pound of tea had been boiled four hours. Paganel, with a wry face, +pronounced it excellent. At midnight the guests were conducted to cool +and comfortable chambers, where they renewed in dreams the pleasures of +the day.</p> + +<p>The next morning, at sunrise, they took leave of the two young +settlers, with many thanks, and with warmly-expressed hopes to see them +at Malcolm Castle at no very distant day. The cart then started, and in +a few minutes, as the road wound around the foot of Mount Hottam, the +hospitable habitation disappeared, like a passing vision, from the eyes +of the travelers. For five miles farther they traversed the grounds +of the station, and not till nine o'clock did the little party pass +the last palisade and enter upon the almost unknown districts of the +country before them.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></h4> + +<h3>SUSPICIOUS OCCURRENCES.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>A mighty barrier crossed the road on the southeast. It was the chain +of the Australian Alps, which extend in capricious windings fifteen +hundred miles, and are capped with clouds four thousand feet aloft.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ASCENDING THE MOUNTAINS.</div> + +<p>The sky was dull and lowering, and the rays of the sun struggled +through dense masses of mist. The temperature was, therefore, +endurable; but the journey was difficult on account of the irregularity +of the surface. The unevenness of the plain constantly increased, +and here and there rose mounds, covered with young green gum-trees. +Farther on, these excrescences formed the first slopes of the great +Alps. The ascent was very laborious, as was shown by the efforts of the +oxen, whose yokes cracked under the tension of the heavy vehicle. The +animals panted heavily, and the muscles of their hams were strained +almost to breaking. The axles threatened to give way under the sudden +jolts that Ayrton, with all his skill, could not prevent. The ladies, +however, lost none of their accustomed cheerfulness.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p376.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was +unquestionably a kangaroo hunt.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span> +Captain Mangles and the two sailors rode a few hundred paces in +advance, to choose practicable passes. It was a difficult and often a +perilous task. Several times Wilson was forced to make a way with his +hatchet through the midst of dense thickets. Their course deviated in +many windings, which impassable obstacles, lofty blocks of granite, +deep ravines, and treacherous swamps compelled them to make. At evening +they encamped at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of a small stream +that flowed along the edge of a plain covered with tall shrubbery, +whose bright-red foliage enlivened the banks.</p> + +<p>"We shall have difficulty in passing here," said Glenarvan, as he gazed +at the chain of mountains, whose outlines were already growing dim in +the twilight. "Alps! that is a name suggestive of arduous climbing."</p> + +<p>"You will change your opinion, my dear Glenarvan," replied Paganel. +"You must not think you are in Switzerland."</p> + +<p>"Then these Australian Alps——?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Are miniature mountains," continued Paganel. "You will cross them +without noticing it."</p> + +<p>The next day, in spite of the assurances of the confident geographer, +the little party found great difficulty in crossing the mountains. They +were forced to advance at a venture, and descend into deep and narrow +gorges that, for aught they knew, might end in a wall of rock. Ayrton +would doubtless have been eventually nonplused had they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span> not, after an +hour's climbing, caught sight of a tavern on one of the paths of the +mountain.</p> + +<p>"Well!" said Paganel, as they reached the hostelry, "the proprietor of +this inn cannot make a great fortune in such a place. Of what use can +he be?"</p> + +<p>"To give us the information we need for our journey," replied +Glenarvan. "Let us go in."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, followed by Ayrton, entered the tavern. The landlord of +"Bush Inn" was a coarse man, of forbidding appearance, who had to +consider himself as the principal customer for the gin, brandy, and +whisky of his tavern, and scarcely ever saw any one but squatters or +herdsmen.</p> + +<p>He replied in an ill-humored way to the questions that were addressed +him; but his answers sufficed to determine Ayrton upon his course. +Glenarvan, however, remunerated the tavern-keeper for the little +trouble they had given him, and was about to leave the inn, when a +placard, affixed to the wall, attracted his attention. It was a notice +of the colonial police, detailing the escape of the convicts from +Perth, and setting a price upon the head of Ben Joyce—a hundred pounds +sterling to any one who should deliver him up.</p> + +<p>"Indeed," said Glenarvan, "that is a rascal worth hanging."</p> + +<p>"And especially worth taking," replied Ayrton. "A hundred pounds! What +a sum! He is not worth it."</p> + +<p>"As for the inn-keeper," added Glenarvan, as he left the room, "I +scarcely put faith in him, despite his placard."</p> + +<p>"Nor I either," said Ayrton.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and the quartermaster rejoined the party, and they all +proceeded to where a narrow pass wound across the chain. Here they +began the ascent.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANOTHER DEATH.</div> + +<p>But it was an arduous task. More than once the ladies and their +companions had to dismount, and it was often necessary to push the +wheels of the heavy vehicle at some steep ascent, or to hold it +back along the edge of some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span> dangerous precipice. The oxen, as they +could not work to advantage at sudden turns, had frequently to be +unyoked, and the cart blocked to prevent it from sliding back. Ayrton +was repeatedly forced to bring the already exhausted horses to his +assistance.</p> + +<p>Whether this exertion was too prolonged, or whether from some other +cause, one of the horses gave out during the ascent. He fell suddenly, +without an instant's warning. It was Mulready's horse; and when the +sailor attempted to help him up, he found that he was dead. Ayrton +examined the animal carefully, but did not seem to understand the cause +of this sudden death.</p> + +<p>"The beast must have burst a blood-vessel," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Evidently," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Take my horse, Mulready," added Glenarvan; "I will join Lady Helena in +the cart."</p> + +<p>Mulready obeyed, and the little party continued their fatiguing ascent, +abandoning the body to the crows.</p> + +<p>The next day they began the descent, which was much more rapid. During +its course a violent hail-storm burst on them, and they were forced to +seek a shelter beneath the rocks. Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as +large as one's hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds. A sling +could not have hurled them with greater force, and several sharp blows +warned Paganel and Robert to be on their guard. The cart was pierced +through in many places: indeed, few roofs could have resisted the fall +of these cutting missiles, some of which froze to the trunks of the +trees. It was necessary to wait for the end of this avalanche, for fear +of being stoned to death, and it was an hour before the party regained +the steep path, still slippery with icy incrustations. At evening the +cart, considerably shattered, but still firm on its wooden wheels, +descended the last slopes of the Alps, between tall solitary pines, and +reached the plains of Gippsland.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p380.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as large as one's +hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">DIVIDED COUNSELS.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span> +All were impatient to gain their destination, the Pacific Ocean, +where the Britannia had been wrecked. There only could traces of the +shipwrecked seamen be found, and not in these desert regions. Ayrton +urged Lord Glenarvan to send an order to the Duncan to repair to the +coast, that he might have at his disposal all the aid possible in his +search. In his opinion they ought to take advantage of the Lucknow +road, which would lead them to Melbourne. Afterwards this might be +difficult, for highways leading directly to the capital would be +absolutely wanting.</p> + +<p>This advice of the quartermaster seemed reasonable. Paganel seconded +it. He thought, too, that the yacht would be very useful under the +present circumstances, and added that they could no longer communicate +with Melbourne after passing the Lucknow road.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was undecided, and perhaps would have sent the order that +Ayrton so particularly desired, if the major had not opposed this plan +with great energy. He explained that Ayrton's presence was necessary +to the expedition; that on approaching the coast the country would be +unknown; that, if chance set them on the track of Captain Grant, the +quartermaster would be more capable than any one else of following it; +in short, that he alone could point out the place where the Britannia +was lost.</p> + +<p>MacNabb, therefore, advocated their continuing on the journey without +change. Captain Mangles was of the same opinion. The young captain +observed that his lordship's orders could more easily reach the Duncan +if sent from Twofold Bay, than by dispatching a messenger two hundred +miles over a wild country.</p> + +<p>The major carried his point, and it was therefore decided that they +should proceed to Twofold Bay. MacNabb noticed that Ayrton seemed quite +disappointed, but he said nothing, and, according to his custom, kept +his thoughts to himself.</p> + +<p>Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span> forest of ferns. +These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured thirty feet in +height. Horses and horsemen could easily pass beneath their drooping +branches, and sometimes the rowel of a spur would ring, as it struck +against their solid stalks. The coolness of the grove was very grateful +to the wearied travelers. Paganel, always demonstrative, gave vent to +exclamations of delight that startled flocks of parrots and cockatoos.</p> + +<p>All at once his companions saw the geographer reel in the saddle, and +fall to the ground like a log. Was it giddiness, or sunstroke, caused +by the heat?</p> + +<p>They hastened to him.</p> + +<p>"Paganel! Paganel! what is the matter?" cried Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"The matter is, my dear friend," replied Paganel, extricating himself +from the stirrups, "that I no longer have a horse."</p> + +<p>"What! your horse——?"</p> + +<p>"Is dead, stricken like Mulready's."</p> + +<p>At once Glenarvan, Captain Mangles, and Wilson examined the animal. +Paganel was right. His horse had been suddenly stricken dead.</p> + +<p>"This is singular," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"Very singular indeed," muttered the major.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan could not restrain a feeling of uneasiness at this strange +occurrence. It was impossible for them to retrace their steps in this +desert; while, if an epidemic were to seize all the horses, it would be +very difficult to continue the journey.</p> + +<p>Before the end of the day his fears seemed to be justified. A third +horse, Wilson's, fell dead, and, what was worse, one of the oxen was +also stricken. Their means of conveyance now consisted of only three +oxen and four horses.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FINE FERNERY.</div> + +<p>The situation had grown serious. The mounted horsemen could, of course, +take turns in traveling on foot. But, if it should be necessary to +leave the cart behind, what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span> would become of the ladies? Could they +accomplish the one hundred and twenty miles that still separated them +from Twofold Bay?</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles and Glenarvan anxiously examined the remaining horses: +perhaps preventives might be found against new calamities. No sign +of disease, however, could be detected. The animals were in perfect +health, and bravely endured the hardships of the journey. Glenarvan, +therefore, was inclined to think that this mysterious epidemic would +have no more victims. This was Ayrton's opinion too, who declared that +he could not at all understand the cause of the frightful mortality.</p> + +<p>They started again, and the cart served to convey the pedestrians, who +rode in it by turns. At evening, after a journey of only ten miles, the +signal to halt was given, the encampment arranged, and the night was +passed comfortably beneath a large group of arborescent ferns, among +whose branches fluttered enormous bats.</p> + +<p>The next day they made an excellent beginning, and accomplished fifteen +miles. Everything led them to hope that they would encamp that evening +on the banks of the Snowy River. Evening came, and a fog, clearly +defined against the horizon, marked the course of the long-looked-for +stream. A forest of tall trees was seen at a bend in the road, behind +a moderate elevation. Ayrton guided his oxen towards the tall trunks +dimly discerned in the shadow, and was just passing the boundary of the +wood, when the cart sank into the earth to the hubs.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" asked Glenarvan, when he perceived that the cart +had come to a stop.</p> + +<p>"We are fast in the mud," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>He urged his oxen with voice and whip, but they were up to their knees +in the mire, and could not stir.</p> + +<p>"Let us encamp here," said Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"That is the best plan," answered Ayrton. "To-morrow, at daybreak, we +can see to extricate ourselves."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p384.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious +forest of ferns. These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured +thirty feet in height.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p385.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Flashes of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a +coming storm, every now and then illumined the horizon.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span> +"Very well: be it so," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Night had set in rapidly, after a short twilight, but the heat had not +departed with the sun. The air was heavy with stifling mists. Flashes +of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a coming storm, every now and +then illumined the horizon.</p> + +<p>The beds were prepared, and the sunken cart was made as comfortable as +possible. The sombre arch of the great trees sheltered the tent of the +travelers. Provided no rain fell, they would have no reason to complain.</p> + +<p>Ayrton succeeded with difficulty in extricating his three oxen from +the mud, in which they had by this time sunk to their flanks. The +quartermaster picketed them with the four horses, and would allow no +one to give them their fodder. This service he performed himself with +great exactness, and that evening Glenarvan observed that his care was +redoubled, for which he thanked him, as the preservation of the team +was of paramount importance.</p> + +<p>Meantime, the travelers partook of a hasty supper. Fatigue and heat had +driven away hunger, and they needed rest more than nourishment. Lady +Helena and Miss Grant, wishing their companions good-night, retired to +their accustomed bedroom. As for the men, some crawled under the tent, +while others stretched themselves on the thick grass at the foot of the +trees.</p> + +<p>Gradually each sank into a heavy sleep. The darkness increased beneath +the curtain of dense clouds that covered the sky. Not a breath of +air was felt. The silence of the night was only interrupted by the +occasional howlings of wild animals.</p> + +<p>About eleven o'clock, after an uneasy slumber, the major awoke. His +half-closed eyes were attracted by a dim light that flickered beneath +the great trees. One would have thought it was a whitish sheet +glittering like the surface of a lake. MacNabb imagined, at first, that +the flames of a conflagration were spreading over the ground.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">STRANGE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS.</div> + +<p>He rose and walked towards the wood. His surprise was great when +he found himself in the presence of a purely natural phenomenon. +Before him extended an immense field of mushrooms, which emitted +phosphorescent flashes.</p> + +<p>The major, who was not selfish, was about to waken Paganel, that the +geographer might witness the spectacle with his own eyes, when an +unexpected sight stopped him.</p> + +<p>The phosphorescent light illumined the wood for the space of half a +mile, and MacNabb thought he saw shadows rapidly moving along the edge +of the clearing. Did his eyes deceive him? Was he the sport of an +illusion?</p> + +<p>He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive observation, +distinctly perceived several men, who seemed by their movements to be +searching the ground for something. What could these men want? He must +know, and, without an instant's hesitation or awakening his companions, +he crawled along on all-fours, carefully concealing himself in the tall +grass.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.</a></h4> + +<h3>A STARTLING DISCOVERY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">INCREASING PERPLEXITIES.</div> + +<p>It was a terrible night. At two o'clock in the morning the rain began +to fall in torrents, which continued to pour from the stormy clouds +till daylight. The tent was an insufficient shelter. Glenarvan and +his companions took refuge in the cart, where they passed the time +in conversing upon various subjects. The major, however, whose short +absence no one had noticed, contented himself with listening in +silence. The fury of the tempest gave them considerable uneasiness, +since it might cause an inundation, by which the cart, fast in the +mire, would be overwhelmed.</p> + + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p388.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive +observation, distinctly perceived several men.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</a></span> +More than once Mulready, Ayrton, and Captain Mangles went to ascertain +the height of the rushing waters, and returned drenched from head to +foot.</p> + +<p>At length day appeared. The rain ceased, but the rays of the sun failed +to penetrate the thick veil of clouds. Large pools of muddy, yellowish +water covered the ground. A warm vapor issued from the water-soaked +earth and saturated the atmosphere with a sickly moisture.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, first of all, turned his attention to the cart. In his eyes, +this was their main support. It was imbedded fast in the midst of a +deep hollow of sticky clay. The fore wheels were almost entirely out of +sight, and the hind ones were buried up to the hubs. It would be a very +difficult matter to pull out the heavy vehicle, and would undoubtedly +require the united strength of men, oxen, and horses.</p> + +<p>"We must make haste," said Captain Mangles. "If this clay dries, the +work will be more difficult."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, the two sailors, the captain, and Ayrton then entered the +wood, where the animals had passed the night.</p> + +<p>It was a tall forest of gloomy gum-trees. Nothing met the eye but dead +trunks, widely separated, which had been destitute of their bark for +centuries. Not a bird built its nest on these lofty skeletons; not a +leaf trembled on the dry branches, that rattled together like a bundle +of dry bones. Glenarvan, as he walked on, gazed at the leaden sky, +against which the branches of the gum-trees were sharply defined. To +Ayrton's great astonishment, there was no trace of the horses and oxen +in the place where he had left them. The fettered animals, however, +could not have gone far.</p> + +<p>They searched for them in the wood, but failed to find them. Ayrton +then returned to the banks of the river, which was bordered by +magnificent mimosas. He uttered a cry well known to his oxen, but +there was no answer. The quartermaster seemed very anxious, and his +companions glanced at each other in dismay.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</a></span></p> + +<p>An hour passed in a vain search, and Glenarvan was returning to the +cart, which was at least a mile off, when a neigh fell upon his ear, +followed almost immediately by a bellow.</p> + +<p>"Here they are!" cried Captain Mangles, forcing his way between the +tall tufts of the gastrolobium, which were high enough to conceal a +whole herd.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Mulready, and Ayrton rushed after him, and soon shared his +astonishment. Two oxen and three horses lay upon the ground, stricken +like the others. Their bodies were already cold, and a flock of hungry +crows, croaking in the mimosas, waited for their unexpected prey.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his friends gazed at each other, and Wilson did not +suppress an oath that rose to his lips.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter, Wilson?" said Lord Glenarvan, scarcely able to +control himself. "We can do nothing. Ayrton, bring the ox and horse +that are left. They must extricate us from the difficulty."</p> + +<p>"If the cart were once out of the mud," replied Captain Mangles, "these +two animals, by short journeys, could draw it to the coast. We must, +therefore, at all events, release the clumsy vehicle."</p> + +<p>"We will try, John," said Glenarvan. "Let us return to camp, for there +must be anxiety at our long absence."</p> + +<p>Ayrton took charge of the ox, and Mulready of the horse, and the party +returned along the winding banks of the river. Half an hour after, +Paganel, MacNabb, Lady Helena, and Miss Grant were told the state of +affairs.</p> + +<p>"By my faith," the major could not help exclaiming, "it is a pity, +Ayrton, that you did not shoe all our animals on crossing the Wimerra."</p> + +<p>"Why so, sir?" asked Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Because of all our horses only the one you put into the hands of the +farrier has escaped the common fate."</p> + +<p>"That is true," said Captain Mangles; "and it is a singular +coincidence!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">MISTAKES AND MISAPPREHENSIONS.</div> + +<p>"A coincidence, and nothing more," replied the quartermaster, gazing +fixedly at the major.</p> + +<p>MacNabb compressed his lips, as if he would repress the words ready +to burst from them. Glenarvan, the captain, and Lady Helena seemed to +expect that he would finish his sentence; but he remained silent, and +walked towards the cart, which Ayrton was now examining.</p> + +<p>"What did he mean?" inquired Glenarvan of Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"I do not know," replied the young captain. "However, the major is not +the man to speak without cause."</p> + +<p>"No," said Lady Helena; "Major MacNabb must have suspicions of Ayrton."</p> + +<p>"What suspicions?" asked Glenarvan. "Does he suppose him capable of +killing our horses and oxen? For what purpose, pray? Are not Ayrton's +interests identical with ours?"</p> + +<p>"You are right, my dear Edward," said Lady Helena. "Besides, the +quartermaster has given us, ever since the beginning of the journey, +indubitable proofs of his devotion to our comfort."</p> + +<p>"True," replied Captain Mangles. "But, then, what does the major's +remark mean? I must have an understanding."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he thinks he is in league with these convicts?" remarked +Paganel, imprudently.</p> + +<p>"What convicts?" inquired Miss Grant.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Paganel is mistaken," said Captain Mangles quickly: "he knows +that there are no convicts in the province of Victoria."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, that is so," eagerly replied Paganel, who would fain have +retracted his words. "What could I have been thinking of? Convicts? Who +ever heard of convicts in Australia? Moreover, as soon as they land, +they make very honest people. The climate, you know, Miss Mary, the +moral effect of the climate——"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</a></span></p> + +<p>In his desire to correct his blunder, the poor geographer became +hopelessly involved. Lady Helena looked at him, wondering what had +deprived him of his usual coolness; but, not wishing to embarrass him +further, she retired with Mary to the tent, where Mr. Olbinett was +engaged in preparing breakfast.</p> + +<p>"I deserve to be transported myself," said Paganel piteously.</p> + +<p>"I think so," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Ayrton and the two sailors were still trying to extricate the cart. +The ox and the horse, yoked side by side, were pulling with all their +strength; the traces were stretched almost to breaking, and the bows +threatened to give way to the strain. Wilson and Mulready pushed at +the wheels, while the quartermaster, with voice and whip, urged on the +ill-matched team. But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now +dry, held it as if it had been cemented.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles wetted the clay to make it yield, but to no purpose: +the cart was immovable. Unless the vehicle was taken to pieces, they +must give up the idea of getting it out of the quagmire. As tools +were wanting, of course they could not undertake such a task. Ayrton, +however, who seemed determined to overcome the difficulty at any cost, +was about to renew his exertions, when Lord Glenarvan stopped him.</p> + +<p>"Enough, Ayrton! enough!" said he. "We must be careful of the ox and +horse that remain. If we are to continue our journey on foot, one can +carry the two ladies and the other the provisions. They may do us good +service yet."</p> + +<p>"Very well, my lord," replied the quartermaster, unyoking his exhausted +animals.</p> + +<p>"Now, my friends," added Glenarvan, "let us return to camp, deliberate, +consider our situation, know what our chances are, and come to a +resolution."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p393.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now dry, +held it as if it had been cemented.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</a></span> +A few minutes after, the travelers were indemnifying themselves for +their sleeplessness the past night by a good breakfast, and the +discussion of their affairs began.</p> + +<p>The first question was to determine the exact position of the +encampment. Paganel was charged with this duty, and fulfilled it with +his customary precision.</p> + +<p>"How far are we from Twofold Bay?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Seventy-five miles," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"And Melbourne is——?"</p> + +<p>"Two hundred miles distant, at least."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Our position being determined," continued Glenarvan, "what +is it best to do?"</p> + +<p>The answer was unanimous,—make for the coast without delay. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant engaged to travel fifteen miles a day. The +courageous women did not shrink from traversing the entire distance on +foot, if necessary.</p> + +<p>"But are we certain to find at the bay the resources that we need?" +asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Without doubt," replied Paganel. "Eden is not a new municipality; and +its harbor must have frequent communication with Melbourne. I even +believe that thirty-five miles from here, at the parish of Delegete, we +can obtain provisions and the means of conveyance."</p> + +<p>"And the Duncan?" asked Ayrton. "Do you not think it advisable to order +her to the bay?"</p> + +<p>"What say you, captain?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I do not think that there is any necessity for such a proceeding," +replied the young captain, after reflection. "There will be plenty of +time to send your orders to Tom Austin and summon him to the coast."</p> + +<p>"That is quite true," added Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Besides," continued Captain Mangles, "in four or five days we shall be +at Eden."</p> + +<p>"Four or five days!" interposed Ayrton, shaking his head; "say fifteen +or twenty, captain, if you do not wish to regret your error hereafter."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">DIFFICULTIES FORESEEN.</div> + +<p>"Fifteen or twenty days to make seventy-five miles!" exclaimed +Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"At least, my lord. You will have to cross the most difficult portion +of Victoria,—plains covered with underbrush, without any cleared +roads, where it has been impossible to establish stations. You will +have to travel with the hatchet or the torch in your hand; and, believe +me, you will not advance rapidly."</p> + +<p>Ayrton's tone was that of a man who is thoroughly acquainted with his +subject. Paganel, towards whom questioning glances were turned, nodded +approvingly at the words of the quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"I acknowledge the difficulties," said Captain Mangles, at length. +"Well, in fifteen days, my lord, you can send your orders to the +Duncan."</p> + +<p>"I may add," resumed Ayrton, "that the principal obstacles do not +proceed from the roughness of the journey. We must cross the Snowy, +and, very probably, have to wait for the subsidence of the waters."</p> + +<p>"Wait!" cried the captain. "Can we not find a ford?"</p> + +<p>"I think not," replied Ayrton. "This morning I searched in vain for a +practicable one. It is unusual to find a river so much swollen at this +season; it is a fatality against which I am powerless."</p> + +<p>"This Snowy River is broad, then?" remarked Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Broad and deep, madam," answered Ayrton; "a mile in breadth, with a +strong current. A good swimmer could not cross it without danger."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, let us build a boat!" cried Robert, who was never at fault +for a plan. "We can cut down a tree, hollow it out, embark, and the +thing is done."</p> + +<p>"Good for the son of Captain Grant!" replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"The boy is right," continued Captain Mangles. "We shall be forced +to this. I therefore think it useless to waste our time in further +discussions."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What do you think, Ayrton?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I think, my lord, that if no assistance comes, in a month we shall +still be detained on the banks of the Snowy."</p> + +<p>"But have you a better plan?" inquired Captain Mangles, somewhat +impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Yes; let the Duncan leave Melbourne, and sail to the eastern coast."</p> + +<p>"How can her presence in the bay assist us to arrive there?"</p> + +<p>Ayrton meditated for a few moments, and then said, evasively:</p> + +<p>"I do not wish to obtrude my opinion. What I do is for the interest +of all, and I am disposed to start as soon as your lordship gives the +signal for departure."</p> + +<p>Then he folded his arms.</p> + +<p>"That is no answer, Ayrton," continued Glenarvan. "Tell us your plan, +and we will discuss it. What do you propose?"</p> + +<p>In a calm and confident tone the quartermaster thereupon expressed +himself as follows:</p> + +<p>"I propose that we do not venture beyond the Snowy in our present +destitute condition. We must wait for assistance in this very place, +and this assistance can come only from the Duncan. Let us encamp here +where provisions are not wanting, while one of us carries to Tom Austin +the order to repair to Twofold Bay."</p> + +<p>This unexpected proposal was received with a murmur of astonishment, +and Captain Mangles took no pains to conceal his aversion.</p> + +<p>"In the mean time," continued Ayrton, "either the waters of the Snowy +will have subsided, which will enable us to find a practicable ford, or +we shall have to resort to a boat, and shall have time to construct it. +This, my lord, is the plan which I submit to your approval."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p397.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"If it please your lordship, I will go."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</a></span> +"Very well, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan; "your idea deserves to be +seriously considered. Its greatest objection is the delay it will +cause; but it spares us severe hardships, and perhaps real dangers. +What do you think, friends?"</p> + +<p>"Let us hear your advice, major," said Lady Helena. "During the whole +discussion you have contented yourself with listening simply."</p> + +<p>"Since you ask my opinion," answered the major, "I will give it to you +very frankly. Ayrton seems to me to have spoken like a wise and prudent +man, and I advocate his proposition."</p> + +<p>This answer was rather unexpected; for hitherto MacNabb had always +opposed Ayrton's ideas on this subject. Ayrton, too, was surprised, +and cast a quick glance at the major. Paganel, Lady Helena, and the +sailors had been favorably disposed to the quartermaster's project, and +no longer hesitated after MacNabb's declaration. Glenarvan, therefore, +announced that Ayrton's plan was adopted.</p> + +<p>"And now, captain," added he, "do you not think that prudence dictates +this course, and that we should encamp on the banks of the river while +waiting for the means of conveyance?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Captain Mangles, "if the messenger succeeds in crossing +the Snowy, which we cannot cross ourselves."</p> + +<p>All looked at the quartermaster, who smiled with the air of a man who +knows perfectly well what he is about to do.</p> + +<p>"The messenger will not cross the river," said he.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"He will strike the Lucknow road, which will take him direct to +Melbourne."</p> + +<p>"Two hundred miles on foot!" exclaimed the captain.</p> + +<p>"On horseback," continued Ayrton. "There is one good horse left. It +will be a journey of but four days. Add two days for the Duncan to +reach the bay, twenty-four hours for the return to the encampment, and +in a week the messenger will be back again with the crew."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE.</div> + +<p>The major again nodded approvingly at these words, to the great +astonishment of Captain Mangles. But the quartermaster's proposition +had gained all the votes, and the only question was how to execute this +apparently well-conceived plan.</p> + +<p>"Now, my friends," said Glenarvan, "it remains only to choose our +messenger. He will have a difficult and dangerous mission; that is +certain. Who is willing to devote himself for his companions, and carry +our instructions to Melbourne?"</p> + +<p>Wilson, Mulready, Captain Mangles, Paganel, and Robert offered +themselves immediately. The captain particularly insisted that this +mission should be confided to him; but Ayrton, who had not yet +finished, resumed the conversation, and said:</p> + +<p>"If it please your lordship, I will go. I am acquainted with the +country, and have often crossed more difficult regions. I can extricate +myself where another would fail. I therefore claim, for the common +welfare, the right to go to Melbourne. One word will place me on a good +footing with your mate, and in six days I engage to bring the Duncan to +Twofold Bay."</p> + +<p>"Well said!" replied Glenarvan. "You are a brave and intelligent man, +Ayrton, and will succeed."</p> + +<p>The quartermaster was evidently more capable than any one else of +fulfilling this difficult mission. Captain Mangles raised one final +objection, that Ayrton's presence was necessary to enable them to +find traces of the Brittania or Captain Grant; but the major observed +that they should remain encamped on the banks of the Snowy till the +messenger's return, that it was not proposed to resume the search +without him, and that consequently his absence could be in no way +prejudicial to their interests.</p> + +<p>"Well then, Ayrton, start," said Glenarvan. "Make haste, and return to +the encampment by way of Eden."</p> + +<p>A gleam of satisfaction seemed to light up the eyes of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</a></span> the +quartermaster. He turned his head to one side, though not so quickly +but that Captain Mangles had intercepted his glance, and instinctively +felt his suspicions increased.</p> + +<p>The quartermaster made his preparations for departure, aided by the +two sailors, one of whom attended to his horse, and the other to his +provisions. Meantime Glenarvan wrote the letter designed for Tom Austin.</p> + +<p>He ordered the mate of the Duncan to repair without delay to Twofold +Bay, and recommended the quartermaster to him as a man in whom he could +place entire confidence. As soon as he arrived at the bay, he was to +send a detachment of sailors under the command of Ayrton.</p> + +<p>He had just reached this part of his letter, when the major, who had +been looking over his shoulder, asked him, in a singular tone, how he +wrote the word Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"As it is pronounced," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"That is a mistake," said the major coolly. "It is pronounced Ayrton, +but it is written 'Ben Joyce'!"</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLI" id="CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE PLOT UNVEILED.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The sound of the name of Ben Joyce fell upon the party like a +thunderbolt. Ayrton suddenly sprang to his feet. In his hand was a +revolver. A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a bullet.</p> + +<p>Before Captain Mangles and the sailors recovered from the surprise into +which this unexpected turn of affairs had thrown them, the audacious +convict had escaped, and joined his band, scattered along the edge of +the wood of gum-trees.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p401.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a +bullet.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</a></span> +The tent did not offer a sufficient shelter against the bullets, and +it was clearly necessary to beat a retreat. Glenarvan, who was but +slightly injured, had risen.</p> + +<p>"To the cart! to the cart!" cried Captain Mangles, as he hurried on +Lady Helena and Mary Grant, who were soon in safety behind its stout +sides.</p> + +<p>The captain, the major, Paganel, and the sailors then seized their +rifles, and stood ready to repel the convicts. Glenarvan and Robert had +joined the ladies, while Olbinett hastened to the common defence.</p> + +<p>These events had transpired with the rapidity of lightning. Captain +Mangles attentively watched the edge of the wood; but the reports +suddenly ceased on the arrival of Ben Joyce, and a profound silence +succeeded the noisy fusillade. A few wreaths of white smoke were still +curling up between the branches of the gum-trees, but the tall tufts of +gastrolobium were motionless and all signs of attack had disappeared.</p> + +<p>The major and Captain Mangles extended their examinations as far as the +great trees. The place was abandoned. Numerous footprints were seen, +and a few half-burnt cartridges smoked on the ground. The major, like +a prudent man, extinguished them, for a spark was enough to kindle a +formidable conflagration in this forest of dry trees.</p> + +<p>"The convicts have disappeared," said Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the major; "and this disappearance alarms me. I should +prefer to meet them face to face. It is better to encounter a tiger in +the open plain than a serpent in the grass. Let us search these bushes +around the cart."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNRAVELINGS.</div> + +<p>The major and captain scoured the surrounding country. But from the +edge of the wood to the banks of the Snowy they did not meet with a +single convict. Ben Joyce's band seemed to have flown away, like a +flock of mischievous birds. This disappearance was too strange to +inspire a perfect security. They therefore resolved to keep on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</a></span> +watch. The cart, which was a really immovable fortress, became the +centre of the encampment, and two men kept guard, relieving each other +every hour.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Mary Grant's first care had been to dress Glenarvan's +wound. At the very moment that her husband fell, from Ben Joyce's +bullet, in her terror she had rushed towards him. Then, controlling +her emotion, this courageous woman had assisted Glenarvan to the cart. +Here the shoulder of the wounded man was laid bare, and the major +perceived that the ball had lacerated the flesh, causing no other +injury. Neither bones nor large muscles seemed affected. The wound bled +considerably, but Glenarvan, by moving the fingers of his hand and +fore-arm, encouraged his friends to expect a favorable result. When his +wound was dressed, he no longer desired any attention, and explanations +followed. The travelers, except Wilson and Mulready, who were keeping +guard outside, had taken seats as well as possible in the cart, and the +major was requested to speak.</p> + +<p>Before beginning his story, he informed Lady Helena of the escape of +a band of convicts from Perth, their appearance in the province of +Victoria, and their complicity in the railway disaster. He gave her +the number of the <i>Australian and New Zealand Gazette</i> purchased at +Seymour, and added that the police had set a price on the head of Ben +Joyce, a formidable bandit, whom eighteen months of crime had given a +wide-spread notoriety.</p> + +<p>But how had MacNabb recognized this Ben Joyce in the quartermaster +Ayrton? Here was the mystery that all wished to solve; and the major +explained.</p> + +<p>Since the day of his meeting with Ayrton he had suspected him. Two or +three almost insignificant circumstances, a glance exchanged between +the quartermaster and the farrier at Wimerra River, Ayrton's hesitation +to pass through the towns and villages, his strong wish to order the +Duncan to the coast, the strange death of the animals<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</a></span> confided to his +care, and, finally, a want of frankness in his actions,—all these +facts, gradually noticed, had roused the major's suspicions.</p> + +<p>However, he could form no direct accusation until the events that had +transpired the preceding night. Gliding between the tall clumps of +shrubbery, as was related in the previous chapter, he approached near +the suspicious shadows that had attracted his attention half a mile +from the encampment. The phosphorescent plants cast their pale rays +through the darkness. Three men were examining some tracks on the +ground, and among them he recognized the farrier of Black Point Station.</p> + +<p>"Here they are," said one.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied another, "here is the trefoil of the hoofs again."</p> + +<p>"It has been like this since leaving the Wimerra."</p> + +<p>"All the horses are dead."</p> + +<p>"The poison is not far away."</p> + +<p>"There is enough here to settle an entire troop of cavalry. This +gastrolobium is a useful plant."</p> + +<p>"Then they were silent," added MacNabb, "and departed. I wanted to know +more: I followed them. The conversation soon began again. 'A cunning +man, this Ben Joyce,' said the farrier; 'a famous quartermaster, with +his invented shipwreck. If his plan succeeds, it will be a stroke of +fortune. Devilish Ayrton! Call him Ben Joyce, for he has well earned +his name.' These rascals then left the wood of gum-trees. I knew what +I wished, and returned to the encampment with the certainty that all +the convicts in Australia are not reformed, in spite of Paganel's +arguments."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Glenarvan, whose face was pale with anger, "Ayrton has +brought us here to rob and assassinate us?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the major.</p> + +<p>"And, since leaving the Wimerra, his band has followed and watched us, +waiting for a favorable opportunity?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">FROM DEPTH TO DEPTH.</div> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"But this wretch is not, then, a sailor of the Britannia? He has stolen +his name and contract?"</p> + +<p>All eyes were turned towards MacNabb, who must have considered this +matter.</p> + +<p>"These," replied he, in his calm voice, "are the proofs that can be +derived from this obscure state of affairs. In my opinion this man's +real name is Ayrton. Ben Joyce is his fighting title. It is certain +that he knows Harry Grant, and has been quartermaster on board the +Britannia. These facts, proved already by the precise details given +by Ayrton, are still further corroborated by the conversation of the +convicts that I have related. Let us not, therefore, be led astray +by vain conjectures, but only be certain that Ayrton is Ben Joyce, a +sailor of the Britannia, now chief of a band of convicts."</p> + +<p>The major's explanation was accepted as conclusive.</p> + +<p>"Now," replied Glenarvan, "will you tell me how and why Harry Grant's +quartermaster is in Australia?"</p> + +<p>"How, I do not know," said MacNabb; "and the police declare they know +no more than I on the subject. Why, it is also impossible for me to +say. Here is a mystery that the future will explain."</p> + +<p>"The police do not even know the identity of Ayrton and Ben Joyce," +said Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"You are right, John," replied the major; "and such information would +be likely to facilitate their search."</p> + +<p>"This unfortunate, then," remarked Lady Helena, "intruded into +O'Moore's farm with a criminal intention?"</p> + +<p>"There is no doubt of it," continued MacNabb. "He was meditating +some hostile attack upon the Irishman, when a better opportunity was +offered. Chance threw us in his way. He heard Glenarvan's story of the +shipwreck, and, like a bold man, he promptly decided to take part in +the expedition. At the Wimerra he communicated with one of his friends, +the farrier of Black Point, and thus left<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</a></span> distinguishable traces of +our course. His band followed us. A poisonous plant enabled him to +gradually kill our oxen and horses. Then, at the proper moment, he +entangled us in the marshes of the Snowy, and surrendered us to the +convicts he commanded."</p> + +<p>Everything possible had been said concerning Ben Joyce. His past had +just been reviewed by the major, and the wretch appeared as he was,—a +bold and formidable criminal. His intentions had been clearly proved, +and required, on the part of Glenarvan, extreme vigilance. Fortunately, +there was less to fear from the detected bandit than the secret traitor.</p> + +<p>But one serious fact appeared from this explanation. No one had yet +thought of it; only Mary Grant, disregarding the past, looked forward +to the future. Captain Mangles first saw her pale and disconsolate. He +understood what was passing in her mind.</p> + +<p>"Miss Mary!" cried he, "you are weeping!"</p> + +<p>"What is the matter, my child?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"My father, madam, my father!" replied the young girl.</p> + +<p>She could not continue. But a sudden revelation dawned on the mind of +each. They comprehended Mary's grief, why the tears flowed from her +eyes, why the name of her father rose to her lips.</p> + +<p>The discovery of Ayrton's treachery destroyed all hope. The convict, to +entice Glenarvan on, had invented a shipwreck. In their conversation, +overheard by MacNabb, his accomplices had clearly confessed it. The +Britannia had never been wrecked on the reefs of Twofold Bay! Harry +Grant had never set foot on the Australian continent!</p> + +<p>For the second time an erroneous interpretation of the document had set +the searchers of the Britannia on a false trail. All, in the face of +this situation and the grief of the two children, preserved a mournful +silence. Who then could have found words of hope? Robert wept in his +sister's arms. Paganel murmured, in a voice of despair,—</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">CALM AND CLOUDINESS.</div> + +<p>"Ah, unlucky document! You can boast of having sorely puzzled the +brains of a dozen brave people!"</p> + +<p>And the worthy geographer was fairly furious against himself, and +frantically beat his forehead.</p> + +<p>In the mean time Glenarvan had joined Mulready and Wilson, who were on +guard without. A deep silence reigned on the plain lying between the +wood and the river. Heavy clouds covered the vault of the sky. In this +deadened and torpid atmosphere the least sound would have been clearly +transmitted; but nothing was heard. Ben Joyce and his band must have +fled to a considerable distance; for flocks of birds that sported on +the low branches of the trees, several kangaroos peacefully browsing on +the young shoots, and a pair of cassowaries, whose unsuspecting heads +were thrust between the tall bushes, proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes.</p> + +<p>"You have not seen nor heard anything for an hour?" inquired Glenarvan +of the two sailors.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, my lord," replied Wilson. "The convicts must be several miles +away."</p> + +<p>"They cannot have been in sufficient force to attack us," added +Mulready. "This Ben Joyce probably intended to recruit some bandits, +like himself, among the bushrangers that wander at the foot of the +Alps."</p> + +<p>"Very likely, Mulready," replied Glenarvan. "These rascals are cowards. +They know we are well armed, and are perhaps waiting for darkness to +commence their attack. We must redouble our vigilance at nightfall. If +we could only leave this marshy plain and pursue our journey towards +the coast! But the swollen waters of the river bar our progress. I +would pay its weight in gold for a raft that would transport us to the +other side!"</p> + +<p>"Why," said Wilson, "does not your lordship give us the order to +construct this raft? There is plenty of wood."</p> + +<p>"No, Wilson," answered Glenarvan; "this Snowy is not a river, it is an +impassable torrent."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p408.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A pair of cassowaries proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">READINESS FOR SERVICE.</div> + +<p>At this moment Captain Mangles, the major, and Paganel joined +Glenarvan. They had been to examine the Snowy. The waters, swollen by +the recent rains, had risen a foot above low-water mark, and formed +an impetuous current. It was impossible to venture upon this roaring +deluge, these rushing floods, broken into a thousand eddies by the +depressions of the river-bed. Captain Mangles declared that the passage +was impracticable.</p> + +<p>"But," added he, "we ought not to remain here without making any +attempt. What we wished to do before Ayrton's treason is still more +necessary now."</p> + +<p>"What do you say, captain?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I say that assistance is needed; and since we cannot go to Twofold +Bay, we must go to Melbourne. One horse is left. Let your lordship give +him to me, and I will go."</p> + +<p>"But it is a perilous venture, John," said Glenarvan. "Aside from the +dangers of this journey of two hundred miles across an unknown country, +all the roads may be guarded by Ben Joyce's accomplices."</p> + +<p>"I know it, my lord; but I know, too, that our situation cannot be +prolonged. Ayrton only asked eight days' absence to bring back the crew +of the Duncan. But I will return in six days to the banks of the Snowy. +What are your lordship's orders?"</p> + +<p>"Before Glenarvan speaks," said Paganel, "I must make a remark. It is +well that one of us should go to Melbourne, but not that these dangers +should be incurred by Captain Mangles. He is the captain of the Duncan, +and must not, therefore, expose himself. Allow me to go in his place."</p> + +<p>"Well said," replied the major; "but why should it be you, Paganel?"</p> + +<p>"Are we not here?" cried Wilson and Mulready.</p> + +<p>"And do you believe," continued MacNabb, "that I am afraid to make a +journey of two hundred miles on horseback?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My friends," said Glenarvan, "if one of us is to go to Melbourne, let +fate decide. Paganel, write our names——"</p> + +<p>"Not yours at least, my lord," insisted Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"And why?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Separate you from Lady Helena, when your wound is not yet healed?"</p> + +<p>"Glenarvan," interposed Paganel, "you cannot leave the encampment."</p> + +<p>"No," resumed the major; "your place is here. Edward, you must not go."</p> + +<p>"There are dangers to incur," replied Glenarvan; "and I will not leave +my part to others. Write, Paganel; let my name be mingled with those of +my companions, and Heaven grant that it may be the first drawn."</p> + +<p>All yielded to this wish; and Glenarvan's name was added to the others. +They then proceeded to draw, and the lot fell upon Mulready. The brave +sailor uttered a cry of joy.</p> + +<p>"My lord, I am ready to go," said he.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan clasped his hand, and then turned towards the cart, leaving +the major and Captain Mangles to guard the encampment. Lady Helena +was at once informed of the decision taken to send a messenger to +Melbourne, and of the result of the drawing by lot. She spoke words to +Mulready that went to the heart of that noble sailor. They knew that he +was brave, intelligent, hardy, and persevering. The lot could not have +fallen better.</p> + +<p>It was decided that Mulready should depart at eight o'clock, after the +short twilight. Wilson charged himself with getting the horse ready. He +took the precaution to change the tell-tale shoe that he wore on his +left foot, and to replace it by one belonging to the horses that had +died in the night. The convicts could not now track Mulready, or follow +him, unless mounted.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANOTHER DISTRACTION.</div> + +<p>While Wilson was occupied with these arrangements, Glenarvan was +preparing the letter designed for Tom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</a></span> Austin; but his wounded arm +disabled him, and he asked Paganel to write for him. The geographer, +who seemed absorbed in one idea, was oblivious to what was passing +around him. It must be confessed that Paganel, in all this succession +of sad misfortunes, thought only of his false interpretation of the +document. He turned the words about in every way to draw from them a +new meaning, and remained wrapt in these meditations. Thus he did not +hear Glenarvan's request, and the latter was forced to repeat it.</p> + +<p>"Very well," replied Paganel; "I am ready."</p> + +<p>So saying, he mechanically produced his note-book. He tore out a blank +page, and then, with his pencil in his hand, made ready to write. +Glenarvan began to dictate the following instructions:</p> + +<p>"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan——"</p> + +<p>Paganel had just finished this last word when his eyes fell upon the +number of the <i>Australian and New Zealand Gazette</i> that lay upon the +ground. The paper, being folded, only allowed him to see the two last +syllables of its title. His pencil stopped, and he seemed to completely +forget Glenarvan and his letter.</p> + +<p>"Well, Paganel?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" continued the geographer, uttering a cry.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" asked the major.</p> + +<p>"Nothing! nothing!" replied Paganel. Then, in a lower tone, he +repeated: "Aland! aland! aland!"</p> + +<p>He had risen; he had seized the paper. He shook it, seeking to +repress words ready to escape his lips. Lady Helena, Mary, Robert, +and Glenarvan gazed at him without understanding this inexplicable +agitation. Paganel was like a man whom a sudden frenzy has seized. But +this state of nervous excitation did not last. He gradually grew calm. +The joy that gleamed in his eyes died away, and, resuming his place, he +said, in a quiet tone:</p> + +<p>"When you wish, my lord, I am at your disposal."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan continued the dictation of his letter, which was distinctly +worded as follows:</p> + +<p>"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan to the +eastern coast of Australia."</p> + +<p>"Australia?" cried Paganel. "Ah, yes, Australia!"</p> + +<p>The letter was now finished, and presented to Glenarvan for his +signature, who, although affected by his recent wound, acquitted +himself as well as possible of this formality. The note was then +folded and sealed, while Paganel, with a hand that still trembled from +excitement, wrote the following address:</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 20%;">"Tom Austin,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 25%;">"Mate of the Yacht Duncan,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 30%;">"Melbourne."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Thereupon he left the cart, gesticulating, and repeating these +incomprehensible words:</p> + +<p>"Aland! aland! Zealand!"</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLII" id="CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII.</a></h4> + +<h3>FOUR DAYS OF ANGUISH.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The rest of the day passed without any other incident. Everything was +ready for the departure of Mulready, who was happy to give his master +this proof of his devotion.</p> + +<p>Paganel had regained his coolness and accustomed manners. His look +still indicated an uneasy state of mind, but he appeared decided to +keep his secret. He had doubtless strong reasons for acting thus, +for the major overheard him repeating these words, like a man who is +struggling with himself:</p> + +<p>"No, no! they would not believe me! And, besides what use is it? It is +too late!"</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p413.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon +disappeared by a path along the edge of the wood.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</a></span> +This resolution taken, he occupied himself with giving Mulready the +necessary directions for reaching Melbourne, and, with the map before +him, marked out his course. All the trails of the prairie converged +towards the Lucknow road, which, after extending straight southward to +the coast, suddenly turned in the direction towards Melbourne. It was +simply necessary to follow this, and not attempt to cross the unknown +country. Mulready could not, therefore, go astray. As for dangers, they +lay only a few miles beyond the encampment, where Ben Joyce and his +band were probably lying in wait. This point once passed, Mulready was +sure he could easily distance the convicts and accomplish his important +mission.</p> + +<p>At six o'clock supper was eaten in common. A heavy rain was falling. +The tent no longer afforded sufficient shelter, and each had taken +refuge in the cart, which was a safe retreat. The sticky clay held +it in its place as firm as a fort on its foundations. The fire-arms +consisted of seven rifles and seven revolvers, and thus enabled +them to sustain a long siege, for neither ammunition nor provisions +were wanting. In six days the Duncan would anchor in Twofold Bay. +Twenty-four hours after, her crew would reach the opposite bank of +the river; and, if the passage was not then practicable, at least the +convicts would be compelled to retreat before superior forces. But, +first of all, it was necessary that Mulready should succeed in his +enterprise.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock the darkness became intense. It was the time to start. +The horse was brought out. His feet had been muffled; as an additional +precaution, and made no sound. The animal seemed fatigued, but upon +his surefootedness and endurance depended the safety of all. The +major advised the sailor to spare his beast as soon as he was out of +reach of the convicts. It was better to lose half a day and reach his +destination safely. Captain Mangles gave him a revolver, which he had +loaded with the greatest care. Mulready mounted.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A GLOOMY PROSPECT.</div> + +<p>"Here is the letter which you are to take to Tom Austin," said +Glenarvan. "Let him not lose an hour, but start for Twofold Bay; and, +if he does not find us there, if we have not crossed the river, let him +come to us without delay. Now go, my brave sailor, and may God guide +you!"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Lady Helena, Mary Grant, all clasped Mulready's hand. This +departure on a dark and stormy night, over a road beset with dangers, +across the unknown stretches of a desert, would have appalled a heart +less courageous than that of the sailor.</p> + +<p>"Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon disappeared by a +path along the edge of the wood.</p> + +<p>At that moment the tempest redoubled its violence. The lofty branches +of the trees shook dismally in the darkness. You could hear the fall of +the dry twigs on the drenched earth. More than one giant tree, whose +sap was gone, but which had stood till then, fell during this terrible +hurricane. The wind roared amid the cracking of the trees and mingled +its mournful sounds with the rushing of the river. The heavy clouds +that chased across the sky poured forth masses of mist, while a dismal +darkness increased still more the horrors of the night.</p> + +<p>The travelers, after Mulready's departure, ensconced themselves in the +cart. Lady Helena, Mary Grant, Glenarvan, and Paganel occupied the +front compartment, which had been made water-tight. In the rear part +Olbinett, Wilson, and Robert had found a sufficient shelter, while the +major and Captain Mangles were on guard without. This precaution was +necessary, for an attack by the convicts was easy and possible.</p> + +<p>These two faithful guardians, therefore, took turns and philosophically +received the blasts that blew sharply in their faces. They strove to +pierce with their eyes the shades so favorable for an ambuscade, for +the ear could detect nothing amid the din of the storm, the roaring of +the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</a></span> wind, the rattling of the branches, the fall of trees, and the +rushing of the impetuous waters.</p> + +<p>In the mean time there were several lulls in the fury of the tempest, +the wind ceasing as if to take breath. The river only moaned adown +the motionless reeds and the black curtain of the gum-trees, and the +silence seemed more profound during these momentary rests. The major +and Captain Mangles now listened attentively. During one of these +intervals a sharp whistle reached their ears.</p> + +<p>The captain hastened to the major. "Did you hear anything?" asked he.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied MacNabb. "Was it a man or an animal?"</p> + +<p>"A man," said the captain.</p> + +<p>They both listened again. The mysterious whistle was suddenly repeated, +and something like a report followed it, but almost inaudibly, for the +storm just then broke forth with renewed violence. They could not hear +themselves talk, and took their stations to leeward of the cart.</p> + +<p>At this moment the leathern curtains were raised, and Glenarvan joined +his two companions. He likewise had heard the suspicious whistle, and +the report.</p> + +<p>"From what direction?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yonder," said the captain, pointing to the dark line, towards which +Mulready had gone.</p> + +<p>"How far?"</p> + +<p>"The wind carried it," was the reply. "It must be three miles distant +at least."</p> + +<p>"Let us go!" said Glenarvan, throwing his rifle over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"No," interposed the major; "it is a decoy to entice us away from the +cart."</p> + +<p>"But if Mulready has fallen beneath the shots of these wretches!" +continued Glenarvan, seizing MacNabb's hand.</p> + +<p>"We shall know to-morrow," replied the latter, firmly determined to +prevent Glenarvan from committing a useless imprudence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A CRY IN THE NIGHT.</div> + +<p>"You cannot leave the encampment, my lord," said Captain Mangles; "I +will go alone."</p> + +<p>"No!" cried MacNabb, with energy. "Will you have us, then, perish +singly, diminish our numbers, and be left to the mercy of these +criminals? If Mulready has been their victim, it is a calamity that we +must not repeat a second time. He has gone according to lot. If the lot +had chosen me, I should have gone like him, but should neither have +asked nor expected any assistance."</p> + +<p>In restraining Glenarvan and Captain Mangles the major was right from +every point of view. To attempt to reach the sailor, to go on such +a dark night to meet the convicts, ambuscaded in some coppice, was +useless madness. Glenarvan's little party did not number enough men to +sacrifice any more.</p> + +<p>However, Glenarvan seemed unwilling to yield to these reasons. His +hand played nervously with his rifle. He walked to and fro around the +cart; he listened to the least sound; he strove to pierce the dismal +obscurity. The thought that one of his friends was mortally wounded, +helplessly abandoned, calling in vain upon those for whose sake he +had sacrificed himself, tortured him. MacNabb feared that he should +not succeed in restraining him, that Glenarvan, carried away by his +feelings, would cast himself into the power of Ben Joyce.</p> + +<p>"Edward," said he, "be calm; listen to a friend; think of Lady Helena, +Mary Grant, all who remain! Besides, where will you go? Where find +Mulready? He was attacked two miles distant at least. On what road? +What path take?"</p> + +<p>At this very moment, as if in answer to the major, a cry of distress +was heard.</p> + +<p>"Listen!" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The cry came from the very direction whence the report had sounded, but +less than a quarter of a mile distant. Glenarvan, pushing back MacNabb, +was advancing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</a></span> along the path, when, not far from the cart, these words +were uttered:</p> + +<p>"Help! help!"</p> + +<p>It was a plaintive and despairing voice. Captain Mangles and the major +rushed towards it. In a few moments they perceived, on the edge of +the coppice, a human form that was dragging itself along and groaning +piteously. It was Mulready, wounded and half dead. When his companions +raised him, they felt their hands dabbling in blood. The rain now +increased, and the wind howled through the branches of the dead trees. +In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the major, and the +captain bore the body of Mulready.</p> + +<p>On arriving at the cart, Paganel, Robert, Wilson, and Olbinett came +out, and Lady Helena gave up her room to the poor sailor. The major +took off Mulready's vest, wet with blood and rain. He discovered the +wound. It was a poniard stab, which the unfortunate had received in his +right side.</p> + +<p>MacNabb dressed it skillfully. Whether the weapon had reached the vital +parts, he could not say. A stream of bright-red blood spurted forth, +while the paleness and the swoon of the wounded man proved that he had +been seriously injured. The major accordingly placed upon the opening +of the wound, after first washing it with fresh water, a thick wad of +tinder, and then a few layers of lint, confined by a bandage, and thus +succeeded in stopping the hemorrhage. The patient was then laid on his +side, his head and breast raised, and Lady Helena gave him a refreshing +draught.</p> + +<p>At the end of a quarter of an hour, the wounded man, who had been +motionless till then, made a movement. His eyes half opened, his lips +murmured disconnected words, and the major, putting down his ear, heard +him say:</p> + +<p>"My lord—the letter—Ben Joyce——"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[Pg 419]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A DAY OF DOUBT.</div> + +<p>The major repeated these words, and glanced at his companions. What did +Mulready mean? Ben Joyce had attacked the sailor, but why? Was it not +simply for the purpose of preventing him from reaching the Duncan? This +letter—Glenarvan examined the sailor's pockets. The letter addressed +to Tom Austin was gone.</p> + +<p>The night passed in anxiety and anguish. They feared every moment that +the wounded man would die. A burning fever consumed him. Lady Helena +and Mary Grant, as though his sisters, did not leave him; never was +patient better nursed, or by more tender hands.</p> + +<p>Day appeared. The rain had ceased. Heavy clouds still rolled along +the vault of the sky, and the earth was strewn with the fragments of +branches. The clay, soaked by floods of water, had yielded; and the +sides of the cart became unsteady, but sank no deeper.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, Paganel, and Glenarvan took a tour of exploration +around the camp. They traversed the path still marked with blood, but +found no trace of Ben Joyce or his band. They went to the place where +the attack had been made. Here two corpses lay on the ground, shot +by Mulready. One was the farrier of Black Point. His face, which had +mortified, was a horrible sight.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan did not pursue his investigations farther, prudence +forbidding. He therefore returned to the cart, much alarmed by the +seriousness of the situation.</p> + +<p>"We cannot think of sending another messenger to Melbourne," said he.</p> + +<p>"But we must," replied Captain Mangles; "and I will make the attempt, +since my sailor has failed."</p> + +<p>"No, John. You have not even a horse to carry you these two hundred +miles."</p> + +<p>Indeed, Mulready's horse, the only one that remained, had not +reappeared. Had he fallen beneath the shots of the murderers? Was he +running wild over the desert? Had the convicts captured him?</p> + + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[Pg 420]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p420.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the +major, and the captain bore the body of Mulready.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[Pg 421]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">RESOLUTION, AND RECOVERY.</div> + +<p>"Whatever happens," continued Glenarvan, "we will separate no more. +Let us wait eight or fifteen days, till the waters of the river resume +their natural level. We will then reach Twofold Bay by short journeys, +and from there send to the Duncan by a surer way the order to sail for +the coast."</p> + +<p>"This is the only feasible plan," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, my friends," resumed Glenarvan, "no more separation! A +man risks too much to venture alone across this desert, infested with +bandits. And now may God save our poor sailor and protect ourselves!"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was right in both resolves, first to forbid any single +attempt to cross the plains, and next to wait patiently on the banks +of the river for a practicable passage. Scarcely thirty-five miles +separated them from Delegete, the first frontier town of New South +Wales, where they would find means of reaching Twofold Bay. From this +point he could telegraph his orders to the Duncan.</p> + +<p>These measures were wise, but they had been adopted rather tardily. If +they had not sent Mulready with the letter, what misfortunes would have +been avoided, not to speak of the attack upon the sailor!</p> + +<p>On arriving at the camp, Glenarvan found his companions less anxious; +they seemed to have regained hope.</p> + +<p>"He is better!" cried Robert, running to meet him.</p> + +<p>"Mulready?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Edward," replied Lady Helena. "A reaction has taken place. The +major is more encouraged. Our sailor will live."</p> + +<p>"Where is MacNabb?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"With him. Mulready wished to speak with him. We must not disturb them."</p> + +<p>Indeed, within an hour the wounded man had rallied from his swoon, and +the fever had diminished. But the sailor's first care, on recovering +memory and speech was to ask for Lord Glenarvan, or, in his absence, +the major<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[Pg 422]</a></span> MacNabb, seeing him so feeble, would have forbidden all +conversation; but Mulready insisted with such energy that he was forced +to yield. The interview had already lasted some time, and they were +only waiting for the major's report.</p> + +<p>Soon the curtains of the cart moved, and he appeared. He joined his +friends at the foot of a gum-tree. His face, usually so calm, betokened +a serious anxiety. When his eyes encountered Lady Helena and the young +girl, they expressed a deep sadness. Glenarvan questioned him, and +learned what the sailor had related.</p> + +<p>On leaving the encampment, Mulready had followed one of the paths +indicated by Paganel. He hastened, as much at least as the darkness of +the night permitted him. According to his estimate, he had traveled a +distance of about two miles, when several men—five, he thought—sprang +to his horse's head. The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver +and fired. He thought that two of his assailants fell. By the flash of +the report, he recognized Ben Joyce, but that was all. He had not time +to fully discharge his weapon. A violent blow was struck upon his right +side, which brought him to the ground. However, he had not yet lost +consciousness. The assassins believed him dead. He felt them search +him. Then a conversation ensued. "I have the letter," said one of them. +"Give it to me," replied Ben Joyce; "and now the Duncan is ours!"</p> + +<p>At this point in the story Glenarvan could not restrain a cry.</p> + +<p>MacNabb continued:</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A HOPELESS CHANCE.</div> + +<p>"'Now, you others,' said Ben Joyce, 'catch the horse. In two days I +shall be on board the Duncan, and in six at Twofold Bay. There is the +place of meeting. The lord's party will be still fast in the marshes +of the Snowy. Cross the river at Kemple Pier bridge, go to the coast, +and wait for me. I will find means to bring you on board. With the +crew once at sea, and a vessel like the Duncan, we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[Pg 423]</a></span> shall be masters +of the Indian Ocean.' 'Hurrah for Ben Joyce!' cried the convicts. +Mulready's horse was then led up, and Ben Joyce disappeared at a gallop +on the Lucknow road, while the band proceeded southeastward to the +Snowy River. Mulready, although severely wounded, had strength to drag +himself within two hundred paces of the encampment, where we picked him +up almost dead. This," added MacNabb, "is Mulready's sad story. You +understand now why the courageous sailor wished so much to speak."</p> + +<p>This revelation terrified all.</p> + +<p>"Pirates! pirates!" cried Glenarvan. "My crew massacred, my Duncan in +the hands of these bandits!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, for Ben Joyce will surprise the vessel," replied the major, "and +then——"</p> + +<p>"Well, we must reach the coast before these wretches," said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"But how cross the Snowy?" asked Wilson.</p> + +<p>"Like them," answered Glenarvan. "They will cross Kemple Pier bridge, +and we will do the same."</p> + +<p>"But what will become of Mulready?" inquired Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"We will take turns in carrying him. Shall I give up my defenceless +crew to Ben Joyce's band?"</p> + +<p>The plan of crossing Kemple Pier bridge was practicable, but perilous. +The convicts might locate themselves at this point to defend it. It +would be at least thirty against seven! But there are moments when we +do not think of these things, when we must advance at all hazards.</p> + +<p>"My lord," said Captain Mangles, at length, "before risking our +last chance, before venturing towards the bridge, it is prudent to +reconnoitre it first. I will undertake this."</p> + +<p>"I will accompany you, captain," replied Paganel.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[Pg 424]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p424.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver and +fired.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">THE BURNED BRIDGE.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[Pg 425]</a></span> +This proposal was accepted, and the captain and Paganel prepared to +start immediately. They were to follow along the bank of the river till +they came to the place indicated by Ben Joyce, and keep out of sight +of the convicts, who were probably lying in wait. These two courageous +men accordingly, well furnished with arms and provisions, set out, and +soon disappeared among the tall rushes of the river.</p> + +<p>All day the little party waited for them. At evening they had not yet +returned, and great fears were entertained. At last, about eleven +o'clock, Wilson announced their approach. They arrived, worn out with +the fatigues of a six-mile journey.</p> + +<p>"The bridge? Is it there?" asked Glenarvan, rushing to meet them.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a bridge of rushes," said Captain Mangles. "The convicts passed, +it is true, but——"</p> + +<p>"But what?" cried Glenarvan, who foresaw a new calamity.</p> + +<p>"They burned it after their passage," replied Paganel.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLIII" id="CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>HELPLESS AND HOPELESS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>It was not the time to despair, but to act. If Kemple Pier bridge was +destroyed, they must cross the Snowy at all events, and reach Twofold +Bay before Ben Joyce's band. They lost no time, therefore, in vain +words; but the next day Captain Mangles and Glenarvan went to examine +the river, preparatory to a passage.</p> + +<p>The tumultuous waters, swollen by the rains, had not subsided. They +whirled along with indescribable fury. It was certain death to brave +this torrent. Glenarvan, with folded arms and lowered head, stood +motionless.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426">[Pg 426]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you wish me to try to swim to the opposite bank?" asked Captain +Mangles.</p> + +<p>"No, John," replied Glenarvan, seizing the bold young man by the hand; +"let us wait."</p> + +<p>They both returned to the encampment. The day was passed in the most +lively anxiety. Ten times did Glenarvan return to the river. He sought +to contrive some bold plan of crossing it, but in vain. It would not +have been more impassable if a torrent of lava had flowed between its +banks.</p> + +<p>During these long hours of delay, Lady Helena, with the major's +assistance, bestowed upon Mulready the most skillful care. The sailor +felt that he was returning to life. MacNabb ventured to affirm that no +vital organ had been injured, the loss of blood sufficiently explained +the patient's weakness. Thus, as soon as his wound was healed and the +hemorrhage stopped, only time and rest were needed for his complete +restoration. Lady Helena had insisted upon his occupying her end of the +cart. Mulready felt greatly honored. His greatest anxiety was in the +thought that his condition might delay Glenarvan, and he forced them to +promise that they would leave him at the camp in charge of Wilson, as +soon as the river became fordable.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately, this was not possible, either that day or the next. At +seeing himself thus detained, Glenarvan despaired. Lady Helena and the +major tried in vain to pacify and exhort him to patience. Patience! +when, at that moment perhaps, Ben Joyce was going on board the yacht, +when the Duncan was weighing anchor and steaming towards that fatal +coast, to which every hour brought her nearer!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALMOST DESPAIRING.</div> + +<p>Captain Mangles felt at heart all Glenarvan's anguish, and, as he +wished to overcome the difficulty at all hazards, he constructed a +canoe in the Australian fashion, with large pieces of the bark of the +gum-trees. These slabs, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[Pg 427]</a></span> were very light, were held together by +wooden cross-bars, and formed a very frail craft.</p> + +<p>The captain and the sailor tried the canoe. All that skill, strength, +or courage could do they did. But scarcely were they in the current, +when they capsized and narrowly escaped with their lives. The boat was +drawn into the eddies and disappeared. Captain Mangles and Wilson had +not advanced ten yards into the river, which was swollen by the rains +and melting snows till it was now a mile in breadth.</p> + +<p>Two days were wasted in this way. The major and Glenarvan went five +miles up stream without finding a practicable ford. Everywhere was the +same impetuosity, the same tumultuous rush of water; all the southern +slopes of the mountains had poured their liquid torrents into this +single stream. They were forced, therefore, to give up any hope of +saving the Duncan. Five days had passed since Ben Joyce's departure, +the yacht was probably that very moment at the coast, in the hands of +the convicts.</p> + +<p>However, this state of things could not last long. Indeed, on the +morning of the third day, Paganel perceived that the waters were +beginning to subside. He reported to Glenarvan the result of his +observations.</p> + +<p>"What does it matter now?" replied Glenarvan; "it is too late!"</p> + +<p>"That is no reason for prolonging our stay at the encampment," replied +the major.</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," said Captain Mangles; "to-morrow, perhaps, it will be +possible to cross."</p> + +<p>"But will that save my unfortunate crew?" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Listen to me, my lord," continued Captain Mangles. "I know Tom Austin. +He was to execute your orders, and start as soon as his departure was +possible. Who knows whether the Duncan was ready, or her injuries +repaired, on the arrival of Ben Joyce at Melbourne? Supposing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[Pg 428]</a></span> the +yacht could not put to sea, and suffered one or two days of delay?"</p> + +<p>"You are right, John," replied Glenarvan. "We must reach Twofold Bay. +We are only thirty-five miles from Delegete."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Paganel, "and in that town we shall find rapid means of +conveyance. Who knows whether we shall not arrive in time to prevent +this calamity?"</p> + +<p>"Let us start!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles and Wilson at once occupied themselves in constructing +a raft of large dimensions. Experience had proved that pieces of bark +could not resist the violence of the torrent. The captain cut down +several gum-trees, of which he made a rude but substantial raft. It was +a tedious task, and that day ended before the work was completed; but +the next day it was finished.</p> + +<p>The waters had now considerably subsided. The torrent had become a +river again, with a rapid current. However, with proper management, the +captain hoped to reach the opposite bank.</p> + +<p>At noon they put on board as much provisions as each could carry for +two days' travel. The rest was abandoned with the cart and the tent. +Mulready was well enough to be moved; he was recovering rapidly.</p> + +<p>Each took his place on the raft, which was moored to the bank. Captain +Mangles had arranged on the starboard side, and confided to Wilson, a +kind of oar to sustain the raft against the current, and prevent its +drifting. As for himself, he stood at the stern, and steered by means +of a clumsy rudder. Lady Helena and Mary Grant occupied the centre +of the raft near Mulready. Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and Robert +surrounded them, ready to lend assistance.</p> + +<p>"Are we ready, Wilson?" asked Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, seizing his oar with a firm hand.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[Pg 429]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p429.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the +river, half a mile below where they started.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[Pg 430]</a></span> +"Attention, and bear up against the current."</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles unmoored the raft, and with one push launched it into +the current of the river. All went well for some time, and Wilson +resisted the leeway. But soon the craft was drawn into the eddies, and +turned round and round, so that neither oar nor rudder could keep it in +a straight course. In spite of their efforts, they were soon placed in +a position where it was impossible to use the oars.</p> + +<p>They were forced to be passive; there was no means of preventing this +gyratory motion. They were whirled about with a giddy rapidity, and +sent out of their course. The captain, with pale face and set teeth, +stood and gazed at the eddying water.</p> + +<p>However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the river, half a mile +below where they started. The current here was very strong, and, as +it broke the eddies, it lessened the whirling motion. The captain and +Wilson resumed their oars, and succeeded in propelling the craft in an +oblique direction. In this way they approached nearer the left bank, +and were only a few yards distant, when Wilson's oar broke. The raft, +no longer sustained against the current, was carried down stream. The +captain endeavored to prevent it, at the risk of breaking his rudder, +and Wilson with bleeding hands assisted him.</p> + +<p>At last they succeeded, and the raft, after a voyage of more than half +an hour, ran upon the steeply-sloping bank. The shock was violent; the +timbers were thrown apart, the ropes broken, and the foaming water came +through. The travelers had only time to cling to the bushes that hung +over the stream. They extricated Mulready and the two ladies, who were +half drenched. In short, everybody was saved; but the greater part of +the provisions and arms, except the major's rifle, were swept away with +the fragments of the raft.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A WEARY PILGRIMAGE.</div> + +<p>The river was crossed, but the little party were without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431">[Pg 431]</a></span> resources, +thirty-five miles from Delegete, in the midst of these untrodden +deserts. They resolved to start without delay. Mulready saw that he +would cause trouble, and desired to remain behind, even alone, and wait +for aid from Delegete. But Glenarvan refused. He could not reach the +town before three days. If the Duncan had left Melbourne several days +before, what mattered a delay of a few hours?</p> + +<p>"No, my friend," said he; "I will not abandon any one. We will make a +litter, and take turns in carrying you."</p> + +<p>The litter was made of branches covered with leaves, and upon this +Mulready was placed. Glenarvan wished to be the first to bear the +sailor, and, seizing one end of the litter and Wilson the other, they +started.</p> + +<p>What a sad sight! and how disastrously this journey, so well begun, +had ended! They were no longer going in search of Captain Grant. +This continent—where he was not, nor had ever been—threatened to +be fatal to those who were seeking traces of him, and perhaps new +discouragements still awaited them.</p> + +<p>The first day passed silently and painfully. Every ten minutes they +took turns in carrying the litter. All the sailor's companions +uncomplainingly imposed upon themselves this duty, which was made still +more arduous by the great heat.</p> + +<p>At evening, after accomplishing only five miles, they encamped under +a group of gum-trees. The rest of the provisions that had escaped the +shipwreck furnished the evening meal. They must hereafter rely on the +major's rifle; but he found no opportunity to fire a single shot. +Fortunately, Robert found a nest of bustards, containing a dozen large +eggs, which Olbinett cooked in the hot ashes. In addition to these +embarrassments, their way became very difficult. The sandy plains were +bristling with thorny plants that tore their garments and lacerated +their limbs. The courageous ladies, however, did not complain, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[Pg 432]</a></span> +valiantly advanced, setting the example, and encouraging each other by +a word or a look.</p> + +<p>On the third day Mulready traveled part of the way on foot. His wound +had entirely healed. The town of Delegete was only ten miles distant, +and at evening they encamped on the very frontiers of New South Wales.</p> + +<p>A fine and penetrating rain had been falling for several hours, and +all shelter would have failed, if Captain Mangles had not fortunately +discovered a ruined and abandoned sawyer's hut. They were obliged to +content themselves with this miserable hovel of branches and thatch. +Wilson attempted to kindle a fire to prepare the food, and accordingly +collected some dead wood that strewed the ground. But when he attempted +to light the fuel he did not succeed; the great quantity of aluminous +material that it contained prevented combustion. It was, therefore, +necessary to dispense with fire and food, and sleep in wet garments, +while the birds, hidden in the lofty branches, seemed to mock these +unfortunate travelers.</p> + +<p>However, Glenarvan and his friends were approaching the end of their +sufferings; and it was time. The two ladies exerted themselves +heroically, but their strength was failing every hour. They dragged +themselves along, they no longer walked.</p> + +<p>The next day they started at daybreak, and at eleven o'clock Delegete +came in sight, fifty miles from Twofold Bay. Here means of conveyance +were quickly obtained. Feeling himself so near the coast, hope returned +to Glenarvan's heart; perhaps there had been some slight delay, and he +would arrive before the Duncan! In twenty-four hours he would reach the +bay!</p> + +<p>At noon, after a comforting repast, all the travelers took their seats +in a mail-coach, and left Delegete at the full speed of five strong +horses. The postilions, stimulated by the promise of a large reward, +drove them along at a rapid rate, over a well-kept road. No time was +lost inchanging horses, and it seemed as if Glenarvan had inspired +all with his own intense eagerness.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[Pg 433]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p433.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The two ladies exerted themselves heroically, but their +strength was failing every hour. They dragged themselves along, they no +longer walked.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[Pg 434]</a></span> +All day and all night they traveled with the same swiftness, and at +sunrise the next morning a low murmur announced the proximity of the +Indian Ocean. It was necessary, however, to pass around the bay to gain +that part of the coast where Tom Austin was to meet the travelers.</p> + +<p>When the sea appeared, all eyes quickly surveyed the wide expanse. Was +the Duncan there, by a miracle of Providence, as she had been discerned +before by some of them on the Argentine coast? Nothing was seen; sky +and water mingled in an unbroken horizon; not a sail brightened the +vast extent of ocean.</p> + +<p>One hope still remained. Perhaps Tom Austin had thought it best to cast +anchor in Twofold Bay, as the sea was rough and a vessel could not be +moored in safety near such shores.</p> + +<p>"To Eden!" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The mail-coach at once took the road to the right, which ran along the +edge of the bay, and proceeded towards the little town of Eden, only +five miles distant. The postilions stopped not far from the light that +guarded the entrance to the harbor. Several ships were anchored in the +roadstead, but none displayed the flag of Malcolm Castle.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Captain Mangles, and Paganel alighted immediately, and +hastened to the custom-house. Here they questioned the employees, and +consulted the latest arrivals. No vessel had entered the bay for a week.</p> + +<p>"She may not have started!" cried Glenarvan, who would not despair. +"Perhaps we have arrived before her!"</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles shook his head. He knew Tom Austin; his mate would +never have delayed so long to execute an order.</p> + +<p>"I will know what this means," said Glenarvan. "Certainty is better +than doubt."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LAST HOPE.</div> + +<p>Fifteen minutes later a telegram was sent to the ship-brokers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435">[Pg 435]</a></span> of +Melbourne, and the travelers repaired to the Victoria Hotel. Not long +after an answer was delivered to Lord Glenarvan. It read as follows:</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 10%"> +"Lord Glenarvan,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 20%;">Eden, Twofold Bay.</span><br /> +"Duncan started on the 18th instant for some unknown destination." +</p> + +<p>The dispatch fell from Glenarvan's hands. There was no more doubt! The +honest Scotch yacht, in Ben Joyce's hands, had become a pirate-vessel!</p> + +<p>Thus ended their search in Australia, begun under such favorable +auspices. The traces of Captain Grant and his shipwrecked sailors +seemed irrecoverably lost. This failure had cost the lives of an entire +crew. Lord Glenarvan was crushed by the blow, and this courageous +searcher, whom the leagued elements had failed to deter, was now +baffled by the malice of men.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLIV" id="CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV.</a></h4> + +<h3>A ROUGH CAPTAIN.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>If ever the searchers for Captain Grant had reason to despair of seeing +him again, was it not when every hope forsook them at once? To what +part of the world should they venture a new expedition? how explore +unknown countries? The Duncan was no longer in their possession, and +they could not be immediately reconciled to their misfortune. The +undertaking of these generous Scots had, therefore, failed. Failure! +sad word, that finds no echo in a valiant soul; and yet, amid all +the changes of destiny,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[Pg 436]</a></span> Glenarvan was forced to acknowledge his +powerlessness to pursue this work of mercy.</p> + +<p>Mary Grant, in this situation, no longer had the courage to utter the +name of her father. She suppressed her own anguish by thinking of the +unfortunate crew. Controlling herself in the presence of her friend, it +was she who consoled Lady Helena, from whom she had received so many +consolations. The young girl was the first to speak of their return to +Scotland. At seeing her so courageous and resigned, Captain Mangles +admired her, and would have spoken a final word in favor of Captain +Grant, if Mary had not stopped him with a look and then said:</p> + +<p>"No, Mr. John; let us think of those who have sacrificed themselves. +Lord Glenarvan must return to England."</p> + +<p>"You are right, Miss Mary," replied he; "he must. The English +authorities must also be informed of the fate of the Duncan. But do not +give up all hope. The search that we have begun I would continue alone, +rather than abandon. I will find Captain Grant, or succumb to the task!"</p> + +<p>This was a solemn compact which John Mangles thus made. Mary accepted +it, and gave her hand to the young captain, as if to ratify this +treaty. On the part of the latter it was a devotion of his entire life; +on the part of the former, an unchanging gratitude.</p> + +<p>The time of their departure was now definitely decided. They resolved +to proceed to Melbourne without delay. The next day Captain Mangles +went to inquire about vessels that were upon the point of sailing. He +expected to find frequent communication between Eden and Melbourne, but +he was disappointed. The vessels were few; two or three anchored in +Twofold Bay composed the entire fleet of the place. There were none for +Melbourne, Sydney, or Point-de-Galle.</p> + +<p>In this state of affairs, what was to be done? Wait for a ship? They +might be delayed a long time, for Twofold Bay is little frequented. +After some deliberation, Glenarvan was about to decide upon reaching +Sydney by the coast, when Paganel made a proposal that was unexpected +to every one.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[Pg 437]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p437.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">It was a brig of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Macquarie, +which traded between the different ports of Australia and New Zealand.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[Pg 438]</a></span> +The geographer had just returned from Twofold Bay. He knew that there +were no means of transportation to Sydney or Melbourne; but, of the +three vessels anchored in the roadstead, one was preparing to start +for Auckland, the capital of Ika-na-Maoui, the northern island of New +Zealand. Thither Paganel proposed to go by the bark in question, and +from Auckland it would be easy to return to England by the steamers of +the English company.</p> + +<p>This proposition was taken into serious consideration, although Paganel +did not enter into those extended arguments of which he was usually so +lavish. He confined himself to stating the fact, and added that the +voyage would not last more than five or six days.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles advocated Paganel's plan. He thought it should be +adopted, since they could not wait for the uncertain arrival of other +vessels. But, before deciding, he judged it advisable to visit the ship +in question. Accordingly, he, with Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and +Robert, took a boat, and pulled out to where it was anchored.</p> + +<p>It was a brig of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Macquarie, +which traded between the different ports of Australia and New Zealand. +The captain, or rather the "master," received his visitors very +gruffly. They saw that they had to deal with an uneducated man, whose +manners were not different from those of the five sailors of his +crew. A coarse red face, big hands, a flat nose, a blinded eye, lips +blackened by his pipe, and a specially brutish appearance, made Will +Halley a very forbidding character. But they had no choice, and for a +voyage of a few days there was no need to be very particular.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" asked Will Halley, as the strangers reached the +deck of his vessel.</p> + +<p>"The captain," replied Mangles.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[Pg 439]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A BUSINESS INTERVIEW.</div> + +<p>"I am he," said Halley. "What then?"</p> + +<p>"The Macquarie is loading for Auckland?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. What of it?"</p> + +<p>"What does she carry?"</p> + +<p>"Anything that is bought or sold."</p> + +<p>"When does she sail?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow, at the noon tide."</p> + +<p>"Would she take passengers?"</p> + +<p>"That depends upon the passengers, and whether they would be satisfied +with the ship's mess."</p> + +<p>"They would take their own provisions."</p> + +<p>"Well, how many are there?"</p> + +<p>"Nine,—two of them ladies."</p> + +<p>"I have no cabins."</p> + +<p>"We will arrange a place for their exclusive use."</p> + +<p>"What then?"</p> + +<p>"Do you accept?" asked Captain Mangles, who was not embarrassed by this +curtness.</p> + +<p>"I must see," replied the master of the Macquarie. He took a turn or +two, striking the deck with his heavy, hobnailed boots; then, turning +to Captain Mangles, said:</p> + +<p>"What do you pay?"</p> + +<p>"What do you ask?" was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Fifty pounds."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan nodded assent.</p> + +<p>"Very well! Fifty pounds."</p> + +<p>"But the passage in cash!" added Halley.</p> + +<p>"In cash."</p> + +<p>"Food separate?"</p> + +<p>"Separate."</p> + +<p>"Agreed. Well?" said Will Halley, holding out his hand.</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"The advance-money."</p> + +<p>"Here is half the fare,—twenty-five pounds," said Captain Mangles, +counting out the sum, which the master pocketed without saying "thank +you."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[Pg 440]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Be on board to-morrow," said he. "Whether you are here or not, I shall +weigh anchor."</p> + +<p>"We will be here."</p> + +<p>Thereupon Glenarvan, the major, Robert, Paganel, and Captain Mangles +left the vessel, without Will Halley's having so much as touched the +brim of his hat.</p> + +<p>"What a stupid fellow!" was their first remark.</p> + +<p>"Well, I like him," replied Paganel. "He is a real sea-wolf."</p> + +<p>"A real bear!" remarked the major.</p> + +<p>"And I imagine," added Captain Mangles, "that this bear has at some +time traded in human flesh."</p> + +<p>"What matter," replied Glenarvan, "so long as he commands the +Macquarie, which goes to New Zealand? We shall see very little of him +on the voyage."</p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Mary Grant were very much pleased to know that they +were to start the next day. Glenarvan observed, however, that the +Macquarie could not equal the Duncan for comfort; but, after so many +hardships, they were not likely to be overcome by trifles. Mr. Olbinett +was requested to take charge of the provisions. The poor man, since the +loss of the Duncan, had often lamented the unhappy fate of his wife, +who had remained on board, and would be, consequently, the victim of +the convicts' brutality. However, he fulfilled his duties as steward +with his accustomed zeal, and their food might yet consist of dishes +that were never seen on the ship's table.</p> + +<p>In the mean time the major discounted at a money-changer's some drafts +that Glenarvan had on the Union Bank of Melbourne. As for Paganel, he +procured an excellent map of New Zealand.</p> + +<p>Mulready was now quite well. He scarcely felt his wound, which had so +nearly proved fatal. A few hours at sea would complete his recovery.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">[Pg 441]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p441.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">[Pg 442]</a></span>Wilson went on board first, charged with arranging the passengers' +quarters. Under his vigorous use of the brush and broom the aspect +of things was greatly changed. Will Halley shrugged his shoulders, +but allowed the sailor to do as he pleased. As for Glenarvan and his +friends, he scarcely noticed them; he did not even know their names, +nor did he care to. This increase of cargo was worth fifty pounds to +him, but he valued it less than the two hundred tons of tanned leather +with which his hold was crowded,—the skins first, and the passengers +next. He was a real trader; and by his nautical ability he passed for a +good navigator of these seas, rendered so very dangerous by the coral +reefs.</p> + +<p>During the afternoon, Glenarvan wished to visit once more the supposed +place of the shipwreck. Ayrton had certainly been the quartermaster of +the Britannia, and the vessel might really have been lost on that part +of the coast. And there, at all events, the Duncan had fallen into the +hands of the convicts. Had there been a fight? Perhaps they would find +on the beach traces of a struggle. If the crew had perished in the +waves, would not the bodies have been cast ashore?</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, accompanied by his faithful captain, undertook this +examination. The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out. But it was a sad journey. They rode in +silence. The same thoughts, the same anxieties, tortured the mind of +each. They gazed at the rocks worn by the sea. They had no need to +question or answer; no sign of the Duncan could be found,—the whole +coast was bare.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, however, found on the margin of the shore evident +signs of an encampment, the remains of fires recently kindled beneath +the few trees. Had a wandering tribe of natives passed there within +a few days? No, for an object struck Glenarvan's eye, which proved +incontestably that the convicts had visited that part of the coast.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LAST NIGHT IN AUSTRALIA.</div> + +<p>It was a gray and yellow jacket, worn and patched, left at the foot +of a tree. It bore a number and badge of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">[Pg 443]</a></span> Perth penitentiary. The +convict was no longer there, but his cast-off garment betrayed him.</p> + +<p>"You see, John," said Glenarvan, "the convicts have been here! And our +poor comrades of the Duncan——"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the captain, in a low voice, "they have certainly been +landed, and have perished!"</p> + +<p>"The wretches!" cried Glenarvan. "If they ever fall into my hands, I +will avenge my crew!"</p> + +<p>Grief and exposure had hardened Glenarvan's features. For several +moments he gazed at the vast expanse of water, seeking perhaps to +discern some ship in the dim distance. Then his eyes relaxed their +fierceness, he regained his composure, and, without adding a word or +making a sign, took the road to Eden.</p> + +<p>Only one duty remained to be fulfilled,—to inform the constable of +the events that had just transpired, which was done the same evening. +The magistrate, Thomas Banks, could scarcely conceal his satisfaction +at making out the official record. He was simply delighted at the +departure of Ben Joyce and his band. The whole village shared his joy. +The convicts had left Australia because of a new crime; but, at all +events, they had gone. This important news was immediately telegraphed +to the authorities of Melbourne and Sydney.</p> + +<p>Having accomplished his object, Glenarvan returned to the Victoria +Hotel. The travelers passed this last evening in Australia in sadness. +Their thoughts wandered over this country, so fertile in misfortunes. +They recalled the hopes they had reasonably conceived at Cape +Bernouilli, now so cruelly disappointed at Twofold Bay.</p> + +<p>Paganel was a prey to a feverish agitation. Captain Mangles, who had +watched him since the incident at Snowy River, many times pressed him +with questions which Paganel did not answer. But that evening, as he +went with him to his chamber, the captain asked him why he was so +nervous.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">[Pg 444]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My friend," replied Paganel evasively, "I am no more nervous than +usual."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Paganel, you have a secret that troubles you."</p> + +<p>"Well, as you will," cried the geographer; "it is stronger than I."</p> + +<p>"What is stronger than you?"</p> + +<p>"My joy on the one hand, and my despair on the other."</p> + +<p>"You are joyful and despairing at the same time?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; joyful and despairing at visiting New Zealand."</p> + +<p>"Have you any news?" asked Captain Mangles. "Have you discovered the +lost trail?"</p> + +<p>"No, friend. <i>People never return from New Zealand!</i> But yet—well, you +know human nature. As long as we breathe we can hope; and my motto is +'<i>dum spiro, spero</i>,' which is the best in the world."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLV" id="CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE WRECK OF THE MACQUARIE.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The next day the travelers were installed on board the Macquarie. +Will Halley had not offered the ladies his cabin, which was not to be +regretted, as the lair was only fit for the brute.</p> + +<p>At noon they made ready to take the flood-tide. The anchor was weighed. +A moderate breeze blew from the southwest. The sails were gradually +set, but the five men worked slowly. At last, incited by the oaths +of the skipper, they accomplished their task. But in spite of her +spread of canvas the brig scarcely advanced. Yet, however poorly she +sailed, in five or six days they hoped to reach the harbor of Auckland. +At seven o'clock in the evening they lost sight of the shores of +Australia, and the lighthouse at Eden. The sea was rough, and the +vessel labored heavily in the trough of the waves. The passengers found +their situation very uncomfortable; but, as they could not remain on +deck, they were forced to submit to confinement.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">[Pg 445]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p445.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">But on the next day seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446">[Pg 446]</a></span> +That evening conversation very naturally turned upon the land to which +they were now sailing, its discovery and colonization; and just as +naturally all turned to Paganel as to a bookcase, for some information +thereon. It was very readily accessible, although evidently to the +geographer's mind there was something of a painful character connected +with the name, the impression, and the very thoughts of New Zealand and +its Maori inhabitants.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena, "have your friends, the English, +been the only ones to search out this island?"</p> + +<p>"By no means, madam," was the prompt reply. "On the contrary, they +have come second, nay, third, in the race; only," and he looked half +roguishly and half maliciously, "<i>they stayed when they came</i>."</p> + +<p>And then he told them of its first discovery by Abel Tasman, the Dutch +navigator, in 1642; that, when first he landed, there seemed to be +amicable feelings expressed by the islanders toward himself, a number +of them coming back to his ship, and being apparently well pleased to +cultivate intercourse. But on the next day, as he sent his boat to +find good anchorage nearer to the shore, seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize, and so +vigorously assailing its occupants with their pikes that it was with +difficulty any of them were able to swim back to their ship, leaving +those of their companions who were not drowned to be butchered by the +natives.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A SADDENING HISTORY.</div> + +<p>Of course he did not forget to mention that a French navigator, +Surville by name, was the next to visit the shores, and that his +visit likewise was the cause of bloodshed and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">[Pg 447]</a></span> misery. But he gave +them a more lengthy and extended narrative of Captain Cook's voyages, +which were the most important in their results as well as the most +interesting and tragic in many of their incidents. It was on the 6th +of October, 1769, that this navigator first landed on the shores which +he visited twice afterwards, and each time added greatly to the stock +of previous knowledge concerning these islands, their productions, and +their inhabitants. By him it was first ascertained that cannibalism was +practiced by some, if not all, of the tribes at that time; and it was +very evident, from the manner of Paganel's narration, that hereabout +lay the extremely sensitive point of the worthy geographer's fears and +forebodings. However, he was not deterred from rehearsing how one and +another not merely visited, but began to settle, on the island, so that +in the treaty of 1814 it was formally recognized as belonging to Great +Britain, and twenty years after was important enough to have a separate +official and governmental establishment.</p> + +<p>Paganel also told, at great length, the tales of many of the sad +incidents which from time to time have marked even the commercial +intercourse between the European and the Maori; as, for instance, the +sad tale of conflict and bloodshed connected with the death of Captain +Marion, a French navigator, in 1772. He had landed near the spot where +Surville had ill-treated some of the natives and traitorously seized +a son of the chief, Takouri, who yet appeared to welcome this next +French visitant, though remembering none the less the terrible duty of +vengeance which is felt by the Maori to be so binding.</p> + +<p>For a long time the cloak of friendship was worn by the natives, the +more thoroughly to lull the suspicions of the whites, and to entice a +larger number on shore; in which endeavor they succeeded only too well. +The French ships being greatly out of repair, Marion was induced to +fell timber at some distance in the interior, and to establish in this +occupation a great number of his men, going frequently to them, and +remaining with them and the apparently friendly chiefs.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448">[Pg 448]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p448.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt"> +It was on the sixth of October, 1769, that this +navigator (Captain Cook) first landed on the shores.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449">[Pg 449]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p449.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Safe themselves, the French marksmen picked off the +chief.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450">[Pg 450]</a></span>On one of these +occasions the Maoris fulfilled their revengeful project with a terrible +satisfaction to themselves. Only one man, of all those in the interior, +managed to escape, the commander himself falling a prey to their +vengeance. They then endeavored to kill the second in command, who, +with several others, was nearer to the shore. These, of course, at once +started for their boats; breathless, they reached them, hotly pursued +to the water's edge by the insatiate savages. Then, safe themselves, +the French marksmen picked off the chief, and the previous exultation +of the aborigines was, even in the hour of their triumph, turned to +lamentation, coupled with wonder at the terrible power of the white +man's fire-barrel.</p> + +<p>All this and much more did the geographer narrate; but it must be +confessed that he neither spoke, nor did they listen, with the +complacency evinced in his previous tales. Besides, their surroundings +were at the time uncomfortable, and the first prognostications of a +speedy passage were not likely to be verified.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately, this painful voyage was prolonged. Six days after her +departure, the Macquarie had not descried the shores of Auckland. +The wind was fair, however, and still blew from the southwest; but +nevertheless the brig did not make much headway. The sea was rough, the +rigging creaked, the ribs cracked, and the vessel rode the waves with +difficulty.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, Will Halley, like a man who was in no hurry, did not crowd +on sail, or his masts would inevitably have snapped. Captain Mangles +hoped, therefore, that this clumsy craft would reach its destination +in safety; still, he was pained to see his companions on board in such +miserable quarters.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">PERSISTENT GRIEF.</div> + +<p>But neither Lady Helena nor Mary Grant complained, although the +continual rain kept them confined, and the want of air and rolling of +the ship seriously incommoded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451">[Pg 451]</a></span> them. Their friends sought to divert +them, and Paganel strove to while the time with his stories, but did +not succeed so well as previously.</p> + +<p>Of all the passengers, the one most to be pitied was Lord Glenarvan. +They rarely saw him below; he could not keep still. His nervous and +excitable nature would not submit to an imprisonment between four +wooden walls. Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck, sometimes bending over +the rail, sometimes pacing up and down with feverish agitation. His +eyes gazed continually into space, and, during the brief lulls, his +glass persistently surveyed the horizon. He seemed to question the mute +waves; the mist that veiled the sky, the masses of vapor, he would have +penetrated with a glance; he could not be resigned, and his countenance +betokened an acute grief. The power and hopefulness of this man, +hitherto so energetic and courageous, had suddenly failed.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles seldom left him, but at his side endured the severity +of the storm. That day, Glenarvan, wherever there was an opening in +the mist, scanned the horizon with the utmost persistency. The young +captain approached him.</p> + +<p>"Is your lordship looking for land?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan shook his head.</p> + +<p>"It will yet be some time before we leave the brig. We ought to have +sighted Auckland light thirty-six hours ago."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan did not answer. He still gazed, and for a moment his glass +was pointed towards the horizon to windward of the vessel.</p> + +<p>"The land is not on that side," said Captain Mangles. "Your lordship +should look towards the starboard."</p> + +<p>"Why, John?" replied Glenarvan. "It is not the land that I am seeking."</p> + +<p>"What is it, my lord?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A COURAGEOUS CAPTAIN.</div> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452">[Pg 452]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p452.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453">[Pg 453]</a></span> +"My yacht, my Duncan! She must be here, in these regions, plowing +these seas, in that dreadful employment of a pirate. She is here, I +tell you, John, on this course between Australia and New Zealand! I +have a presentiment that we shall meet her!"</p> + +<p>"God preserve us from such a meeting, my lord!"</p> + +<p>"Why, John?"</p> + +<p>"Your lordship forgets our situation. What could we do on this brig, if +the Duncan should give us chase? We could not escape."</p> + +<p>"Escape, John?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord. We should try in vain. We should be captured, at the +mercy of the wretches. Ben Joyce has shown that he does not hesitate at +a crime. I should sell my life dearly. We would defend ourselves to the +last extremity. Well! But, then, think of Lady Helena and Mary Grant!"</p> + +<p>"Poor women!" murmured Glenarvan. "John, my heart is broken, and +sometimes I feel as if despair had invaded it. It seems to me as if +new calamities awaited us, as if Heaven had decreed against us! I am +afraid!"</p> + +<p>"You, my lord?"</p> + +<p>"Not for myself, John, but for those whom I love, and whom you love +also."</p> + +<p>"Take courage, my lord," replied the young captain. "We need no longer +fear. The Macquarie is a poor sailer, but still she sails. Will Halley +is a brutish creature; but I am here, and if the approach to the land +seems to me dangerous I shall take the ship to sea again. Therefore +from this quarter there is little or no danger. But as for meeting the +Duncan, God preserve us, and enable us to escape!"</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles was right. To encounter the Duncan would be fatal to +the Macquarie, and this misfortune was to be feared in these retired +seas, where pirates could roam without danger. However, that day, at +least, the Duncan did not appear, and the sixth night since their +departure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454">[Pg 454]</a></span> +from Twofold Bay arrived without Captain Mangles's fears +being realized.</p> + +<p>But that night was destined to be one of terror. Darkness set in almost +instantaneously towards evening; the sky was very threatening. Even +Will Halley, whose sense of danger was superior to the brutishness of +intoxication, was startled by these warning signs. He left his cabin, +rubbing his eyes and shaking his great red head. Then he drew a long +breath, and examined the masts. The wind was fresh, and was blowing +strong towards the New Zealand coast.</p> + +<p>Captain Halley summoned his men, with many oaths, and ordered them to +reef the top-sails. Captain Mangles approved in silence. He had given +up remonstrating with this coarse seaman; but neither he nor Glenarvan +left the deck.</p> + +<p>Two hours passed. The sea grew more tempestuous, and the vessel +received such severe shocks that it seemed as if her keel were grating +on the sand. There was no unusual roughness, but yet this clumsy craft +labored heavily, and the deck was deluged by the huge waves. The boat +that hung in the larboard davits was swept overboard by a rising billow.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles could not help being anxious. Any other vessel would +have mocked these surges; but with this heavy hulk they might well fear +foundering, for the deck was flooded with every plunge, and the masses +of water, not finding sufficient outlet by the scuppers, might submerge +the ship. It would have been wise, as a preparation for any emergency, +to cut away the waistcloth to facilitate the egress of the water; but +Will Halley refused to take this precaution.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A NAUTICAL COUP D'ETAT.</div> + +<p>However, a greater danger threatened the Macquarie, and probably there +was no longer time to prevent it. About half-past eleven Captain +Mangles and Wilson, who were standing on the leeward side, were +startled by an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455">[Pg 455]</a></span> unusual sound. Their nautical instincts were roused, +and the captain seized the sailor's hand.</p> + +<p>"The surf!" said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Wilson. "The sea is breaking on the reefs."</p> + +<p>"Not more than two cable-lengths distant."</p> + +<p>"Not more! The shore is here!"</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles leaned over the railing, gazed at the dark waves, and +cried:</p> + +<p>"The sounding-lead, Wilson!"</p> + +<p>The skipper, who was in the forecastle, did not seem to suspect his +situation. Wilson grasped the sounding-line, which lay coiled in its +pail, and rushed into the port-shrouds. He cast the lead; the rope +slipped between his fingers; at the third knot it stopped.</p> + +<p>"Three fathoms!" cried Wilson.</p> + +<p>"We are on the breakers!" shouted the sober captain to the stupefied +one.</p> + +<p>Whether the former saw Halley shrug his shoulders or not is of little +consequence. At all events, he rushed towards the wheel and crowded +the helm hard alee, while Wilson, letting go the line, hauled upon the +top-sail yard-arms to luff the ship. The sailor who was steering, and +had been forcibly pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden +attack.</p> + +<p>"To the port-yards! let loose the sails!" cried the young captain, +managing so as to escape the reefs.</p> + +<p>For half a minute, the starboard side of the brig grazed the rocks, +and, in spite of the darkness, John perceived a roaring line of +breakers that foamed a few yards from the ship.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VERY CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES.</div> + +<p>At this moment Will Halley, becoming conscious of the imminent danger, +lost his presence of mind. His sailors, who were scarcely sober, +could not comprehend his orders. Moreover, his incoherent words and +contradictory commands showed that this stupid drunkard's coolness +had failed. He was surprised by the nearness of the land, which was +only eight miles off, when he thought it thirty or forty. The currents +had taken him unawares, and thrown him out of his ordinary course.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456">[Pg 456]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p456.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The sailor who was steering, and had been forcibly +pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden attack.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457">[Pg 457]</a></span> +However, Captain Mangles's prompt management had rescued the brig from +her peril; but he did not know his position. Perhaps he was inclosed by +a chain of reefs. The wind blew fresh from the east, and at every pitch +they might strike bottom.</p> + +<p>The roar of the surf was soon redoubled, and it was necessary to luff +still more. John crowded the helm down and braced farther to leeward. +The breakers multiplied beneath the prow of the ship, and they were +obliged to tack so as to put to sea. Would this manœuvre succeed with +such an unsteady vessel, and under such reduced sail? It was uncertain, +but as their only chance they must venture it.</p> + +<p>"Hard alee!" cried Captain Mangles to Wilson.</p> + +<p>The Macquarie began to approach the new line of reefs. Soon the +water foamed above the submerged rocks. It was a moment of torturing +suspense. The spray glittered on the crests of the waves. You would +have thought a phosphorescent glow had suddenly illumined the water. +Wilson and Mulready forced down the wheel with their whole weight.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a shock was felt. The vessel had struck upon a rock. The +bob-stays broke, and nearly overthrew the mainmast. Could they come +about without any other injury? No; for all at once there was a calm, +and the ship veered to windward again, and her movements suddenly +ceased. A lofty wave seized and bore her forward towards the reefs, +while she rolled heavily. The mainmast went by the board with all its +rigging, the brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to +starboard. The pump-lights were shattered in pieces, and the passengers +rushed to the deck; but the waves were sweeping it from one end<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458">[Pg 458]</a></span> to +the other, and they could not remain without danger. Captain Mangles, +knowing that the ship was firmly imbedded in the sand, besought them +for their own sakes to go below again.</p> + +<p>"The truth, John?" asked Glenarvan, faintly.</p> + +<p>"The truth, my lord, is that we shall not founder. As for being +destroyed by the sea, that is another question; but we have time to +take counsel."</p> + +<p>"Is it midnight?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, and we must wait for daylight."</p> + +<p>"Can we not put to sea in the boat?"</p> + +<p>"In this storm and darkness it is impossible. And, moreover, where +should we strike land?"</p> + +<p>"Well, John, let us remain here till morning."</p> + +<p>Meantime Will Halley was running about the deck like a madman. His +sailors, who had recovered from their stupor, stove in a brandy-barrel +and began to drink. Mangles foresaw that their drunkenness would lead +to terrible scenes. The captain could not be relied upon to restrain +them; the miserable man tore his hair and wrung his hands; he thought +only of his cargo, which was not insured.</p> + +<p>"I am ruined! I am lost!" cried he, running to and fro.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles scarcely thought of consoling him. He armed his +companions, and all stood ready to repel the sailors, who were filling +themselves with brandy, and cursing frightfully.</p> + +<p>"The first of these wretches who approaches," said the major calmly, "I +will shoot like a dog."</p> + +<p>The sailors doubtless saw that the passengers were determined to keep +them at bay, for, after a few attempts at plunder, they disappeared. +Captain Mangles paid no more attention to these drunken men, but waited +impatiently for day.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">SLEEPING IN A SAND-CRADLE.</div> + +<p>The ship was now absolutely immovable. The sea grew gradually calm, +and the wind subsided. The hull could, therefore, hold out a few hours +longer. At sunrise they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459">[Pg 459]</a></span> would examine the shore. If it seemed easy to +land, the yawl, now the only boat on board, would serve to transport +the crew and passengers. It would require three trips, at least, to +accomplish this, for there was room for only four persons. As for the +gig, it had been swept overboard, during the storm, as before mentioned.</p> + +<p>While reflecting on the dangers of his situation, the young captain, +leaning against the binnacle, listened to the roar of the surf. He +strove to pierce the dense darkness, and estimate how far he was from +that desired yet dreaded coast. Breakers are frequently heard several +leagues at sea. Could the frail cutter weather so long a voyage in her +present shattered state?</p> + +<p>While he was thinking thus, and longing for a little light in the +gloomy sky, the ladies, relying upon his words, were reposing in their +berths. The steadiness of the brig secured them several hours of rest. +Glenarvan and the others, no longer hearing the cries of the drunken +crew, refreshed themselves also by a hasty sleep, and, early in the +morning, deep silence reigned on board this vessel, which had sunk to +rest, as it were, upon her bed of sand.</p> + +<p>About four o'clock the first light appeared in the east. The clouds +were delicately tinged by the pale rays of the dawn. Captain Mangles +came on deck. Along the horizon extended a curtain of mist. A few +vague outlines floated in the vapors of the morning. A gentle swell +still agitated the sea, and the outer waves were lost in the dense, +motionless fog.</p> + +<p>He waited. The light gradually brightened, and the horizon glowed with +crimson hues. The misty curtain gradually enveloped the vast vault of +the firmament. Black rocks emerged from the water. Then, a line was +defined along a border of foam, and a luminous point kindled like a +lighthouse at the summit of a peak against the still invisible disk of +the rising sun.</p> + +<p>"Land!" cried Captain Mangles.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460">[Pg 460]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p460.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The mainmast went by the board with all its rigging, the +brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to starboard.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461">[Pg 461]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p461.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her +opposite side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462">[Pg 462]</a></span> +His companions, awakened by his voice, rushed on deck, and gazed in +silence at the coast that was seen on the horizon. Whether hospitable +or fatal, it was to be their place of refuge.</p> + +<p>"Where is that Halley?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I do not know, my lord," replied Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"And his sailors?"</p> + +<p>"Disappeared, like himself."</p> + +<p>"And like himself, doubtless, drunk," added MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"Let us search for them," said Glenarvan; "we cannot abandon them on +this vessel."</p> + +<p>Mulready and Wilson went down to the bunks in the forecastle. The place +was empty. They then visited between-decks, and the hold, but found +neither Halley nor his sailors.</p> + +<p>"What! nobody?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Have they fallen into the sea?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Anything is possible," replied Captain Mangles, who cared little for +their disappearance.</p> + +<p>Then, turning towards the stern, he said,—</p> + +<p>"To the boat!"</p> + +<p>Wilson and Mulready followed, to assist in lowering it.</p> + +<p>The yawl was gone!</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLVI" id="CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI.</a></h4> + +<h3>VAIN EFFORTS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Will Halley and his crew, taking advantage of the night and the +passengers' sleep, had fled with the only boat left. They could not +doubt it. This captain, who was in duty bound to be the last on board, +had been the first to leave.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463">[Pg 463]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN ADVANTAGEOUS LOSS.</div> + +<p>"The rascals have fled," said Captain Mangles. "Well, so much the +better, my lord. We are spared so many disagreeable scenes."</p> + +<p>"I agree with you," replied Glenarvan. "Besides, there is a better +captain on board, yourself, and courageous seamen, your companions. +Command us; we are ready to obey you."</p> + +<p>All endorsed Glenarvan's words, and, ranged along the deck, they stood +ready for the young captain's orders.</p> + +<p>"What is to be done?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>John cast a glance over the ocean, looked at the shattered masts of the +brig, and, after a few moments' reflection, said:</p> + +<p>"We have two ways, my lord, of extricating ourselves from this +situation: either to raise the vessel and put her to sea, or reach the +coast on a raft, which can be easily constructed."</p> + +<p>"If the vessel can be raised, let us raise it," replied Glenarvan. +"That is the best plan, is it not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord; for, once ashore, what would become of us without means +of transport?"</p> + +<p>"Let us avoid the coast," added Paganel. "We must beware of New +Zealand."</p> + +<p>"All the more so, as we have gone considerably astray," continued +Captain Mangles. "Halley's carelessness has carried us to the south, +that is evident. At noon I will take an observation; and if, as I +presume, we are below Auckland, I will try to sail the Macquarie up +along the coast."</p> + +<p>"But the injuries of the brig?" inquired Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"I do not think they are serious, madam," replied Captain Mangles. "I +shall rig a jury-mast at the bows; and we shall sail slowly, it is +true, but still we shall go where we wish. If, unfortunately, the hull +is stove in, or if the ship cannot be extricated, we must gain the +coast, and travel by land to Auckland."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464">[Pg 464]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let us examine the state of the vessel, then," said the major. "This +is of the first importance."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, the captain, and Mulready opened the main scuttle, and went +down into the hold. About two hundred tons of tanned hides were there, +very badly stowed away; but they could draw them aside without much +difficulty, by means of the main-stay tackling, and they at once threw +overboard part of this ballast so as to lighten the ship.</p> + +<p>After three hours of hard labor, they could see the bottom timbers. Two +seams in the larboard planking had sprung open as far up as the channel +wales. As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her opposite +side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water. Wilson +hastened, therefore, to tighten the joints with oakum, over which he +carefully nailed a copper plate. On sounding they found less than two +feet of water in the hold, which the pumps could easily exhaust, and +thus relieve the ship. After his examination of the hull, the captain +perceived that it had been little injured in stranding. It was probable +that a part of the false keel would remain in the sand, but they could +pass over it.</p> + +<p>Wilson, after inspecting the interior of the brig, dived, in order to +determine her position on the reef. The Macquarie was turned towards +the northwest, and lay on a very shelving, slimy sand-bar. The lower +end of her prow and two-thirds of her keel were deeply imbedded in +the sand. The rest, as far as the stern, floated where the water was +five fathoms deep. The rudder was not, therefore, confined, but worked +freely. The captain considered it useless to lighten her, as he hoped +they would be ready to make use of her at the earliest opportunity. +The tides of the Pacific are not very strong, but he relied upon their +influence to float the brig, which had stranded an hour before high +water. The only point was to extricate her, which would be a long and +painful task.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465">[Pg 465]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">LABOR FOR THE COMMON WEAL.</div> + +<p>"To work!" cried the captain.</p> + +<p>His improvised sailors were ready. He ordered them to reef the sails. +The major, Robert, and Paganel, under Wilson's direction, climbed +the maintop. The top-sail, swelled by the wind, would have prevented +the extrication of the ship, and it was necessary to reef it, which +was done as well as possible. At last, after much labor, severe to +unaccustomed hands, the maintop-gallant was taken down. Young Robert, +nimble as a cat, and bold as a cabin-boy, had rendered important +services in this difficult operation.</p> + +<p>It was now advisable to cast one anchor, perhaps two, at the stern of +the vessel in the line of the keel. The effect of this would be to +haul the Macquarie around into deep water. There is no difficulty in +doing this when you have a boat, but here all the boats were gone, and +something else must be supplied.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was familiar enough with the sea to understand the necessity +of these arrangements. One anchor was to be cast to prevent the ship +from stranding at low water.</p> + +<p>"But what shall we do without a boat?" asked he of the captain.</p> + +<p>"We will use the remains of the mizen-mast and the empty casks," was +the reply. "It will be a difficult, but not impossible task, for the +Macquarie's anchors are small. Once cast however, if they do not drag, +I shall be encouraged."</p> + +<p>"Very well, let us lose no time."</p> + +<p>To accomplish their object, all were summoned on deck; each took +part in the work. The rigging that still confined the mizen-mast was +cut away, so that the maintop could be easily withdrawn. Out of this +platform Captain Mangles designed to make a raft. He supported it by +means of empty casks, and rendered it capable of carrying the anchors. +A rudder was fastened to it, which enabled them to steer the concern.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466">[Pg 466]</a></span></p> + +<p>This labor was half accomplished when the sun neared the meridian. +The captain left Glenarvan to follow out his instructions, and turned +his attention to determining his position, which was very important. +Fortunately, he had found in Will Halley's cabin a Nautical Almanac and +a sextant, with which he was able to take an observation. By consulting +the map Paganel had bought at Eden, he saw that they had been wrecked +at the mouth of Aotea Bay, above Cahua Point, on the shores of the +province of Auckland. As the city was on the thirty-seventh parallel, +the Macquarie had been carried a considerable distance out of her +course. It was, therefore, necessary to sail northward to reach the +capital of New Zealand.</p> + +<p>"A journey of not more than twenty-five miles," said Glenarvan. "It is +nothing."</p> + +<p>"What is nothing at sea will be long and difficult on land," replied +Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Well, then," said Captain Mangles, "let us do all in our power to +float the Macquarie."</p> + +<p>This question being settled, their labors were resumed. It was high +water, but they could not take advantage of it, since the anchors were +not yet moored. Yet the captain watched the ship with some anxiety. +Would she float with the tide? This point would soon be decided.</p> + +<p>They waited. Several cracks were heard, caused either by a rising or +starting of the keel. Great reliance had been placed upon the tide, but +the brig did not stir.</p> + +<p>The work was continued, and the raft was soon ready. The small anchor +was put on board, and the captain and Wilson embarked, after mooring +a small cable at the stern. The ebb-tide made them drift, and they +therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, in ten fathoms of +water. The bottom afforded a firm hold.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A MIDNIGHT CONCLAVE.</div> + +<p>The great anchor now remained. They lowered it with difficulty, +transported it on the raft, and soon it was moored behind the other; +the captain and his men returning to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467">[Pg 467]</a></span> vessel, and waiting for high +water, which would be early in the morning. It was now six o'clock +in the evening. The young captain complimented his sailors, and told +Paganel that, with the aid of courage and good discipline, he might one +day become quartermaster.</p> + +<p>Meantime, Mr. Olbinett, after assisting in different operations, had +returned to the kitchen, and prepared a very comforting and seasonable +repast. The crew were tempted by a keen appetite, which was abundantly +satisfied, and each felt himself invigorated for fresh exertions.</p> + +<p>After dinner, Captain Mangles took a final precaution to insure the +success of his experiment. He threw overboard a great part of the +merchandise to lighten the brig; but the remainder of the ballast, the +heavy spars, the spare yards, and a few tons of pig-iron, were carried +to the stern, to aid by their weight in liberating the keel. Wilson and +Mulready likewise rolled to the same place a number of casks filled +with water. Midnight arrived before these labors were completed.</p> + +<p>But at this hour the breeze subsided, and only a few capricious +ripples stirred the surface of the water. Looking towards the horizon, +the captain observed that the wind was changing from southwest to +northwest. A sailor could not be mistaken in the peculiar arrangement +and color of the clouds. He accordingly informed Glenarvan of these +indications, and proposed to defer their work till the next day.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"A TIDE IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN."</div> + +<p>"And these are my reasons," said he. "First, we are very much fatigued, +and all our strength is necessary to free the vessel. Then, when this +is accomplished, how can we sail among the dangerous breakers, and +in such profound darkness? Moreover, another reason induces me to +wait. The wind promises to aid us, and I desire to profit by it, and +am in hopes that it will drift the old hull out when the tide raises +her. To-morrow, if I am not mistaken, the breeze will blow from the +northwest. We will set the main-sails, and they will help to raise +the brig."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468">[Pg 468]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p468.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, +in ten fathoms of water.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469">[Pg 469]</a></span> +These reasons were decisive. Glenarvan and Paganel, the most impatient +on board, yielded, and the work was suspended.</p> + +<p>The night passed favorably, and day appeared. Their captain's +predictions were realized. The wind blew from the northwest, and +continued to freshen. The crew were summoned. It was nine o'clock. Four +hours were still to elapse before it would be high water, and that time +was not lost. The laborers renewed their efforts with very good success.</p> + +<p>Meantime the tide rose. The surface of the sea was agitated into +ripples, and the points of the rocks gradually disappeared, like +marine animals returning to their native element. The time for the +final attempt approached. A feverish impatience thrilled all minds. +No one spoke. Each gazed at the captain, and awaited his orders. He +was leaning over the stern-railing, watching the water, and casting an +uneasy glance towards the cables.</p> + +<p>At last the tide reached its height. The experiment must now be made +without delay. The main-sails were set, and the mast was bent with the +force of the wind.</p> + +<p>"To the windlass!" cried the captain.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Mulready, and Robert on one side, and Paganel, the major, +and Olbinett on the other, bore down upon the handles that moved the +machine. At the same time the captain and Wilson added their efforts to +those of their companions.</p> + +<p>"Down! down!" cried the young captain; "all together!"</p> + +<p>The cables were stretched taut under the powerful action of the +windlass. The anchors held fast, and did not drag. But they must be +quick, for high tide lasts only a few moments, and the water would not +be long in lowering.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470">[Pg 470]</a></span></p> + +<p>They redoubled their efforts. The wind blew violently, and forced the +sails against the mast. A few tremors were felt in the hull, and the +brig seemed on the point of rising. Perhaps a little more power would +suffice to draw her from the sand.</p> + +<p>"Helena! Mary!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The two ladies came and joined their efforts to those of their +companions. A final crack was heard, but that was all! The experiment +had failed. The tide was already beginning to ebb, and it was evident +that, even with the aid of wind and tide, this insufficient crew could +not float their ship.</p> + +<p>As their first plan had failed, it was necessary to have recourse to +the second without delay. It was plain that they could not raise the +Macquarie, and that the only way was to abandon her. To wait on board +for the uncertain arrival of assistance would have been folly and +madness.</p> + +<p>The captain therefore proposed to construct a raft strong enough to +convey the passengers and a sufficient quantity of provisions to the +New Zealand coast. It was not a time for discussion, but for action. +The work was accordingly begun, and considerably advanced when night +interrupted them.</p> + +<p>In the evening, after supper, while Lady Helena and Mary Grant were +reposing in their berths, Paganel and his friends conversed seriously +as they paced the deck. The geographer had asked Captain Mangles +whether the raft could not follow the coast as far as Auckland, instead +of landing the passengers at once. The captain replied that it would be +impossible with such a rude craft.</p> + +<p>"And could we have done with the boat what we cannot do with the raft?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, candidly speaking, we could," was the reply; "but with the +necessity of sailing by day and anchoring by night."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471">[Pg 471]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A FRENCHMAN'S FOIBLE.</div> + +<p>"Then these wretches, who have abandoned us——"</p> + +<p>"Oh," said Captain Mangles, "they were drunk, and in the profound +darkness I fear they have paid for their cowardly desertion with their +lives."</p> + +<p>"So much the worse for them," continued Paganel; "and for us, too, as +this boat would have been useful."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Paganel?" said Glenarvan. "The raft will take us +ashore."</p> + +<p>"That is precisely what I would avoid," replied the geographer.</p> + +<p>"What! can a journey of not more than twenty miles terrify us, after +what has been done on the Pampas and in Australia?"</p> + +<p>"My friends," resumed Paganel, "I do not doubt your courage, nor that +of our fair companions. Twenty miles is nothing in any other country +except New Zealand. Here, however, anything is better than venturing +upon these treacherous shores."</p> + +<p>"Anything is better than exposing yourself to certain death on a +wrecked vessel," returned Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"What have we to fear in New Zealand?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"The savages!" replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"The savages?" said Glenarvan. "Can we not avoid them by following the +coast? Besides, an attack from a few wretches cannot intimidate ten +well-armed and determined Europeans."</p> + +<p>"It is not a question of wretches," rejoined Paganel. "The New +Zealanders form terrible tribes that struggle against the English +government, fight with invaders, frequently conquer them, and always +eat them."</p> + +<p>"Cannibals! cannibals!" cried Robert; and then he murmured, as though +afraid to give full utterance to the words, "My sister! Lady Helena!"</p> + +<p>"Never fear, my boy!" said Glenarvan; "our friend Paganel exaggerates."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472">[Pg 472]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p472.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The work was accordingly begun, and considerably +advanced when night interrupted them.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473">[Pg 473]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p473.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs and hung from the tree.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474">[Pg 474]</a></span> +"I do not exaggerate," replied Paganel. "With these New Zealanders war +is what the sports of the chase are to civilized nations; and the game +they hunt for they feast upon."</p> + +<p>"Paganel," said the major, "this may be all very true, but have you +forgotten the introduction of Christianity? has it not destroyed these +anthropophagous habits?"</p> + +<p>"No, it has not," was the prompt reply. "The records are yet fresh of +ministers who have gone out to proclaim Christianity and have fallen +victims to the murderous and cannibal instincts of those to whom they +preached. Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs, was hung to the tree, was tantalized and +tortured to his last moments; and then, whilst some tore his body to +pieces, others devoured the various members. No, the Maoris are still +cannibals, and will remain so for some time to come."</p> + +<p>But Paganel was on this point a pessimist, contrary to his usual +characteristic.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLVII" id="CHAPTER_XLVII">CHAPTER XLVII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A DREADED COUNTRY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>What Paganel had stated was indisputable. The cruelty of the New +Zealanders could not be doubted. There was, therefore, danger in +landing. But if the danger had been a hundred times greater, it must +have been faced. Captain Mangles felt the necessity of leaving this +vessel, which would soon break up. Between two perils, one certain, the +other only probable, there was no possible hesitation.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANOTHER CHANGE OF RESIDENCE.</div> + +<p>As for the chance of being picked up by some passing ship, they could +not reasonably rely upon it, for the Macquarie was out of the course +usually taken in going to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_475" id="Page_475">[Pg 475]</a></span> New Zealand. The shipwreck had happened on +the desert shores of Ika-Na-Maoui.</p> + +<p>"When shall we start?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow morning at ten o'clock," replied Captain Mangles. "The tide +will begin to rise then, and will carry us ashore."</p> + +<p>Early the next day the raft was finished. The captain had given +his entire attention to its construction. They needed a steady and +manageable craft, and one capable of resisting the waves for a voyage +of nine miles. The masts of the brig could alone furnish the necessary +materials.</p> + +<p>The raft was at length completed. It could doubtless sustain the shock +of the surges; but could it be steered, and the coast be reached, if +the wind should veer? This was a question only to be decided by trial.</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock the loading began. The provisions were first put on +board in sufficient quantities to last until the arrival at Auckland, +for there could be no reliance upon the products of this dreaded +country. Olbinett furnished some preserved meats, the remains of the +Macquarie's supplies. There was very little, however; and they were +forced to depend upon the coarse fare of the mess, which consisted of +very inferior ship-biscuits and two barrels of salt fish, greatly to +the steward's regret.</p> + +<p>These stores were inclosed in sealed cans and then secured to the foot +of the mast. The arms and ammunition were put in a safe and dry place. +Fortunately, the travelers were well supplied with rifles and revolvers.</p> + +<p>A small anchor was taken on board, in case they should reach the shore +at low tide and be forced to anchor in the offing. Flood-tide soon +began, the breeze blew gently from the northwest, and a slight swell +agitated the surface of the sea.</p> + +<p>"Are we ready?" asked Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"All is ready, captain," replied Wilson.</p> + +<p>"Aboard, then!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_476" id="Page_476">[Pg 476]</a></span></p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Mary Grant descended the ship's side by a clumsy +rope-ladder, and took their seats at the foot of the mast near the +cases of provisions, their companions around them. Wilson took the +helm, the captain stationed himself at the sail-tackling, and Mulready +cut the cable that confined the raft to the brig. The sail was spread, +and they began to move towards the shore under the combined influence +of wind and tide.</p> + +<p>The coast was only nine miles distant,—not a difficult voyage for a +well-manned boat; but with the raft it was necessary to advance slowly. +If the wind held out, they might perhaps reach land with this tide; but +if there should be a calm, the ebb would carry them back, or they would +be compelled to anchor and wait for the next tide.</p> + +<p>However, Captain Mangles hoped to succeed. The wind freshened. As it +had been flood now for some hours, they must either reach land soon, or +anchor.</p> + +<p>Fortune favored them. Gradually the black points of the rocks and +the yellow sand of the bars disappeared beneath the waves; but great +attention and extreme skill became necessary, in this dangerous +neighborhood, to guide their unwieldy craft.</p> + +<p>They were still five miles from shore. A clear sky enabled them to +distinguish the principal features of the country. To the northeast +rose a lofty mountain, whose outline was defined against the horizon in +a very singular resemblance to the grinning profile of a monkey.</p> + +<p>Paganel soon observed that all the sand-bars had disappeared.</p> + +<p>"Except one," replied Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"There," said Lady Helena, pointing to a black speck a mile ahead.</p> + +<p>"That is true," answered Paganel. "Let us try to determine its +position, that we may not run upon it when the tide covers it."</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_477" id="Page_477">[Pg 477]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p477.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The yawl was drawn alongside.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_478" id="Page_478">[Pg 478]</a></span> +"It is exactly at the northern projection of the mountain," said +Captain Mangles. "Wilson, bear away towards the offing."</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, bearing with all his weight upon +the steering oar.</p> + +<p>They approached nearer; but, strange to say, the black point still +rose above the water. The captain gazed at it attentively, and, to see +better, employed Paganel's telescope.</p> + +<p>"It is not a rock," said he, after a moment's examination; "it is a +floating object, that rises and falls with the swell."</p> + +<p>"Is it not a piece of the Macquarie's mast?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Glenarvan; "no fragment could have drifted so far from +the ship."</p> + +<p>"Wait!" cried Captain Mangles. "I recognize it. It is the boat."</p> + +<p>"The brig's boat?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, the brig's boat, bottom upwards."</p> + +<p>"The unfortunate sailors!" exclaimed Lady Helena, "they have perished!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," continued the captain; "and they might have foreseen +it; for in the midst of these breakers, on a stormy sea, and in such +profound darkness, they fled to certain death."</p> + +<p>"May Heaven have pity on them!" murmured Mary Grant.</p> + +<p>For a few moments the passengers were silent. They gazed at this frail +bark towards which they drew nearer and nearer. It had evidently +capsized a considerable distance from land, and of those who embarked +in it probably not one had survived.</p> + +<p>"But this boat may be useful," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Captain Mangles. "Come about, Wilson."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_479" id="Page_479">[Pg 479]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">REALITIES AND FANCIES.</div> + +<p>The direction of the raft was changed, but the wind subsided gradually, +and it cost them much time to reach the boat. Mulready, standing at the +bow, warded off the shock, and the yawl was drawn alongside.</p> + +<p>"Empty?" asked Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, "the boat is empty, and her seams +have started open. She is of no use to us."</p> + +<p>"Can we not save any part?" asked MacNabb.</p> + +<p>"No," answered the captain. "She is only fit to burn."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry," said Paganel, "for the yawl might have taken us to +Auckland."</p> + +<p>"We must be resigned, Mr. Paganel," rejoined the captain. "Moreover, on +such a rough sea, I prefer our raft to that frail conveyance. A slight +shock would dash it in pieces! Therefore, my lord, we have nothing more +to stay here for."</p> + +<p>"As you wish, John," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Forward, Wilson," continued the young captain, "straight for the +coast!"</p> + +<p>The tide would yet flow for about an hour, and in this time they could +accomplish a considerable distance. But soon the breeze subsided almost +entirely, and the raft was motionless. Soon it even began to drift +towards the open sea under the influence of the ebb.</p> + +<p>The captain did not hesitate a moment.</p> + +<p>"Anchor!" cried he.</p> + +<p>Mulready, who was in an instant ready to execute this order, let fall +the anchor, and the raft drifted till the cable was taut. The sail was +reefed, and arrangements were made for a long detention. Indeed, the +tide would not turn till late in the evening; and, as they did not care +to sail in the dark, they anchored for the night in sight of land.</p> + +<p>Quite a heavy swell agitated the surface of the water, and seemed to +set steadily towards the shore. Glenarvan, therefore, when he learned +that the whole night would be passed on board, asked why they did not +take advantage of this current to approach the coast.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_480" id="Page_480">[Pg 480]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p480.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Night approached. Already the sun's disk was +disappearing beneath the horizon.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_481" id="Page_481">[Pg 481]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p481.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The ladies were carried in their companions' arms, and +reached the shore without wetting a single fold of their garments.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_482" id="Page_482">[Pg 482]</a></span> +"My lord," replied the young captain, "is deceived by an optical +illusion. The apparent onward movement is only an oscillation of the +water, nothing more. Throw a piece of wood into the water, and you will +see that it will remain stationary, so long as the ebb is not felt. We +must therefore have patience."</p> + +<p>"And dinner," added the major.</p> + +<p>Olbinett took out of a case of provisions some pieces of dried meat and +a dozen biscuits, though reluctant to offer such meagre fare. It was +accepted, however, with good grace, even by the ladies, whose appetites +the fresh sea air greatly improved.</p> + +<p>Night approached. Already the sun's disk, glowing with crimson, was +disappearing beneath the horizon; and the waters glistened and sparkled +like sheets of liquid silver under his last rays. Nothing could be +seen but sky and water, except one sharply-defined object, the hull of +the Macquarie, motionless on the reefs. The short twilight was rapidly +followed by the darkness, and soon the land that bounded the horizon +some miles away was lost in the gloom. In this perplexing situation +these shipwrecked people lapsed into an uneasy and distressing +drowsiness, and as the result at daybreak all were more exhausted than +refreshed.</p> + +<p>With the turn of the tide the wind rose. It was six o'clock in the +morning, and time was precious. Preparations were made for getting +under way, and the order was given to weigh anchor; but the flukes, +by the strain of the cable, were so deeply imbedded in the sand that +without the windlass even the tackling that Wilson arranged could not +draw them out.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TERRA-FIRMA ONCE MORE.</div> + +<p>Half an hour passed in useless efforts. The captain, impatient to set +sail, cut the cable, and thus took away all possibility of anchoring, +in case the tide should not enable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_483" id="Page_483">[Pg 483]</a></span> them to reach the shore. The sail +was unfurled, and they drifted slowly towards the land that rose in +grayish masses against the background of the sky, illumined by the +rising sun. The reefs were skillfully avoided, but, with the unsteady +breeze, they did not seem to draw nearer the shore.</p> + +<p>At last, however, land was less than a mile distant, craggy with rocks +and very precipitous. It was necessary to find a practicable landing. +The wind now moderated and soon subsided entirely, the sail flapping +idly against the mast. The tide alone moved the raft; but they had to +give up steering, and masses of sea-weed retarded their progress.</p> + +<p>After awhile they gradually became stationary three cable-lengths from +shore. But they had no anchor, and would they not be carried out to +sea again by the ebb? With eager glance and anxious heart the captain +looked towards the inaccessible shore.</p> + +<p>Just at this moment a shock was felt. The raft stopped. They had +stranded on a sand-bar, not far from the coast. Glenarvan, Robert, +Wilson, and Mulready leaped into the water, and moored their bark +firmly with cables on the adjoining reefs. The ladies were carried in +their companions' arms, and reached the shore without wetting a single +fold of their garments; and soon all, with arms and provisions, had set +foot on the inhospitable shores of New Zealand.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, without losing an hour, would have followed the coast to +Auckland; but since early morning the sky had been heavy with clouds, +which, towards noon, descended in torrents of rain. Hence it was +impossible to start on their journey, and advisable to seek a shelter.</p> + +<p>Wilson discovered, fortunately, a cavern, hollowed out by the sea in +the basaltic rocks of the shore, and here the travelers took refuge +with their arms and provisions. There was an abundance of dry sea-weed, +lately cast up by the waves. This formed a soft couch, of which they +availed themselves. Several pieces of wood were piled up at the +entrance and then kindled; and while the fire served to dry their +garments conversation beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_484" id="Page_484">[Pg 484]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p484.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">While the fire served to dry their garments conversation +beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_485" id="Page_485">[Pg 485]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p485.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on +one of them.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_486" id="Page_486">[Pg 486]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">SEALS AND SIRENS.</div> + +<p>Paganel, as usual, upon being appealed to, could tell them of the +rise, extension, and consolidation of the British power upon the +island; he informed them of the beginnings—and, to his belief, of +the causes—of the strife which for years decimated the aborigines, +and was very injurious to the colonists who had emigrated; then, in +reply to Robert's questions, he went on to speak of those who on a +narrower theatre had emulated by their heroism and patience the deeds +of the world's great travelers and scientific explorers. He told them +of Witcombe and Charlton Howitt, men known in their own circles and +in connection with their own branch of the New Zealand government. +At still greater length he detailed the adventures of Jacob Louper, +who was the companion of Witcombe, and had gone as his assistant +to discover a practicable route over the mountains in the north of +the province of Canterbury. In those mountain wilds, which even the +islanders rarely traverse, these two Europeans suffered greatly, but +still worse was their fate when they descended to the water-level and +essayed to cross the Taramakau near its mouth. Jacob Louper at length +found two old and almost useless canoes, and by attaching the one to +the other they hoped to accomplish the passage safely. Before they +had reached the middle of the rapid current, however, both the tubs +capsized. Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on one +of them, and by clinging to it was at length carried to the river's +bank, which his companion also reached; but when after a period of +insensibility Louper returned to consciousness and found the body of +Witcombe, it was lifeless. Though terribly bruised and still bleeding +from his wounds, Louper hollowed a grave for the remains, and then, +after many more days of privation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_487" id="Page_487">[Pg 487]</a></span> and danger, came to the huts of some +of the Maoris, by whose assistance he at length reached the settled +parts of the colony.</p> + +<p>These facts and reminiscences, it must be confessed, were not of the +most inspiriting character; but they were in the same key as most of +Paganel's disquisitions and information concerning these islands, and +they were before a late hour exchanged for peaceful though probably +dreamy slumbers, by his hearers.</p> + +<p>Early the next morning the signal for departure was given. The rain had +ceased during the night, and the sky was covered with grayish clouds, +which intercepted the rays of the sun, so that the temperature thus +moderated enabled them to endure the fatigues of the journey.</p> + +<p>By consulting the map, Paganel had calculated that they would have to +travel eight days. But, instead of following the windings of the coast, +he considered it best to proceed to the village of Ngarnavahia, at the +junction of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. Here the overland mail-road +passed, and it would thence be easy to reach Drury, and rest, after +their hardships, in a comfortable hotel.</p> + +<p>But before they left the shore their attention was drawn to the large +number of seals, of a peculiar appearance and genus, which lay on the +broad sands daily washed by the tidal water. These seals, with their +rounded heads, their upturned look, their expressive eyes, presented an +appearance, almost a physiognomy, that was mild and wellnigh tender, +and served to recall to the traveler's memory the tales about the +sirens of the olden and modern times, who served as the enchantresses +to just such inhospitable shores as that seemed on which they had +themselves been cast. These animals, which are very numerous on the +coast of New Zealand, are hunted and killed for the sake of their +oil and their skins, and Paganel was of course able to tell how much +within the last few years they had been searched for by the traders and +navigators on these seas.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_488" id="Page_488">[Pg 488]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p488.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">These seals, with rounded heads, upturned look, +expressive eyes, presented an appearance, almost a physiognomy, that +was mild and wellnigh tender.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_489" id="Page_489">[Pg 489]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p489.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_490" id="Page_490">[Pg 490]</a></span> +Whilst speaking of these matters, Robert drew Paganel's attention to +some curious amphibious creatures, resembling the seals, but larger, +which were devouring with rapidity the large stones lying on the shore.</p> + +<p>"Look," said he, "here are seals which feed on pebbles."</p> + +<p>Paganel assured them that these sea-elephants were only weighting +themselves preparatory to their descent into the water, and protested +that if they would but wait for a time they might see them descend and +subsequently return when they had unloaded themselves. The first part +of this programme they saw accomplished; but, greatly to Paganel's +grief, Glenarvan would not longer delay the party, and they soon began +to see inland beauties and curiosities of another sort.</p> + +<p>The district through which they had to walk this day and the next was +one very thick with brush and under-wood, and there was no possibility +of horse or vehicle passing or meeting them. They now regretted the +absence of their Australian cart, for the height and frequency of +the large ferns in the neighborhood prevented their making any rapid +progress on foot.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LAST STAGE OF PERIPATETICS.</div> + +<p>Here and there, however, Robert and Paganel would rejoice together +over some choice bush or bird that they had met with. Notable among +the latter was the New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx, and which is becoming very scarce, from the pursuit of its +many enemies. Robert discovered in a nest on the ground a couple of +these birds without tails or wings, but with four toes on the foot, and +a long beak or bill like that of a woodcock, and small white feathers +all over its body. Of this bird there was then an entire absence in the +zoological collections of Europe, and Paganel indulged the hope that he +might be able to be the proud contributor of such a valuable specimen +to the "Jardin" of his own city. For the present, at least, the +realization of his hopes had to be deferred; and at length, after some +days of weariness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_491" id="Page_491">[Pg 491]</a></span> and continued travel, the party reached the banks +of the Waipa. The country was deserted. There was no sign of natives, +no path that would indicate the presence of man in these regions. The +waters of the river flowed between tall bushes, or glided over sandy +shallows, while the range of vision extended to the hills that inclosed +the valley on the east.</p> + +<p>At four o'clock in the afternoon nine miles had been valiantly +accomplished. According to the map, which Paganel continually +consulted, the junction of the Waikato and Waipa could not be more +than five miles distant. The road to Auckland passed this point, and +there they would encamp for the night. As for the fifty miles that +would still separate them from the capital, two or three days would +be sufficient for this, and even eight hours, if they should meet the +mail-coach.</p> + +<p>"Then," said Glenarvan, "we shall be compelled to encamp again +to-night."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Paganel; "but, as I hope, for the last time."</p> + +<p>"So much the better; for these are severe hardships for Lady Helena and +Mary Grant."</p> + +<p>"And they endure them heroically," added Captain Mangles. "But, if I am +not mistaken, Mr. Paganel, you have spoken of a village situated at the +junction of the two rivers."</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the geographer; "here it is on the map. It is +Ngarnavahia, about two miles below the junction."</p> + +<p>"Well, could we not lodge there for the night? Lady Helena and Miss +Grant would not hesitate to go two miles farther, if they could find a +tolerable hotel."</p> + +<p>"A hotel!" cried Paganel. "A hotel in a Maori village! There is not +even a tavern. This village is only a collection of native huts; +and, far from seeking shelter there, my advice is to avoid it most +carefully."</p> + +<p>"Always your fears, Paganel!" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_492" id="Page_492">[Pg 492]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My dear lord, distrust is better than confidence among the Maoris. I +do not know upon what terms they are with the English. Now, timidity +aside, such as ourselves would be fine prizes, and I dislike to try New +Zealand hospitality. I therefore think it wise to avoid this village, +and likewise any meeting with the natives. Once at Drury, it will be +different, and there our courageous ladies can refresh themselves at +their ease for the fatigues of their journey."</p> + +<p>The geographer's opinion prevailed. Lady Helena preferred to pass +the last night in the open air rather than to expose her companions. +Neither she nor Mary Grant required a halt, and they therefore +continued to follow the banks of the river.</p> + +<p>Two hours after, the first shadows of evening began to descend the +mountains. The sun before disappearing below the western horizon had +glinted a few rays through a rift in the clouds. The eastern peaks were +crimsoned with the last beams of day.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his friends hastened their pace. They knew the shortness +of the twilight in this latitude, and how quickly night sets in. It +was important to reach the junction of the two rivers before it became +dark. But a dense fog rose from the earth, and made it very difficult +to distinguish the way.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, hearing availed in place of sight. Soon a distinct murmur +of the waters indicated the union of the two streams in a common bed, +and not long after the little party arrived at the point where the +Waipa mingles with the Waikato in resounding cascades.</p> + +<p>"Here is the Waikato," cried Paganel, "and the road to Auckland runs +along its right bank."</p> + +<p>"We shall see to-morrow," replied the major. "Let us encamp here. It +seems to me as if those deeper shadows yonder proceeded from a little +thicket of trees that has grown here expressly to shelter us. Let us +eat and sleep."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_493" id="Page_493">[Pg 493]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A TRANSFORMATION SCENE.</div> + +<p>"Eat," said Paganel, "but of biscuits and dried meat, without kindling +a fire. We have arrived here unseen; let us try to go away in the same +manner. Fortunately, this fog will render us invisible."</p> + +<p>The group of trees was reached, and each conformed to the geographer's +rigorous regulations. The cold supper was noiselessly eaten, and soon a +profound sleep overcame the weary travelers.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLVIII" id="CHAPTER_XLVIII">CHAPTER XLVIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>INTRODUCTION TO THE CANNIBALS.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The next morning at break of day a dense fog was spreading heavily over +the river, but the rays of the sun were not long in piercing the mist, +which rapidly disappeared under the influence of the radiant orb. The +banks of the stream were released from their shroud, and the course of +the Waikato appeared in all its morning beauty.</p> + +<p>A narrow tongue of land bristling with shrubbery ran out to a point +at the junction of the two rivers. The waters of the Waipa, which +flowed more swiftly, drove back those of the Waikato for a quarter of a +mile before they mingled; but the calm power of the one soon overcame +the boisterous impetuosity of the other, and both glided peacefully +together to the broad bosom of the Pacific.</p> + +<p>As the mist rose, a boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad. The lofty prow resembled +that of a Venetian gondola, and the whole had been fashioned out of the +trunk of a pine. A bed of dry fern covered the bottom. Eight oars at +the bow propelled it up the river, while a man at the stern guided it +by means of a movable paddle.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_494" id="Page_494">[Pg 494]</a></span></p> + +<p>This man was a native, of tall form, about forty-five years old, with +broad breast and powerful limbs. His protruding and deeply furrowed +brow, his fierce look and his sinister countenance, showed him to be a +formidable individual.</p> + +<p>He was a Maori chief of high rank, as could be seen by the delicate +and compact tattooing that striped his face and body. Two black +spirals, starting from the nostrils of his aquiline nose, circled his +tawny eyes, met on his forehead, and were lost in his abundant hair. +His mouth, with its shining teeth, and his chin, were hidden beneath +a net-work of varied colors, while graceful lines wound down to his +sinewy breast.</p> + +<p>There was no doubt as to his rank. The sharp albatross bone, used +by Maori tattooers, had furrowed his face five times, in close and +deep lines. That he had reached his fifth promotion was evident from +his haughty bearing. A large flaxen mat, ornamented with dog-skins, +enveloped his person; while a girdle, bloody with his recent conflicts, +encircled his waist. From his ears dangled ear-rings of green jade, and +around his neck hung necklaces of "pounamous," sacred stones to which +the New Zealanders attribute miraculous properties. At his side lay a +gun of English manufacture, and a "patou-patou," a kind of double-edged +hatchet.</p> + +<p>Near him nine warriors, of lower rank, armed and of ferocious aspect, +some still suffering from recent wounds, stood in perfect immobility, +enveloped in their flaxen mantles. Three dogs of wild appearance were +stretched at their feet. The eight rowers seemed to be servants or +slaves of the chief. They worked vigorously, and the boat ascended the +current of the Waikato with remarkable swiftness.</p> + +<p>In the centre of this long canoe, with feet tied, but hands free, were +ten European prisoners clinging closely to each other. They were Lord +Glenarvan and his companions.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_495" id="Page_495">[Pg 495]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A TESTING TIME.</div> + +<p>The evening before, the little party, led astray by the dense fog, had +encamped in the midst of a numerous tribe of natives. About midnight, +the travelers, surprised in their sleep, were made prisoners and +carried on board the canoe. They had not yet been maltreated, but had +tried in vain to resist. Their arms and ammunition were in the hands of +the savages, and their own bullets would have quickly stretched them on +the earth had they attempted to escape.</p> + +<p>They were not long in learning, by the aid of a few English words which +the natives used, that, being driven back by the British troops, they +were returning, vanquished and weakened, to the regions of the upper +Waikato. Their chief, after an obstinate resistance, in which he lost +his principal warriors, was now on his way to rouse again the river +tribes. He was called Kai-Koumou, a terrible name, which signified +in the native language "he who eats the limbs of his enemy." He was +brave and bold, but his cruelty equaled his bravery. No pity could be +expected from him. His name was well known to the English soldiers, and +a price had been set upon his head by the governor of New Zealand.</p> + +<p>This terrible catastrophe had come upon Glenarvan just as he was +about reaching the long-desired harbor of Auckland, whence he would +have returned to his native country. Yet, looking at his calm and +passionless countenance, you could not have divined the depth of his +anguish, for in his present critical situation he did not betray the +extent of his misfortunes. He felt that he ought to set an example of +fortitude to his wife and his companions, as being the husband and +chief. Moreover, he was ready to die first for the common safety, if +circumstances should require it.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">CHIEFS, CIVILIZED AND UNCIVILIZED.</div> + +<p>His companions were worthy of him; they shared his noble thoughts, and +their calm and haughty appearance would scarcely have intimated that +they were being carried away to captivity and suffering. By common +consent, at Glenarvan's suggestion, they had resolved to feign a proud +indifference in the presence of the savages. It was the only way of +influencing those fierce natures.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_496" id="Page_496">[Pg 496]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p496.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_497" id="Page_497">[Pg 497]</a></span>Since leaving the encampment, the natives, taciturn like all savages, +had scarcely spoken to each other. However, from a few words exchanged, +Glenarvan perceived that they were acquainted with the English +language. He therefore resolved to question the chief in regard to the +fate that was in store for them. Addressing Kai-Koumou, he said, in a +fearless tone:</p> + +<p>"Where are you taking us, chief?"</p> + +<p>Kai-Koumou gazed at him coldly without answering.</p> + +<p>"Say, what do you expect to do with us?" continued Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The chief's eyes blazed with a sudden light, and in a stern voice he +replied:</p> + +<p>"To exchange you, if your friends will ransom you; to kill you, if they +refuse."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan asked no more, but hope returned to his heart. Doubtless, +some chiefs of the Maori tribe had fallen into the hands of the +English, and the natives would attempt to recover them by way of +exchange; their situation, therefore, was not one for despair.</p> + +<p>Meantime the canoe rapidly ascended the river. Paganel, whose +changeable disposition carried him from one extreme to another, had +regained his hopefulness. He believed that the Maoris were sparing them +the fatigue of their journey to the English settlements, and that they +were certain to arrive at their destination. He was, therefore, quite +resigned to his lot, and traced on his map the course of the Waikato +across the plains and valleys of the province. Lady Helena and Mary +Grant, suppressing their terror, conversed in low tones with Glenarvan, +and the most skillful physiognomist could not have detected on their +faces the anxiety of their hearts.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_498" id="Page_498">[Pg 498]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Waikato River is worshiped by the natives, as Paganel knew, and +English and German naturalists have never ascended beyond its junction +with the Waipa. Whither did Kai-Koumou intend to take his captives? +The geographer could not have guessed if the word "Taupo," frequently +repeated, had not attracted his attention. By consulting his map, +he saw that this name was applied to a celebrated lake in the most +mountainous part of the island, and that from it the Waikato flows.</p> + +<p>Paganel, addressing Captain Mangles in French, so as not to be +understood by the savages, asked him how fast the canoe was going. The +captain thought about three miles an hour.</p> + +<p>"Then," replied the geographer, "if we do not travel during the night, +our voyage to the lake will last about four days."</p> + +<p>"But whereabouts are the English garrisons?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"It is difficult to say," replied Paganel. "At all events, the war +must have reached the province of Taranaki, and probably the troops +are collected beyond the mountains, on the side of the lake where the +habitations of the savages are concentrated."</p> + +<p>"God grant it!" said Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan cast a sorrowful glance at his young wife and Mary Grant, +exposed to the mercy of these fierce natives, and captives in a wild +country, far from all human assistance. But he saw that he was watched +by Kai-Koumou, and, not wishing to show that one of the captives was +his wife, he prudently kept his thoughts to himself, and gazed at the +banks of the river with apparent indifference.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ACCESSIONS, AND PROGRESS.</div> + +<p>The sun was just sinking below the horizon as the canoe ran upon a bank +of pumice-stones, which the Waikato carries with it from its source +in the volcanic mountains. Several trees grew here, as if designed to +shelter an encampment. Kai-Koumou landed his prisoners.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_499" id="Page_499">[Pg 499]</a></span></p> + +<p>The men had their hands tied, the ladies were free. All were placed +in the centre of the encampment, around which large fires formed an +impassable barrier.</p> + +<p>Before Kai-Koumou had informed his captives of his intention to +exchange them, Glenarvan and Captain Mangles had discussed various +methods of recovering their liberty. What they could not venture in the +boat they hoped to attempt on land, at the hour for encamping, under +cover of the night.</p> + +<p>But since Glenarvan's conversation with the chief, it seemed wise to +abandon this design. They must be patient. It was the most prudent +plan. The exchange offered chances that neither an open attack nor a +flight across these unknown regions could afford. Many circumstances +might indeed arise that would delay, and even prevent, such a +transaction; but still it was better to await the result. What, +moreover, could ten defenceless men do against thirty well-armed +savages? Besides, Glenarvan thought it likely that Kai-Koumou's tribe +had lost some chief of high rank whom they were particularly anxious to +recover; and he was not mistaken.</p> + +<p>The next day the canoe ascended the river with increased swiftness. +It stopped for a moment at the junction of a small river which wound +across the plains on the right bank. Here another canoe, with ten +natives on board, joined Kai-Koumou. The warriors merely exchanged +salutations, and then continued their course. The new-comers had +recently fought against the English troops, as could be seen by their +tattered garments, their gory weapons, and the wounds that still bled +beneath their rags. They were gloomy and taciturn, and, with the +indifference common to all savage races, paid no attention to the +captives.</p> + +<p>Towards evening Kai-Koumou landed at the foot of the mountains, +whose nearer ridges reached precipitously to the river-bank. Here +twenty natives, who had disembarked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_500" id="Page_500">[Pg 500]</a></span> from their canoes, were making +preparations for the night. Fires blazed beneath the trees. A chief, +equal in rank to Kai-Koumou, advanced with measured pace, and, rubbing +his nose against that of the latter, saluted him cordially. The +prisoners were stationed in the centre of the encampment, and guarded +with extreme vigilance.</p> + +<p>The next morning the ascent of the Waikato was resumed. Other boats +came from various affluents of the river. Sixty warriors, evidently +fugitives from the last insurrection, had now assembled, and were +returning, more or less wounded in the fray, to the mountain districts. +Sometimes a song arose from the canoes, as they advanced in single +file. One native struck up the patriotic ode of the mysterious "Pihé," +the national hymn that calls the Maoris to battle. The full and +sonorous voice of the singer waked the echoes of the mountains; and +after each stanza his comrades struck their breasts, and sang the +warlike verses in chorus. Then they seized their oars again, and the +canoes were headed up stream.</p> + +<p>During the day a singular sight enlivened the voyage. About four +o'clock the canoe, without lessening its speed, guided by the steady +hand of the chief, dashed through a narrow gorge. Eddies broke +violently against numerous small islands, which rendered navigation +exceeding dangerous. Never could it be more hazardous to capsize, for +the banks afforded no refuge, and whoever had set foot on the porous +crust of the shore would probably have perished. At this point the +river flowed between warm springs, oxide of iron colored the muddy +ground a brilliant red, and not a yard of firm earth could be seen. +The air was heavy with a penetrating sulphureous odor. The natives did +not regard it, but the captives were seriously annoyed by the noxious +vapors exhaled from the fissures of the soil and the bubbles that +burst and discharged their gaseous contents. Yet, however disagreeable +these emanations were, the eye could not but admire this magnificent +spectacle.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_501" id="Page_501">[Pg 501]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p501.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">At this point the river flowed between warm springs, and +not a yard of firm earth could be seen.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_502" id="Page_502">[Pg 502]</a></span> +The canoes soon after entered a dense cloud of white smoke, whose +wreaths rose in gradually decreasing circles above the river. On the +shores a hundred geysers, some shooting forth masses of vapor, and +others overflowing in liquid columns, varied their effects, like the +jets and cascades of a fountain. It seemed as though some engineer was +directing at his pleasure the outflowings of these springs, as the +waters and vapor, mingling in the air, formed rainbows in the sunbeams.</p> + +<p>For two miles the canoes glided within this vapory atmosphere, +enveloped in its warm waves that rolled along the surface of the water. +Then the sulphureous smoke disappeared, and a pure swift current of +fresh air refreshed the panting voyagers. The region of the springs was +passed. Before the close of the day two more rapids were ascended, and +at evening Kai-Koumou encamped a hundred miles above the junction of +the two streams. The river now turned towards the east, and then again +flowed southward into Lake Taupo.</p> + +<p>The next morning Jacques Paganel consulted his map and discovered +on the right bank Mount Taubara, which rises to the height of three +thousand feet. At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo, and +the natives hailed with frantic gestures a shred of cloth that waved in +the wind from the roof of a hut. It was the national flag.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLIX" id="CHAPTER_XLIX">CHAPTER XLIX.</a></h4> + +<h3>A MOMENTOUS INTERVIEW.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="sidenote">NEW ZEALAND TOPOGRAPHY.</div> + +<p>Long before historic times, an abyss, twenty-five miles long and +twenty wide, must at some period have been formed by a subsidence of +subterranean caverns in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_503" id="Page_503">[Pg 503]</a></span> volcanic district forming the centre of +the island. The waters of the surrounding country have rushed down and +filled this enormous cavity, and the abyss has become a lake, whose +depth no one has yet been able to measure.</p> + +<p>Such is this strange Lake Taupo, elevated eleven hundred and fifty +feet above the level of the sea, and surrounded by lofty mountains. On +the west of the prisoners towered precipitous rocks of imposing form; +on the north rose several distant ridges, crowned with small forests; +on the east spread a broad plain furrowed by a trail and covered with +pumice-stones that glittered beneath a net-work of bushes; and on +the north, behind a stretch of woodland, volcanic peaks majestically +encircled this vast extent of water, the fury of whose tempests equaled +that of the ocean cyclones.</p> + +<p>But Paganel was scarcely disposed to enlarge his account of these +wonders, nor were his friends in a mood to listen. They gazed in +silence towards the northeast shore of the lake, whither the canoe was +bringing them.</p> + +<p>The mission established at Pukawa, on the western shores, no longer +existed. The missionary had been driven by the war far from the +principal dwellings of the insurrectionists. The prisoners were +helpless, abandoned to the mercy of the vengeful Maoris, and in that +wild part of the island to which Christianity has never penetrated. +Kai-Koumou, leaving the waters of the Waikato, passed through the +little creek which served as an outlet to the river, doubled a sharp +promontory, and landed on the eastern border of the lake, at the base +of the first slopes of Mount Manga.</p> + +<p>A quarter of a mile distant, on a buttress of the mountain, appeared +a "pah," a Maori fortification, situated in an impregnable position. +The prisoners were taken ashore, with their hands and feet free, and +conducted thither by the warriors. After quite a long détour, Glenarvan +and his companions reached the pah.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_504" id="Page_504">[Pg 504]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p504.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_505" id="Page_505">[Pg 505]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p505.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed +at sight of the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second +inclosure.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_506" id="Page_506">[Pg 506]</a></span> +This fortress was defended by an outer rampart of strong palisades, +fifteen feet high. A second line of stakes, and then a fence of osiers, +pierced with loop-holes, inclosed the inner space, the court-yard of +the pah, in which stood several Maori tents, and forty huts which were +symmetrically arranged.</p> + +<p>On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed at sight of +the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second inclosure. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant turned away their eyes with more of disgust than +terror. These heads had most of them belonged to hostile chiefs, fallen +in battle, whose bodies had served as food for the conquerors. The +geographer knew them to be such by their hollow and eyeless sockets!</p> + +<p>In Kai-Koumou's pah only the heads of his enemies formed this frightful +museum; and here, doubtless, more than one English skull had served to +increase the size of the chief's collection.</p> + +<p>His hut, among those belonging to warriors of lower rank, stood at the +rear of the pah, in front of a large open terrace. This structure was +built of stakes, interlaced with branches, and lined inside with flax +matting.</p> + +<p>Only one opening gave access to the dwelling. A thick curtain, made +of a vegetable tissue, served as a door. The roof projected so as to +form a water-shed. Several faces, carved at the ends of the rafters, +adorned the hut, and the curtain was covered with various imitations +of foliage, symbolical figures, monsters, and graceful sculpturing, +a curious piece of work, fashioned by the scissors of the native +decorators.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">FEMININE ORATORY.</div> + +<p>Inside of the habitation the floor was made of hard-trodden earth, +and raised six inches above the ground. Several rush screens and some +mattresses, covered with woven matting of long leaves and twigs, +served as beds. In the middle of the room a hole in a stone formed the +fireplace, and another in the roof answered for a chimney.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_507" id="Page_507">[Pg 507]</a></span></p> + +<p>The smoke, when it became sufficiently thick, perforce escaped at this +outlet, but it of course blackened the walls of the house.</p> + +<p>On one side of the hut were storehouses, containing the chief's +provisions, his harvest of flax, potatoes, and edible ferns, and +the ovens where the various articles of food were cooked by contact +with heated stones. Farther off, in small pens, pigs and goats were +confined, and dogs ran about seeking their scanty sustenance. They were +rather poorly kept, for animals that formed the Maori daily food.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions had taken in the whole at a glance. They +awaited beside an empty hut the good pleasure of the chief, exposed to +the insults of a crowd of old women, who surrounded them like harpies, +and threatened them with their fists, crying and howling. Several +English words that passed their lips clearly indicated that they were +demanding immediate vengeance.</p> + +<p>In the midst of these cries and threats, Lady Helena affected a +calmness that she could not feel in her heart. This courageous woman, +in order that her husband's coolness might not forsake him, heroically +controlled her emotions. Poor Mary Grant felt herself growing weak, and +Captain Mangles supported her, ready to die in her defence. The others +endured this torrent of invectives in various ways, either indifferent +like the major, or increasingly annoyed like Paganel.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, wishing to relieve Lady Helena from the assaults of these +shrews, boldly approached Kai-Koumou, and, pointing to the hideous +throng, said:</p> + +<p>"Drive them away!"</p> + +<p>The Maori chief gazed steadily at his prisoner without replying. Then +with a gesture he silenced the noisy horde. Glenarvan bowed in token of +thanks, and slowly resumed his place among his friends.</p> + +<p>Kai-Koumou, fearing an insurrection of the fanatics of his tribe, now +led his captives to a sacred place, situated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_508" id="Page_508">[Pg 508]</a></span> at the other end of the +pah, on the edge of a precipice. This hut rested against a rock that +rose a hundred feet above it and was a steep boundary to this side of +the fortification. In this consecrated temple the priests, or "arikis," +instruct the New Zealanders. The building was spacious and tightly +closed, and contained the holy and chosen food of the god.</p> + +<p>Here the prisoners, temporarily sheltered from the fury of the natives, +stretched themselves on the flax mats. Lady Helena, her strength +exhausted and her energy overcome, sank into her husband's arms. +Glenarvan pressed her to his breast, and said:</p> + +<p>"Courage, my dear Helena; Heaven will not forsake us!"</p> + +<p>Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed on Wilson's +shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an opening +between the roof and the wall, where strings of pipes were hanging. +From this point his view commanded the whole extent of the pah, as far +as Kai-Koumou's hut.</p> + +<p>"They have gathered around the chief," said he, in a low voice. "They +are waving their arms, and howling. Kai-Koumou is going to speak."</p> + +<p>The boy was silent for a few moments, then continued:</p> + +<p>"Kai-Koumou is speaking. The savages grow calm; they listen."</p> + +<p>"This chief," said the major, "has evidently a personal interest in +protecting us. He wishes to exchange his prisoners for some chiefs of +his tribe. But will his warriors consent?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, they are listening to him," continued Robert. "They are +dispersing; some return to their huts,—others leave the fortification."</p> + +<p>"Is it really so?" cried the major.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Robert. "Kai-Koumou remains alone with the +warriors that were in the canoe. Ha! one of them is coming towards us!"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_509" id="Page_509">[Pg 509]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p509.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed +on Wilson's shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an +opening.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_510" id="Page_510">[Pg 510]</a></span> +"Get down, Robert," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>At this moment Lady Helena, who had risen, seized her husband's arm.</p> + +<p>"Edward," said she, in a firm voice, "neither Mary Grant nor I shall +fall alive into the hands of those savages!"</p> + +<p>And, so saying, she presented to her husband a loaded revolver.</p> + +<p>"A weapon!" exclaimed Glenarvan, whose eyes suddenly brightened.</p> + +<p>"Yes. The Maoris do not search their female prisoners; but this weapon +is for us, Edward, not for them."</p> + +<p>"Glenarvan," said MacNabb quickly, "hide the revolver. It is not time +yet."</p> + +<p>The weapon was immediately concealed in his clothes. The mat that +closed the entrance of the hut was raised. A native appeared. He made a +sign to the captives to follow him. Glenarvan and his companions passed +through the pah, and stopped before Kai-Koumou.</p> + +<p>Around him were assembled the principal warriors of his tribe, among +whom was seen the chief whose canoe had first joined Kai-Koumou on the +river. He was a man of about forty, robust, and of fierce and cruel +aspect. His name was Kara-Tété, which means in the native language +"The Irascible." Kai-Koumou treated him with some respect, and from +the delicacy of his tattooing it was evident that he occupied a high +rank in his tribe. An observer, however, would have detected a rivalry +between the two chiefs. The major, indeed, perceived that Kara-Tété's +influence surpassed that of Kai-Koumou. They both ruled the powerful +tribes of the Waikato with equal rank; and, during this interview, +although Kai-Koumou smiled, his eyes betrayed a deep hostility.</p> + +<p>He now questioned Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"You are English?" said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Glenarvan, without hesitation, for this nationality +would probably facilitate an exchange.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_511" id="Page_511">[Pg 511]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE RATE OF BARTER.</div> + +<p>"And your companions?" asked Kai-Koumou.</p> + +<p>"My companions are also English. We are shipwrecked travelers, and, if +you care to know, we have taken no part in the war."</p> + +<p>"No matter," replied Kara-Tété, brutally. "Every Englishman is our +enemy. Your people have invaded our island. They have stolen away our +fields; they have burned our villages."</p> + +<p>"They have done wrong," said Glenarvan, in a grave tone. "I say so +because I think so, and not because I am in your power."</p> + +<p>"Listen," continued Kai-Koumou. "Tohonga, the high-priest of +Nouï-Atoua, has fallen into the hands of your brothers. He is prisoner +of the Pakekas (Europeans). Our god commands us to ransom his life. +I would have torn out your heart, I would have hung your companions' +heads and yours forever to the stakes of this palisade. But Nouï-Atoua +has spoken."</p> + +<p>So saying, Kai-Koumou, who had hitherto controlled himself, trembled +with rage, and his countenance was flushed with a fierce exultation. +Then, after a few moments, he resumed, more coolly:</p> + +<p>"Do you think the English will give us our Tohonga in exchange for you?"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan hesitated, and watched the Maori chief very attentively.</p> + +<p>"I do not know," said he, after a moment's silence.</p> + +<p>"Speak," continued Kai-Koumou. "Is your life worth that of our Tohonga?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Glenarvan. "I am neither a chief nor a priest among my +people."</p> + +<p>Paganel was astounded at this reply, and gazed at Glenarvan in profound +wonder. Kai-Koumou seemed equally surprised.</p> + +<p>"Then you doubt it?" said he.</p> + +<p>"I do not know," repeated Glenarvan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_512" id="Page_512">[Pg 512]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Will not your people accept you in exchange for our Tohonga?"</p> + +<p>"Not me alone," replied Glenarvan; "but perhaps all of us."</p> + +<p>"Among the Maoris," said Kai-Koumou, "it is one for one."</p> + +<p>"Offer these ladies first in exchange for your priest," answered +Glenarvan, pointing to Lady Helena and Mary Grant. Lady Helena would +have rushed towards her husband, but the major restrained her.</p> + +<p>"These two ladies," continued Glenarvan, turning respectfully towards +them, "hold a high rank in their country."</p> + +<p>The warrior glanced coldly at his prisoner. A malicious smile passed +over his face; but he almost instantly repressed it, and replied, in a +voice which he could scarcely control:</p> + +<p>"Do you hope, then, to deceive Kai-Koumou by false words, cursed +European? Do you think that Kai-Koumou's eyes cannot read your heart?"</p> + +<p>Then, pointing to Lady Helena, he said:</p> + +<p>"That is your wife!"</p> + +<p>"No, mine!" cried Kara-Tété.</p> + +<p>Then, pushing back the prisoners, the chief laid his hand on Lady +Helena's shoulder, who grew pale at the touch.</p> + +<p>"Edward!" cried the unfortunate woman, in terror.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, without uttering a word, raised his arm. A report resounded. +Kara-Tété fell dead.</p> + +<p>At this sound a crowd of natives issued from the huts. The pah was +filled in an instant. A hundred arms were raised against the captives. +Glenarvan's revolver was snatched from his hand.</p> + +<p>Kai-Koumou cast a strange look at Glenarvan, and then, guarding with +one hand the person of him who had fired, he controlled with the other +the throng that was rushing upon the Europeans.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_513" id="Page_513">[Pg 513]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p513.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">At last his voice rose above the tumult. "Taboo! taboo!" +cried he.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_514" id="Page_514">[Pg 514]</a></span> +At last his voice rose above the tumult.</p> + +<p>"Taboo! taboo!" cried he.</p> + +<p>At this word the crowd fell back before Glenarvan and his companions, +thus temporarily preserved by a supernatural power. A few moments after +they were led back to the temple that served as their prison; but +Robert Grant and Paganel were no longer with them.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_L" id="CHAPTER_L">CHAPTER L.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE CHIEF'S FUNERAL.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Kai-Koumou, according to a custom quite ordinary in New Zealand, joined +the rank of priest to that of chief, and could, therefore, extend to +persons or objects the superstitious protection of the taboo.</p> + +<p>The taboo, which is common to the tribes of Polynesia, has the power +to prohibit at once all connection with the object or person tabooed. +According to the Maori religion, whoever should lay his sacrilegious +hand on what is declared taboo would be punished with death by the +offended god; and in case the divinity should delay to avenge his own +insult, the priests would not fail to excite his anger.</p> + +<p>As for the prisoners confined in the temple, the taboo had rescued +them from the fury of the tribe. Some of the natives, the friends and +partisans of Kai-Koumou, had stopped suddenly at the command of their +chief, and had protected the captives.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE TORTURES OF SUSPENSE.</div> + +<p>Glenarvan, however, was not blind to the fate that was reserved for +him. Only his death could atone for the murder of a chief. Among savage +races death is always preceded by a protracted torture. He therefore +expected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_515" id="Page_515">[Pg 515]</a></span> to cruelly expiate the righteous indignation that had nerved +his arm, but hoped that Kai-Koumou's rage would fall only on himself.</p> + +<p>What a night he and his companions passed! Who could depict their +anguish, or measure their sufferings? Neither poor Robert nor brave +Paganel had reappeared. But how could they doubt their fate? Were they +not the first victims of the natives' vengeance? All hope had vanished +even from the heart of the major, who did not easily despair. John +Mangles felt himself growing mad at sight of the sad dejection of Mary +Grant, thus separated from her brother. Glenarvan thought of that +terrible request of Lady Helena, who, rather than yield to torture or +slavery, preferred to die by his hand. Could he summon this fearful +courage? As for an escape, that was plainly impossible. Ten warriors, +armed to the teeth, guarded the entrance of the temple.</p> + +<p>Morning came at last. There had been no communication between the +natives and the prisoners. The hut contained a considerable quantity +of food, which the unfortunates scarcely touched. Hunger gave place to +grief. The day passed without bringing a change or a hope. Doubtless +the hour for the dead chief's funeral and their torture would be the +same.</p> + +<p>However, although Glenarvan concluded that Kai-Koumou must have +abandoned all idea of exchange, the major on this point retained a +gleam of hope.</p> + +<p>"Who knows," said he, reminding Glenarvan of the effect produced upon +the chief by the death of Kara-Tété,—"who knows but that Kai-Koumou in +reality feels obliged to you?"</p> + +<p>But, in spite of these observations, Glenarvan would no longer hope. +The next day also passed away without the preparations for torture +being made. The reason of the delay was this.</p> + +<p>The Maoris believe that the soul, for three days after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_516" id="Page_516">[Pg 516]</a></span> death, inhabits +the body of the deceased, and therefore during this time the corpse +remains unburied. This custom was rigorously observed, and for two days +the pah was deserted. Captain Mangles frequently stood on Wilson's +shoulders and surveyed the fortification. No native was seen; only the +sentinels guarded in turn at the door of their prison.</p> + +<p>But on the third day the huts were opened. The savages, men, women, +and children, to the number of several hundreds, assembled in the pah, +silent and calm. Kai-Koumou came out of his house, and, surrounded by +the principal warriors of his tribe, took his place on a mound several +feet high in the centre of the fortification. The crowd of natives +formed a semicircle around him, and the whole assembly preserved +absolute silence.</p> + +<p>At a sign from the chief, a warrior advanced towards the temple.</p> + +<p>"Remember!" said Lady Helena to her husband.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan clasped his wife to his heart. At this moment Mary Grant +approached John Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Lord and Lady Glenarvan," said she, "I think that, if a wife can die +by the hand of her husband to escape a degrading existence, a maiden +can likewise die by the hand of her lover. John (for I may tell you +at this critical moment), have I not long been your betrothed in the +depths of your heart? May I rely upon you, dear John, as Lady Helena +does upon Lord Glenarvan?"</p> + +<p>"Mary!" cried the young captain, in terror. "Ah! dear Mary——"</p> + +<p>He could not finish: the mat was raised, and the captives were dragged +towards Kai-Koumou. The two women were resigned to their fate, while +the men concealed their anguish beneath a calmness that showed +superhuman self-control. They came before the chief, who did not delay +sentence.</p> + +<p>"You killed Kara-Tété!" said he to Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_517" id="Page_517">[Pg 517]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE BEGINNING OF THE END.</div> + +<p>"You shall die to-morrow at sunrise."</p> + +<p>"Alone?" inquired Glenarvan, whose heart beat quickly.</p> + +<p>"What! as if our Tohonga's life were not more precious than yours!" +cried Kai-Koumou, whose eyes expressed a fierce regret.</p> + +<p>At this moment a commotion took place among the natives. Glenarvan cast +a rapid glance around him. The crowd opened, and a warrior, dripping +with sweat and overcome with fatigue, appeared.</p> + +<p>As soon as Kai-Koumou perceived him, he said in English, evidently that +he might be understood by the captives:</p> + +<p>"You come from the camp of the pale-faces?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the Maori.</p> + +<p>"You saw the prisoner, our Tohonga?"</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"Is he living?"</p> + +<p>"He is dead! The English have shot him."</p> + +<p>The fate of Glenarvan and his companions was settled.</p> + +<p>"You shall all die to-morrow at daybreak!" cried Kai-Koumou.</p> + +<p>The unfortunates were therefore to suffer a common death. Lady Helena +and Mary Grant raised towards heaven a look of thankfulness.</p> + +<p>The captives were not taken back to the temple. They were to attend +that day the funeral of the dead chief, and the bloody ceremonies +connected therewith. A party of natives conducted them to the foot of +an enormous koudi, where these guardians remained without losing sight +of their prisoners. The rest of the tribe, absorbed in their official +mourning, seemed to have forgotten them.</p> + +<p>The customary three days had elapsed since the death of Kara-Tété. The +soul of the deceased had therefore forever abandoned its mortal abode. +The sacred rites began.</p> + +<p>The body was carried to a small mound in the centre of the +fortification, clothed in splendid costume, and enveloped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_518" id="Page_518">[Pg 518]</a></span> in a +magnificent flaxen mat. The head was adorned with plumes, and wore a +crown of green leaves. The face, arms, and breast had been rubbed with +oil, and therefore showed no mortification.</p> + +<p>The parents and friends of the deceased came to the foot of the +mound, and all at once, as if some director were beating time to a +funeral dirge, a great concert of cries, groans, and sobs arose on the +air. They mourned the dead in plaintive and modulated cadences. His +relations struck their heads together; his kinswomen lacerated their +faces with their nails, and showed themselves more lavish of blood than +of tears. These unfortunate females conscientiously fulfilled their +barbarous duty.</p> + +<p>But these demonstrations were not enough to appease the soul of the +deceased, whose wrath would doubtless have smitten the survivors of his +tribe; and his warriors, as they could not recall him to life, wished +that he should have no cause to regret in the other world the happiness +of this.</p> + +<p>Kara-Tété's wife was not to forsake her husband in the tomb. Moreover, +the unfortunate woman would not have been allowed to survive him; +it was the custom, in accordance with duty, and examples of such +sacrifices are not wanting in New Zealand history. The woman appeared. +She was still young. Her hair floated in disorder over her shoulders. +Vague words, lamentations, and broken phrases, in which she celebrated +the virtues of the dead, interrupted her groans; and, in a final +paroxysm of grief, she stretched herself at the foot of the mound, +beating the ground with her head.</p> + +<p>At this moment Kai-Koumou approached her. Suddenly the unfortunate +victim rose; but a violent blow with the "méré," a formidable club, +wielded by the hand of the chief, struck her lifeless to the earth.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">POOR HUMANITY!</div> + +<p>Frightful cries at once broke forth. A hundred arms threatened the +captives, who trembled at the horrible sight.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_519" id="Page_519">[Pg 519]</a></span> But no one stirred, for +the funeral ceremonies were not ended.</p> + +<p>Kara-Tété's wife had joined her husband in the other world. Both bodies +lay side by side. But for the eternal life his faithful spouse could +not alone suffice the deceased. Who would serve them in presence of +Nouï-Atoua, if their slaves did not follow them?</p> + +<p>Six unfortunates were brought before the corpse of their master and +mistress. They were servants, whom the pitiless laws of war had reduced +to slavery. During the life of the chief they had undergone the +severest privations, suffered a thousand abuses, had been scantily fed, +and compelled constantly to labor like beasts; and now, according to +the Maori belief, they were to continue their existence of servitude +for eternity.</p> + +<p>They appeared to be resigned to their fate, and were not astonished +at a sacrifice they had long anticipated. Their freedom from all +bonds showed that they would meet death unresistingly. Moreover, this +death was rapid, protracted sufferings were spared them. These were +reserved for the captives who stood trembling not twenty paces distant. +Six blows of the méré, given by six stalwart warriors, stretched the +victims on the ground in a pool of blood. It was the signal for a +terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all its horrible +details.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions, breathless with fright, strove to hide +this awful scene from the eyes of the two unhappy ladies. They now +understood what awaited them at sunrise the next day, and what cruel +tortures would doubtless precede such a death. They were dumb with +horror.</p> + +<p>The funeral dance now began. Strong spirits, extracted from an +indigenous plant, maddened the savages till they seemed no longer +human. Would they not forget the taboo of the chief, and throw +themselves in their final outbreaks upon the prisoners who trembled at +their frenzy?</p> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_520" id="Page_520">[Pg 520]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p520.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all +its horrible details.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_521" id="Page_521">[Pg 521]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p521.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The corpses, folded together, in a sitting posture, +and tied in their clothes by a girdle of withes, were placed on this +primitive bier.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_522" id="Page_522">[Pg 522]</a></span> +But Kai-Koumou had preserved his reason in the midst of the general +intoxication. He allowed this bloody orgy an hour to reach its utmost +intensity. The last act of the funeral was played with the usual rites.</p> + +<p>The bodies of Kara-Tété and his wife were taken up, and their limbs +bent and gathered against the stomach, according to the New Zealand +custom. The place for the tomb had been chosen outside of the +fortification, about two miles distant, on the summit of a small +mountain, called Maunganamu, situated on the right shore of the lake.</p> + +<p>Thither the bodies were to be carried. Two very rude palanquins, or +rather litters, were brought to the foot of the mound. The corpses, +folded together, in a sitting posture, and tied in their clothes by a +girdle of withes, were placed on this primitive bier. Four warriors +bore it between them, and the entire tribe, chanting the funeral hymn, +followed them in procession to the place of burial.</p> + +<p>The captives, who were always watched, saw them leave the inner +inclosure of the pah, and then the songs and cries gradually died away. +For about half an hour this funeral escort continued in sight, in the +depths of the valley. Finally they perceived it again winding along +the mountain paths. The distance gave a fantastic appearance to the +undulating movements of the long, sinuous column.</p> + +<p>The tribe stopped at the summit of the mountain, which was eight +hundred feet high, at the place prepared for Kara-Tété's interment. +A common Maori would have had only a hole and a heap of stones for a +grave; but for a powerful and dreaded chief, destined doubtless for a +speedy deification, a tomb worthy of his exploits was reserved.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE LAST NIGHT.</div> + +<p>The sepulchre had been surrounded by palisades, while stakes, +ornamented with faces reddened with ochre, stood beside the grave +where the bodies were to lie. The relatives had not forgotten that the +"waidoua" (the spirit of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_523" id="Page_523">[Pg 523]</a></span> the dead) feeds on substantial nourishment +like the body during this perishable life. Food had therefore been +deposited in the inclosure, together with the weapons and clothes of +the deceased.</p> + +<p>Nothing was wanting for the comfort of the tomb. Husband and wife were +laid side by side, and then covered with earth and grass after a series +of renewed lamentations. Then the procession silently descended the +mountain, and now no one could ascend it under penalty of death, for it +was tabooed.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LI" id="CHAPTER_LI">CHAPTER LI.</a></h4> + +<h3>STRANGELY LIBERATED.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Just as the sun was disappearing behind Lake Taupo, the captives were +led back to their prison. They were not to leave it again until the +summit of the Wahiti mountains should kindle with the first beams of +the day. One night remained to prepare for death. In spite of the +faintness, in spite of the horror with which they were seized, they +shared their repast in common.</p> + +<p>"We shall need all the strength possible to face death," said +Glenarvan. "We must show these barbarians how Europeans and Christians +can die."</p> + +<p>The meal being finished, Lady Helena repeated the evening prayer aloud, +while all her companions, with uncovered heads, joined her. Having +fulfilled this duty, and enjoyed this privilege, the prisoners embraced +each other. Lady Helena and Mary Grant then retired to one corner of +the hut, and stretched themselves upon a mat. Sleep, which soothes all +woes, soon closed their eyes, and they slumbered in each other's arms, +overcome by fatigue and long wakefulness.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_524" id="Page_524">[Pg 524]</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan, taking his friends aside, said:</p> + +<p>"My dear companions, our lives and those of these poor ladies are in +God's hands. If Heaven has decreed that we shall die to-morrow, we can, +I am sure, die like brave people, like Christians, ready to appear +fearlessly before the final Judge. God, who does read the secrets of +the soul, knows that we are fulfilling a noble mission. If death awaits +us instead of success, it is his will. However severe his decree may +be, I shall not murmur against it. But this is not death alone; it is +torture, disgrace; and here are two women——"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan's voice, hitherto firm, now faltered. He paused to control +his emotion. After a moment's silence, he said to the young captain:</p> + +<p>"John, you have promised Mary Grant what I have promised Lady Helena. +What have you resolved?"</p> + +<p>"This promise," replied John Mangles, "I believe I have the right in +the sight of God to fulfill."</p> + +<p>"Yes, John; but we have no weapons."</p> + +<p>"Here is one," answered John, displaying a poniard. "I snatched it from +Kara-Tété's hands when he fell at your feet. My lord, he of us who +survives the other shall fulfill this vow."</p> + +<p>At these words a profound silence reigned in the hut. At last the major +interrupted it by saying:</p> + +<p>"My friends, reserve this extreme measure till the last moment. I am no +advocate of what is irremediable."</p> + +<p>"I do not speak for ourselves," replied Glenarvan. "We can brave +death, whatever it may be. Ah, if we were alone! Twenty times already +would I have urged you to make a sally and attack those wretches. But +<i>they</i>——"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE APPROACH OF DAY.</div> + +<p>At this moment Captain Mangles raised the mat and counted twenty-five +natives, who were watching at the door of their prison. A great fire +had been kindled, which cast a dismal light over the irregular outlines +of the pah. Some of these savages were stretched around the fire;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_525" id="Page_525">[Pg 525]</a></span> and +others, standing and motionless, were darkly defined against the bright +curtain of flame.</p> + +<p>It is said that, between the jailer who watches and the prisoner who +wishes to escape, the chances are on the side of the latter. Indeed, +the design of one is stronger than that of the other, for the first +may forget that he is guarding, but the second cannot forget that he +is guarded; the captive thinks oftener of escaping than his guardian +thinks of preventing his escape. But here it was hate and vengeance +that watched the prisoners, and not an indifferent jailer. They had not +been bound, for bonds were useless where twenty-five men guarded the +only outlet of the prison.</p> + +<p>This hut was built against the rock that terminated the fortification, +and was only accessible by a narrow passage that connected it with the +front of the pah. The other two sides of the building were flanked +by towering precipices, and stood on the verge of an abyss a hundred +feet deep. A descent this way was therefore impossible. There was no +chance of escaping in the rear, which was guarded by the enormous rock. +The only exit was the door of the temple, and the Maoris defended the +narrow passage that connected it with the pah. All escape was therefore +out of the question; and Glenarvan, after examining the walls of his +prison, was forced to acknowledge this disheartening fact.</p> + +<p>Meantime, the hours of this night of anguish were passing away. Dense +darkness had covered the mountain. Neither moon nor stars illumined +the deep shades. A few gusts of wind swept along the side of the +pah. The stakes of the hut groaned, the fire of the natives suddenly +revived at this passing draught, and the flames cast rapid flashes +into the temple, illumining for a moment the group of prisoners. These +poor people were absorbed with their last thoughts; a deathly silence +reigned in the hut.</p> + +<p>It must have been about four o'clock in the morning,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_526" id="Page_526">[Pg 526]</a></span> when the major's +attention was attracted by a slight sound that seemed to come from +behind the rear stakes, in the back wall that lay towards the rock. At +first he was indifferent to the noise, but finding that it continued, +he listened. At last, puzzled by its persistence, he put his ear close +to the ground to hear better. It seemed as if some one was scraping and +digging outside.</p> + +<p>When he was certain of this fact, he passed quietly towards Glenarvan +and the captain, and led them to the rear of the hut.</p> + +<p>"Listen," said he, in a low voice, motioning to them to bend down.</p> + +<p>The scrapings became more and more audible. They could hear the little +stones grate under the pressure of a sharp instrument and fall down +outside.</p> + +<p>"Some creature in its burrow," said Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, with bewildered gaze, stood astonished.</p> + +<p>"Who knows," said he, "but that it is a man?"</p> + +<p>"Man or animal," replied the major, "I will know what is going on."</p> + +<p>Wilson and Olbinett joined their companions, and all began to dig in +the wall, the captain with his poniard, the others with stones pulled +out of the ground, or with their nails, while Mulready, stretched on +the earth, watched the group of natives through the loop-hole of the +mat. But they were motionless around the fire, and did not suspect what +was transpiring twenty paces from them.</p> + +<p>The soil was loose and crumbling, and lay upon a bed of clay, so that, +in spite of the want of tools, the hole rapidly enlarged. It was soon +evident that somebody, clinging to the sides of the pah, was making a +passage in its outer wall. What could be the object? Did he know of the +existence of the prisoners, or could a mere chance attempt at escape +explain the work that seemed nearly completed?</p> + +<div class="sidenote">HEAVENLY HELP FROM AN EARTHLY HAND.</div> + +<p>The captives redoubled their efforts. Their lacerated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_527" id="Page_527">[Pg 527]</a></span> fingers bled, +but still they dug on. After half an hour's labor, the hole they were +drilling had reached a depth of three feet. They could perceive by the +sounds, which were now more distinct, that only a thin layer of earth +prevented immediate communication.</p> + +<p>A few moments more elapsed, when suddenly the major drew back his hand, +which was cut by a sharp blade. He suppressed a cry that was about to +escape him. Captain Mangles, holding out his poniard, avoided the knife +that was moving out of the ground, but seized the hand that held it. +It was the hand of a woman or a youth, a European hand. Not a word had +been uttered on either side. There was plainly an object in keeping +silent.</p> + +<p>"Is it Robert?" murmured Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>But, though only whispering this name, Mary Grant, awakened by the +movement that was taking place in the hut, glided towards Glenarvan, +and, seizing this hand all soiled with mud, covered it with kisses.</p> + +<p>"It is you! it is you!" cried the young girl, who could not be +mistaken, "you, my Robert!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, little sister," replied Robert, "I am here to save you all! But +silence!"</p> + +<p>"Brave lad!" repeated Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Keep watch of the savages outside," continued Robert.</p> + +<p>Mulready, whose attention had been diverted for a moment by the +appearance of the hand, resumed his post of observation.</p> + +<p>"All is well," said he. "Only four warriors are watching now. The +others have fallen asleep."</p> + +<p>"Courage!" replied Wilson.</p> + +<p>In an instant the hole was widened, and Robert passed from the arms of +his sister into those of Lady Helena. Around his body was wound a rope +of flax.</p> + +<p>"My boy! my boy!" murmured Lady Helena; "these savages did not kill +you?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied Robert. "Somehow, during the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_528" id="Page_528">[Pg 528]</a></span> uproar, I succeeded +in escaping their vigilance. I crossed the yard. For two days I kept +hidden behind the bushes. At night I wandered about, longing to see you +again. While the tribe were occupied with the funeral of the chief, +I came and examined this side of the fortification, where the prison +stands, and saw that I could reach you. I stole this knife and rope +in a deserted hut. The tufts of grass and the bushes helped me to +climb. By chance I found a kind of grotto hollowed out in the very rock +against which this hut rests. I had only a few feet to dig in the soft +earth, and here I am."</p> + +<p>Twenty silent kisses were his only answer.</p> + +<p>"Let us start," said he, in a decided tone.</p> + +<p>"Is Paganel below?" inquired Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Paganel?" repeated the boy, surprised apparently at the question.</p> + +<p>"Yes; is he waiting for us?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord. What! is he not here?"</p> + +<p>"He is not, Robert," replied Mary Grant.</p> + +<p>"What! have you not seen him?" exclaimed Glenarvan. "Did you not meet +each other in the confusion? Did you not escape together?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord," answered Robert, at a loss to understand the +disappearance of his friend Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Let us start," said the major; "there is not a moment to lose. +Wherever Paganel may be, his situation cannot be worse than ours here. +Let us go."</p> + +<p>Indeed, the moments were precious. It was high time to start. +The escape presented no great difficulties, but for the almost +perpendicular wall of rock outside of the grotto, twenty feet high. The +declivity then sloped quite gently to the base of the mountain, from +which point the captives could quickly gain the lower valleys, while +the Maoris, if they chanced to discover their flight, would be forced +to make a very long détour, since they were not aware of the passage +that had been dug in the mountain.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_529" id="Page_529">[Pg 529]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p529.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to +the point where the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_530" id="Page_530">[Pg 530]</a></span> +They now prepared to escape, and every precaution was taken to insure +their success. The captives crawled one by one through the narrow +passage, and found themselves in the grotto. Captain Mangles, before +leaving the hut, concealed all traces of their work, and glided in his +turn through the opening, which he closed with the mats. Their outlet +was therefore entirely hidden.</p> + +<p>The object now was to descend the perpendicular wall of rock, which +would have been impossible if Robert had not brought the flax rope. It +was unwound, fastened to a point of rock, and thrown over the declivity.</p> + +<p>Before allowing his friends to trust their weight to these flaxen +fibres, Captain Mangles tested them. They seemed to be quite strong, +but it would not answer to venture rashly, for a fall might be fatal.</p> + +<p>"This rope," said he, "can only bear the weight of two bodies, and we +must therefore act accordingly. Let Lord and Lady Glenarvan slide down +first. When they have reached the bottom, three shakes at the rope will +be the signal to follow them."</p> + +<p>"I will go first," replied Robert. "I have discovered at the base of +the slope a sort of deep excavation, where those who descend first can +wait for the others in safety."</p> + +<p>"Go then, my boy," said Glenarvan, clasping the boy's hand.</p> + +<p>Robert disappeared through the opening of the grotto. A moment after, +three shakes of the rope informed them that he had accomplished his +descent successfully.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and Lady Helena now ventured out of the grotto. The +darkness below was still profound, but the gray light of dawn was +already tinging the top of the mountain. The keen cold of the morning +reanimated the young wife; she felt stronger, and commenced her +perilous escape.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A PRECIPITATE DESCENT.</div> + +<p>First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to the point where +the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope. Then Glenarvan, +going before his wife and assisting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_531" id="Page_531">[Pg 531]</a></span> her, began to descend the +declivity of the mountain backwards. He sought for tufts of grass and +bushes that offered a point of support, and tried them before placing +Lady Helena's feet upon them. Several birds, suddenly awakened, flew +away with shrill cries, and the fugitives shuddered when a large stone +rolled noisily to the base of the mountain.</p> + +<p>They had accomplished half the distance when a voice was heard at the +opening of the grotto.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" whispered Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, clinging with one hand to a tuft of grass and holding his +wife with the other, waited, scarcely breathing.</p> + +<p>Wilson had taken alarm. Hearing some noise outside, he had returned to +the hut, and, raising the mat, watched the Maoris. At a sign from him +the captain had stopped Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>In truth, one of the warriors, startled by some unaccustomed sound, +had risen and approached the prison. Standing two paces from the +hut, he listened with lowered head. He remained in this attitude +for a moment, that seemed an hour, with ear intent and eye on the +alert. Then, shaking his head as a man who is mistaken, he returned +to his companions, took an armful of dead wood and threw it on the +half-extinct fire, whose flames revived. His face, brightly illumined +by the blaze, betrayed no more anxiety, and, after gazing at the first +glimmers of dawn that tinged the horizon, he stretched himself beside +the fire to warm his cold limbs.</p> + +<p>"All right!" said Wilson.</p> + +<p>The captain made a sign to Glenarvan to continue his descent. The +latter, accordingly, slid gently down the slope, and soon Lady Helena +and he stood on the narrow path where Robert was waiting for them. The +rope was shaken three times, and next Captain Mangles, followed by Mary +Grant, took the same perilous course. They were successful, and joined +Lord and Lady Glenarvan.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_532" id="Page_532">[Pg 532]</a></span></p> + +<p>Five minutes later all the fugitives, after their fortunate escape +from the hut, left this temporary retreat, and, avoiding the inhabited +shores of the lake, made their way by narrow paths farther down the +mountain. They advanced rapidly, seeking to avoid all points where they +might be seen. They did not speak, but glided like shadows through the +bushes. Where were they going? At random, it is true, but they were +free.</p> + +<p>About five o'clock day began to break. Purple tints colored the lofty +banks of clouds. The mountain peaks emerged from the mists of the +morning. The orb of day would not be long in appearing, and instead of +being the signal for torture, was to betray the flight of the condemned.</p> + +<p>Before this dreaded moment arrived it was important that the fugitives +should be beyond the reach of the savages. But they could not advance +quickly, for the paths were steep. Lady Helena scaled the declivities, +supported and even carried by Glenarvan, while Mary Grant leaned upon +the arm of her betrothed. Robert, happy and triumphant, whose heart was +full of joy at his success, took the lead, followed by the two sailors.</p> + +<p>For half an hour the fugitives wandered at a venture. Paganel was not +there to guide them,—Paganel, the object of their fears, whose absence +cast a dark shadow over their happiness. However, they proceeded +towards the east as well as possible, in the face of a magnificent +dawn. They had soon reached an elevation of five hundred feet above +Lake Taupo, and the morning air at this altitude was keen and cold. +Hills and mountains rose one above another in indistinct outlines; but +Glenarvan only wished to conceal himself and his companions. Afterwards +they would see about issuing from this winding labyrinth.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_533" id="Page_533">[Pg 533]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p533.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">They saw, but were also seen.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_534" id="Page_534">[Pg 534]</a></span> +At last the sun appeared and flashed his first rays into the faces of +the fugitives. Suddenly a terrible yelling, the concentrated union of a +hundred voices, broke forth upon the air. It rose from the pah, whose +exact position Glenarvan did not now know. Moreover, a thick curtain of +mist stretched at their feet, and prevented them from distinguishing +the valleys below.</p> + +<p>But the fugitives could not doubt that their escape had been +discovered. Could they elude the pursuit of the natives? Had they been +perceived? Would their tracks betray them?</p> + +<p>At this moment the lower strata of vapor rose, enveloping them for an +instant in a moist cloud, and they discerned, three hundred feet below +them, the frantic crowd of savages.</p> + +<p>They saw, but were also seen. Renewed yells resounded, mingled with +barks; and the whole tribe, after vainly endeavoring to climb the rock, +rushed out of the inclosure and hastened by the shortest paths in +pursuit of the prisoners, who fled in terror from their vengeance.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LII" id="CHAPTER_LII">CHAPTER LII.</a></h4> + +<h3>THE SACRED MOUNTAIN.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The summit of the mountain was a hundred feet higher. It was important +for the fugitives to reach it, that they might conceal themselves from +the sight of the Maoris, on the opposite slope. They hoped that some +practicable ridge would then enable them to gain the neighboring peaks. +The ascent was, therefore, hastened, as the threatening cries came +nearer and nearer. The pursuers had reached the foot of the mountain.</p> + +<p>"Courage, courage, my friends!" cried Glenarvan, urging his companions +with word and gesture.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A SCENE OF ENCHANTMENT.</div> + +<p>In less than five minutes they reached the top of the mountain. Here +they turned around to consider their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_535" id="Page_535">[Pg 535]</a></span> situation, and take some route by +which they might evade the Maoris.</p> + +<p>From this height the prospect commanded Lake Taupo, which extended +towards the west in its picturesque frame of hills. To the north rose +the peaks of Pirongia; to the south the flaming crater of Tongariro. +But towards the east the view was limited by a barrier of peaks and +ridges.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan cast an anxious glance around him. The mist had dissolved +under the rays of the sun, and his eye could clearly distinguish the +least depressions of the earth. No movement of the Maoris could escape +his sight.</p> + +<p>The natives were not five hundred feet distant, when they reached the +plateau upon which the solitary peak rested. Glenarvan could not, for +ever so short a time, delay longer. At all hazards they must fly, at +the risk of being hemmed in on all sides.</p> + +<p>"Let us go down," cried he, "before our only way of escape is blocked +up."</p> + +<p>But just as the ladies rose by a final effort, MacNabb stopped them, +and said:</p> + +<p>"It is useless, Glenarvan. Look!"</p> + +<p>And all saw, indeed, that an inexplicable change had taken place in the +movements of the Maoris. Their pursuit had been suddenly interrupted. +Their ascent of the mountain had ceased, as if by an imperious +interdict. The crowd of natives had checked their swiftness, and +halted, like the waves of the sea before an impassable rock.</p> + +<p>All the savages, thirsting for blood, were now ranged along the foot +of the mountain, yelling, gesticulating, and brandishing guns and +hatchets; but they did not advance a single foot. Their dogs, like +themselves, as though chained to earth, howled with rage.</p> + +<p>What was the difficulty? What invisible power restrained the natives? +The fugitives gazed without comprehending, fearing that the charm that +enchained Kai-Koumou's tribe would dissolve.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_536" id="Page_536">[Pg 536]</a></span></p> + +<p>Suddenly Captain Mangles uttered a cry that caused his companions to +turn. He pointed to a little fortress at the summit of the peak.</p> + +<p>"The tomb of the chief Kara-Tété!" cried Robert.</p> + +<p>"Are you in earnest?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord, it is the tomb; I recognize it."</p> + +<p>Robert was right. Fifty feet above, at the extreme point of the +mountain, stood a small palisaded inclosure of freshly-painted stakes. +Glenarvan, likewise, recognized the sepulchre of the Maori chief. In +their wanderings they had come to the top of the Maunganamu, where +Kara-Tété had been buried.</p> + +<p>Followed by his companions, he climbed the sides of the peak, to the +very foot of the tomb. A large opening, covered with mats, formed the +entrance. Glenarvan was about to enter, when, all at once, he started +back suddenly.</p> + +<p>"A savage!" said he.</p> + +<p>"A savage in this tomb?" inquired the major.</p> + +<p>"Yes, MacNabb."</p> + +<p>"What matter? Let us enter."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, the major, Robert, and Captain Mangles passed into the +inclosure. A Maori was there, clad in a great flax mantle. The darkness +of the sepulchre did not permit them to distinguish his features. He +appeared very calm, and was eating his breakfast with the most perfect +indifference.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan was about to address him, when the native, anticipating him, +said, in an amiable tone, and in excellent English:</p> + +<p>"Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you."</p> + +<p>It was Paganel. At his voice all rushed into the tomb, and gazed with +wonder at the worthy geographer. Paganel was found! The common safety +was represented in him. They were going to question him: they wished +to know how and why he was on the top of the mountain; but Glenarvan +checked this unseasonable curiosity.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_537" id="Page_537">[Pg 537]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p537.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you."</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_538" id="Page_538">[Pg 538]</a></span> +"The savages!" said he.</p> + +<p>"The savages," replied Paganel, shrugging his shoulders, "are +individuals whom I supremely despise."</p> + +<p>"But can they not——?"</p> + +<p>"They! the imbeciles! Come and see them."</p> + +<p>Each followed Paganel, who issued from the tomb. The Maoris were in the +same place, surrounding the foot of the peak, and uttering terrible +cries.</p> + +<p>"Cry and howl till you are tired, miserable creatures!" said Paganel. +"I defy you to climb this mountain!"</p> + +<p>"And why?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Because the chief is buried here; this tomb protects us, and the +mountain is tabooed."</p> + +<p>"Tabooed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my friends; and that is why I took refuge here, as in one of +those asylums of the Middle Ages, open to unfortunates."</p> + +<p>Indeed, the mountain was tabooed, and by this consecration had become +inaccessible by the superstitious savages.</p> + +<p>The safety of the fugitives was not yet certain, but there was a +salutary respite, of which they strove to take advantage. Glenarvan, a +prey to unspeakable emotion, did not venture a word; while the major +nodded his head with an air of genuine satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"And now, my friends," said Paganel, "if these brutes expect us to test +their patience they are mistaken. In two days we shall be beyond the +reach of these rascals."</p> + +<p>"We will escape!" said Glenarvan; "but how?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know," replied Paganel, "but we will do so all the same."</p> + +<p>All now wished to hear the geographer's adventures. Strangely enough, +in the case of a man loquacious usually, it was necessary to draw, +as it were, the words from his mouth. He, who was so fond of telling +stories, replied only in an evasive way to the questions of his friends.</p> + +<p>"Paganel has changed," thought MacNabb.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_539" id="Page_539">[Pg 539]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE WORTH OF SPECTACLES.</div> + +<p>Indeed, the countenance of the geographer was no longer the same. He +wrapped himself gloomily in his great flaxen mantle, and seemed to shun +too inquisitive looks. However, when they were all seated around him at +the foot of the tomb, he related his experiences.</p> + +<p>After the death of Kara-Tété, Paganel had taken advantage, like Robert, +of the confusion of the natives, and escaped from the pah. But less +fortunate than young Grant, he had fallen upon an encampment of Maoris, +who were commanded by a chief of fine form and intelligent appearance, +who was evidently superior to all the warriors of his tribe. This chief +spoke English accurately, and bade him welcome by rubbing his nose +against that of the geographer. Paganel wondered whether he should +consider himself a prisoner; but seeing that he could not take a step +without being graciously accompanied by the chief, he soon knew how +matters stood on this point.</p> + +<p>The chief, whose name was "Hihy" (sunbeam), was not a bad man. The +spectacles and telescope gave him a high opinion of Paganel, whom he +attached carefully to his person, not only by his benefits, but by +strong flaxen ropes, especially at night.</p> + +<p>This novel situation lasted three long days. Was he well or badly +treated? Both, as he stated without further explanation. In short, he +was a prisoner, and, except for the prospect of immediate torture, +his condition did not seem more enviable than that of his unfortunate +friends.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, last night he succeeded in biting asunder his ropes and +escaping. He had witnessed at a distance the burial of the chief, +knew that he had been interred on the summit of Maunganamu mountain, +and that it was tabooed in consequence. He therefore resolved to take +refuge there, not wishing to leave the place where his companions were +held captives. He succeeded in his undertaking, arrived at Kara-Tété's +tomb, and waited in hope that Providence would in some way deliver his +friends.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_540" id="Page_540">[Pg 540]</a></span></p> + +<p>Such was Paganel's story. Did he omit designedly any circumstance +of his stay among the natives? More than once his embarrassment led +them to suspect so. However that might be, he received unanimous +congratulations; and as the past was now known, they returned to the +present.</p> + +<p>Their situation was still exceedingly critical. The natives, if they +did not venture to climb the mountain, expected that hunger and thirst +would force their prisoners to surrender. It was only a matter of time, +and the savages had great patience. Glenarvan did not disregard the +difficulties of his position, but waited for the favorable issue which +Providence seemed to promise.</p> + +<p>And first he wished to examine this improvised fortress; not to defend +it, for an attack was not to be feared, but that he might find a way of +escaping. The major and the captain, Robert, Paganel, and himself, took +the exact bearings of the mountain. They observed the direction of the +paths, their branches and declivities. A ridge a mile in length united +the Maunganamu to the Wahiti range, and then declined to the plain. Its +narrow and winding summit presented the only practicable route, in case +escape should become possible. If the fugitives could pass this point +unperceived, under cover of the night, perhaps they might succeed in +reaching the deep valleys and outwitting the Maoris.</p> + +<p>But this course offered more than one danger, as they would have to +pass below within gun-shot. The bullets of the natives on the lower +ramparts of the pah might intercept them, and form a barrier that no +one could safely cross.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his friends, as soon as they ventured on the dangerous +part of the ridge, were saluted with a volley of shots; but only a +few wads, borne by the wind, reached them. They were made of printed +paper. Paganel picked them up out of curiosity, but it was difficult to +decipher them.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_541" id="Page_541">[Pg 541]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A STRANGE COLPORTEUR.</div> + +<p>"Why!" said he, "do you know, my friends, what these creatures use for +wads in their guns?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Leaves of the Bible! If this is the use they make of the sacred +writings, I pity the missionaries. They will have difficulty in +founding Maori libraries."</p> + +<p>"And what passage of the Scriptures have these natives fired at us?" +asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"A mighty promise of God," replied Captain Mangles, who had also read +the paper. "It bids us hope in Him," added the young captain, with the +unshaken conviction of his Scottish faith.</p> + +<p>"Read, John," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>He read this line, which had so strangely reached them:</p> + +<p>"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him:" +Psalm xci. I.</p> + +<p>"My friends," said Glenarvan, "we must make known the words of hope to +our brave and dear ladies. Here is something to reanimate their hearts."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions ascended the steep paths of the peak, and +proceeded towards the tomb, which they wished to examine. On the way +they were astonished to feel, at short intervals, a certain trembling +of the ground. It was not an irregular agitation, but that continued +vibration which the sides of a boiler undergo when it is fully charged. +Steam, in large quantities, generated by the action of subterranean +fires, seemed to be working beneath the crust of the mountain.</p> + +<p>This peculiarity could not astonish people who had passed between the +warm springs of the Waikato. They knew that this region of Ika-Na-Maoui +is volcanic. It is like a sieve, from the holes of which ever issue the +vapors of subterranean laboratories.</p> + +<p>Paganel, who had already observed this, called the attention of his +friends to the circumstance. The Maunganamu is only one of those +numerous cones that cover the central<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_542" id="Page_542">[Pg 542]</a></span> portion of the island. The least +mechanical action could provoke the formation of a crater in the clayey +soil.</p> + +<p>"And yet," said Glenarvan, "we seem to be in no more danger here than +beside the boiler of the Duncan. This crust is firm."</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied the major; "but a boiler, however strong it may +be, will always burst at last after too long use."</p> + +<p>"MacNabb," said Paganel, "I do not desire to remain on this peak. Let +Heaven show me a way of escape, and I will leave it instantly."</p> + +<p>Lady Helena, who perceived Lord Glenarvan, now approached.</p> + +<p>"My dear Edward," said she, "you have considered our position! Are we +to hope or fear?"</p> + +<p>"Hope, my dear Helena," replied Glenarvan. "The natives will never come +to the top of the mountain, and we shall have abundant time to form a +plan of escape."</p> + +<p>"Moreover, madam," said Captain Mangles, "God himself encourages us to +hope."</p> + +<p>So saying, he gave her the text of the Bible which had been sent to +them. She and Mary Grant, whose confiding soul was always open to +the ministrations of Heaven, saw, in the words of the Holy Book, an +infallible pledge of safety.</p> + +<p>"Now to the tomb!" cried Paganel, gayly. "This is our fortress, our +castle, our dining-room, and our workshop. No one is to disarrange it. +Ladies, permit me to do the honors of this charming dwelling."</p> + +<p>All followed the good-natured Paganel. When the savages saw the +fugitives desecrate anew this tabooed sepulchre, they fired numerous +volleys, and uttered yells no less terrible. But fortunately their +bullets could not reach as far as their cries, for they only came +half-way, while their vociferations were lost in empty air.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">BOARD AND LODGING.</div> + +<p>Lady Helena, Mary Grant, and their companions, quite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_543" id="Page_543">[Pg 543]</a></span> reassured at +seeing that the superstition of the Maoris was still stronger than +their rage, entered the tomb. It was a palisade of red painted stakes. +Symbolical faces, a real tattooing on wood, described the nobleness +and exploits of the deceased. Strings of pipes, shells, and carved +stones extended from one stake to another. Inside, the earth was hidden +beneath a carpet of green leaves. In the centre a slight protuberance +marked the freshly-made grave. Here reposed the weapons of the chief, +his guns loaded and primed, his lance, his splendid hatchet of green +jade, with a supply of powder and balls sufficient for the hunts of the +other world.</p> + +<p>"Here is a whole arsenal," said Paganel, "of which we will make a +better use than the deceased. It is a good idea of these savages to +carry their weapons to heaven with them."</p> + +<p>"But these are English guns!" said the major.</p> + +<p>"Doubtless," replied Glenarvan; "it is a very foolish custom to make +presents of fire-arms to the savages, who then use them against the +invaders, and with reason. At all events, these guns will be useful to +us."</p> + +<p>"But still more useful," said Paganel, "will be the provisions and +water intended for Kara-Tété."</p> + +<p>The parents and friends of the dead had, indeed, faithfully fulfilled +their duties. The amount of food testified their esteem for the virtues +of the chief. There were provisions enough to last ten persons fifteen +days, or rather the deceased for eternity. They consisted of ferns, +sweet yams, and potatoes, which were introduced some time before by the +Europeans. Tall vases of fresh water stood near, and a dozen baskets, +artistically woven, contained numerous tablets of green gum.</p> + +<p>The fugitives were, therefore, fortified for several days against +hunger and thirst, and they needed no urging to take their first meal +at the chief's expense. Glenarvan directed Mr. Olbinett's attention +to the food necessary for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_544" id="Page_544">[Pg 544]</a></span> his companions; but he, with his usual +exactness, even in critical situations, thought the bill of fare rather +scanty. Moreover, he did not know how to prepare the roots, and there +was no fire.</p> + +<p>But Paganel solved the difficulty, and advised him to simply bury his +ferns and potatoes in the ground itself, for the heat of the upper +strata was very great. Olbinett, however, narrowly escaped a serious +scalding, for, just as he had dug a hole to put his roots in, a stream +of watery vapor burst forth, and rose to the height of several feet. +The steward started back in terror.</p> + +<p>"Close the hole!" cried the major, who, with the aid of the two +sailors, covered the orifice with fragments of pumice-stone, while +Paganel murmured these words:</p> + +<p>"Well! well! ha! ha! very natural!"</p> + +<p>"You are not scalded?" inquired MacNabb of Olbinett.</p> + +<p>"No, Mr. MacNabb," replied the steward; "but I scarcely expected——"</p> + +<p>"So many blessings," added Paganel, in a mirthful tone. "Consider +Kara-Tété's water and provisions, and the fire of the earth! This +mountain is a paradise! I propose that we found a colony here, +cultivate the soil, and settle for the rest of our days. We will +be Robinson Crusoes of Maunganamu. Indeed, I look in vain for any +deficiency on this comfortable peak."</p> + +<p>"Nothing is wanting if the earth is firm," replied Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Well, it was not created yesterday," said Paganel. "It has long +resisted the action of internal fires, and will easily hold out till +our departure."</p> + +<p>"Breakfast is ready," announced Mr. Olbinett, as gravely as if he had +been performing his duties at Malcolm Castle.</p> + +<p>The fugitives at once sat down near the palisade, and enjoyed the +repast that Providence had so opportunely furnished to them in this +critical situation. No one appeared particular about the choice of +food, but there was a diversity of opinion concerning the edible +ferns. Some found them sweet and pleasant, and others mucilaginous, +insipid, and acrid. The sweet potatoes, cooked in the hot earth, were +excellent.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_545" id="Page_545">[Pg 545]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p545.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The steward started back in terror.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_546" id="Page_546">[Pg 546]</a></span> +Their hunger being satiated, Glenarvan proposed that they should, +without delay, arrange a plan of escape.</p> + +<p>"So soon!" said Paganel, in a truly piteous tone. "What! are you +thinking already of leaving this delightful place?"</p> + +<p>"I think, first of all," replied Glenarvan, "that we ought to attempt +an escape before we are forced to it by hunger. We have strength enough +yet, and must take advantage of it. To-night let us try to gain the +eastern valleys, and cross the circle of natives under cover of the +darkness."</p> + +<p>"Exactly," answered Paganel; "if the Maoris will let us pass."</p> + +<p>"And if they prevent us?" asked Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Then we will employ the great expedients," said Paganel.</p> + +<p>"You have great expedients, then?" inquired the major.</p> + +<p>"More than I know what to do with," rejoined Paganel, without further +explanation.</p> + +<p>They could now do nothing but wait for night to attempt crossing +the line of savages, who had not left their position. Their ranks +even seemed increased by stragglers from the tribe. Here and there +freshly-kindled fires formed a flaming girdle around the base of the +peak. When darkness had invaded the surrounding valleys, the Maunganamu +seemed to rise from a vast conflagration, while its summit was lost in +a dense shade. Six hundred feet below were heard the tumult and cries +of the enemy's camp.</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock it was very dark, and Glenarvan and Captain Mangles +resolved to make an exploration before taking their companions on +this perilous journey. They noiselessly descended the declivity some +distance, and reached the narrow ridge that crossed the line of natives +fifty feet above the encampment.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_547" id="Page_547">[Pg 547]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANOTHER SUNRISE.</div> + +<p>All went well so far. The Maoris, stretched beside their fires, did not +seem to perceive the two fugitives, who advanced a few paces farther. +But suddenly, to the left and right of the ridge, a double volley +resounded.</p> + +<p>"Back!" cried Glenarvan; "these bandits have eyes like a cat, and the +guns of riflemen!"</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles and he reascended at once the precipitous slopes of the +mountain, and speedily assured their terrified friends of their safety. +Glenarvan's hat had been pierced by two bullets. It was, therefore, +dangerous to venture on the ridge between these two lines of marksmen.</p> + +<p>"Wait till to-morrow," said Paganel; "and since we cannot deceive the +vigilance of these natives, permit me to give them a dose in my own +way."</p> + +<p>The temperature was quite cold. Fortunately, Kara-Tété wore in the tomb +his best night-robes, warm, flaxen coverings, in which each one wrapped +himself without hesitation; and soon the fugitives, protected by the +native superstition, slept peacefully in the shelter of the palisades, +on the earth that seemed to quake with the internal commotion.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LIII" id="CHAPTER_LIII">CHAPTER LIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A BOLD STRATAGEM.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The rising sun awakened with his first rays the sleepers on the +Maunganamu. The Maoris for some time had been moving to and fro at the +foot of the peak without wandering from their post of observation. +Furious cries saluted the appearance of the Europeans as they issued +from the desecrated tomb.</p> + +<p>Each cast a longing glance towards the surrounding mountains, the deep +valleys, still veiled in mist, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_548" id="Page_548">[Pg 548]</a></span> surface of Lake Taupo, gently +rippling beneath the morning wind. Then all, eager to know Paganel's +new project, gathered around him with questioning looks; while the +geographer at once satisfied the restless curiosity of his companions.</p> + +<p>"My friends," said he, "my project has this advantage, that if it does +not produce the result that I expect, or even fails, our situation will +not be impaired. But it ought to and will succeed."</p> + +<p>"And this project?" asked the major.</p> + +<p>"This is it," replied Paganel. "The superstition of the natives has +made this mountain a place of refuge, and this superstition must help +us to escape. If I succeed in convincing Kai-Koumou that we have become +the victims of our sacrilege, that the wrath of Heaven has fallen upon +us, in short, that we have met a terrible death, do you think that he +will abandon the mountain and return to his village?"</p> + +<p>"Probably," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"And with what horrible death do you threaten us?" inquired Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"The death of the sacrilegious, my friends," continued Paganel. "The +avenging flames are under our feet. Let us open a way for them."</p> + +<p>"What! you would make a volcano?" cried Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a factitious, an improvised one, whose fury we will control. +There is quite a supply of vapors and subterranean fires that only +ask for an outlet. Let us arrange an artificial eruption for our own +advantage."</p> + +<p>"The idea is good," said the major, "and well conceived, Paganel."</p> + +<p>"You understand," resumed the geographer, "that we are to feign being +consumed by the flames of Pluto, and shall disappear spiritually in the +tomb of Kara-Tété."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A VOLCANO IN MINIATURE.</div> + +<p>"Where we shall remain three, four, or five days, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_549" id="Page_549">[Pg 549]</a></span> necessary, till +the savages are convinced of our death, and abandon the siege."</p> + +<p>"But if they think of making sure of our destruction," said Miss Grant, +"and climb the mountain?"</p> + +<p>"No, my dear Mary," replied Paganel, "they will not do that. The +mountain is tabooed, and if it shall itself devour its profaners the +taboo will be still more rigorous."</p> + +<p>"This plan is really well conceived," remarked Glenarvan. "There is +only one chance against it, and that is, that the savages may persist +in remaining at the foot of the mountain till the provisions fail +us. But this is scarcely probable, especially if we play our part +skillfully."</p> + +<p>"And when shall we make this last venture?" asked Lady Helena.</p> + +<p>"This very evening," answered Paganel, "at the hour of the greatest +darkness."</p> + +<p>"Agreed," said MacNabb. "Paganel, you are a man of genius; and although +from habit I am scarcely ever enthusiastic, I will answer for your +success. Ha! these rascals! we shall perform a little miracle for them +that will delay their conversion a good century. May the missionaries +pardon us!"</p> + +<p>Paganel's plan was therefore adopted, and really, with the +superstitious notions of the Maoris, it might and ought to succeed. +It only remained to execute it. The idea was good, but in practice +difficult. Might not this volcano consume the audacious ones who should +dig the crater? Could they control and direct this eruption when the +vapors, flames, and lava should be let loose? Would it not engulf +the entire peak in a flood of fire? They were tampering with those +phenomena whose absolute control is reserved for forces higher than +theirs.</p> + +<p>Paganel had foreseen these difficulties, but he expected to act +prudently, and not to venture to extremes. An illusion was enough to +deceive the Maoris, without the awful reality of a large eruption.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_550" id="Page_550">[Pg 550]</a></span></p> + +<p>How long that day seemed! Each one counted the interminable hours. +Everything was prepared for flight. The provisions of the tomb had +been divided, and made into convenient bundles. Several mats, and the +fire-arms, which had been found in the tomb of the chief, formed light +baggage. Of course these preparations were made within the palisaded +inclosure and unknown to the savages.</p> + +<p>At six o'clock the steward served a farewell feast. Where and when they +should eat in the valleys no one could foretell.</p> + +<p>Twilight came on. The sun disappeared behind a bank of dense clouds of +threatening aspect. A few flashes illumined the horizon, and a distant +peal of thunder rumbled along the vault of the sky. Paganel welcomed +the storm that came to the aid of his design.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock the summit of the mountain was hidden by a foreboding +darkness, while the sky looked terribly black, as if for a background +to the flaming outbreak that Paganel was about to inaugurate. The +Maoris could no longer see their prisoners. The time for action had +come. Rapidity was necessary, and Glenarvan, Paganel, MacNabb, Robert, +the steward, and the two sailors at once set to work vigorously.</p> + +<p>The place for the crater was chosen thirty paces from Kara-Tété's tomb. +It was important that this structure should be spared by the eruption, +for otherwise the taboo would become ineffective. Paganel had observed +an enormous block of stone, around which the vapors seemed to pour +forth with considerable force. This rocky mass covered a small natural +crater in the peak, and only by its weight prevented the escape of the +subterranean flames. If they could succeed in overturning it, the smoke +and lava would immediately issue through the unobstructed opening.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">VULCANS AT WORK.</div> + +<p>The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes of the tomb, and +with these they vigorously attacked the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_551" id="Page_551">[Pg 551]</a></span> ponderous mass. Under their +united efforts the rock was not long in moving. They dug a sort of +groove for it down the side of the mountain, that it might slide on an +inclined plane.</p> + +<p>As their action increased, the trembling of the earth became more +violent. Hollow rumblings and hissings sounded under the thin +crust. But the bold experimenters, like real Vulcans, governing the +underground fires, worked on in silence. Several cracks and a few gusts +of hot smoke warned them that their position was becoming dangerous. +But a final effort detached the block, which glided down the slope of +the mountain and disappeared.</p> + +<p>The thin covering at once yielded. An incandescent column poured forth +towards the sky with loud explosions, while streams of boiling water +and lava rolled towards the encampment of the natives and the valleys +below. The whole peak trembled, and you might almost have thought that +it was disappearing in a general conflagration.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions had scarcely time to escape the shock of +the eruption. They fled to the inclosure of the tomb, but not without +receiving a few scalding drops of the water, which bubbled and exhaled +a strong sulphureous odor.</p> + +<p>Then mud, lava, and volcanic fragments mingled in the scene of +devastation. Torrents of flame furrowed the sides of the Maunganamu. +The adjoining mountains glowed in the light of the eruption, and the +deep valleys were illumined with a vivid brightness.</p> + +<p>The savages were soon aroused, both by the noise and the heat +of the lava that flowed in a scalding tide through the midst of +their encampment. Those whom the fiery flood had not reached fled, +and ascended the surrounding hills, turning and gazing back at +this terrific phenomenon, with which their god, in his wrath, had +overwhelmed the desecrators of the sacred mountain; while at certain +moments they were heard howling their consecratory cry:</p> + +<p>"Taboo! taboo! taboo!"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_552" id="Page_552">[Pg 552]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p552.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes +of the tomb.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_553" id="Page_553">[Pg 553]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p553.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">An incandescent column poured forth towards the sky with +loud explosions, while streams of boiling water and lava rolled towards +the encampment of the natives.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_554" id="Page_554">[Pg 554]</a></span> +Meantime an enormous quantity of vapor, melted stones, and lava had +escaped from the crater. It was no longer a simple geyser. All this +volcanic effervescence had hitherto been confined beneath the crust of +the peak, since the outlets of Tangariro sufficed for its expansion; +but as a new opening had been made, it had rushed forth with extreme +violence.</p> + +<p>All night long, during the storm that raged above and below, the peak +was shaken with a commotion that could not but alarm Glenarvan. The +prisoners, concealed behind the palisade of the tomb, watched the +fearful progress of the outbreak.</p> + +<p>Morning came. The fury of the volcano had not moderated. Thick, +yellowish vapors mingled with the flames, and torrents of lava poured +in every direction. Glenarvan, with eye alert and beating heart, +glanced between the interstices of the inclosure, and surveyed the camp +of the Maoris.</p> + +<p>The natives had fled to the neighboring plateaus, beyond the reach of +the volcano. Several corpses, lying at the foot of the peak, had been +charred by the fire. Farther on, towards the pah, the lava had consumed +a number of huts, that were still smoking. The savages, in scattered +groups, were gazing at the vapory summit of Maunganamu with religious +awe.</p> + +<p>Kai-Koumou came into the midst of his warriors, and Glenarvan +recognized him. The chief advanced to the base of the peak, on the side +spared by the eruption, but did not cross the first slopes. Here, with +outstretched arms, like a sorcerer exorcising, he made a few grimaces, +the meaning of which did not escape the prisoners. As Paganel had +foreseen, Kai-Koumou was invoking upon the mountain a more rigorous +taboo.</p> + +<p>Soon after, the natives descended, in single file, the winding paths +that led towards the pah.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_555" id="Page_555">[Pg 555]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A WEARY WAITING.</div> + +<p>"They are going!" cried Glenarvan. "They are abandoning their post! +God be thanked! Our scheme has succeeded! My dear Helena, my brave +companions, we are now dead and buried; but this evening we will +revive, we will leave our tomb, and flee from these barbarous tribes!"</p> + +<p>It would be difficult to describe the joy that reigned within the +palisade. Hope had reanimated all hearts. These courageous travelers +forgot their past trials, dreaded not the future, and only rejoiced in +their present deliverance; although very little reflection would show +how difficult was the task of reaching an European settlement from +their present position. But if Kai-Koumou was outwitted, they believed +themselves safe from all the savages of New Zealand.</p> + +<p>A whole day must pass before the decisive attempt could be made, and +they employed their time in arranging a plan of escape. Paganel had +preserved his map of New Zealand, and could therefore search out the +safest routes.</p> + +<p>After some discussion, the fugitives resolved to proceed eastward +towards the Bay of Plenty. This course would lead them through +districts that were very rarely visited. The travelers, who were +already accustomed to overcoming natural difficulties, only feared +meeting the Maoris. They therefore determined to avoid them at all +hazards, and gain the eastern coast, where the missionaries have +founded several establishments. Moreover, this portion of the island +had hitherto escaped the ravages of the war and the depredations of the +natives. As for the distance that separated Lake Taupo from the Bay of +Plenty, it could not be more than one hundred miles. Ten days would +suffice for the journey. The missions once reached, they could rest +there, and wait for some favorable opportunity of gaining Auckland, +their destination.</p> + +<p>These points being settled, they continued to watch the savages till +evening. Not one of them remained at the foot of the mountain, and +when darkness invaded the valleys of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_556" id="Page_556">[Pg 556]</a></span> the lake, no fire betokened the +presence of the Maoris at the base of the peak. The coast was clear.</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock it was dark night, and Glenarvan gave the signal for +departure. His companions and he, armed and equipped at Kara-Tété's +expense, began to cautiously descend the slopes of the Maunganamu. +Captain Mangles and Wilson led the way, with eyes and ears on the +alert. They stopped at the least sound,—they examined the faintest +light; each slid down the declivity, the better to elude detection.</p> + +<p>Two hundred feet below the summit, Captain Mangles and his sailor +reached the dangerous ridge that had been so obstinately guarded by the +natives. If, unfortunately, the Maoris, more crafty than the fugitives, +had feigned a retreat to entice them within reach, if they had not +been deceived by the eruption, their presence would be discovered +at this point. Glenarvan, in spite of his confidence and Paganel's +pleasantries, could not help trembling. The safety of his friends was +at stake during the few moments necessary to cross the ridge. He felt +Lady Helena's heart beat as she clung to his arm.</p> + +<p>But neither he nor Captain Mangles thought of retreating. The young +captain, followed by the others, and favored by the dense obscurity, +crawled along the narrow path, only stopping when some detached stone +rolled to the base of the mountain. If the savages were still in +ambush, these unusual sounds would provoke from each side a formidable +volley.</p> + +<p>However, in gliding like serpents along this inclined crest, the +fugitives could not advance rapidly. When Captain Mangles had gained +the lowest part, scarcely twenty-five feet separated him from the +plain where the natives had encamped the night before. Here the ridge +ascended quite steeply towards a coppice about a quarter of a mile +distant.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">TABOOED NO LONGER.</div> + +<p>The travelers crossed this place without accident, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_557" id="Page_557">[Pg 557]</a></span> began the +ascent in silence. The thicket was invisible, but they knew where it +was, and, provided no ambuscade was laid there, Glenarvan hoped to +find a secure refuge. However, he remembered that they were now no +longer protected by the taboo. The ascending ridge did not belong to +the sacred mountain, but to a chain that ran along the eastern shores +of Lake Taupo. Therefore not only the shots of the savages, but also a +hand-to-hand conflict, were to be feared.</p> + +<p>For a short time the little party slowly mounted towards the upper +elevations. The captain could not yet discern the dark coppice, but it +could not be more than two hundred feet distant.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he stopped, and almost recoiled. He thought he heard some +sound in the darkness. His hesitation arrested the advance of his +companions.</p> + +<p>He stood motionless long enough to alarm those who followed him. With +what agonizing suspense they waited could not be described. Would they +be forced to return to the summit of the mountain?</p> + +<p>But, finding that the noise was not repeated, their leader continued +his ascent along the narrow path. The coppice was soon dimly defined +in the gloom. In a few moments it was reached, and the fugitives were +crouching beneath the thick foliage of the trees.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LIV" id="CHAPTER_LIV">CHAPTER LIV.</a></h4> + +<h3>FROM PERIL TO SAFETY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Darkness favored the escape; and making the greatest possible progress, +they left the fatal regions of Lake Taupo. Paganel assumed the guidance +of the little party,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_558" id="Page_558">[Pg 558]</a></span> and his marvelous instinct as a traveler was +displayed anew during this perilous journey. He managed with surprising +dexterity in the thick gloom, chose unhesitatingly the almost invisible +paths, and kept constantly an undeviating course.</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock in the morning they had accomplished a considerable +distance, and could not reasonably require more of the courageous +ladies. Besides, the place seemed suitable for an encampment. The +fugitives had reached the ravine that separates the Kaimanawa and +Wahiti ranges. The road on the right ran southward to Oberland. +Paganel, with his map in his hand, made a turn to the northeast, and +at ten o'clock the little party had reached a sort of steep buttress, +formed by a spur of the mountain.</p> + +<p>The provisions were taken from the sacks, and all did ample justice to +them. Mary Grant and the major, who had not hitherto been very well +satisfied with the edible ferns, made this time a hearty meal of them. +They rested here till two o'clock in the afternoon, then the journey +towards the east was resumed, and at evening the travelers encamped +eight miles from the mountains. They needed no urging to sleep in the +open air.</p> + +<p>The next day very serious difficulties were encountered. They were +forced to pass through a curious region of volcanic lakes and geysers +that extends eastward from the Wahiti ranges. It was pleasing to the +eye, but fatiguing to the limbs. Every quarter of a mile there were +obstacles, turns, and windings, far too many for rapid progress; but +what strange appearances and what infinite variety does nature give to +her grand scenes!</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ALMOST TIRED OUT!</div> + +<p>Over this expanse of twenty square miles the overflow of subterranean +forces was displayed in every form. Salt springs, of a singular +transparency, teeming with myriads of insects, issued from the porous +ground. They exhaled a penetrating odor, and deposited on the earth a +white coating like dazzling snow. Their waters, though clear,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_559" id="Page_559">[Pg 559]</a></span> were +at the boiling-point, while other neighboring springs poured forth +ice-cold streams. On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of +vapor, spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain, some +continuous, others intermittent, as if controlled by some capricious +sprite. They rose like an amphitheatre, in natural terraces one above +another, their vapors gradually mingling in wreaths of white smoke; and +flowing down the semi-transparent steps of these gigantic staircases, +they fed the lakes with their boiling cascades.</p> + +<p>It will be needless to dilate upon the incidents of the journey, which +were neither numerous nor important. Their way led through forests and +over plains. The captain took his bearings by the sun and stars. The +sky, which was quite clear, was sparing of heat and rain. Still, an +increasing weariness delayed the travelers, already so cruelly tried, +and they had to make great efforts to reach their destination.</p> + +<p>However, they still conversed together, but no longer in common. The +little party was divided into groups, not by any narrow prejudice or +ill feeling, but to some extent from sadness. Often Glenarvan was +alone, thinking, as he approached the coast, of the Duncan and her +crew. He forgot the dangers that still threatened him, in his grief for +his lost sailors and the terrible visions that continually haunted his +mind.</p> + +<p>They no longer spoke of Harry Grant. And why should they, since they +could do nothing for him? If the captain's name was ever pronounced, it +was in the conversations of his daughter and her betrothed. The young +captain had not reminded her of what she had said to him on the last +night of their captivity on the mountain. His magnanimity would not +take advantage of words uttered in a moment of supreme despair.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">ACCOMPLISHING THE LAST STAGE.</div> + +<p>When he did speak of Captain Grant, he began to lay plans for a further +search. He declared to Mary that Lord Glenarvan would resume this +undertaking, hitherto so unsuccessful.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_560" id="Page_560">[Pg 560]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p560.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of vapor, +spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_561" id="Page_561">[Pg 561]</a></span> +He maintained that the authenticity of the document could not be +doubted. Her father must, therefore, be somewhere; and though it were +necessary to search the whole world, they were sure to find him. The +young girl was cheered by these words; and both, bound by the same +thoughts, now sympathized in the same hope. Lady Helena often took part +in the conversation, and was very careful not to discourage the young +people with any sad forebodings.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan and his companions, after many vicissitudes, reached the foot +of Mount Ikirangi, whose peak towered five thousand feet aloft. They +had now traveled almost one hundred miles since leaving the Maunganamu, +and the coast was still thirty miles distant. Captain Mangles had +hoped to make the journey in ten days, but he was ignorant then of +the difficulties of the way. There were still two good days of travel +before they could gain the ocean, and renewed activity and extreme +vigilance became necessary, for they were entering a region frequented +by the natives. However, each conquered the fatigue, and the little +party continued their course.</p> + +<p>Between Mount Ikirangi, some distance on their right, and Mount Hardy, +whose summit rose to the left, was a large plain, thickly overspread +with twining plants and underbrush. Progress here was tedious and +difficult in the extreme; for the pliant tendrils wound a score of +folds about their bodies like serpents. Hunting was impossible; the +provisions were nearly exhausted, and could not be renewed, and water +failed, so that they could not allay their thirst, rendered doubly +acute by their fatigue. The sufferings of Glenarvan and his friends +were terrible, and for the first time their moral energy now almost +forsook them.</p> + +<p>At last, dragging themselves along, wearied to the utmost degree in +body, almost despairing in mind, they reached Lottin Point, on the +shores of the Pacific.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_562" id="Page_562">[Pg 562]</a></span></p> + +<p>At this place several deserted huts were seen, the ruins of a village +recently devastated by the war; around them were abandoned fields, and +everywhere the traces of plunder and conflagration. But here fate had +reserved a new and fearful test for the unfortunate travelers.</p> + +<p>They were walking along the coast, when, at no great distance, a number +of natives appeared, who rushed towards the little party, brandishing +their weapons. Glenarvan, shut in by the sea, saw that escape was +impossible, and, summoning all his strength, was about to make +preparations for battle, when Captain Mangles cried:</p> + +<p>"A canoe! a canoe!"</p> + +<p>And truly, twenty paces distant, a canoe, with six oars, was lying on +the beach. To rush to it, set it afloat, and fly from this dangerous +place was the work of an instant; the whole party seemed to receive at +once a fresh accession of bodily strength and mental vigor.</p> + +<p>In ten minutes the boat was at a considerable distance. The sea was +calm. The captain, however, not wishing to wander too far from the +coast, was about to give the order to cruise along the shore, when he +suddenly ceased rowing. He had observed three canoes starting from +Lottin Point, with the evident intention of overtaking and capturing +the unfortunate fugitives.</p> + +<p>"To sea! to sea!" cried he; "better perish in the waves than be +captured!"</p> + +<p>The canoe, under the strokes of its four oarsmen, at once put to sea, +and for some time kept its distance. But the strength of the weakened +fugitives soon grew less, and their pursuers gradually gained upon +them. The boats were now scarcely a mile apart. There was therefore +no possibility of avoiding the attack of the natives, who, armed with +their long guns, were already preparing to fire.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">DEATH ON EVERY HAND.</div> + +<p>What was Glenarvan doing? Standing at the stern of the canoe, he looked +around as if for some expected aid.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_563" id="Page_563">[Pg 563]</a></span> What did he expect? What did he +wish? Had he a presentiment?</p> + +<p>All at once his face brightened, his hand was stretched towards an +indistinct object.</p> + +<p>"A ship!" cried he; "my friends, a ship! Row, row!"</p> + +<p>Not one of the four oarsmen turned to see this unexpected vessel, +for they must not lose a stroke. Only Paganel, rising, directed his +telescope towards the place indicated.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said he, "a ship, a steamer, under full headway, coming towards +us! Courage, captain!"</p> + +<p>The fugitives displayed new energy, and for several moments longer they +kept their distance. The steamer grew more and more distinct. They +could clearly discern her masts, and the thick clouds of black smoke +that issued from her smoke-stack. Glenarvan, giving the helm to Robert, +had seized the geographer's glass, and did not lose a single movement +of the vessel.</p> + +<p>But what were Captain Mangles and his companions to think when they +saw the expression of his features change, his face grow pale, and the +instrument fall from his hands. A single word explained this sudden +emotion.</p> + +<p>"The Duncan!" cried Glenarvan,—"the Duncan and the convicts!"</p> + +<p>"The Duncan?" repeated the captain, dropping his oar and rising.</p> + +<p>"Yes, death on all sides!" moaned Glenarvan, overcome by so many +calamities.</p> + +<p>It was indeed the yacht—without a doubt,—the yacht, with her crew of +bandits! The major could not repress a malediction. This was too much.</p> + +<p>Meantime the canoe was floating at random. Whither should they guide +it, whither flee? Was it possible to choose between the savages and the +convicts?</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_564" id="Page_564">[Pg 564]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p564.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A second ball whistled over their heads, and demolished +the nearest of the three canoes.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="sidenote">A MYSTERIOUS PRESERVATION.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_565" id="Page_565">[Pg 565]</a></span> +Just then a shot came from the native boat, that had approached nearer. +The bullet struck Wilson's oar; but his companions still propelled +the canoe towards the Duncan. The yacht was advancing at full speed, +and was only half a mile distant. Captain Mangles, beset on all sides, +no longer knew how to act, or in what direction to escape. The two poor +ladies were on their knees, praying in their despair.</p> + +<p>The savages were now firing a continued volley, and the bullets rained +around the canoe. Just then a sharp report sounded, and a ball from the +yacht's cannon passed over the heads of the fugitives, who remained +motionless between the fire of the Duncan and the natives.</p> + +<p>Captain Mangles, frantic with despair, seized his hatchet. He was on +the point of sinking their own canoe, with his unfortunate companions, +when a cry from Robert stopped him.</p> + +<p>"Tom Austin! Tom Austin!" said the child. "He is on board! I see him! +He has recognized us! He is waving his hat!"</p> + +<p>The hatchet was suspended in mid-air. A second ball whistled over +their heads, and demolished the nearest of the three canoes, while a +loud hurrah was heard on board the Duncan. The savages fled in terror +towards the coast.</p> + +<p>"Help, help, Tom!" cried Captain Mangles, in a piercing voice. And +a few moments afterwards the ten fugitives, without knowing how, or +scarcely comprehending this unexpected good fortune, were all in safety +on board the Duncan.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LV" id="CHAPTER_LV">CHAPTER LV.</a></h4> + +<h3>WHY THE DUNCAN WENT TO NEW ZEALAND.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The feelings of Glenarvan and his friends, when the songs of old +Scotland resounded in their ears, it is impossible to describe. As soon +as they set foot on deck the bagpiper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_566" id="Page_566">[Pg 566]</a></span> struck up a well remembered air, +while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return on board. Glenarvan, +John Mangles, Paganel, Robert, and even the major, wept and embraced +each other. Their emotions rose from joy to ecstasy. The geographer was +fairly wild, skipping about and watching with his inseparable telescope +the canoes returning to shore.</p> + +<p>But at sight of Glenarvan and his companions, with tattered garments, +emaciated features, and the traces of extreme suffering, the crew +ceased their lively demonstrations. These were spectres, not the bold +and dashing travelers whom, three months before, hope had stimulated to +a search for the shipwrecked captain. Chance alone had led them back to +this vessel that they had ceased to regard as theirs, and in what a sad +state of exhaustion and feebleness!</p> + +<p>However, before thinking of fatigue, or the imperative calls of hunger +and thirst, Glenarvan questioned Tom Austin concerning his presence in +these waters. Why was the Duncan on the eastern coast of New Zealand? +Why was she not in the hands of Ben Joyce? By what providential working +had God restored her to the fugitives? These were the questions that +were hurriedly addressed to Tom Austin. The old sailor did not know +which to answer first. He therefore concluded to listen only to Lord +Glenarvan, and reply to him.</p> + +<p>"But the convicts?" inquired Glenarvan. "What have you done with the +convicts?"</p> + +<p>"The convicts!" replied Tom Austin, like a man who is at a loss to +understand a question.</p> + +<p>"Yes; the wretches who attacked the yacht."</p> + +<p>"What yacht, my lord? The Duncan?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. Did not Ben Joyce come on board?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know Ben Joyce; I have never seen him."</p> + +<p>"Never?" cried Glenarvan, amazed at the answers of the old sailor. +"Then will you tell me why the Duncan is now on the shores of New +Zealand?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_567" id="Page_567">[Pg 567]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">MYSTERY MORE MYSTERIOUS!</div> + +<p>Although Glenarvan and his friends did not at all understand Austin's +astonishment, what was their surprise when he replied, in a calm voice:</p> + +<p>"The Duncan is here by your lordship's orders."</p> + +<p>"By my orders?" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord. I only conformed to the instructions contained in your +letter."</p> + +<p>"My letter?" exclaimed Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The ten travelers at once surrounded Tom Austin, and gazed at him in +eager curiosity. The letter written at the Snowy River had reached the +Duncan.</p> + +<p>"Well," continued Glenarvan, "let us have an explanation; for I almost +think I am dreaming. You received a letter, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; a letter from your lordship."</p> + +<p>"At Melbourne?"</p> + +<p>"At Melbourne; just as I had finished the repair of the ship."</p> + +<p>"And this letter?"</p> + +<p>"It was not written by you; but it was signed by you, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Exactly; it was sent by a convict, Ben Joyce."</p> + +<p>"No; by the sailor called Ayrton, quartermaster of the Britannia."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ayrton or Ben Joyce; it is the same person. Well, what did the +letter say?"</p> + +<p>"It ordered me to leave Melbourne without delay, and come to the +eastern shores of——"</p> + +<p>"Australia!" cried Glenarvan, with an impetuosity that disconcerted the +old sailor.</p> + +<p>"Australia?" repeated Tom, opening his eyes. "No, indeed; New Zealand!"</p> + +<p>"Australia, Tom! Australia!" replied Glenarvan's companions, with one +voice.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_568" id="Page_568">[Pg 568]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p568.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">As soon as they set foot on deck the bagpiper struck up +a well remembered air, while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return +on board.</p> +</div> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_569" id="Page_569">[Pg 569]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p569.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">This sally finished the poor geographer.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_570" id="Page_570">[Pg 570]</a></span> +Austin was now bewildered. Glenarvan spoke with such assurance, that +he feared he had made a mistake in reading the letter. Could he, +faithful and accurate sailor that he was, have committed such a +blunder? He began to feel troubled.</p> + +<p>"Be easy, Tom," said Lady Helena. "Providence has decreed——"</p> + +<p>"No, madam, pardon me," returned the sailor; "no, it is not possible! I +am not mistaken. Ayrton also read the letter, and he, on the contrary, +wished to go to Australia."</p> + +<p>"Ayrton?" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"The very one. He maintained that it was a mistake, and that you had +appointed Twofold Bay as the place of meeting."</p> + +<p>"Have you the letter, Tom?" asked the major, greatly puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Austin. "I will soon bring it."</p> + +<p>He accordingly repaired to his own cabin. While he was gone, they gazed +at each other in silence, except the major, who, with his eye fixed +upon Paganel, said, as he folded his arms:</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I must confess, Paganel, that this is a little too much."</p> + +<p>At this moment Austin returned. He held in his hand the letter written +by Paganel, and signed by Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Read it, my lord," said the old sailor.</p> + +<p>Glenarvan took the letter, and read:</p> + +<p>"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan to the +eastern coast of New Zealand."</p> + +<p>"New Zealand?" cried Paganel, starting.</p> + +<p>He snatched the letter from Glenarvan's hands, rubbed his eyes, +adjusted his spectacles to his nose, and read in his turn.</p> + +<p>"New Zealand!" repeated he, in an indescribable tone, while the letter +slipped from his fingers.</p> + +<p>Just then he felt a hand fall upon his shoulder. He turned, and found +himself face to face with the major.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_571" id="Page_571">[Pg 571]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">PAGANEL IN THE WITNESS-BOX.</div> + +<p>"Well, my good Paganel," said MacNabb, in a grave tone, "it is +fortunate that you did not send the Duncan to Cochin-China."</p> + +<p>This sally finished the poor geographer. A fit of laughter seized the +whole crew. Paganel, as if mad, ran to and fro, holding his head in his +hands, and tearing his hair. However, when he had recovered from his +frenzy, there was still another unavoidable question to answer.</p> + +<p>"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "be candid. I acknowledge that your +absent-mindedness has been providential. To be sure, without you the +Duncan would have fallen into the hands of the convicts; without you we +should have been recaptured by the Maoris. But do tell me, what strange +association of ideas, what unnatural aberration, induced you to write +New Zealand instead of Australia?"</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Paganel. "It was——"</p> + +<p>But at that moment his eyes fell upon Robert and Mary Grant, and he +stopped short, finally replying:</p> + +<p>"Never mind, my dear Glenarvan. I am a madman, a fool, an incorrigible +being, and shall die a most famous blunderer!"</p> + +<p>The affair was no longer discussed. The mystery of the Duncan's +presence there was solved; and the travelers, so miraculously saved, +thought only of revisiting their comfortable cabins and partaking of a +good breakfast.</p> + +<p>However, leaving Lady Helena, Mary Grant, the major, Paganel, and +Robert to enter the saloon, Glenarvan and Captain Mangles retained Tom +Austin with them. They wished to question him further.</p> + +<p>"Now, Tom," said Glenarvan, "let me know: did not this order to sail +for the coast of New Zealand seem strange to you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord," replied Austin. "I was very much surprised; but, as I +am not in the habit of discussing the orders I receive, I obeyed. Could +I act otherwise? If any accident had happened from not following your +instructions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_572" id="Page_572">[Pg 572]</a></span> should I not have been to blame? Would you have done +differently, captain?"</p> + +<p>"No, Tom," answered Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"But what did you think?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I thought, my lord, that, in the cause of Captain Grant, it was +necessary to go wherever you directed me; that by some combination of +circumstances another vessel would take you to New Zealand, and that +I was to wait for you on the eastern coast of the island. Moreover, +on leaving Melbourne, I kept my destination secret, and the crew did +not know it till we were out at sea and the shores of Australia had +disappeared from sight. But then an incident occurred that perplexed me +very much."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Tom?" inquired Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"I mean," he replied, "that when the quartermaster, Ayrton, learned, +the day after our departure, the Duncan's destination——"</p> + +<p>"Ayrton!" cried Glenarvan. "Is he on board?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Ayrton here!" repeated Glenarvan, glancing at Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Wonderful indeed!" said the young captain.</p> + +<p>In an instant, with the swiftness of lightning, Ayrton's conduct, his +long-contrived treachery, Glenarvan's wound, the attack upon Mulready, +their sufferings in the marshes of the Snowy, all the wretch's deeds, +flashed upon the minds of the two men. And now, by a strange fatality, +the convict was in their power.</p> + +<p>"Where is he?" asked Glenarvan quickly.</p> + +<p>"In a cabin in the forecastle," replied Tom Austin, "closely guarded."</p> + +<p>"Why this confinement?"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">AN UNOFFICIAL TRIBUNAL.</div> + +<p>"Because, when Ayrton saw that the yacht was sailing for New Zealand, +he flew into a passion; because he attempted to force me to change the +ship's course; because he threatened me; and, finally, because he urged +my men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_573" id="Page_573">[Pg 573]</a></span> to a mutiny. I saw that he was a dangerous person, and was +compelled, therefore, to take precautions against him."</p> + +<p>"And since that time?"</p> + +<p>"Since that time he has been in his cabin, without offering to come +out."</p> + +<p>"Good!"</p> + +<p>At this moment Glenarvan and Captain Mangles were summoned to the +saloon. Breakfast, which they so much needed, was ready. They took +seats at the table, but did not speak of Ayrton.</p> + +<p>However, when the meal was ended, and the passengers had assembled on +deck, Glenarvan informed them of the quartermaster's presence on board. +At the same time he declared his intention of sending for him.</p> + +<p>"Can I be released from attending this tribunal?" asked Lady Helena. +"I confess to you, my dear Edward, that the sight of this unfortunate +would be very painful to me."</p> + +<p>"It is only to confront him, Helena," replied Glenarvan. "Remain, +if you can. Ben Joyce should see himself face to face with all his +intended victims."</p> + +<p>Lady Helena yielded to this request, and Mary Grant and she took their +places beside him, while around them stood the major, Paganel, Captain +Mangles, Robert, Wilson, Mulready, and Olbinett, all who had suffered +so severely by the convict's treason. The crew of the yacht, who did +not yet understand the seriousness of these proceedings, maintained a +profound silence.</p> + +<p>"Call Ayrton!" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_574" id="Page_574">[Pg 574]</a></span></p> + + + +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LVI" id="CHAPTER_LVI">CHAPTER LVI.</a></h4> + +<h3>AYRTON'S OBSTINACY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck with a confident +step, and ascended the poop-stairs. His eyes had a sullen look, his +teeth were set, and his fists clinched convulsively. His bearing +displayed neither exultation nor humility. As soon as he was in Lord +Glenarvan's presence, he folded his arms, and calmly and silently +waited to be questioned:</p> + +<p>"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, "here we all are, as you see, on board the +Duncan, that you would have surrendered to Ben Joyce's accomplices."</p> + +<p>At these words the lips of the quartermaster slightly trembled. A quick +blush colored his hard features,—not the sign of remorse, but the +shame of defeat. He was prisoner on this yacht that he had meant to +command as master, and his fate was soon to be decided.</p> + +<p>However, he made no reply. Glenarvan waited patiently, but Ayrton still +persisted in maintaining an obstinate silence.</p> + +<p>"Speak, Ayrton; what have you to say?" continued Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>The convict hesitated, and the lines of his forehead were strongly +contracted. At last he said, in a calm voice:</p> + +<p>"I have nothing to say, my lord. I was foolish enough to let myself be +taken. Do what you please."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A DUMB PRISONER.</div> + +<p>Having given his answer, the quartermaster turned his eyes toward +the coast that extended along the west, and affected a profound +indifference for all that was passing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_575" id="Page_575">[Pg 575]</a></span> around him. You would have +thought, to look at him, that he was a stranger to this serious affair.</p> + +<p>But Glenarvan had resolved to be patient. A powerful motive urged +him to ascertain certain circumstances of Ayrton's mysterious life, +especially as regarded Harry Grant and the Britannia. He therefore +resumed his inquiries, speaking with extreme mildness, and imposing the +most perfect calmness upon the violent agitation of his heart.</p> + +<p>"I hope, Ayrton," continued he, "that you will not refuse to answer +certain questions that I desire to ask you. And, first, am I to call +you Ayrton or Ben Joyce? Are you the quartermaster of the Britannia?"</p> + +<p>Ayrton remained unmoved, watching the coast, deaf to every question. +Glenarvan, whose eye flashed with some inward emotion, continued to +question him.</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me how you left the Britannia, and why you were in +Australia?"</p> + +<p>There was the same silence, the same obstinacy.</p> + +<p>"Listen to me, Ayrton," resumed Glenarvan. "It is for your interest to +speak. We may reward a frank confession, which is your only resort. For +the last time, will you answer my questions?"</p> + +<p>Ayrton turned his head towards Glenarvan, and looked him full in the +face.</p> + +<p>"My lord," said he, "I have nothing to answer. It is for justice to +prove against me."</p> + +<p>"The proofs will be easy," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">USELESS APPEALS.</div> + +<p>"Easy, my lord?" continued the quartermaster, in a sneering tone. +"Your lordship seems to me very hasty. I declare that the best judge +in Westminster Hall would be puzzled to establish my identity. Who can +say why I came to Australia, since Captain Grant is no longer here to +inform you? Who can prove that I am that Ben Joyce described by the +police, since they have never laid hands upon me, and my companions are +at liberty? Who, except you, can charge me, not to say with a crime, +but even with a culpable action?"</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_576" id="Page_576">[Pg 576]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p576.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="caption">Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck +with a confident step, and ascended the poop-stairs.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_577" id="Page_577">[Pg 577]</a></span> +Ayrton had grown animated while speaking, but soon relapsed into his +former indifference. He doubtless imagined that this declaration would +end the examination: but Glenarvan resumed, and said:</p> + +<p>"Ayrton, I am not a judge charged with trying you. This is not my +business. It is important that our respective positions should be +clearly defined. I ask nothing that can implicate you, for that is the +part of justice. But you know what search I am pursuing, and, with a +word, you can put me on the track I have lost. Will you speak?"</p> + +<p>Ayrton shook his head, like a man determined to keep silent.</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me where Captain Grant is?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"No, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Will you point out where the Britannia was wrecked?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not."</p> + +<p>"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, in almost a suppliant tone, "will you, at +least, if you know where Captain Grant is, tell his poor children, who +are only waiting for a word from your lips?"</p> + +<p>The quartermaster hesitated; his features quivered; but, in a low +voice, he muttered:</p> + +<p>"I cannot, my lord."</p> + +<p>Then, as if he reproached himself for a moment's weakness, he added, +angrily:</p> + +<p>"No, I will not speak! Hang me if you will!"</p> + +<p>"Hang, then!" cried Glenarvan, overcome by a sudden feeling of +indignation.</p> + +<p>But finally controlling himself, he said, in a grave voice:</p> + +<p>"There are neither judges nor hangmen here. At the first landing-place +you shall be put into the hands of the English authorities."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_578" id="Page_578">[Pg 578]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Just what I desire," replied the quartermaster.</p> + +<p>Thereupon he was taken back to the cabin that served as his prison, and +two sailors were stationed at the door, with orders to watch all his +movements. The witnesses of this scene retired indignant and in despair.</p> + +<p>Since Glenarvan had failed to overcome Ayrton's obstinacy, what was +to be done? Evidently to follow the plan formed at Eden, of returning +to England, and resuming hereafter this unsuccessful enterprise, for +all traces of the Britannia now seemed irrevocably lost. The document +admitted of no new interpretation. There was no other country on the +line of the thirty-seventh parallel, and the only way was to sail for +home.</p> + +<p>He consulted his friends, and more especially Captain Mangles, on the +subject of return. The captain examined his store-rooms. The supply +of coal would not last more than fifteen days. It was, therefore, +necessary to replenish the fuel at the first port. He accordingly +proposed to Glenarvan to sail for Talcahuana Bay, where the Duncan had +already procured supplies before undertaking her voyage. This was a +direct passage. Then the yacht, with ample provisions, could double +Cape Horn, and reach Scotland by way of the Atlantic.</p> + +<p>This plan being adopted, the engineer was ordered to force on steam. +Half an hour afterwards the yacht was headed towards Talcahuana, and at +six o'clock in the evening the mountains of New Zealand had disappeared +beneath the mists of the horizon.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">WOMANLY INFLUENCE.</div> + +<p>It was a sad return for these brave searchers, who had left the shores +of Scotland with such hope and confidence. To the joyous cries that +had saluted Glenarvan on his return succeeded profound dejection. Each +confined himself to the solitude of his cabin, and rarely appeared on +deck. All, even the loquacious Paganel, were mournful and silent. If +Glenarvan spoke of beginning his search again, the geographer shook +his head like a man who has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_579" id="Page_579">[Pg 579]</a></span> no more hope, for he seemed convinced as +to the fate of the shipwrecked sailors. Yet there was one man on board +who could have informed them about this catastrophe, but whose silence +was still prolonged. There was no doubt that the rascally Ayrton knew, +if not the actual situation of the captain, at least the place of the +shipwreck. Probably Harry Grant, if found, would be a witness against +him; hence he persisted in his silence, and was greatly enraged, +especially towards the sailors who would accuse him of an evil design.</p> + +<p>Several times Glenarvan renewed his attempts with the quartermaster. +Promises and threats were useless. Ayrton's obstinacy was carried +so far, and was so inexplicable, that the major came to the belief +that he knew nothing; which opinion was shared by the geographer and +corroborated his own ideas in regard to Captain Grant.</p> + +<p>But if Ayrton knew nothing, why did he not plead his ignorance? It +could not turn against him, while his silence increased the difficulty +of forming a new plan. Ought they to infer the presence of Harry Grant +in Australia from meeting the quartermaster on that continent? At all +events, they must induce Ayrton to explain on this subject.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena, seeing her husband's failures, now suggested an attempt, +in her turn, to persuade the quartermaster. Where a man had failed, +perhaps a woman could succeed by her gentle entreaty. Glenarvan, +knowing the tact of his young wife, gave his hearty approval. Ayrton +was, accordingly, brought to Lady Helena's boudoir. Mary Grant was to +be present at the interview, for the young girl's influence might also +be great, and Lady Helena would not neglect any chance of success.</p> + +<p>For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the quartermaster, but +nothing resulted from this conference. What they said, the arguments +they used to draw out the convict's secret, all the details of this +examination, remained unknown. Moreover, when Ayrton left them they did +not appear to have succeeded, and their faces betokened real despair.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_580" id="Page_580">[Pg 580]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p580.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the +quartermaster, but nothing resulted from this conference.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_581" id="Page_581">[Pg 581]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p581.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="cap">He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders, +which so increased the rage of the crew, that nothing less than the +intervention of the captain and his lordship could restrain them.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_582" id="Page_582">[Pg 582]</a></span> +When the quartermaster was taken back to his cabin, therefore, the +sailors saluted his appearance with violent threats. But he contented +himself with shrugging his shoulders, which so increased the rage of +the crew, that nothing less than the intervention of the captain and +his lordship could restrain them.</p> + +<p>But Lady Helena did not consider herself defeated. She wished to +struggle to the last with this heartless man, and the next day she went +herself to Ayrton's cabin, to avoid the scene that his appearance on +deck occasioned.</p> + +<p>For two long hours this kind and gentle Scotch lady remained alone face +to face with the chief of the convicts. Glenarvan, a prey to nervous +agitation, lingered near the cabin, now determined to thoroughly +exhaust the chances of success, and now upon the point of drawing his +wife away from this painful and prolonged interview.</p> + +<p>But this time, when Lady Helena reappeared, her features inspired +confidence. Had she, then, brought this secret to light, and stirred +the dormant feeling of pity in the heart of this poor creature?</p> + +<p>MacNabb, who saw her first, could not repress a very natural feeling +of incredulity. However, the rumor soon spread among the crew that the +quartermaster had at length yielded to Lady Helena's entreaties. All +the sailors assembled on deck more quickly than if Tom Austin's whistle +had summoned them.</p> + +<p>"Has he spoken?" asked Lord Glenarvan of his wife.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Lady Helena; "but in compliance with my entreaties he +desires to see you."</p> + +<p>"Ah, dear Helena, you have succeeded!"</p> + +<p>"I hope so, Edward."</p> + +<p>"Have you made any promise that I am to sanction?"</p> + +<p>"Only one: that you will use all your influence to moderate the fate in +store for him."</p> + +<div class="sidenote"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_583" id="Page_583">[Pg 583]</a></span> +VERY BUSINESS-LIKE.</div> + +<p>"Certainly, my dear Helena. Let him come to me immediately."</p> + +<p>Lady Helena retired to her cabin, accompanied by Mary Grant, and the +quartermaster was taken to the saloon where Glenarvan awaited him.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LVII" id="CHAPTER_LVII">CHAPTER LVII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A DISCOURAGING CONFESSION.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>As soon as the quartermaster was in Lord Glenarvan's presence his +custodians retired.</p> + +<p>"You desired to speak to me, Ayrton?" said Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord," replied he.</p> + +<p>"To me alone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I think that if Major MacNabb and Mr. Paganel were present at +the interview it would be better."</p> + +<p>"For whom?"</p> + +<p>"For me."</p> + +<p>Ayrton spoke calmly. Glenarvan gazed at him steadily, and then sent +word to MacNabb and Paganel, who at once obeyed his summons.</p> + +<p>"We are ready for you," said Glenarvan, as soon as his two friends were +seated at the cabin-table.</p> + +<p>Ayrton reflected for a few moments, and then said:</p> + +<p>"My lord, it is customary for witnesses to be present at every contract +or negotiation between two parties. That is why I requested the +presence of Mr. Paganel and Major MacNabb; for, properly speaking, this +is a matter of business that I am going to propose to you."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, who was accustomed to Ayrton's manners, betrayed no +surprise, although a matter of business between this man and himself +seemed strange.</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_584" id="Page_584">[Pg 584]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p584.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">"Do you agree or not?"</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_585" id="Page_585">[Pg 585]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">BARGAINING FOR TERMS.</div> + +<p>"What is this business?" said he.</p> + +<p>"This is it," replied Ayrton. "You desire to know from me certain +circumstances which may be useful to you. I desire to obtain from you +certain advantages which will be valuable to me. Now, I will make an +exchange, my lord. Do you agree or not?"</p> + +<p>"What are these circumstances?" asked Paganel, quickly.</p> + +<p>"No," corrected Glenarvan: "what are these advantages?"</p> + +<p>Ayrton bowed, showing that he understood the distinction.</p> + +<p>"These," said he, "are the advantages for which I petition. You +still intend, my lord, to deliver me into the hands of the English +authorities?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Ayrton; it is only justice."</p> + +<p>"I do not deny it," replied the quartermaster. "You would not consent, +then, to set me at liberty?"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan hesitated before answering a question so plainly asked. +Perhaps the fate of Harry Grant depended upon what he was about to say. +However, the feeling of duty towards humanity prevailed, and he said:</p> + +<p>"No, Ayrton, I cannot set you at liberty."</p> + +<p>"I do not ask it," replied the quartermaster, proudly.</p> + +<p>"What do you wish, then?"</p> + +<p>"An intermediate fate, my lord, between that which you think awaits me +and the liberty that you cannot grant me."</p> + +<p>"And that is——?"</p> + +<p>"To abandon me on one of the desert islands of the Pacific, with the +principal necessaries of life. I will manage as I can, and repent, if I +have time."</p> + +<p>Glenarvan, who was little prepared for this proposal, glanced at his +two friends, who remained silent. After a few moments of reflection, he +replied:</p> + +<p>"Ayrton, if I grant your request, will you tell me all that it is for +my interest to know?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_586" id="Page_586">[Pg 586]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord; that is to say, all that I know concerning Captain Grant +and the Britannia."</p> + +<p>"The whole truth?"</p> + +<p>"The whole."</p> + +<p>"But who will warrant——?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see what troubles you, my lord. You do not like to trust to +me,—to the word of a malefactor! That is right. But what can you do? +The situation is thus. You have only to accept or refuse."</p> + +<p>"I will trust you, Ayrton," said Glenarvan, simply.</p> + +<p>"And you will be right, my lord. Moreover, if I deceive you, you will +always have the power to revenge yourself."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"By recapturing me on this island, from which I shall not be able to +escape."</p> + +<p>Ayrton had a reply for everything. He met all difficulties, and +produced unanswerable arguments against himself. As was seen, he +strove to treat in his business with good faith. It was impossible for +a person to surrender with more perfect confidence, and yet he found +means to advance still further in this disinterested course.</p> + +<p>"My lord and gentlemen," added he, "I desire that you should be +convinced that I am honorable. I do not seek to deceive you, but am +going to give you a new proof of my sincerity in this affair. I act +frankly, because I rely upon your loyalty."</p> + +<p>"Go on, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My lord, I have not yet your promise to agree to my proposition, and +still I do not hesitate to tell you that I know little concerning Harry +Grant."</p> + +<p>"Little!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord; the circumstances that I am able to communicate to +you are relative to myself. They are personal experiences, and will +scarcely tend to put you on the track you have lost."</p> + +<div class="sidenote">REVELATIONS AND DISCLOSURES.</div> + +<p>A keen disappointment was manifest on the features of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_587" id="Page_587">[Pg 587]</a></span> Glenarvan and +the major. They had believed the quartermaster to possess an important +secret, and yet he now confessed that his disclosures would be almost +useless.</p> + +<p>However that may be, this avowal of Ayrton, who surrendered himself +without security, singularly affected his hearers, especially when he +added, in conclusion:</p> + +<p>"Thus you are forewarned, my lord, that the business will be less +advantageous for you than for me."</p> + +<p>"No matter," replied Glenarvan; "I accept your proposal, Ayrton. You +have my word that you shall be landed at one of the islands of the +Pacific."</p> + +<p>"Very well, my lord," said he.</p> + +<p>Was this strange man pleased with this decision? You might have doubted +it, for his impassive countenance betrayed no emotion. He seemed as if +acting for another more than for himself.</p> + +<p>"I am ready to answer," continued he.</p> + +<p>"We have no questions to ask you," rejoined Glenarvan. "Tell us what +you know, Ayrton, and, in the first place, who you are."</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," replied he, "I am really Tom Ayrton, quartermaster of the +Britannia. I left Glasgow in Captain Grant's ship on the 12th of March, +1861. For fourteen months we traversed together the Pacific, seeking +some favorable place to found a Scottish colony. Harry Grant was a man +capable of performing great deeds, but frequently serious disputes +arose between us. His character did not harmonize with mine. I could +not yield; but with Harry Grant, when his resolution is taken, all +resistance is impossible. He is like iron towards himself and others. +However, I dared to mutiny, and attempted to involve the crew and gain +possession of the vessel. Whether I did right or wrong is of little +importance. However it may be, Captain Grant did not hesitate to land +me, April 8, 1862, on the west coast of Australia."</p> + +<p>"Australia!" exclaimed the major, interrupting Ayrton's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_588" id="Page_588">[Pg 588]</a></span> story. "Then +you left the Britannia before her arrival at Callao, where the last +news of her was dated?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the quartermaster; "for the Britannia never stopped at +Callao while I was on board. If I spoke of Callao at O'Moore's farm, it +was your story that gave me this information."</p> + +<p>"Go on, Ayrton," said Glenarvan.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">MORE BLANKS THAN PRIZES.</div> + +<p>"I found myself, therefore, abandoned on an almost desert coast, but +only twenty miles from the penitentiary of Perth, the capital of +Western Australia. Wandering along the shore, I met a band of convicts +who had just escaped. I joined them. You will spare me, my lord, the +account of my life for two years and a half. It is enough to know that +I became chief of the runaways, under the name of Ben Joyce. In the +month of September, 1864, I made my appearance at the Irishman's farm, +and was received as a servant under my true name of Ayrton. Here I +waited till an opportunity should be offered to gain possession of a +vessel. This was my great object. Two months later the Duncan arrived. +During your visit at the farm you related, my lord, the whole story of +Captain Grant. I then learned what I had not known, the Britannia's +stoppage at Callao, the last news of her, dated June, 1862, two months +after my abandonment, the finding of the document, the shipwreck of the +vessel, and finally the important reasons you had for seeking Captain +Grant in Australia. I did not hesitate, but resolved to appropriate +the Duncan,—a marvelous ship, that would have distanced the best of +the British navy. However, there were serious injuries to be repaired. +I therefore let her start for Melbourne, and offered myself to you in +my real character of quartermaster, volunteering to guide you to the +scene of the shipwreck, which I falsely located on the eastern coast +of Australia. Thus followed at a distance and sometimes preceded by +my band of convicts, I conducted your party across the province of +Victoria. My companions committed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_589" id="Page_589">[Pg 589]</a></span> a useless crime at Camden Bridge, +since the Duncan, once at Twofold Bay, could not have escaped me, and +with it I should have been master of the ocean. I brought you thus +unsuspectingly as far as the Snowy River. The horses and oxen fell dead +one by one, poisoned by the gastrolobium. I entangled the cart in the +marshes. At my suggestion——but you know the rest, my lord, and can +be certain that, except for Mr. Paganel's absent-mindedness, I should +now be commander on board the Duncan. Such is my story, gentlemen. My +disclosures, unfortunately, cannot set you on the track of Captain +Grant, and you see that in dealing with me you have made a bad bargain."</p> + +<p>The quartermaster ceased, crossed his arms, according to his custom, +and waited. Glenarvan and his friends were silent. They felt that this +strange criminal had told the entire truth. The capture of the Duncan +had only failed through a cause altogether beyond his control. His +accomplices had reached Twofold Bay, as the convict's blouse, found by +Glenarvan, proved. There, faithful to the orders of their chief, they +had lain in wait for the yacht, and at last, tired of watching, they +had doubtless resumed their occupation of plunder and burning in the +fields of New South Wales.</p> + +<p>The major was the first to resume the examination, in order to +determine the dates relative to the Britannia.</p> + +<p>"It was the 8th of April, 1862, then, that you were landed on the west +coast of Australia?" he asked of the quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," replied Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"And do you know what Captain Grant's plans were then?"</p> + +<p>"Vaguely."</p> + +<p>"Continue, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "The least sign may set us on the +track."</p> + +<p>"What I can say is this, my lord. Captain Grant intended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_590" id="Page_590">[Pg 590]</a></span> to visit New +Zealand. But this part of his programme was not carried out while I was +on board. The Britannia might, therefore, after leaving Callao, have +gained the shores of New Zealand. This would agree with the date, June +27, 1862, given in the document as the time of the shipwreck."</p> + +<p>"Evidently," remarked Paganel.</p> + +<p>"But," added Glenarvan, "there is nothing in these half-obliterated +portions of the document which can apply to New Zealand."</p> + +<p>"That I cannot answer," said the quartermaster.</p> + +<p>"Well, Ayrton," continued Glenarvan, "you have kept your word, and I +will keep mine. We will decide on what island of the Pacific you shall +be abandoned."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it matters little to me," answered Ayrton.</p> + +<p>"Return to your cabin now, and await our decision."</p> + +<p>The quartermaster retired, under guard of the two sailors.</p> + +<p>"This villain might have been a great man," observed the major.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Glenarvan. "He has a strong and self-reliant character. +Why must his abilities be devoted to crime?"</p> + +<p>"But Harry Grant?"</p> + +<p>"I fear that he is forever lost! Poor children! who could tell them +where their father is?"</p> + +<p>"I!" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>As we have remarked, the geographer, although so loquacious and +excitable usually, had scarcely spoken during Ayrton's examination. He +had listened in total silence. But this last word that he had uttered +was worth more than all the others, and startled Glenarvan at once.</p> + +<p>"You, Paganel!" he exclaimed; "do you know where Captain Grant is?"</p> + +<p>"As well as can be known," answered the geographer.</p> + +<p>"And how do you know?"</p> + +<p>"By that everlasting document."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_591" id="Page_591">[Pg 591]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">A GEOGRAPHER'S REMINISCENCES.</div> + +<p>"Ah!" said the major, in a tone of the most thorough incredulity.</p> + +<p>"Listen first, MacNabb, and shrug your shoulders afterwards. I did +not speak before, because you would not have believed me. Besides, it +was useless. But if I speak to-day, it is because Ayrton's opinion +corroborates mine."</p> + +<p>"Then New Zealand——?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Hear and judge," replied Paganel. "I did not commit the blunder +that saved us, without reason. Just as I was writing that letter +at Glenarvan's dictation, the word Zealand was troubling my brain. +You remember that we were in the cart. MacNabb had just told Lady +Helena the story of the convicts, and had handed her the copy of the +<i>Australian and New Zealand Gazette</i> that gave an account of the +accident at Camden Bridge. As I was writing, the paper lay on the +ground, folded so that only two syllables of its title could be seen, +and these were <i>aland</i>. What a light broke in upon my mind! 'Aland' +was one of the very words in the English document,—a word that we had +hitherto translated <i>ashore</i>, but which was the termination of the +proper name Zealand."</p> + +<p>"Ha!" cried Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Yes," continued Paganel, with profound conviction, "this +interpretation had escaped me, and do you know why? Because my +examinations were naturally confined more particularly to the French +document, where this important word was wanting."</p> + +<p>"Ho! ho!" laughed the major, "that is too much imagination, Paganel. +You forget your previous conclusions rather easily."</p> + +<p>"Well, major, I am ready to answer you."</p> + +<p>"Then what becomes of your word <i>austral</i>?"</p> + +<p>"It is what it was at first. It simply means the southern (<i>australes</i>) +countries."</p> + +<p>"Very well. But that word <i>indi</i>, that was first the root of Indians +(<i>indiens</i>), and then of natives (<i>indigènes</i>)?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_592" id="Page_592">[Pg 592]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The third and last time, it shall be the first two syllables of the +word <i>indigence</i> (destitution)."</p> + +<p>"And <i>contin</i>!" cried MacNabb; "does it still signify <i>continent</i>?"</p> + +<p>"No, since New Zealand is only an island."</p> + +<p>"Then?" inquired Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will translate the document for +you, according to my third interpretation, and you shall judge. I only +make two suggestions. First, forget as far as possible the previous +interpretations; and next, although certain passages will seem to you +forced, and I may translate them wrongly, still, remember that they +have no special importance. Moreover, the French document serves as the +basis of my interpretation, and you must consider that it was written +by an Englishman who could not have been perfectly familiar with the +idioms of our language."</p> + +<p>So saying, Paganel, slowly pronouncing each syllable, read the +following:</p> + +<p>"On the 27th of June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered, +after a long struggle (<i>agonie</i>), in the South (<i>australes</i>) Seas, on +the coasts of New Ze<i>aland</i>. Two sailors and Captain Grant succeeded +in landing (<i>abor</i>der). Here, continually (<i>contin</i>uellement) a prey +(<i>pr</i>oie) to a cruel (<i>cruel</i>le) destitution (<i>indi</i>gence), they cast +this document into the sea, at longitude —— and latitude 37° 11'. +Come to their assistance, or they are lost."</p> + +<p>Paganel stopped. His interpretation was admissible. But, although +it appeared as probable as the other, still it might be as false. +Glenarvan and the major therefore no longer attempted to dispute it. +However, since the traces of the Britannia had not been encountered on +the coasts of Patagonia or Australia, the chances were in favor of New +Zealand.</p> + +<p>"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "will you tell me why, for about two +months, you kept this interpretation secret?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_593" id="Page_593">[Pg 593]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">UNANIMITY IN DESPAIR.</div> + +<p>"Because I did not wish to give you vain hopes. Besides, we were going +to Auckland, which is on the very latitude of the document."</p> + +<p>"But afterwards, when we were taken out of our course, why did you not +speak?"</p> + +<p>"Because, however just this interpretation may be, it cannot contribute +to the captain's rescue."</p> + +<p>"Why, Paganel?"</p> + +<p>"Because, admitting that Captain Grant was wrecked on the coast of New +Zealand, as long as he has not made his appearance for two years since +the disaster, he must have fallen a victim to the sea or the savages."</p> + +<p>"Then your opinion is——?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"That we might perhaps find some traces of the shipwreck, but that the +seamen of the Britannia have perished."</p> + +<p>"Keep all this silent, my friends," replied Glenarvan, "and leave me to +choose the time for telling this sad news to the children of Captain +Grant."</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LVIII" id="CHAPTER_LVIII">CHAPTER LVIII.</a></h4> + +<h3>A CRY IN THE NIGHT.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>The crew soon learned that Ayrton's disclosures had not thrown light +upon the situation of Captain Grant. The despair on board was profound, +for they had relied on the quartermaster, who, however, knew nothing +that could put the Duncan on the track of the Britannia. The yacht +therefore continued on the same course, and the only question now was +to choose the island on which to leave Ayrton.</p> + +<p>Paganel and Captain Mangles consulted the maps on board. Exactly on +the thirty-seventh parallel was an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_594" id="Page_594">[Pg 594]</a></span> island, generally known by the +name of Maria Theresa, a lone rock in the midst of the Pacific, three +thousand five hundred miles from the American coast, and one thousand +five hundred miles from New Zealand. No ship ever came within hail of +this solitary isle; no tidings from the world ever reached it. Only the +storm-birds rested here during their long flights, and many maps do not +even indicate its position.</p> + +<p>If anywhere absolute isolation was to be found on earth, it was here, +afar from the ocean's traveled highways. Its situation was made known +to Ayrton, who consented to live there; and the vessel was accordingly +headed towards the island. Two days later the lookout hailed land on +the horizon. It was Maria Theresa, low, long, and scarcely emerging +from the waves, appearing like some enormous sea-monster. Thirty miles +still lay between it and the yacht, whose prow cut the waves with +such speed that soon the island grew distinct. The sun, now sinking +towards the west, defined its outlines in glowing light. Several slight +elevations were tinged with the last rays of the day.</p> + +<p>At five o'clock Captain Mangles thought he distinguished a faint smoke +rising towards the sky.</p> + +<p>"Is that a volcano?" he inquired of Paganel, who, with his telescope, +was examining the land.</p> + +<p>"I do not know what to think," replied the geographer. "Maria Theresa +is a point little known. However, I should not be surprised if its +origin was due to some volcanic upheaval."</p> + +<p>"But then," said Glenarvan, "if an eruption created it, may we not fear +that the same agency will destroy it?"</p> + +<p>"That is scarcely probable," answered Paganel. "Its existence has +been known for several centuries; and this seems a guarantee for its +continuance."</p> + +<p>"Well," continued Glenarvan, "do you think, captain, that we can land +before night?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_595" id="Page_595">[Pg 595]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">ANOTHER ARTIFICIAL VOLCANO.</div> + +<p>"No, certainly not. I ought not to endanger the Duncan in the darkness, +on a coast that is not familiar to me. I will keep a short distance +from land, and to-morrow at daybreak we will send a boat ashore."</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock Maria Theresa, although only five miles to windward, +appeared like a lengthened shadow, scarcely visible. An hour later, +quite a bright light, like a fire, blazed in the darkness. It was +motionless and stationary.</p> + +<p>"That would seem to indicate a volcano," said Paganel, watching it +attentively.</p> + +<p>"However," replied Captain Mangles, "at this distance we ought to hear +the commotion that always accompanies an eruption, and yet the wind +brings no sound to our ears."</p> + +<p>"Indeed," observed Paganel, "this volcano glows, but does not +speak. You might say that it throws out intermittent flashes like a +lighthouse."</p> + +<p>"You are right," continued Captain Mangles; "and yet we are not on the +illuminated side. Ha!" cried he, "another fire! On the shore this time! +See! it moves, it changes its place!"</p> + +<p>He was not mistaken. A new light had appeared, that sometimes seemed to +go out, and then all at once flash forth again.</p> + +<p>"Is the island inhabited?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Evidently, by savages," replied Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Then we cannot abandon the quartermaster here."</p> + +<p>"No," said the major; "that would be giving even savages too dangerous +a present."</p> + +<p>"We will seek some other deserted island," resumed Glenarvan, who could +not help smiling at MacNabb's delicacy. "I promised Ayrton his life, +and I will keep my promise."</p> + +<p>"At all events, let us beware," added Paganel. "The New Zealanders have +the barbarous custom of misleading<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_596" id="Page_596">[Pg 596]</a></span> ships by moving fires. The natives +of Maria Theresa may understand this deception."</p> + +<p>"Bear away a point," cried the captain to the sailor at the helm. +"To-morrow, at sunrise, we shall know what is to be done."</p> + +<p>At eleven o'clock the passengers and the captain retired to their +cabins. At the bow the first watch was pacing the deck, while at the +stern the helmsman was alone at his post.</p> + +<p>In the stillness Mary and Robert Grant came on deck. The two children, +leaning upon the railing, gazed sadly at the phosphorescent sea and the +luminous wake of the yacht. Mary thought of Robert's future; Robert +thought of his sister's; both thought of their father. Was that beloved +parent still living? Yet must they give him up? But no, what would life +be without him? What would become of them without his protection? What +would have become of them already, except for the magnanimity of Lord +and Lady Glenarvan?</p> + +<p>The boy, taught by misfortune, divined the thoughts that were agitating +his sister. He took her hand in his.</p> + +<p>"Mary," said he, "we must never despair. Remember the lessons our +father taught us. 'Courage compensates for everything in this world,' +he said. Let us have that indomitable courage that overcomes all +obstacles. Hitherto you have labored for me, my sister, but now I shall +labor for you."</p> + +<p>"Dear Robert!" replied the young girl.</p> + +<p>"I must tell you one thing," continued he. "You will not be sorry, +Mary?"</p> + +<p>"Why should I be sorry, my child?"</p> + +<p>"And you will let me do as I wish?"</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" asked she, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"My sister, I shall be a sailor——!"</p> + +<p>"And leave me?" cried the young girl, clasping her brother's hand.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_597" id="Page_597">[Pg 597]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">EULOGY AND THRENODY.</div> + +<p>"Yes, sister, I shall be a sailor, like my father, and like Captain +John. Mary, my dear Mary, he has not lost all hope! You will have, like +me, confidence in his devotion. He has promised that he will make me a +thorough and efficient sailor, and we shall seek our father together. +Say that you are willing, sister. What our father would have done for +us it is our duty, or mine at least, to do for him. My life has but one +object, to which it is wholly devoted,—to search always for him who +would never have abandoned either of us. Dear Mary, how good our father +was!"</p> + +<p>"And so noble, so generous!" added Mary. "Do you know, Robert, that he +was already one of the glories of our country, and would have ranked +among its great men if fate had not arrested his course?"</p> + +<p>"How well I know it!" answered Robert.</p> + +<p>Mary pressed her brother to her heart, and the child felt tears +dropping upon his forehead.</p> + +<p>"Mary! Mary!" cried he, "it is in vain for them to speak, or to keep +silent. I hope still, and shall always do so. A man like our father +does not die till he has accomplished his purpose!"</p> + +<p>Mary Grant could not reply; sobs choked her utterance. A thousand +emotions agitated her soul at the thought that new attempts would be +made to find her father, and that the young captain's devotion was +boundless.</p> + +<p>"Does Mr. John still hope?" asked she.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Robert. "He is a brother who will never forsake us. I +shall be a sailor, shall I not, sister,—a sailor to seek my father +with him? Are you willing?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mary. "But must we be separated?"</p> + +<p>"You will not be alone, Mary, I know. John has told me so. Lady Helena +will not permit you to leave her. You are a woman, and can and ought to +accept her benefits. To refuse them would be ungrateful. But a man, as +my father has told me a hundred times, ought to make his own fortune."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_598" id="Page_598">[Pg 598]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But what will become of our house at Dundee, so full of associations?"</p> + +<p>"We will keep it, my sister. All that has been well arranged by our +friend John and Lord Glenarvan, who will keep you at Malcolm Castle +like a daughter. He said so to John, who told me. You will be at home +there, and wait till John and I bring back our father. Ah, what a +joyful day that will be!" cried Robert, whose face was radiant with +enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>"My brother, my child!" exclaimed Mary, "how happy our father would be +if he could hear you! How much you resemble him, dear Robert! When you +are a man you will be quite like him!"</p> + +<p>"God grant it, Mary!" said Robert, glowing with holy and filial pride.</p> + +<p>"But how shall we pay our debt to Lord and Lady Glenarvan?" continued +Mary.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that will not be difficult," answered Robert, with his boyish +impulsiveness. "We will tell them how much we love and respect them, +and we will show it to them by our actions."</p> + +<p>"That is all we can do!" added the young girl, covering her brother's +face with kisses; "and all that they will like, too!"</p> + +<p>Then, relapsing into reveries, the two children of the captain gazed +silently into the shadowy obscurity of the night. However, in fancy +they still conversed, questioned, and answered each other. The sea +rocked the ship in silence, and the phosphorescent waters glistened in +the darkness.</p> + +<p>But now a strange, a seemingly supernatural event took place. The +brother and sister, by one of those magnetic attractions that +mysteriously draw the souls of friends together, experienced at the +same instant the same curious hallucination.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">"METHOUGHT, THE BILLOWS SPOKE!"</div> + +<p>From the midst of these alternately brightening and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_599" id="Page_599">[Pg 599]</a></span> darkening waves, +they thought they heard a voice issue, whose depth of sadness stirred +every fibre of their hearts.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" cried the voice.</p> + +<p>"Mary," said Robert, "did you hear?"</p> + +<p>And, raising their heads above the bulwarks, they both gazed +searchingly into the misty shadows of the night. Yet there was nothing +but the darkness stretching blankly before them.</p> + +<p>"Robert," said Mary, pale with emotion, "I thought—yes, I thought like +you."</p> + +<p>At this moment another cry reached them, and this time the illusion was +such that these words broke simultaneously from both their hearts:</p> + +<p>"My father! my father!"</p> + +<p>This was too much for Mary Grant. Overcome by emotion, she sank +senseless into her brother's arms.</p> + +<p>"Help!" cried Robert. "My sister! my father! help!"</p> + +<p>The man at the helm hastened to Miss Grant's assistance, and after +him the sailors of the watch, Captain Mangles, Lady Helena, and Lord +Glenarvan, who had been suddenly awakened.</p> + +<p>"My sister is dying, and my father is yonder!" exclaimed Robert, +pointing to the waves.</p> + +<p>No one understood his words.</p> + +<p>"Yes," repeated he, "my father is yonder! I heard his voice, and Mary +did too!"</p> + +<p>Just then Mary Grant recovered consciousness, and, looking wildly +around, cried:</p> + +<p>"My father, my father is yonder!"</p> + +<p>The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the bulwark, would have +thrown herself into the sea.</p> + +<p>"My lord! Madam!" repeated she, clasping her hands, "I tell you my +father is there! I declare to you that I heard his voice issue from the +waves like a despairing wail, like a last adieu!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE POSITIVENESS OF DISBELIEF.</div> + + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_600" id="Page_600">[Pg 600]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p600.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the +bulwark, would have thrown herself into the sea.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_601" id="Page_601">[Pg 601]</a></span> +Then her feelings overcame the poor girl, and she became insensible. +They carried her to her cabin, and Lady Helena followed, to minister to +her wants, while Robert kept repeating:</p> + +<p>"My father! my father is there! I am sure of it, my lord!"</p> + +<p>The witnesses of this sorrowful scene perceived at last that the two +children had been the sport of an hallucination. But how undeceive +their senses, which had been so strongly impressed? Glenarvan, however, +attempted it, and taking Robert by the hand, said:</p> + +<p>"You heard your father's voice, my dear boy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord. Yonder, in the midst of the waves, he cried, 'Help! +help!'"</p> + +<p>"And you recognized the voice?"</p> + +<p>"Did I recognize it? Oh, yes, I assure you! My sister heard and +recognized it, too. How could both of us be deceived? My lord, let us +go to his rescue. A boat! a boat!"</p> + +<p>Glenarvan saw plainly that he could not undeceive the poor child. +Still, he made a last attempt, and called the helmsman.</p> + +<p>"Hawkins," asked he, "you were at the wheel when Miss Grant was so +singularly affected?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord," replied Hawkins.</p> + +<p>"And you did not see or hear anything?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing."</p> + +<p>"You see how it is, Robert."</p> + +<p>"If it had been <i>his</i> father," answered the lad, with irrepressible +energy, "he would not say so. It was <i>my</i> father, my lord! my father, +my father——!"</p> + +<p>Robert's voice was choked by a sob. Pale and speechless, he, too, like +his sister, lost consciousness. Glenarvan had him carried to his bed, +and the child, overcome by emotion, sank into a profound slumber.</p> + +<p>"Poor orphans!" said Captain Mangles; "God tries them in a terrible +way!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_602" id="Page_602">[Pg 602]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "excessive grief has produced upon both at +the same moment a similar effect."</p> + +<p>"Upon both!" murmured Paganel. "That is strange!"</p> + +<p>Then, leaning forward, after making a sign to keep still, he listened +attentively. The silence was profound everywhere. Paganel called in a +loud voice, but there was no answer.</p> + +<p>"It is strange!" repeated the geographer, returning to his cabin; "an +intimate sympathy of thought and grief does not suffice to explain this +mystery."</p> + +<p>Early the next morning the passengers (and among them were Robert +and Mary, for it was impossible to restrain them) were assembled +on deck. All wished to examine this land, which had been scarcely +distinguishable the night before. The principal points of the island +were eagerly scanned. The yacht coasted along about a mile from the +shore, and the unassisted eye could easily discern the larger objects.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Robert uttered a cry. He maintained that he saw two men +running and gesticulating, while a third was waving a flag.</p> + +<p>"Yes: the flag of England!" cried Captain Mangles, when he had used his +glass.</p> + +<p>"It is true!" said Paganel, turning quickly towards Robert.</p> + +<p>"My lord!" exclaimed the boy, trembling with excitement,—"my lord, if +you do not wish me to swim to the island, you will lower a boat! Ah, my +lord, if you please, I do wish to be the first to land!"</p> + +<div class="sidenote">A COMPENSATION FOR ALL.</div> + +<p>No one knew what to say. Were there three men, shipwrecked sailors, +Englishmen, on that island? All recalled the events of the night +before, and thought of the voice heard by Robert and Mary. Perhaps, +after all, they were not mistaken. A voice might have reached them. +But could this voice be that of their father? No, alas, no! And each, +thinking of the terrible disappointment that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_603" id="Page_603">[Pg 603]</a></span> was probably in store, +trembled lest this new trial would exceed their strength. But how +restrain them? Lord Glenarvan had not the courage.</p> + +<p>"Lower the boat!" cried he.</p> + +<p>In a moment this was done; the two children, Glenarvan, Captain +Mangles, and Paganel stepped into it, and six earnest and skilled +oarsmen sped away towards the shore.</p> + +<p>At ten yards therefrom, Mary uttered again the heart-rending cry:</p> + +<p>"My father!"</p> + +<p>A man was standing on the beach between two others. His form was tall +and stout, while his weather-beaten yet pleasant countenance betrayed +a strong resemblance to the features of Mary and Robert Grant. It was, +indeed, the man whom the children had so often described. Their hearts +had not deceived them. It was their father, it was Captain Grant!</p> + +<p>He heard his daughter's cry, he opened his arms, and supported her +fainting form.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LIX" id="CHAPTER_LIX">CHAPTER LIX.</a></h4> + +<h3>CAPTAIN GRANT'S STORY.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Joy does not kill, for the long lost father and his recovered children +were soon rejoicing together and preparing to return to the yacht. But +how can we depict that scene, so little looked for by any? Words are +powerless.</p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE JOYS OF REUNION.</div> + +<p>As soon as he gained the deck, Harry Grant sank upon his knees. The +pious Scotchman, on touching what was to him the soil of his country, +wished, first of all, to thank God for his deliverance. Then, turning +towards Lady Helena; Lord Glenarvan, and their companions, he thanked +them in a voice broken by emotion. While on their way to the yacht, his +children had briefly told him the story of the Duncan.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_604" id="Page_604">[Pg 604]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p604.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">A man was standing on the beach between two others. His +form was tall and stout.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_605" id="Page_605">[Pg 605]</a></span> +How great a debt of gratitude did he feel that he owed this noble woman +and her companions! From Lord Glenarvan down to the lowest sailor, +had not all struggled and suffered for him? Harry Grant expressed +the feelings of thankfulness that overflowed his heart with so much +simplicity and nobleness, and his manly countenance was illumined by so +pure and sincere a sentiment, that all felt themselves repaid for the +trials they had undergone. Even the imperturbable major's eye was wet +with a tear that he could not repress. As for Paganel, he wept like a +child who does not think of hiding his emotion.</p> + +<p>Captain Grant could not cease gazing at his daughter. He found her +beautiful and charming, and told her so again and again, appealing +to Lady Helena as if to be assured that his fatherly love was not +mistaken. Then, turning to his son, he cried rapturously:</p> + +<p>"How he has grown! He is a man!"</p> + +<p>He lavished upon these two beings, so dearly loved, the thousand +expressions of love that had been unuttered during long years of +absence. Robert introduced him successively to all his friends. All had +alike proved their kindness and good wishes towards the two orphans. +When Captain Mangles came to be introduced, he blushed like a young +girl, and his voice trembled as he saluted Mary's father.</p> + +<p>Lady Helena then told the story of the voyage, and made the captain +proud of his son and daughter. He learned the exploits of the young +hero, and how the boy had already repaid part of his obligation to Lord +Glenarvan at the peril of his life. Captain Mangles' language to Mary +and concerning her was so truly loving, that Harry Grant, who had been +already informed on this point by Lady Helena, placed the hand of his +daughter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_606" id="Page_606">[Pg 606]</a></span> in that of the noble young captain, and, turning towards Lord +and Lady Glenarvan, said:</p> + +<p>"My lord and lady, join with me to bless our children!"</p> + +<p>It was not long before Glenarvan related Ayrton's story to the captain, +who confirmed the quartermaster's declaration in regard to his having +been abandoned on the Australian coast.</p> + +<p>"He is a shrewd and courageous man," added he; "but his passions have +ruined him. May meditation and repentance lead him to better feelings!"</p> + +<p>But before Ayrton was transferred to Tabor Island, Harry Grant wished +to show his new friends the bounds of his habitation. He invited them +to visit his house, and sit for once at his table. Glenarvan and his +companions cordially accepted the invitation, and Robert and Mary +were not a little desirous to see those haunts where their father had +doubtless at times bewailed his fate. A boat was manned, and the whole +party soon disembarked on the shores of the island.</p> + +<p>A few hours sufficed to traverse Captain Grant's domain. It was in +reality the summit of a submarine mountain, covered with basaltic rocks +and volcanic fragments. When the shipwrecked seamen of the Britannia +took refuge here, the hand of man began to control the development of +nature's resources, and in two years and a half the captain and his +companions had completely metamorphosed their island home.</p> + +<p>The visitors at last reached the house, shaded by verdant gum-trees, +while before its windows stretched the glorious sea, glittering in +the rays of the sun. Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all +took seats around it. Some cold roast meat, some of the produce of the +breadfruit-tree, several bowls of milk, two or three bunches of wild +chicory, and pure, fresh water, formed the elements of the simple but +healthful repast. Paganel was in ecstasies. It recalled his old idea of +Robinson Crusoe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_607" id="Page_607">[Pg 607]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">THE RULING PASSION STILL STRONG.</div> + +<p>"That rascal Ayrton will have no cause to complain," cried he in his +enthusiasm. "The island is a paradise!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Harry Grant, "a paradise for three poor sailors whom +Heaven sheltered here. But I regret that Maria Theresa is not a large +and fertile island, with a river instead of a rivulet, and a harbor +instead of a coast so exposed to the force of the waves."</p> + +<p>"And why, captain?" asked Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>"Because I would have laid here the foundation of that colony that I +wish to present to Scotland."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Glenarvan. "Then you have not abandoned the idea that has +made you so popular in your native land?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lord; and God has saved me, through your instrumentality, only +to permit me to accomplish it. Our poor brothers of old Caledonia shall +yet have another Scotland in the New World. Our dear country must +possess in these seas a colony of her own, where she can find that +independence and prosperity that are wanting in many European empires."</p> + +<p>"That is well said, captain," replied Lady Helena. "It is a noble +project, and worthy of a great heart. But this island——?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam, it is a rock, only large enough to support a few colonists; +while we need a vast territory, rich in all primitive treasures."</p> + +<p>"Well, captain," cried Glenarvan, "the future is before us! Let us seek +this land together!"</p> + +<p>The hands of both men met in a warm clasp, as if to ratify this +promise. All now wished to hear the story of the shipwrecked sailors +of the Britannia during those two long years of solitude. Harry Grant +accordingly hastened to satisfy the desires of his new friends, and +began as follows:</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_608" id="Page_608">[Pg 608]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p608.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all took +seats around it.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r8" /> +<div class="sidenote">A TALE OF INDUSTRY.</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_609" id="Page_609">[Pg 609]</a></span> +"It was on the night of the 26th of June, 1862, that the Britannia, +disabled by a six days' tempest, was wrecked on the rock of Maria +Theresa. The sea was so high that to save anything was impossible, +and all the crew perished except my two sailors, Bob Learce and Joe +Bell, and myself; and we succeeded in reaching the coast after many +struggles. The land that we thus reached was only a desert island, two +miles wide and five long, with a few trees in the interior, some meadow +land, and a spring of fresh water that, fortunately, has never ceased +to flow. Alone with my two sailors, in this quarter of the globe, I did +not despair, but, placing my confidence in God, engaged in a resolute +struggle. Bob and Joe, my companions and friends in misfortune, +energetically aided my efforts. We began, like Robinson Crusoe, by +collecting the fragments of the vessel, some tools, a little powder, +several weapons, and a bag of precious seeds. The first weeks were very +toilsome, but soon hunting and fishing furnished us subsistence, for +wild goats swarmed in the interior of the island, and marine animals +abounded on its coast. Gradually our daily routine was regularly +organized. I determined our exact situation by my instruments, which +I had saved from the shipwreck. We were out of the regular course of +ships, and could not be rescued except by a providential interposition. +Although thinking of those who were dear to me, and whom I never +expected to see again, still I accepted this trial with fortitude, and +my most earnest prayers were for my two children. Meantime we labored +resolutely. Much of the land was sown with the seeds taken from the +Britannia; and potatoes, chicory, sorrel, and other vegetables improved +and varied our daily food. We caught several goats, which were easily +kept, and had milk and butter. The breadfruit-tree, which grew in the +dry creeks, furnished us with a sort of nourishing bread, and the +wants of life no longer gave us any alarm. We built a house out of the +fragments of the Britannia, covered it with sails, carefully tarred, +and under this shelter the rainy season was comfortably<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_610" id="Page_610">[Pg 610]</a></span> passed. Here +many plans were discussed, and many dreams enjoyed, the best of which +has just been realized! At first I thought of braving the sea in a +boat made of the wreck of the vessel; but a vast distance separated us +from the nearest land. No boat could have endured so long a voyage. +I therefore abandoned my design, and no longer expected deliverance, +except through a Divine interposition. Ah, my poor children, how many +times, on the rocks of the coast, have we waited for ships at sea! +During the entire period of our exile only two or three sails appeared +on the horizon, and these soon to disappear again. Two years and a half +passed thus. We no longer hoped, but still did not wholly despair. At +last, yesterday afternoon, I had mounted the highest summit of the +island, when I perceived a faint smoke in the west, which grew clearer, +and I soon distinctly discerned a vessel that seemed to be coming +towards us. But would she not avoid this island, which offered no +landing-place? Ah, what a day of anguish, and how my heart throbbed! My +companions kindled a fire on one of the peaks. Night came, but the ship +gave no signal for approach. Deliverance was there, and should we see +it vanish? I hesitated no longer. The darkness increased. The vessel +might double the island during the night. I threw myself into the sea, +to swim to her. Hope increased my strength. I beat the waves with +almost superhuman energy, and approached the yacht. Scarcely thirty +yards separated me, when she tacked. Then I uttered those despairing +cries which my two children alone heard, for they were no illusion. I +returned to the shore, exhausted and overcome by fatigue and emotion. +It was a terrible night, this last one on the island. We believed +ourselves forever abandoned, when, at daybreak, I perceived the yacht +slowly coasting along the shores. Your boat was then lowered,—we were +saved, and, thanks to the Divine goodness of Heaven, my dear children +were there to stretch out their arms to me!"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_611" id="Page_611">[Pg 611]</a></span></p> +<div class="sidenote">THE DOCUMENT ONCE MORE!</div> + +<p>Harry Grant's story was finished amid a fresh shower of kisses and +caresses from Robert and Mary. The captain learned now, for the first +time, that he owed his deliverance to that hieroglyphic document +that, eight days after his shipwreck, he had inclosed in a bottle and +confided to the mercy of the waves.</p> + +<p>But what did Jacques Paganel think during this recital? The worthy +geographer revolved the words of the document a thousand ways in his +brain. He reviewed his three interpretations, which were all false. How +had this island been indicated in these damaged papers? He could no +longer restrain himself, but, seizing Harry Grant's hand, cried:</p> + +<p>"Captain, will you tell me what your undecipherable document contained?"</p> + +<p>At this request curiosity was general, for the long-sought clew to the +mystery would now be given.</p> + +<p>"Well, captain," said Paganel, "do you remember the exact words of the +document?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly," replied Harry Grant; "and scarcely a day has passed but +memory has recalled those words upon which our only hope hung."</p> + +<p>"And what are they, captain?" inquired Glenarvan. "Tell us, for our +curiosity is great."</p> + +<p>"I am ready to satisfy you," continued Harry Grant; "but you know that, +to increase the chances of success, I inclosed in the bottle three +documents, written in three languages. Which one do you wish to hear?"</p> + +<p>"They are not identical, then?" cried Paganel.</p> + +<p>"Yes, almost to a word."</p> + +<p>"Well, give us the French document," said Glenarvan. "This one was +spared the most by the waves, and has served as the principal basis for +our search."</p> + +<p>"This is it, my lord, word for word," answered Harry Grant.</p> + +<p>"'On the 27th June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_612" id="Page_612">[Pg 612]</a></span> was lost +1500 leagues from Patagonia, in the southern hemisphere. Carried by the +waves, two sailors and Captain Grant reached Tabor Island——'"</p> + +<p>"Ha!" interrupted Paganel.</p> + +<p>"'Here,'" resumed Harry Grant, "'continually a prey to a cruel +destitution, they cast this document into the sea at longitude 153° and +latitude 37° 11'. Come to their aid, or they are lost.'"</p> + +<p>At the word "Tabor," Paganel had suddenly risen, and then, controlling +himself no longer, he cried:</p> + +<p>"How Tabor Island? It is Maria Theresa."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Mr. Paganel," replied Harry Grant; "Maria Theresa on the +English and German, but Tabor on the French maps."</p> + +<p>At this moment a vigorous blow descended upon Paganel's shoulder. Truth +compels us to say that it was from the major, who now failed in his +strict habits of propriety.</p> + +<p>"A fine geographer you are!" said MacNabb, in a tone of badinage. "But +no matter, since we have succeeded."</p> + +<p>"No matter?" cried Paganel; "I ought never to have forgotten that +twofold appellation! It is an unpardonable mistake, unworthy of the +secretary of a Geographical Society. I am disgraced!"</p> + +<p>When the meal was finished, Harry Grant put everything in order in his +house. He took nothing away, for he was willing that the guilty convict +should inherit his possessions.</p> + +<p>They returned to the vessel; and, as he expected to sail the same day, +Glenarvan gave orders for the quartermaster's landing. Ayrton was +brought on deck, and found himself in the presence of Harry Grant.</p> + +<p>"It is I, Ayrton," said he.</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain," replied Ayrton, without betraying any astonishment at +Harry Grant's appearance. "Well, I am not sorry to see you again in +good health."</p> +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_613" id="Page_613">[Pg 613]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p613.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">The passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded +arms, standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the +vessel.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_614" id="Page_614">[Pg 614]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It seems, Ayrton, that I made a mistake in landing you on an inhabited +coast."</p> + +<p>"It seems so, captain."</p> + +<p>"You will take my place on this desert island. May Heaven lead you to +repentance!"</p> + +<p>"May it be so," rejoined Ayrton, in a calm tone.</p> + +<p>Then Glenarvan, addressing the quartermaster, said:</p> + +<p>"Do you still adhere, Ayrton, to this determination to be abandoned?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Does Tabor Island suit you?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly."</p> + +<p>"Now listen to my last words. You will be far removed from every land, +and deprived of all communication with your fellow-men. Miracles are +rare, and you will not probably remove from this island, where we leave +you. You will be alone, under the eye of God, who reads the uttermost +depths of all hearts; but you will not be lost, as was Captain Grant. +However unworthy you may be of the remembrance of men, still they will +remember you. I know where you are, and will never forget you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my lord!" replied Ayrton, simply.</p> + +<p>Such were the last words exchanged between Glenarvan and the +quartermaster. The boat was ready, and Ayrton embarked. Captain Mangles +had previously sent to the island several cases of preserved food, some +clothes, tools, weapons, and a supply of powder and shot. The abandoned +man could therefore employ his time to advantage. Nothing was wanting, +not even books, foremost among which was a Bible.</p> + +<p>The hour for separation had come. The crew and passengers stood on +deck. More than one felt the heart strangely moved. Lady Helena and +Mary Grant could not repress their emotion.</p> + +<p>"Must it then be so?" inquired the young wife of her husband. "Must +this unfortunate be abandoned?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_615" id="Page_615">[Pg 615]</a></span></p> + +<div class="sidenote">"FAREWELL! A LONG FAREWELL!"</div> + +<p>"He must, Helena," answered Glenarvan. "It is his punishment."</p> + +<p>At this moment the boat, commanded by Captain Mangles, started. Ayrton +raised his hat and gave a grave salute. Glenarvan and the crew returned +this last farewell, as if to a man about to die, as he departed, in a +profound silence.</p> + +<p>On reaching the shore, Ayrton leaped upon the sand, and the boat +returned. It was then four o'clock in the afternoon, and from the upper +deck the passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded arms, +standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the vessel.</p> + +<p>"Shall we start, my lord?" asked Captain Mangles.</p> + +<p>"Yes, John," replied Glenarvan, quickly, with more emotion than he +wished to manifest.</p> + +<p>"All right!" cried the captain to the engineer.</p> + +<p>The steam hissed, the screw beat the waves, and at eight o'clock the +last summits of Tabor Island disappeared in the shadows of the night.</p> + + + +<hr class="chap" /> +<h4><a name="CHAPTER_LX" id="CHAPTER_LX">CHAPTER LX.</a></h4> + +<h3>PAGANEL'S LAST ENTANGLEMENT.</h3> +<hr class="r5" /> + +<p>Eleven days after leaving Tabor Island the Duncan came in sight of the +American coast, and anchored in Talcahuana Bay. Five months had elapsed +since her departure from this port, during which time the travelers +had made the circuit of the world on this thirty-seventh parallel. +Their efforts had not been in vain, for they had found the shipwrecked +survivors of the Britannia.</p> + +<p>The Duncan, having taken in her necessary stores, skirted the coasts +of Patagonia, doubled Cape Horn, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_616" id="Page_616">[Pg 616]</a></span> steamed across the Atlantic. The +voyage was very uneventful. The yacht carried a full complement of +happy people; there seemed to be no secrets on board.</p> + +<p>A mystery, however, still perplexed MacNabb. Why did Paganel always +keep hermetically incased in his clothes, and wear a comforter over +his ears? The major longed to know the motive for this singular fancy. +But in spite of his questions, hints, and suspicions, Paganel did not +unbutton his coat.</p> + +<p>At last, fifty-three days after leaving Talcahuana, Captain Mangles +descried the lighthouse of Cape Clear. The vessel entered St. George's +Channel, crossed the Irish Sea, and passed into the Frith of Clyde. At +eleven o'clock they anchored at Dumbarton, and early in the afternoon +the travelers reached Malcolm Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their +tenantry and friends.</p> + +<p>Thus it was that Harry Grant and his two companions were rescued, and +that John Mangles married Mary Grant in the old cathedral of St. Mungo, +where the Rev. Mr. Morton, who nine months before had prayed for the +rescue of the father, now blessed the union of the daughter with one +of his deliverers. It was arranged that Robert should be a sailor, +like his father and brother-in-law, and that he should continue the +contemplated project of the former, under the munificent patronage of +Lord Glenarvan.</p> + +<p>But was Jacques Paganel to die a bachelor? Certainly not; for, after +his heroic exploits, the worthy geographer could not escape celebrity. +His eccentricities (and his abilities) made him much talked of in +Scotland. People seemed as though they could not show him enough +attention.</p> + +<p>Just at this time an amiable lady of thirty, none other than the +major's cousin, a little eccentric herself, but still agreeable and +charming, fell in love with the geographer's peculiarities. Paganel was +far from being insensible to Miss Arabella's attractions, yet did not +dare to declare his sentiments.</p> +<hr class="full" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_617" id="Page_617">[Pg 617]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p617.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Early in the afternoon the travelers reached Malcolm +Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their tenantry and friends.</p> +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_618" id="Page_618">[Pg 618]</a></span> +The major accordingly undertook the +part of Cupid's messenger between these two congenial hearts, and even +told Paganel that marriage was "the last blunder" that he could commit. +But the geographer was very much embarrassed, and, strangely enough, +could not summon courage to speak for himself.</p> + +<p>"Does not Miss Arabella please you?" MacNabb would say to him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, major, she is charming!" cried Paganel,—"a thousand times too +charming for me; and, if I must tell you, would please me better if she +were less so. I should like to find a defect."</p> + +<p>"Be easy," answered the major; "she has more than one. The most perfect +woman always has her share. Well, then, Paganel, are you decided?"</p> + +<p>"I do not dare."</p> + +<p>"But, my learned friend, why do you hesitate?"</p> + +<p>"I am unworthy of her!" was the geographer's invariable reply.</p> + +<p>At last, one day, driven desperate by the irrepressible major, Paganel +confessed to him, under the pledge of secrecy, a peculiarity that would +facilitate his identification, if the police should ever be on his +track!</p> + +<p>"Bah!" exclaimed the major.</p> + +<p>"It is as I tell you," persisted Paganel.</p> + +<p>"What matter, my worthy friend?"</p> + +<p>"Is that your opinion?"</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, you are only more remarkable. This adds to your +personal advantages. It makes you the inimitable individual of whom +Arabella has dreamed."</p> + +<p>And the major, preserving an imperturbable gravity, left Paganel a prey +to the most acute anxiety.</p> + +<p>A short interview took place between MacNabb and the lady, and fifteen +weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great pomp in the chapel of +Malcolm Castle.</p> + +<hr class="r5" /> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 475px;"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_619" id="Page_619">[Pg 619]</a></span> +<img src="images/verne_p619.jpg" width="475" alt="" /> +<p class="capt">Fifteen weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great +pomp in the chapel of Malcolm Castle.</p> +</div> +<hr class="r5" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_620" id="Page_620">[Pg 620]</a></span> +The geographer's secret would doubtless have remained forever +buried in the abysses of the unknown if the major had not told it to +Glenarvan, who did not conceal it from Lady Helena, who communicated +it to Mrs. Mangles. In short, it reached the ear of Mrs. Olbinett, and +spread.</p> + +<p>Jacques Paganel, during his three days' captivity among the Maoris, had +been tattooed from head to foot, and bore on his breast the picture of +an heraldic kiwi with outstretched wings, in the act of biting at his +heart.</p> + +<p>This was the only adventure of his great voyage for which Paganel +could never be consoled or pardon the New Zealanders. In spite of the +representations of his friends, he dared not go back to France, for +fear of exposing the whole Geographical Society in his person to the +jests and railleries of the caricaturists.</p> + +<p>The return of Captain Grant to Scotland was welcomed as a cause for +national rejoicing, and he became the popular man of old Caledonia. His +son Robert has become a sailor like himself, and, under the patronage +of Lord Glenarvan, has undertaken the plan of founding a Scottish +colony on the shores washed by the Pacific Ocean.</p> + + +<h4>THE END.</h4> + +<hr class="full" /> + +<h4><a id="LIST_OF_PLATES"></a>LIST OF PLATES</h4> + +<blockquote> +<p>"Good," said Glenarvan, "wash the dirty thing and bring it into the cabin."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_13">p. 13.</a></span></p> + +<p>The fragments soon strewed the table, and several pieces +of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew them out +carefully.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_17">p. 17.</a></span></p> + +<p>Dumbarton Castle.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_27">p. 27.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and +can hear all."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_33">p. 33.</a></span></p> + +<p>"My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing +herself at the feet of Lord Glenarvan.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_41">p. 41.</a></span></p> + +<p>The Rev. Mr. Morton implored the blessing of Heaven, and +commended the expedition to the care of Providence.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_52">p. 52.</a></span></p> + +<p>This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been +forty years old. He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head +was large and thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth +wide, and his chin blunt.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_57">p. 57.</a></span></p> + +<p>Paganel was grandiloquent. He spoke with a lofty animation, and was +carried away in the rapid flight of imagination.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_65">p. 65.</a></span></p> + +<p>They could scarcely see the city, which was on an +elevated plain in the form of a terrace, resting on volcanic rocks +three hundred feet in height. The appearance of the island through this +rainy curtain was misty.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_73">p. 73.</a></span></p> + +<p>Peak of Teneriffe.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_74">p. 74.</a></span></p> + +<p>Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_81">p. 81</a></span></p> + +<p>Port Famine.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_83">p. 83.</a></span></p> + +<p>In Concepcion—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_86">p. 86.</a></span></p> + +<p>The mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful fellow, and +Mulready, were the fortunate ones.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_92">p. 92.</a></span></p> + +<p>By means of a ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the +mountains visible in the distance.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_100">p. 100.</a></span></p> + +<p>Two hours more of terrible exertion followed. They kept +ascending, in order to reach the highest summit of this part of the +mountain.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_108">p. 108.</a></span></p> + +<p>The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the +crash of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered +all communication with each other impossible.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_117">p. 117.</a></span></p> + +<p>The bird had raised him by his garments, and was now +hovering in mid-air at least one hundred and fifty feet above the +encampment. He had perceived the travelers, and was violently striving +to escape with his heavy prey.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_125">p. 125.</a></span></p> + +<p>A man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on +one of the first ledges of the mountain. This individual had broad +shoulders, and long hair tied with leathern thongs.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_132">p. 132.</a></span></p> + +<p>An important road—that from Carmen to +Mendoza—distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_144">p. 144.</a></span></p> + +<p>They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk +pace among the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the +Indians as a shelter during the storms.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_149">p. 149.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you +when you have found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand +and pressed it to his lips.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_157">p. 157.</a></span></p> + +<p>Frightful howls resounded. The wolves, starting on the +track of the horse, fled into the darkness with a terrible speed.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_173">p. 173.</a></span></p> + +<p>Arriving within range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for +he would not needlessly destroy even a bird), and all the flamingoes +flew away, while the geographer gazed at them attentively through his +glasses.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_181">p. 181.</a></span></p> + +<p>In fact, they were a dozen young children and boys who +were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a striped shirt +confined at the waist by a leathern girdle.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_185">p. 185.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a +Frenchman," cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with +rather painful violence.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_188">p. 188.</a></span></p> + +<p>More than once during the journey, the attention and +interest of all, but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the +curious illusion of the mirage.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_193">p. 193.</a></span></p> + +<p>"The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his +horse towards the north.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_201">p. 201.</a></span></p> + +<p>A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_205">p. 205.</a></span></p> + +<p>He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_208">p. 208.</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were +seated astraddle, or dangling in the branches, according to their own +inclinations.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_213">p. 213.</a></span></p> + +<p>A long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to +branch. His hands could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead?—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_217">p. 217.</a></span></p> + +<p>The hunt promised well, and gave hopes of culinary +wonders.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_223">p. 223.</a></span></p> + +<p>However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. +The dried meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast +sparrows and hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_225">p. 225.</a></span></p> + +<p>They were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to +have courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one +has neither palace nor cottage.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_229">p. 229.</a></span></p> + +<p>The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, +darting perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six +times in the same place; others spread in zigzag lines, and produced on +the dark vault of the heavens astonishing jets of arborescent flame.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_233">p. 233.</a></span></p> + +<p>In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the +ombu, and enveloped it in its watery folds.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_237">p. 237.</a></span></p> + +<p>The sound of a horse's hoofs was heard upon the plain, +and the tall form of the Indian emerged from the darkness.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_241">p. 241.</a></span></p> + +<p>Glenarvan watched alone. He could not convince himself +that the Duncan was so near him; but as for supposing that she had not +arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it was impossible, for such a ship +there were no delays.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_245">p. 245.</a></span></p> + +<p>They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the +shore by the ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the +Indian was seen through the foam of the waves.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_249">p. 249.</a></span></p> + +<p>Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was +approaching the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From +the deck they endeavored to count those who were returning.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_252">p. 252.</a></span></p> + +<p>"My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the +arguments of my friend Paganel, still less to refute them."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_257">p. 257.</a></span></p> + +<p>At sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, +seemingly separated from all the rest of the rocky group.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_260">p. 260.</a></span></p> + +<p>A few hours of their united toil resulted in the death +of a large number of seals who were "caught napping."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_261">p. 261.</a></span></p> + +<p>Our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_264">p. 264.</a></span></p> + +<p>Inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook fish, +Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_265">p. 265.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle +against my telescope that I cannot name at least fifty Australian +explorers?"—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_268">p. 268.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_269">p. 269.</a></span></p> + +<p>Then, impelled by the hurricane, the billows outran +her; they leaped over the taffrail, and the whole deck was swept with +tremendous violence.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_276">p. 276.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let go!" cried the young captain. The barrels were +inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_280">p. 280.</a></span></p> + +<p>As the boats containing the whole of the party were +rowed ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be +probably decided.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_284">p. 284.</a></span></p> + +<p>A fair and comfortable locality, which the merry mill +crowned with its pointed gable and caressed with the moving shadow of +its sails.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_288">p. 288.</a></span></p> + +<p>He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, +of about forty-five.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_292">p. 292.</a></span></p> + +<p>"When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling +down the jib, the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, +which was not two cable-lengths distant."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_293">p. 293.</a></span></p> + +<p>When he came to himself, he was in the hands of the natives, +who carried him into the interior of the country.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_296">p. 296.</a></span></p> + +<p>At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached the +hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_297">p. 297</a>.</span></p> + +<p>This business being settled, the party returned on +board.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_305">p. 305.</a></span></p> + +<p>The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with +an awning, the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, +or tires.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_308">p. 308</a>.</span></p> + +<p>Ayrton and Olbinett took their places respectively in +front and in the rear part of the cart, while Glenarvan, the major, +Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two sailors, mounted their +horses.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_312">p. 312.</a></span></p> + +<p>The "Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, +and serves to tell of the tortures that our friends had to encounter.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_313">p. 313.</a></span></p> + +<p>Red-gum Station, the home and settlement of an emigrant +engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the source of so much +Australian wealth.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_316">p. 316.</a></span></p> + +<p>The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare +bird,—a "jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; +and its broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in +length.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_317">p. 317.</a></span></p> + +<p>A crack was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming +angle; the water reached the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle +threatened to give way. It was an anxious moment.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_324">p. 324.</a></span></p> + +<p>After dinner the traveling party had, as if in +anticipation, seated themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; +the young moon was rising high into the heavens, lengthening the +twilight, and prolonging it into the evening hour.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_325">p. 325.</a></span></p> + +<p>"When I am dead, place a pistol in my right hand, and +leave me without burial." His forebodings were realized, and the next +morning he died.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_328">p. 328.</a></span></p> + +<p>He beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly +unfurled the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest +tree he could find.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_329">p. 329.</a></span></p> + +<p>A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, but a +running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled with +the fragments of cars and locomotives.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_333">p. 333.</a></span></p> + +<p>In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a +corpse. It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had +pierced him to the heart.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_337">p. 337.</a></span></p> + +<p>A boy of eight years, with a notice pinned to the back +of his jacket which read as follows: "Toliné, to be conducted to +Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_340">p. 340.</a></span></p> + +<p>Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and +Toliné had to answer many a question. He came out of his examination +very creditably.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_341">p. 341.</a></span></p> + +<p>In the streets, in connection with the strange +sign-boards and announcements, the novel erections and purposes to +which some of them were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary +for every one.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_344">p. 344.</a></span></p> + +<p>Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be +seen specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold +has been found.—<a href="#Page_345">p. 345.</a></p> + +<p>Anon you might see him as in the illustration, when +he had picked up a pebble and was sure that it was in itself so +interesting as a mineralogical specimen that he must treasure it up for +the Bank of France.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_348">p. 348.</a></span></p> + +<p>They were like so many columns exactly mated, and could +be counted by hundreds.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_352">p. 352.</a></span></p> + +<p>At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that +bore the marks of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, +for the flames had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire +length.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_353">p. 353.</a></span></p> + +<p>Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, +women, and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_360">p. 360.</a></span></p> + +<p>A sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the women +urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who fell in +the fray.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_361">p. 361.</a></span></p> + +<p>Paganel did not lie down, but, rifle on shoulder, +guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the better +resist sleep.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_364">p. 364.</a></span></p> + +<p>Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or +lyre-bird, whose tail has the form of the graceful instrument of +Orpheus.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_368">p. 368.</a></span></p> + +<p>It was a charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by +clusters of plants, and had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_372">p. 372.</a></span></p> + +<p>Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was +unquestionably a kangaroo hunt.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_376">p. 376.</a></span></p> + +<p>Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as large as one's +hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_380">p. 380.</a></span></p> + +<p>Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious +forest of ferns. These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured +thirty feet in height.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_384">p. 384.</a></span></p> + +<p>Flashes of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a +coming storm, every now and then illumined the horizon.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_385">p. 385.</a></span></p> + +<p>He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive +observation, distinctly perceived several men.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_388">p. 388.</a></span></p> + +<p>But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now dry, +held it as if it had been cemented.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_393">p. 393.</a></span></p> + +<p>"If it please your lordship, I will go."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_397">p. 397.</a></span></p> + +<p>A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a +bullet.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_401">p. 401.</a></span></p> + +<p>A pair of cassowaries proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_408">p. 408.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon +disappeared by a path along the edge of the wood.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_413">p. 413.</a></span></p> + +<p>In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the +major, and the captain bore the body of Mulready. +The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver and +fired.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_420">p. 420.</a></span></p> + +<p>The animal reared, Mulready seized his revolver and fired.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_424">p. 424.</a></span></p> + +<p>However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the +river, half a mile below where they started.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_429">p. 429.</a></span></p> + +<p>The two ladies exerted themselves heroically, but their +strength was failing every hour. They dragged themselves along, they no +longer walked.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_433">p. 433.</a></span></p> + +<p>It was a brig of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Macquarie, +which traded between the different ports of Australia and New Zealand.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_437">p. 437.</a></span></p> + +<p>The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_411">p. 441.</a></span></p> + +<p>But on the next day seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_445">p. 445.</a></span></p> + +<p>It was on the sixth of October, 1769, that this +navigator (Captain Cook) first landed on the shores.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_447">p. 447.</a></span></p> + +<p>Safe themselves, the French marksmen picked off the +chief.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_450">p. 450.</a></span></p> + +<p>Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_452">p. 452.</a></span></p> + +<p>The sailor who was steering, and had been forcibly +pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden attack.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_456">p. 456.</a></span></p> + +<p>The mainmast went by the board with all its rigging, the +brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to starboard.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_460">p. 460.</a></span></p> + +<p>As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her +opposite side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_461">p. 461.</a></span></p> + +<p>They therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, +in ten fathoms of water.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_468">p. 468.</a></span></p> + +<p>The work was accordingly begun, and considerably +advanced when night interrupted them.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_472">p. 472.</a></span></p> + +<p>Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs and hung from the tree.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_473">p. 473.</a></span></p> + +<p>The yawl was drawn alongside.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_477">p. 477.</a></span></p> + +<p>Night approached. Already the sun's disk was +disappearing beneath the horizon.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_480">p. 480.</a></span></p> + +<p>The ladies were carried in their companions' arms, and +reached the shore without wetting a single fold of their garments.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_481">p. 481.</a></span></p> + +<p>While the fire served to dry their garments conversation +beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_484">p. 484.</a></span></p> + +<p>Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on +one of them.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_485">p. 485.</a></span></p> + +<p>These seals, with rounded heads, upturned look, +expressive eyes, presented an appearance, almost a physiognomy, that +was mild and wellnigh tender.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_488">p. 488.</a></span></p> + +<p>The New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_489">p. 489.</a></span></p> + +<p>A boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_496">p. 496.</a></span></p> + +<p>At this point the river flowed between warm springs, and +not a yard of firm earth could be seen.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_501">p. 501.</a></span></p> + +<p>At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_504">p. 504.</a></span></p> + +<p>On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed +at sight of the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second +inclosure.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_505">p. 505.</a></span></p> + +<p>Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed +on Wilson's shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an +opening.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_508">p. 508.</a></span></p> + +<p>At last his voice rose above the tumult. "Taboo! taboo!" +cried he.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_513">p. 513.</a></span></p> + +<p>A terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all +its horrible details.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_519">p. 519.</a></span></p> + +<p>The corpses, folded together, in a sitting posture, +and tied in their clothes by a girdle of withes, were placed on this +primitive bier.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_521">p. 521.</a></span></p> + +<p>First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to +the point where the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_529">p. 529.</a></span></p> + +<p>They saw, but were also seen.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_533">p. 533.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you."—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_537">p. 537.</a></span></p> + +<p>The steward started back in terror.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_545">p. 545.</a></span></p> + +<p>The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes +of the tomb.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_552">p. 552.</a></span></p> + +<p>An incandescent column poured forth towards the sky with +loud explosions, while streams of boiling water and lava rolled towards +the encampment of the natives.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_553">p. 553.</a></span></p> + +<p>On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of vapor, +spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_560">p. 560.</a></span></p> + +<p>A second ball whistled over their heads, and demolished +the nearest of the three canoes.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_564">p. 564.</a></span></p> + +<p>As soon as they set foot on deck the bagpiper struck up +a well remembered air, while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return +on board.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_568">p. 568.</a></span></p> + +<p>This sally finished the poor geographer.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_569">p. 569.</a></span></p> + +<p>Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck +with a confident step, and ascended the poop-stairs.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_576">p. 576.</a></span></p> + +<p>For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the +quartermaster, but nothing resulted from this conference.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_580">p. 580.</a></span></p> + +<p>He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders, +which so increased the rage of the crew, that nothing less than the +intervention of the captain and his lordship could restrain them.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_581">p. 581.</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you agree or not?"—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_584">p. 584.</a></span></p> + +<p>The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the +bulwark, would have thrown herself into the sea.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_600">p. 600.</a></span></p> + +<p>A man was standing on the beach between two others. His +form was tall and stout.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_604">p. 604.</a></span></p> + +<p>Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all took +seats around it.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_608">p. 608.</a></span></p> + +<p>The passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded +arms, standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the +vessel.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_613">p. 613.</a></span></p> + +<p>Early in the afternoon the travelers reached Malcolm +Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their tenantry and friends.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_617">p. 617.</a></span></p> + +<p>Fifteen weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great +pomp in the chapel of Malcolm Castle.—<span class="imgnum"><a href="#Page_619">p. 619.</a></span></p></blockquote> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="pg" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 46597-h.htm or 46597-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/6/5/9/46597">http://www.gutenberg.org/4/6/5/9/46597</a></p> +<p> +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + + + + +Title: In Search of the Castaways + A Romantic Narrative of the Loss of Captain Grant of the Brig Britannia and of the Adventures of His Children and Friends in His Discovery and Rescue + + +Author: Jules Verne + + + +Release Date: August 16, 2014 [eBook #46597] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS*** + + +E-text prepared by Ema Majhut and Marc D'Hooghe +(http://www.freeliterature.org) from page images generously made available +by HathiTrust Digital Library (http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original 170 engravings. + See 46597-h.htm or 46597-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/46597/46597-h/46597-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/46597/46597-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + HathiTrust Digital Library. See + http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008613392 + + + + + +A Voyage Round the World. + +IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS: + +A Romantic Narrative of the Loss of Captain Grant +of the Brig Britannia and of the Adventures of +His Children and Friends in His Discovery and Rescue. + +[Illustration] + +by + +JULES VERNE, + +Author of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," etc., etc. + +Illustrated with One Hundred and Seventy Engravings + + + + + + + +Philadelphia: +J. B. Lippincott & Co. +1874. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + I. The Shark + II. The Three Documents + III. The Captain's Children + IV. Lady Glenarvan's Proposal + V. The Departure of the Duncan + VI. An Unexpected Passenger + VII. Jacques Paganel is Undeceived + VIII. The Geographer's Resolution + IX. Through the Strait of Magellan + X. The Course Decided + XI. Traveling in Chili + XII. Eleven Thousand Feet Aloft + XIII. A Sudden Descent + XIV. Providentially Rescued + XV. Thalcave + XVI. News of the Lost Captain + XVII. A Serious Necessity + XVIII. In Search of Water + XIX. The Red Wolves + XX. Strange Signs + XXI. A False Trail + XXII. The Flood + XXIII. A Singular Abode + XXIV. Paganel's Disclosure + XXV. Between Fire and Water + XXVI. The Return on Board + XXVII. A New Destination + XXVIII. Tristan d'Acunha and the Isle of Amsterdam + XXIX. The Storm on the Indian Ocean + XXX. A Hospitable Colonist + XXXI. The Quartermaster of the Britannia + XXXII. Preparations for the Journey + XXXIII. An Accident + XXXIV. Australian Explorers + XXXV. Crime or Calamity? + XXXVI. Fresh Faces + XXXVII. A Warning + XXXVIII. Wealth in the Wilderness + XXXIX. Suspicious Occurrences + XL. A Startling Discovery + XLI. The Plot Unveiled + XLII. Four Days of Anguish + XLIII. Helpless and Hopeless + XLIV. A Rough Captain + XLV. The Wreck of the Macquarie + XLVI. Vain Efforts + XLVII. A Dreaded Country + XLVIII. Introduction to the Cannibals + XLIX. A Momentous Interview + L. The Chief's Funeral + LI. Strangely Liberated + LII. The Sacred Mountain + LIII. A Bold Stratagem + LIV. From Peril to Safety + LV. Why the Duncan went to New Zealand + LVI. Ayrton's Obstinacy + LVII. A Discouraging Confession + LVIII. A Cry in the Night + LIX. Captain Grant's Story + LX. Paganel's Last Entanglement + +[Illustration] + +IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE SHARK. + + +On the 26th of July, 1864, under a strong gale from the northeast, a +magnificent yacht was steaming at full speed through the waves of the +North Channel. The flag of England fluttered at her yard-arm, while at +the top of the mainmast floated a blue pennon, bearing the initials +E. G., worked in gold and surmounted by a ducal coronet. The yacht +was called the Duncan, and belonged to Lord Glenarvan, one of the +sixteen Scottish peers sitting in the House of Lords, and also a most +distinguished member of the "Royal Thames Yacht Club," so celebrated +throughout the United Kingdom. + +Lord Edward Glenarvan was on board with his young wife, Lady Helena, +and one of his cousins, Major MacNabb. The Duncan, newly constructed, +had just been making a trial voyage several miles beyond the Frith of +Clyde, and was now on her return to Glasgow. Already Arran Island was +appearing on the horizon, when the look-out signaled an enormous fish +that was sporting in the wake of the yacht. The captain, John Mangles, +at once informed Lord Glenarvan of the fact, who mounted on deck with +Major MacNabb, and asked the captain what he thought of the animal. + +"Indeed, your lordship," replied Captain Mangles, "I think it is a +shark of large proportions." + +"A shark in these regions!" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +"Without doubt," replied the captain. "This fish belongs to a species +of sharks that are found in all seas and latitudes. It is the +'balance-fish,' and, if I am not greatly mistaken, we shall have an +encounter with one of these fellows. If your lordship consents, and it +pleases Lady Helena to witness such a novel chase, we will soon see +what we have to deal with." + +"What do you think, MacNabb?" said Lord Glenarvan to the major; "are +you of a mind to try the adventure?" + +"I am of whatever opinion pleases you," answered the major, calmly. + +"Besides," continued Captain Mangles, "we cannot too soon exterminate +these terrible monsters. Let us improve the opportunity, and, if your +lordship pleases, it shall be an exciting scene as well as a good +action." + +"Very well, captain," said Lord Glenarvan. He then summoned Lady +Helena, who joined him on deck, tempted by the exciting sport. + +The sea was magnificent. You could easily follow along its surface the +rapid motions of the fish, as it plunged and rose again with surprising +agility. Captain Mangles gave his orders, and the sailors threw over +the starboard ratling a stout rope, to which was fastened a hook baited +with a thick piece of pork. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST MOUTHFUL.] + +The shark, although still at a distance of fifty yards, scented the +bait offered to his voracity. He rapidly approached the yacht. You +could see his fins, gray at their extremity and black at their base, +beat the waves with violence, while his "caudal appendage" kept him +in a rigorously straight line. As he advanced, his great glaring eyes +seemed inflamed with eagerness, and his yawning jaws, when he turned, +disclosed a quadruple row of teeth. His head was large, and shaped like +a double-headed hammer. Captain Mangles was right. It was a very large +specimen of the most rapacious family of sharks,--the "balance fish" of +the English and the "jew-fish" of the Provencals. + +[Illustration] + +All on board of the Duncan followed the movements of the shark with +lively attention. The animal was soon within reach of the hook; he +turned upon his back, in order to seize it better, and the enormous +bait disappeared down his vast gullet. At the same time he hooked +himself, giving the line a violent shake, whereupon the sailors +hoisted the huge creature by means of a pulley at the end of the +yard-arm. + +The shark struggled violently at feeling himself drawn from his natural +element, but his struggles were of no avail. A rope with a slip-noose +confined his tail and paralyzed his movements. A few moments afterward +he was hauled over the ratlings, and precipitated upon the deck of the +yacht. One of the sailors at once approached him, not without caution, +and with a vigorous blow of the hatchet cut off the formidable tail of +the animal. + +The chase was ended, and there was nothing more to fear from the +monster. The vengeance of the sailors was satisfied, but not their +curiosity. Indeed, it is customary on board of every vessel to +carefully examine the stomachs of sharks. The men, knowing the +inordinate voracity of the creature, wait with some anxiety, and their +expectation is not always in vain. + +Lady Glenarvan, not wishing to witness this strange "exploration," +retired to the cabin. The shark was still panting. He was ten feet +long, and weighed more than six hundred pounds. These dimensions are +nothing extraordinary; for if the balance-fish is not classed among the +giants of this species, at least he belongs to the most formidable of +their family. + +The enormous fish was soon cut open by a blow of the hatchet, without +further ceremony. The hook had penetrated to the stomach, which was +absolutely empty. Evidently the animal had fasted a long time, and +the disappointed seamen were about to cast the remains into the sea, +when the attention of the mate was attracted by a bulky object firmly +imbedded in the viscera. + +"Ha! what is this?" he exclaimed. + +"That," replied one of the sailors, "is a piece of rock that the +creature has taken in for ballast." + +"Good!" said another; "it is probably a bullet that this fellow has +received in the stomach, and could not digest." + +[Illustration: "Good," said Glenarvan; "wash the dirty thing, and bring +it into the cabin."] + +"Be still, all of you!" cried Tom Austin, the mate; "do you not see +that the animal was a great drunkard? and to lose nothing, has drank +not only the wine, but the bottle too!" + +"What!" exclaimed Lord Glenarvan, "is it a bottle that this shark has +in his stomach?" + +"A real bottle!" replied the mate, "but you can easily see that it does +not come from the wine-cellar." + +"Well, Tom," said Glenarvan, "draw it out carefully. Bottles found in +the sea frequently contain precious documents." + +"Do you think so?" said Major MacNabb. + +"I do; at least, that it may happen so." + +"Oh! I do not contradict you," replied the major. "Perhaps there may be +a secret in this." + +"We shall see," said Glenarvan. "Well, Tom?" + +"Here it is," said the mate, displaying the shapeless object that he +had just drawn with difficulty from the interior of the shark. + +"Good," said Glenarvan; "wash the dirty thing, and bring it into the +cabin." + +Tom obeyed; and the bottle found under such singular circumstances was +placed on the cabin-table, around which Lord Glenarvan, Major MacNabb, +and Captain John Mangles took their seats, together with Lady Helena; +for a woman, they say, is always a little inquisitive. + +Everything causes excitement at sea. For a moment there was silence. +Each gazed wonderingly at this strange waif. Did it contain the secret +of a disaster, or only an insignificant message confided to the mercy +of the waves by some idle navigator? + +[Sidenote: "OLD IN BOTTLE."] + +However, they must know what it was, and Glenarvan, without waiting +longer, proceeded to examine the bottle. He took, moreover, all +necessary precautions. You would have thought a coroner was pointing +out the particulars of a suspicious quest. And Glenarvan was right, +for the most insignificant mark in appearance may often lead to an +important discovery. + +Before examining it internally, the bottle was inspected externally. +It had a slender neck, the mouth of which was protected by an +iron wire considerably rusted. Its sides were very thick, and +capable of supporting a pressure of several atmospheres, betraying +evidently previous connection with champagne. With these bottles the +wine-dressers of Ai and Epernay block carriage-wheels without their +showing the slightest fracture. This one could, therefore, easily bear +the hardships of a long voyage. + +[Illustration] + +"A bottle of the Maison Cliquot," said the major quietly; and, as if he +ought to know, his affirmation was accepted without contradiction. + +"My dear major," said Lady Helena, "it matters little what this bottle +is, provided we know whence it comes." + +"We shall know, my dear," said Lord Edward, "and already we can affirm +that it has come from a distance. See the petrified particles that +cover it, these substances mineralized, so to speak, under the action +of the sea-water. This waif had already taken a long voyage in the +ocean, before being engulfed in the stomach of a shark." + +"I cannot but be of your opinion," replied the major; "this fragile +vase, protected by its strong envelope, must have made a long journey." + +"But whence does it come?" inquired Lady Glenarvan. + +"Wait, my dear Helena, wait. We must be patient with bottles. If I am +not greatly mistaken, this one will itself answer all our questions." + +And so saying, Glenarvan began to scrape off the hard particles that +protected the neck. Soon the cork appeared, but very much damaged with +the salt water. + +"This is a pity," said Glenarvan; "for if there is any paper in it, it +will be in a bad condition." + +"That's what I fear," replied the major. + +"I will add," continued Glenarvan, "that this badly-corked bottle would +soon have sunk; and it is fortunate that this shark swallowed it, and +brought it on board of the Duncan." + +"Certainly," interposed Captain Mangles; "it would have been better, +however, had it been caught in the open sea on a well-known latitude +and longitude. We could then, by studying the atmospheric and marine +currents, have discovered the course traversed; but with a guide like +one of these sharks, that travel against wind and tide, we cannot know +whence it comes." + +"We shall soon see," answered Glenarvan. At the same time he drew out +the cork with the greatest care, and a strong saline odor permeated the +cabin. + +"Well?" said Lady Helena, with a truly feminine impatience. + +"Yes," said Glenarvan; "I am not mistaken! Here are papers!" + +"Documents! documents!" cried Lady Helena. + +"Only," replied Glenarvan, "they appear to be damaged by the water. +It is impossible to remove them, for they adhere to the sides of the +bottle." + +"Let us break it," said MacNabb. + +"I would rather keep it whole," replied Glenarvan. + +[Illustration: The fragments soon strewed the table, and several pieces +of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew them out +carefully.] + +"I should, too," said the major. + +"Very true," added Lady Helena; "but the contents are more valuable +than that which contains them, and it is better to sacrifice one than +the other." + +"Let your lordship only break off the neck," said the captain, "and +that will enable you to draw them out without injury." + +"Yes, yes, my dear Edward!" cried Lady Glenarvan. + +It was difficult to proceed in any other way, and, at all hazards, +Glenarvan determined to break the neck of the precious bottle. It was +necessary to use a hammer, for the stony covering had acquired the +hardness of granite. The fragments soon strewed the table, and several +pieces of paper were perceived adhering to each other. Glenarvan drew +them out carefully, separating and examining them closely, while Lady +Helena, the major, and the captain crowded around him. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +THE THREE DOCUMENTS. + + +These pieces of paper, half destroyed by the sea-water, exhibited only +a few words, the traces of handwriting almost entirely effaced. For +several minutes Lord Glenarvan examined them attentively, turned them +about in every way, and exposed them to the light of day, observing +the least traces of writing spared by the sea. Then he looked at his +friends, who were regarding him with anxious eyes. + +"There are here," said he, "three distinct documents, probably three +copies of the same missive, translated into three different languages: +one English, another French, and the third German. The few words that +remain leave no doubt on this point." + +"But these words have at least a meaning?" said Lady Glenarvan. + +"That is difficult to say, my dear Helena. The words traced on these +papers are very imperfect." + +"Perhaps they will complete each other," said the major. + +"That may be," replied Captain Mangles. "It is not probable that the +water has obliterated these lines in exactly the same places on each, +and by comparing these remains of phrases we shall arrive at some +intelligible meaning." + +"We will do so," said Lord Glenarvan; "but let us proceed +systematically. And, first, here is the English document." + +It showed the following arrangement of lines and words: + +[Illustration] + +"That does not mean much," said the major, with an air of +disappointment. + +"Whatever it may mean," replied the captain, "it is good English." + +"There is no doubt of that," said his lordship. "The words _wreck, +aland, this, and, lost_, are perfect. _Cap_ evidently means _captain_, +referring to the captain of a shipwrecked vessel." + +"Let us add," said the captain, "the portions of the words _docu_ and +_ssistance_, the meaning of which is plain." + +"Well, something is gained already!" added Lady Helena. + +"Unfortunately," replied the major, "entire lines are wanting. How can +we find the name of the lost vessel, or the place of shipwreck?" + +"We shall find them," said Lord Edward. + +"Very likely," answered the major, who was invariably of the opinion of +every one else; "but how?" + +"By comparing one document with another." + +"Let us see!" cried Lady Helena. + +The second piece of paper, more damaged than the former, exhibited only +isolated words, arranged thus: + +[Sidenote: COMPARATIVE PHILOLOGY.] + +[Illustration] + +"This is written in German," said Captain Mangles, when he had cast his +eyes upon it. + +"And do you know that language?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Perfectly, your lordship." + +"Well, tell us what these few words mean." + +The captain examined the document closely, and expressed himself as +follows: + +"First, the date of the event is determined. _7 Juni_ means June 7th, +and by comparing this figure with the figures '62,' furnished by the +English document, we have the date complete,--June 7th, 1862." + +"Very well!" exclaimed Lady Helena. "Go on." + +"On the same line," continued the young captain, "I find the word +_Glas_, which, united with the word _gow_ of the first document, gives +_Glasgow_. It is plainly a ship from the port of Glasgow." + +"That was my opinion," said the major. + +"The second line is missing entirely," continued Captain Mangles; "but +on the third I meet with two important words _zwei_, which means _two_, +and _atrosen_, or rather _matrosen_, which signifies _sailors_ in +German." + +"There were a captain and two sailors, then?" said Lady Helena. + +"Probably," replied her husband. + +"I will confess, your lordship," said the captain, "that the next word, +_graus_, puzzles me. I do not know how to translate it. Perhaps the +third document will enable us to understand it. As to the two last +words, they are easily explained. _Bringt ihnen_ means _bring to them_, +and if we compare these with the English word, which is likewise on the +sixth line of the first document (I mean the word _assistance_), we +shall have the phrase _bring them assistance_." + +"Yes, bring them assistance," said Glenarvan. "But where are the +unfortunates? We have not yet a single indication of the place, and the +scene of the catastrophe is absolutely unknown." + +"Let us hope that the French document will be more explicit," said Lady +Helena. + +"Let us look at it, then," replied Glenarvan; "and, as we all know this +language, our examination will be more easy." + +Here is an exact fac-simile of the third document: + +[Illustration] + +"There are figures!" cried Lady Helena. "Look, gentlemen, look!" + +"Let us proceed in order," said Lord Glenarvan, "and start at +the beginning. Permit me to point out one by one these scattered +and incomplete words. I see from the first letters _troi_ _ats_ +(_trois-mats_), that it is a brig, the name of which, thanks to the +English and French documents, is entirely preserved: _The Britannia_. +Of the two following words, _gonie_ and _austral_, only the last has an +intelligible meaning." + +[Sidenote: THE PUZZLE EXPLAINED.] + +"That is an important point," replied Captain Mangles; "the shipwreck +took place in the southern hemisphere." + +"That is indefinite," said the major. + +"I will continue," resumed Glenarvan. "The word _abor_ is the trace of +the verb _aborder_ (to land). These unfortunates have landed somewhere. +But where? _Contin!_ Is it on a continent? _Cruel!_" + +"'Cruel!'" cried Mangles; "that explains the German word _graus, +grausam, cruel_!" + +"Go on, go on!" cried Glenarvan, whose interest was greatly excited as +the meaning of these incomplete words was elucidated. "_Indi_! Is it +India, then, where these sailors have been cast? What is the meaning of +the word _ongit_? Ha, longitude! And here is the latitude, 37 deg. 11'. +In short, we have a definite indication." + +"But the longitude is wanting," said MacNabb. + +"We cannot have everything, my dear major," replied Glenarvan; "and +an exact degree of latitude is something. This French document is +decidedly the most complete of the three. Each of them was evidently +a literal translation of the others, for they all convey the same +information. We must, therefore, unite and translate them into one +language, and seek their most probable meaning, the one that is most +logical and explicit." + +"Shall we make this translation in French, English, or German?" asked +the major. + +"In English," answered Glenarvan, "since that is our own language." + +"Your lordship is right," said Captain Mangles, "besides, it was also +theirs." + +"It is agreed, then. I will write this document, uniting these parts of +words and fragments of phrases, leaving the gaps that separate them, +and filling up those the meaning of which is not ambiguous. Then we +will compare them and form an opinion." + +Glenarvan at once took a pen, and, in a few moments, presented to his +friends a paper on which were written the following lines: + +[Illustration] + +At this moment a sailor informed the captain that the Duncan was +entering the Frith of Clyde, and asked his orders. + +"What are your lordship's wishes?" said the captain, addressing Lord +Glenarvan. + +"Reach Dumbarton as quickly as possible, captain. Then, while Lady +Helena returns to Malcolm Castle, I will go to London and submit this +document to the authorities." + +The captain gave his orders in pursuance of this, and the mate executed +them. + +"Now, my friends," said Glenarvan, "we will continue our +investigations. We are on the track of a great catastrophe. The lives +of several men depend upon our sagacity. Let us use therefore all our +ingenuity to divine the secret of this enigma." + +"We are ready, my dear Edward," replied Lady Helena. + +"First of all," continued Glenarvan, "we must consider three distinct +points in this document. First, what is known; second, what can be +conjectured; and third, what is unknown. What do we know? That on the +7th of June, 1862, a brig, the Britannia, of Glasgow, was wrecked; +that two sailors and the captain threw this document into the sea in +latitude 37 deg. 11', and in it ask for assistance." + +"Exactly," replied the major. + +[Sidenote: "LINE UPON LINE."] + +"What can we conjecture?" resumed Glenarvan. "First, that the +shipwreck took place in the South Seas; and now I call your attention +to the word _gonia_. Does it not indicate the name of the country which +they reached?" + +"Patagonia!" cried Lady Helena. + +"Probably." + +"But is Patagonia crossed by the thirty-seventh parallel?" asked the +major. + +"That is easily seen," said the captain, taking out a map of South +America. "It is so: Patagonia is bisected by the thirty-seventh +parallel, which crosses Araucania, over the Pampas, north of Patagonia, +and is lost in the Atlantic." + +"Well, let us continue our conjectures. The two sailors and the captain +_abor, land_. Where? _Contin_,--the _continent_, you understand; a +continent, not an island. What becomes of them? We have fortunately +two letters, _pr_, which inform us of their fate. These unfortunates, +in short, are _captured_ (pris) or _prisoners_. By whom? The _cruel +Indians_. Are you convinced? Do not the words fit naturally into the +vacant places? Does not the document grow clear to your eyes? Does not +light break in upon your mind?" + +Glenarvan spoke with conviction. His looks betokened an absolute +confidence; and his enthusiasm was communicated to his hearers. Like +him they cried, "It is plain! it is plain!" + +A moment after Lord Edward resumed, in these terms: + +"All these hypotheses, my friends, seem to me extremely plausible. In +my opinion, the catastrophe took place on the shores of Patagonia. +However, I will inquire at Glasgow what was the destination of the +Britannia, and we shall know whether she could have been led to these +regions." + +"We do not need to go so far," replied the captain; "I have here the +shipping news of the _Mercantile and Shipping Gazette_, which will give +us definite information." + +"Let us see! let us see!" said Lady Glenarvan. + +Captain Mangles took a file of papers of the year 1862, and began to +turn over the leaves rapidly. His search was soon ended; as he said, in +a tone of satisfaction,-- + +"May 30, 1862, Callao, Peru, _Britannia_, Captain Grant, bound for +Glasgow." + +"Grant!" exclaimed Lord Glenarvan; "that hardy Scotchman who wished to +found a new Scotland in the waters of the Pacific?" + +"Yes," answered the captain, "the very same, who, in 1861, embarked in +the Britannia at Glasgow, and of whom nothing has since been heard." + +"Exactly! exactly!" said Glenarvan; "it is indeed he. The Britannia +left Callao the 30th of May, and on the 7th of June, eight days after +her departure, she was lost on the shores of Patagonia. This is the +whole story elucidated from the remains of these words that seemed +undecipherable. You see, my friends, that what we can conjecture is +very important. As to what we do not know, this is reduced to one item, +the missing degree of longitude." + +"It is of no account," added Captain Mangles, "since the country is +known; and with the latitude alone, I will undertake to go straight to +the scene of the shipwreck." + +"We know all, then?" said Lady Glenarvan. + +"All, my dear Helena: and these blanks that the sea has made between +the words of the document, I can as easily fill out as though I were +writing at the dictation of Captain Grant." + +Accordingly Lord Glenarvan took the pen again, and wrote, without +hesitation, the following note: + +"June 7, 1862.--The brig Britannia of Glasgow was wrecked on the shores +of Patagonia, in the Southern Hemisphere. Directing their course to +land, two sailors and Captain Grant attempted to reach the continent, +where they will be prisoners of the cruel Indians. They have thrown +this document into the sea, at longitude ----, latitude 37 deg. 11'. +Bring them assistance or they are lost." + +[Sidenote: A NOBLE RESOLVE.] + +"Good! good! my dear Edward!" said Lady Glenarvan; "and if these +unfortunates see their native country again, they will owe this +happiness to you." + +"And they shall see it again," replied Glenarvan. "This document is too +explicit, too clear, too certain, for Englishmen to hesitate. What has +been done for Sir John Franklin, and so many others, will also be done +for the shipwrecked of the Britannia." + +"But these unfortunates," answered Lady Helena, "have, without doubt, +a family that mourns their loss. Perhaps this poor Captain Grant has a +wife, children----" + +[Illustration: Dumbarton Castle.] + +"You are right, my dear lady; and I charge myself with informing them +that all hope is not yet lost. And now, my friends, let us go on deck, +for we must be approaching the harbor." + +Indeed, the Duncan had forced on steam, and was now skirting the shores +of Bute Island. Rothesay, with its charming little village nestling in +its fertile valley, was left on the starboard, and the vessel entered +the narrow inlets of the frith, passed Greenock, and, at six in the +evening, was anchored at the foot of the basaltic rocks of Dumbarton, +crowned by the celebrated castle. + +Here a coach was waiting to take Lady Helena and Major MacNabb back to +Malcolm Castle. Lord Glenarvan, after embracing his young wife, hurried +to take the express train for Glasgow. But before going, he confided an +important message to a more rapid agent, and a few moments after the +electric telegraph conveyed to the _Times_ and _Morning Chronicle_ an +advertisement in the following terms: + +"For any information concerning the brig Britannia of Glasgow, Captain +Grant, address Lord Glenarvan, Malcolm Castle, Luss, County of +Dumbarton, Scotland." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE CAPTAIN'S CHILDREN. + + +[Sidenote: THE GLENARVAN ANCESTRY.] + +The castle of Malcolm, one of the most romantic in Scotland, is +situated near the village of Luss, whose pretty valley it crowns. The +limpid waters of Loch Lomond bathe the granite of its walls. From time +immemorial it has belonged to the Glenarvan family, who have preserved +in the country of Rob Roy and Fergus MacGregor the hospitable customs +of the ancient heroes of Walter Scott. At the epoch of the social +revolution in Scotland, a great number of vassals were expelled, +because they could not pay the great rents to the ancient chiefs +of the clans. Some died of hunger, others became fishermen, others +emigrated. There was general despair. + +[Illustration] + +Among all these the Glenarvans alone believed that fidelity bound the +high as well as the low, and they remained faithful to their tenants. +Not one left the roof under which he was born; not one abandoned the +soil where his ancestors reposed; all continued in the clan of their +ancient lords. Thus at this epoch, in this age of disaffection and +disunion, the Glenarvan family considered the Scots at Malcolm Castle +as their own people. All were descended from the vassals of their +kinsmen; were children of the counties of Stirling and Dumbarton, and +honestly devoted, body and estate, to their master. + +Lord Glenarvan possessed an immense fortune, which he employed in +doing much good. His kindness exceeded even his generosity, for one +was boundless, while the other was necessarily limited. The lord of +Luss, the "laird" of Malcolm, represented his fellows in the House of +Lords; but with true Scottish ideas, little pleasing to the southrons, +he was disliked by many of them especially because he adhered to the +traditions of his ancestors, and energetically opposed some dicta of +modern political economy. + +He was not, however, a backward man, either in wit or shrewdness; but +while ready to enter every door of progress, he remained Scotch at +heart, and it was for the glory of his native land that he contended +with his racing yachts in the matches of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. + +Lord Edward Glenarvan was thirty-two years old. His form was erect and +his features sharp, but his look was mild, and his character thoroughly +imbued with the poetry of the Highlands. He was known to be brave to +excess, enterprising, chivalrous, a Fergus of the nineteenth century; +but good above all, better than Saint Martin himself, for he would have +given his very cloak to the poor people of the Highlands. + +He had been married scarcely three months, having espoused Miss Helena +Tuffnel, daughter of the great traveler, William Tuffnel, one of the +numerous victims to the great passion for geographical discoveries. + +Miss Helena did not belong to a noble family, but she was Scotch, which +equaled all nobilities in the eyes of Lord Glenarvan. This charming +young creature, high-minded and devoted, the lord of Luss had made the +companion of his life. He found her one day living alone, an orphan, +almost without fortune, in the house of her father at Kilpatrick. He +saw that the poor girl would make a noble wife, and he married her. + +Miss Tuffnel was twenty-two, a youthful blonde, with eyes as blue as +the waters of the Scotch lakes on a beautiful morning in spring. Her +love for her husband exceeded even her gratitude. She loved him as if +she had been the rich heiress, and he the friendless orphan. As to +their tenants and servants, they were ready to lay down their lives for +her whom they called "our good lady of Luss." + +[Sidenote: LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HOME.] + +Lord and Lady Glenarvan lived happily at Malcolm Castle, in the midst +of the grand and wild scenery of the Highlands, rambling in the +shady alleys of horse-chestnuts and sycamores, along the shores of +the lake, where still resounded the war cries of ancient times, or +in the depths of those uncultivated gorges in which the history of +Scotland lies written in ruins from age to age. One day they would +wander in the forests of beeches and larches, and in the midst of the +masses of heather; another, they would scale the precipitous summits +of Ben Lomond, or traverse on horseback the solitary glens, studying, +comprehending, and admiring this poetic country, still called "the land +of Rob Roy," and all those celebrated sites so grandly sung by Walter +Scott. + +In the sweet, still evening, when the "lantern of Mac Farlane" +illumined the horizon, they would stroll along the "bartizans," an old +circular balcony that formed a chain of battlements to Malcolm Castle, +and there, pensive, oblivious, and as if alone in the world, seated +on some detached rock, under the pale rays of the moon, while night +gradually enveloped the rugged summits of the mountains, they would +continue wrapt in that pure ecstasy and inward delight known only to +loving hearts. + +[Illustration] + +Thus passed the first months of their married life. But Lord Glenarvan +did not forget that his wife was the daughter of a great traveler. He +thought that Lady Helena must have in her heart all the aspirations of +her father, and he was not mistaken. The Duncan was constructed, and +was designed to convey Lord and Lady Glenarvan to the most beautiful +countries of the world, along the waves of the Mediterranean, and to +the isles of the Archipelago. Imagine the joy of Lady Helena when her +husband placed the Duncan at her disposal! Indeed, can there be a +greater happiness than to lead your love towards those charming "isles +where Sappho sung," and behold the enchanting scenes of the Orient, +with all their spirit-stirring memories? + +[Illustration] + +Meantime Lord Glenarvan had started for London. The safety of the +unfortunate shipwrecked men was at stake. Thus, in his temporary +absence, Lady Helena showed herself more anxious than sad. The next +day a dispatch from her husband made her hope for a speedy return; in +the evening a letter hinted at its postponement. His proposal had to +encounter some difficulties, and the following day a second letter +came, in which Lord Glenarvan did not conceal his indignation against +the authorities. + +[Illustration: "Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and +can hear all."] + +On that day Lady Helena began to be uneasy. At evening she was alone in +her chamber, when the steward of the castle, Mr. Halbert, came to ask +if she would see a young girl and boy who desired to speak with Lord +Glenarvan. + +"People of the country?" asked Lady Helena. + +"No, madam," replied the steward, "for I do not know them. They have +just arrived by the Balloch railway, and from Balloch to Luss they tell +me they have made the journey on foot." + +"Bid them come up, steward," said Lady Glenarvan. + +The steward withdrew. Some moments afterward the young girl and boy +were ushered into Lady Helena's chamber. They were brother and sister; +you could not doubt it by their resemblance. + +The sister was sixteen. Her pretty face showed weariness, her eyes must +have shed many tears; her resigned, but courageous, countenance, and +her humble, but neat, attire, all prepossessed one in her favor. She +held by the hand a boy of twelve years, of determined look, who seemed +to take his sister under his protection. Indeed, whoever had insulted +the young girl would have had to settle with this little gentleman. + +The sister stopped, a little surprised at seeing herself before Lady +Helena; but the latter hastened to open the conversation. + +"You wish to speak with me?" said she, with an encouraging look at the +young girl. + +[Sidenote: "ONE TOUCH OF NATURE."] + +"No," answered the boy, in a decided tone; "not with you, but with Lord +Glenarvan himself." + +"Excuse him, madam," said the sister, looking at her brother. + +"Lord Glenarvan is not at the castle," replied Lady Helena; "but I am +his wife, and if I can supply his place with you----" + +"You are Lady Glenarvan?" said the young girl. + +"Yes, miss." + +"The wife of Lord Glenarvan, of Malcolm Castle, who published an +advertisement in the _Times_ in regard to the shipwreck of the +Britannia?" + +"Yes, yes!" answered Lady Helena, with alacrity. "And you?" + +"I am Miss Grant, and this is my brother." + +"Miss Grant! Miss Grant!" cried Lady Helena, drawing the young girl +towards her, and taking her hands, while she also drew the boy towards +her. + +"Madam," replied the young girl, "what do you know of the shipwreck of +my father? Is he living? Shall we ever see him again? Speak! oh, please +tell me!" + +"My dear child," said Lady Helena, "God forbid that I should answer you +lightly on such a subject; I would not give you a vain hope----" + +"Please, madam, speak! I am strong against grief, and can hear all." + +"My dear child," answered Lady Helena, "the hope is very slight, but +with the help of God who can do everything, it is possible that you +will one day see your father again." + +"Alas, alas!" exclaimed Miss Grant, who could not restrain her tears, +while Robert covered the hands of Lady Glenarvan with kisses. + +When the first paroxysm of this mournful joy was past, the young girl +began to ask innumerable questions. Lady Helena related the story of +the document, how that the Britannia had been lost on the shores +of Patagonia; in what way, after the shipwreck, the captain and two +sailors, the only survivors, must have reached the continent; and, +at last, how they implored the assistance of the whole world in this +document, written in three languages, and abandoned to the caprices of +the ocean. + +During this recital Robert Grant devoured Lady Helena with his eyes; +his life seemed to hang on her lips. In his childish imagination he +reviewed the terrible scenes of which his father must have been the +victim. He saw him on the deck of the Britannia; he followed him to the +bosom of the waves; he clung with him to the rocks of the shore; he +dragged himself panting along the beach, out of reach of the waves. + +Often during the course of this narration words escaped his lips. + +"Oh, papa! my poor papa!" he cried, pressing close to his sister. + +As for Miss Grant, she listened with clasped hands, and did not utter a +word until the story was ended, when she said,-- + +"Oh, madam, the document! the document!" + +"I no longer have it, my dear child," replied Lady Helena. + +"You no longer have it?" + +"No; for the very sake of your father, Lord Glenarvan had to take it +to London; but I have told you all it contained, word for word, and +how we succeeded in discovering the exact meaning. Among these remains +of the almost effaced words the water had spared some characters. +Unfortunately the record of the longitude had altogether been +destroyed, but that was the only missing point. Thus you see, Miss +Grant, the minutest details of this document are known to you as well +as me." + +"Yes, madam," replied the young girl; "but I would like to have seen my +father's writing." + +[Sidenote: WAITING FOR THE VERDICT.] + +"Well, to-morrow, perhaps, Lord Glenarvan will return. My husband +desired to submit this indisputable document to the authorities in +London, to induce them to send a vessel immediately in search of +Captain Grant." + +"Is it possible, madam!" cried the young girl. "Did you do this for us?" + +"Yes, my dear miss, and I expect Lord Glenarvan every moment." + +"Madam," said the young girl, in a deep tone of gratitude, and with +fervency, "may Heaven bless Lord Glenarvan and you!" + +"Dear child," answered Lady Helena, "we deserve no thanks. Any other +person in our place would have done the same. May the hopes that are +kindled be realized! Till Lord Glenarvan's return you will remain at +the castle." + +"Madam," said the young girl, "I would not presume on the sympathy you +show to us strangers----" + +"Strangers! Dear child, neither your brother nor you are strangers in +this house; and I desire that Lord Glenarvan on his arrival should +inform the children of Captain Grant of what is to be attempted to save +their father." + +It was not possible to refuse an invitation made with so much +cordiality. It was, therefore, decided that Miss Grant and her brother +should await at Malcolm Castle the return of Lord Glenarvan. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +LADY GLENARVAN'S PROPOSAL. + + +During this conversation, Lady Helena had not spoken of the fears +expressed in her husband's letters concerning the reception of his +petition by the London officials; nor was a word said in regard to the +probable captivity of Captain Grant among the Indians of South America. +Why afflict these poor children with their father's situation, and +check the hopes they had just conceived? It would not change matters. +Lady Helena was, therefore, silent on this point, and, after satisfying +all Miss Grant's inquiries, she questioned her concerning her life, and +situation in the world in which she seemed to be the sole protectress +of her brother. It was a simple and touching story, which still more +increased Lady Glenarvan's sympathy for the young girl. + +Mary and Robert Grant were the only children of Captain Harry Grant, +whose wife had died at the birth of Robert, and during his long +voyages his children were left to the care of his good old cousin. +Captain Grant was a hardy sailor, a man well acquainted with his +profession, and a good negotiator, combining thus a twofold aptitude +for his calling commercially. His home was at Dundee, in the county of +Forfar, and he was moreover, by birth, a child of that "bonnie" place. +His father, a minister of Saint Catherine's Church, had given him a +thorough education, knowing that it would be sure to help all, even a +sea-captain. + +[Sidenote: IDEAS AND REALITIES.] + +During his early voyages, first as mate, and afterwards in the +capacity of skipper, Harry Grant prospered, and some years after +the birth of his son Robert, he found himself the possessor of a +considerable fortune. + +Then a great idea entered his mind which made his name popular +throughout Scotland. Like the Glenarvans and several other great +families of the Highlands, he was opposed in heart, if not in deed, +to the advance and prevalence of English thought and feeling. The +interests of his country could not be in his eyes the same as those +of the Anglo-Saxons, and, in order to give the former a peculiar and +national development, he resolved to found a Scottish colony in some +part of the Southern World. Did he dream of that independence in the +future of which the United States had set the example, and which the +Indies and Australia cannot fail one day to acquire? Very likely; +but he allowed his secret hopes to be divined. It was, therefore, +known that the Government refused to lend their aid in his project +of colonization; nay, they even raised obstacles which in any other +country would have overcome the project. + +But Harry Grant would not be discouraged. He appealed to the patriotism +of his countrymen, gave his fortune to serve the cause, built a vessel +and furnished it with a fine crew, confided his children to the care +of his old cousin, and set sail to explore the great islands of the +Pacific. + +It was the year 1861. Until May, 1862, they had received news of him, +but since his departure from Callao, in the month of June, no one had +heard anything of the Britannia, and the marine intelligencers became +silent concerning the fate of the captain. + +At this juncture of affairs the old cousin of Harry Grant died, and +the two children were left alone in the world. Mary Grant was then +fourteen. Her courageous soul did not flinch at the situation that was +presented, but she devoted herself entirely to her brother, who was +still a child. She must bring him up and instruct him. By dint of +economy, prudence, and sagacity, laboring night and day, sacrificing +all for him, denying herself everything, the sister succeeded in +educating her brother and bravely fulfilled her sisterly duties. + +The two children lived thus at Dundee, and valiantly overcame +their sorrowful and lonely circumstances. Mary thought only of her +brother, and dreamed of a happy future for him. As for herself, alas! +the Britannia was lost forever, and her father dead! We must not, +therefore, attempt to depict her emotion when the advertisement in the +_Times_ accidentally met her eye, and suddenly raised her from her +despair. + +It was no time to hesitate. Her resolution was immediately taken. Even +if she should learn that her father's dead body had been found on a +desert coast, or in the hull of a shipwrecked vessel, it was better +than this continual doubt, this eternal torment of uncertainty. She +told her brother all; and the same day the two children took the Perth +Railroad, and at evening arrived at Malcolm Castle, where Mary, after +so many harassing thoughts, began to hope. + +Such was the sorrowful story that the young girl related to Lady +Glenarvan, in an artless manner, without thinking that through all +those long years of trial she had behaved herself like an heroic +daughter. But Lady Helena thought of this, and several times, without +hiding her tears, she clasped in her arms the two children of Captain +Grant. + +As for Robert, it seemed as if he heard this story for the first time: +for he opened his eyes in astonishment, as he listened to his sister; +comprehended what she had done, what she had suffered; and at last, +encircling her with his arms, he exclaimed, unable longer to restrain +the cry that came from the very depths of his heart,-- + +"Oh, mamma! my dear mamma!" + +[Illustration: "My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing +herself at the feet of Lord Glenarvan.] + +Night had now fully set in; and Lady Helena, remembering the fatigue of +the two children, would not longer continue the conversation. Mary +and Robert were conducted to their chambers, and fell asleep dreaming +of a brighter future. + + + +After they had retired, Lady Helena saw the major, and told him all the +events of the day. + +"That Mary Grant is a brave girl," said MacNabb, when he had heard his +cousin's story. + +"May Heaven grant my husband success in his enterprise!" replied Lady +Helena; "for the situation of the two children would be terrible!" + +"He will succeed," answered MacNabb, "or the hearts of the authorities +must be harder than the stone of Portland." + +In spite of the major's assurance, Lady Helena passed the night in the +greatest anxiety, and could scarce gain an hour's repose. + +[Sidenote: "BROKEN CISTERNS."] + +The next morning Mary and her brother rose at daybreak, and were +walking in the galleries and water terraces of the castle, when the +sound of a coach was heard in the great court-yard. It was Lord +Glenarvan returning to Malcolm Castle at the full speed of his horses. +Almost immediately Lady Helena, accompanied by the major, appeared +in the court-yard, and flew to meet her husband. But he seemed sad, +disappointed, and angry. He clasped his wife in his arms, and was +silent. + +[Illustration] + +"Well, Edward!" she exclaimed. + +"Well, my dear Helena," he replied, "those people have no hearts!" + +"They refused?" + +"Yes, they refused me a vessel: they spoke of the millions vainly spent +in searching for Franklin; they declared the document was vague and +unintelligible; they said that the shipwreck of these unfortunates had +happened two years ago, and that there was little chance of finding +them. They maintained too, that, if prisoners of the Indians, they must +have been carried into the interior of the country; that they could not +ransack all Patagonia to find three men,--three Scotchmen; the search +would be vain and perilous, and would cost the lives of more men than +it would save. In short, they gave all the absurd reasons of people who +mean to refuse. They remembered the captain's projects, and I fear that +the unfortunate man is forever lost!" + +"My father, my poor father!" cried Mary Grant, throwing herself at the +feet of Lord Glenarvan. + +"Your father! What, Miss----?" said he, surprised at seeing a young +girl at his feet. + +"Yes, Edward, Miss Grant and her brother," replied Lady Helena; "the +two children of Captain Grant, who have thus been condemned to remain +orphans." + +"Ah, miss!" answered Lord Glenarvan, "if I had known of your +presence----" + +He said no more. A painful silence, interrupted only by sobs, reigned +in the court-yard. No one raised his voice, neither Lord Glenarvan, +Lady Helena, the major, nor the servants of the castle, who were +standing about even at this early hour. But by their attitude they all +protested against the conduct of the officials. + +After several moments the major resumed the conversation, and, +addressing Lord Glenarvan, said,-- + +"Then you have no more hope?" + +"None." + +"Well," cried young Robert, "I will go to these people, and--we shall +see----" + +He did not finish his threat, for his sister stopped him; but his +clinched hands indicated his intentions. + +"No, Robert," said she, "no; let us thank these kind people for what +they have done for us. Let us always keep them in remembrance; but now +we must take our departure." + +"Mary!" cried Lady Helena. + +"Miss, where would you go?" said Lord Glenarvan. + +"I am going to throw myself at the feet of the Queen," replied the +young girl, "and we shall see if she will be deaf to the prayers of two +children imploring help for their father." + +Lord Glenarvan shook his head; not that he doubted the clemency of Her +Gracious Majesty, but he doubted whether Mary Grant would gain access +to her; for but few suppliants reach the steps of a throne. + +Lady Helena understood her husband's thoughts. She knew that the young +girl might make a fruitless journey, and she pictured to herself these +two children leading henceforth a cheerless existence. Then it was that +she conceived a grand and noble idea. + +"Mary Grant," she exclaimed, "wait, my child; listen to what I am about +to say." + +The young girl held her brother by the hand, and was preparing to go. +She stopped. + +Then Lady Helena, with tearful eye, but firm voice and animated +features, advanced towards her husband. + +[Sidenote: "NOBLY PLANNED."] + +"Edward," said she, "when Captain Grant wrote that letter, and cast +it into the sea, he confided it to the care of God himself, who has +brought it to us. Without doubt He designed to charge us with the +safety of these unfortunates." + +"What do you mean, Helena?" inquired Lord Glenarvan, whilst all waited +in silence. + +"I mean," replied Lady Helena, "that we ought to consider ourselves +happy in beginning our married life with a good action. You, my dear +Edward, to please me, have planned a pleasure voyage. But what pleasure +can be more genuine or more beneficent than to save these unfortunates +whom hope has almost abandoned?" + +"Helena!" cried Lord Glenarvan. + +"Yes, you understand me, Edward. The Duncan is a good, staunch vessel. +It can brave the Southern seas; it can make the tour of the world,--and +it will, if necessary! Let us start, Edward,--let us go in search of +Captain Grant!" + +At these courageous words Lord Glenarvan had extended his arms to his +wife. He smiled. He pressed her to his heart, while Mary and Robert +kissed her hands. + +And during this touching scene the servants of the castle, affected and +enthusiastic, uttered from their hearts this cry of gratitude,-- + +"Hurrah for the lady of Luss! Hurrah! three times hurrah, for Lord and +Lady Glenarvan!" + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE DEPARTURE OF THE DUNCAN. + + +It has been already said that Lady Helena had a brave and generous +soul. What she had just done was an undeniable proof of it, and Lord +Glenarvan had good reason to trust in this noble woman, who was +capable of comprehending and following him. The idea of sailing to +the rescue of Captain Grant had already taken possession of him when +he saw his petition rejected at London; but he could not have thought +of separating from her. Yet, since she desired to go herself, all +hesitation was at an end. The servants of the castle had received her +proposal with cries of joy; the safety of their brother Scots was at +stake, and Lord Glenarvan joined heartily in the hurrahs that greeted +the lady of Luss. + +The scheme once resolved upon, there was not an hour to lose. That +very day Lord Glenarvan sent to Captain Mangles orders to bring the +Duncan to Glasgow, and make every preparation for a voyage to the South +Seas, which might become one of circumnavigation. Moreover, in her +plans Lady Helena had not overestimated the qualities of the Duncan: +of first-class construction with regard to strength and swiftness, she +could without injury sustain a long voyage. + +[Sidenote: FITTING FOR SEA.] + +The Duncan was a steam yacht of one hundred and ten tons burden. +She had two masts,--a foremast with fore-sail, main-sail, foretop +and foretop-gallant sails; and a mainmast, carrying a main-sail and +fore-staff. Her rigging was, therefore, sufficient, and she could +profit by the wind like a simple clipper; but she relied especially +upon her mechanical power. Her engine was of an effective force of one +hundred and sixty horse power, and was constructed on a new plan. It +possessed apparatus for overheating, which gave its steam a very great +tension. It was a high-pressure engine, and produced motion by a double +screw. The Duncan under full steam could acquire a speed equal to any +vessel of that day. Indeed, during her trial trip in the Frith of +Clyde, she had made, according to the log, seventeen knots an hour. She +was, therefore, fully capable of circumnavigating the world; and her +captain had only to occupy himself with the internal arrangement. + +His first care was to increase his store-room, and take in the +greatest possible quantity of coal, for it would be difficult to renew +their supplies on the voyage. The same precaution was taken with the +steward's room, and provisions for two years were stowed away. Money, +of course, was not wanting, and a pivot-gun was furnished, which was +fixed at the forecastle. You do not know what may happen, and it is +always best to have the means of defense in your reach. + +Captain Mangles, we must say, understood his business. Although he +commanded only a pleasure yacht, he was ranked among the ablest of +the Glasgow captains. He was thirty years of age, with rather rough +features, indicating courage and kindness. When a child, the Glenarvan +family had taken him under their care, and made him an excellent +seaman. He had often given proofs of skill, energy, and coolness during +his long voyages, and when Lord Glenarvan offered him the command of +the Duncan, he accepted it with pride and pleasure, for he loved the +lord of Malcolm Castle as a brother, and until then had vainly sought +an opportunity to devote himself to his service. + +The mate, Tom Austin, was an old sailor worthy of all confidence; and +the crew of the Duncan was composed of twenty-five men, including +the captain and mate. They all belonged to the county of Dumbarton, +were all tried seamen, sons of the tenants of the family, and formed +on shipboard a genuine clan of honest people, who of course were not +without the national bagpipe. Lord Glenarvan had, in them, a band of +faithful subjects, happy in their avocation, devoted, courageous, and +skillful in the use of arms, as well as in the management of a ship, +while they were ready to follow him on the most perilous expeditions. +When they learned where they were going, they could not restrain their +joyous emotion, and the echoes of the rocks of Dumbarton awoke to their +cries of enthusiasm. + +Captain Mangles, while occupied in lading and provisioning his craft, +did not forget to prepare Lord and Lady Glenarvan's apartments for a +long voyage. He likewise provided cabins for Captain Grant's children, +for Lady Helena could not refuse Mary permission to accompany her on +the expedition. + +As for young Robert, he would have hidden in the hold sooner than +not go; even if he had been compelled to serve as cabin-boy, like +Lord Nelson and Sir John Franklin, he would have embarked on board +the Duncan. To think of opposing such a little gentleman! It was +not attempted. They were even obliged to take him other than as +passenger, for as cabin-boy or sailor he _would serve_. The captain was +accordingly commissioned to teach him the duties of a seaman. + +"Good!" said Robert; "and let him not spare a few blows of the rope's +end if I do not walk straight." + +"Be easy, my boy," replied Glenarvan, without adding that the use of +the "cat-o'-nine-tails" was prohibited, and moreover quite needless, on +board the Duncan. + +[Sidenote: GLASGOW GOSSIP.] + +To complete the roll of the passengers, it will be sufficient to +describe Major MacNabb. The major was a man of fifty, of calm, +regular features, who did as he was bid; of an excellent and superior +character, modest, taciturn, peaceable, and mild; always agreeing +with anything or any one, disputing nothing, and neither contradicting +himself nor exaggerating. He would mount with measured step the +staircase to his bed-chamber, even were a cannon-ball behind him; and +probably to his dying day would never find an opportunity to fly into a +passion. + +This man possessed, in a high degree, not only the common courage of +the battle-field (that physical bravery due only to nervous strength), +but, better still, moral courage, that is to say, firmness of soul. If +he had a fault, it was that of being absolutely Scotch from head to +foot, a pure-blooded Caledonian, an infatuated observer of the ancient +customs of his country. Through his relationship to the Glenarvans he +lived at Malcolm Castle; and as major and military man it was very +natural that he should be found on board the Duncan. + +Such, then, were the passengers of this yacht, summoned by unforeseen +circumstances to accomplish one of the most surprising voyages of +modern times. Since her arrival at the wharf at Glasgow, she had +monopolized the public attention. A considerable number came every day +to visit her. They were interested in her alone, and spoke only of her, +to the great umbrage of the other captains of the port, among others +Captain Burton, commanding the Scotia, a magnificent steamer, moored +beside the Duncan, and bound for Calcutta. The Scotia, from her size, +had a right to consider the Duncan as a mere fly-boat. Nevertheless, +all the attraction centred in Lord Glenarvan's yacht, and increased +from day to day. + +The time of departure approached. Captain Mangles had shown himself +skillful and expeditious. A month after her trial trip in the Frith of +Clyde, the Duncan, laden, provisioned, and equipped, was ready to put +to sea. The 25th of August was appointed for the time of departure, +which would enable the yacht to reach the southern latitudes by the +beginning of spring. Lord Glenarvan, when his plan was matured, did +not neglect to make investigations into the hardships and perils of the +voyage; yet he did not hesitate on this account, but prepared to leave +Malcolm Castle. + +On the 24th of August, Lord and Lady Glenarvan, Major MacNabb, Mary and +Robert Grant, Mr. Olbinett, the steward of the yacht, and his wife, who +was in the service of Lady Glenarvan, left the castle, after taking an +affectionate farewell of their family servants. Several hours afterward +they found themselves on board. Many of the population of Glasgow +welcomed with sympathetic admiration the young and courageous lady who +renounced the pleasures of a life of luxury, and sailed to the rescue +of the shipwrecked sailors. + +The apartments of Lord Glenarvan and his wife occupied the entire stern +of the vessel. They consisted of two bed-chambers, a parlor, and two +dressing-rooms, adjoining which was an open square inclosed by six +cabins, five of which were occupied by Mary and Robert Grant, Mr. and +Mrs. Olbinett, and Major MacNabb. As for the cabins of the captain and +the mate, they were situated in the forecastle, and opened on the deck. +The crew were lodged between-decks very comfortably, for the yacht of +course carried nothing but her coal, provisions, and armament. + +The Duncan was to start on the night of the 24th, as the tide fell at +three o'clock in the morning. But first those who were present were +witness to a touching scene. At eight in the evening Lord Glenarvan and +his companions, the entire crew, from the firemen to the captain, all +who were to take part in this voyage of sacrifice, left the yacht, and +betook themselves to Saint Mungo, the ancient cathedral of Glasgow. +This antique church, an uninjured relic in the midst of the ruins +caused by the Reformation, and so marvelously described by Walter +Scott, received beneath its massive arches the owners and sailors of +the Duncan. + +[Sidenote: PRAYER, AND PROGRESS.] + +A numerous throng accompanied them. There in the spacious aisle, +filled with tombs of the great and good, the Rev. Mr. Morton implored +the blessing of Heaven, and commended the expedition to the care of +Providence. For a moment the voice of Mary Grant arose in the old +church. The young girl was praying for her benefactors, and shedding +before God the sweet tears of gratitude. The assembly retired under the +influence of a deep emotion. + +At eleven, every one was on board. The captain and the crew occupied +themselves with the final preparations. At midnight the fires were +kindled, and soon clouds of black smoke mingled with the vapors of the +night; the sails of the Duncan had been carefully reefed in a canvas +sheathing, which served to protect them from injury. The wind blew from +the southeast, and did not favor the progress of the vessel; but at two +o'clock the ship began to heave under the action of her boilers. The +manometer indicated a pressure of four atmospheres, and the overheated +steam whistled through the escape-valves. The sea was tranquil, and +soon daylight enabled them to distinguish the passes of the Clyde +between the buoys and beacons, whose lights were gradually extinguished +as the morning dawned. + +Captain Mangles informed Lord Glenarvan, who at once came on deck. Very +soon the ebb-tide was felt. The Duncan gave a few shrill whistles, +slackened her cables, and separated from the surrounding vessels. Her +screw was set in motion, which propelled her into the channel of the +river. The captain had taken no pilot. He was perfectly acquainted with +the navigation of the Clyde, and no one could have commanded better. At +a sign from him the yacht started. With his right hand he controlled +the engine, and with his left the tiller, with silent but unerring +skill. + +[Illustration: The Rev. Mr. Morton implored the blessing of Heaven, and +commended the expedition to the care of Providence.] + +[Sidenote: A CHANGE OF SCENE.] + +Soon the last workshops on the shore gave place to villas, built here +and there upon the hills, and the sounds of the city died away in the +distance. An hour afterwards, the Duncan passed the rocks of Dumbarton; +two hours later she was in the Frith of Clyde; and at six o'clock in +the morning she doubled Cantyre Point, emerged from the North Channel, +and gained the open sea. + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER. + + +During the first day's voyage the sea was quite rough, and the wind +freshened towards evening. The Duncan rolled considerably, so that +the ladies did not appear on deck, but very wisely remained in their +cabins. The next day the wind changed a point, and the captain set the +main-, fore-, and foretop-sails, thus causing less perception of the +rolling and pitching motion. + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant were able before daybreak to join Lord +Glenarvan, the major, and the captain, on deck. The sunrise was +magnificent. The orb of day, like a gilded metal disk, rose from the +ocean, as from an immense and silvery basin. The ship glided in the +midst of a splendid iridescence, and you would truly have thought that +her sails expanded under the influence of the sun's rays, whilst even +the crew of the yacht silently admired this reappearance of the orb of +day. + +"What a magnificent spectacle!" said Lady Helena, at last. "This is +the beginning of a beautiful day. May the wind not prove contrary, but +favor the progress of the Duncan!" + +"No better weather could be desired, my dear Helena," replied Lord +Glenarvan; "we have no reason to complain of the commencement of the +voyage." + +"Will it be a long one, my dear Edward?" + +"That is for the captain to answer," said he. "Are we progressing well? +Are you satisfied with your vessel, captain?" + +"Very well indeed," was the answer. "She is a marvelous craft, and a +sailor likes to feel her under his feet. Never were hull and engine +more in unison. See how smooth her wake is, and how easily she rides +the waves. We are moving at the rate of seventeen knots an hour. If +this continues, we shall cross the line in ten days, and in five weeks +shall double Cape Horn." + +"You hear, Mary," said Lady Helena: "in five weeks!" + +"Yes," replied the young girl, "I hear; and my heart beat quickly at +the words of the captain." + +"And how do you bear this voyage, Miss Mary?" inquired Lord Glenarvan. + +"Very well, my lord; I do not experience very many discomforts. +Besides, I shall soon be accustomed to it." + +"And young Robert?" + +[Sidenote: COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS.] + +"Oh, Robert!" replied Captain Mangles: "when he is not engaged with the +engine he is perched at mast-head. I tell you he is a boy who mocks +sea-sickness. Only look at him!" + +At a gesture of the captain, all eyes were turned towards the mainmast, +and every one could perceive Robert, suspended by the stays of the +foretop-gallant sail, a hundred feet aloft. Mary could not restrain a +motion of fear. + +"Oh, be easy, miss!" said Captain Mangles. "I will answer for him, and +promise you I will present, in a short time, a famous sailor to Captain +Grant; for we shall find that worthy captain." + +"May Heaven hear you, sir!" replied the young girl. + +"My dear child," said Lord Glenarvan, "there is in all this something +providential, which ought to give us hope. We are not merely going, we +are led; we are not seeking blindly, we are guided. And then see all +these brave people enrolled in the service of so good a cause. Not only +shall we succeed in our enterprise, but it will be accomplished without +difficulty. I have promised Lady Helena a pleasure voyage; and, if I am +not mistaken, I shall keep my word." + +"Edward," said Lady Glenarvan, "you are the best of men." + +"Not so; but I have the best of crews, on the best of ships. Do you not +wonder at our Duncan, Miss Mary?" + +"On the contrary, my lord," answered the young girl, "I don't so much +wonder as admire; for I am well acquainted with ships." + +"Ah! indeed!" + +"When a mere child, I played on my father's ships. He ought to have +made a sailor of me. If it were necessary, perhaps I should not now be +embarrassed in taking a reef or twisting a gasket." + +"What is that you're saying, miss?" exclaimed the captain. + +"If you talk so," continued Lord Glenarvan, "you will make a great +friend of Captain John; for he thinks nothing in the world can equal +the life of a sailor. He sees no other, even for a woman. Is it not so, +John?" + +"Undoubtedly, your lordship," replied the young captain; "and yet, I +confess, Miss Grant is better in her place on deck, than taking a reef +in the top-sail. But still I am very much flattered to hear her speak +so." + +"And especially when she admires the Duncan!" added Glenarvan. + +"Right, my lord; for she deserves it." + +"Upon my word," said Lady Helena, "since you are so proud of your +yacht, you make me anxious to examine her to the very hold, and see how +our brave sailors are quartered between-decks." + +"Admirably," replied the captain; "they are quite at home there." + +"Indeed they are, my dear Helena," said Lord Glenarvan. "This yacht +is a part of our old Caledonia,--a detached portion of the county of +Dumbarton, traveling by special favor, so that we have not left our +country. The Duncan is Malcolm Castle, and the ocean is Loch Lomond." + +"Well, then, my dear Edward, do the honors of the castle," said Lady +Helena. + +"I am at your disposal, madam," answered her husband; "but first let me +inform Olbinett." + +The steward of the yacht was an excellent manager, a Scotchman, who +deserved to have been a Frenchman from his self-importance, and, +moreover, fulfilled his duties with zeal and intelligence. He was at +once ready for his master's commands. + +"Olbinett, we are going to make a tour of the vessel before breakfast," +said Glenarvan, as if a journey to Tarbet or Loch Katrine was in +question. "I hope we shall find the table ready on our return." + +Olbinett bowed gravely. + +[Illustration: This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been +forty years old. He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head +was large and thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth +wide, and his chin blunt.] + +"Do you accompany us, major?" asked Lady Helena. + +"If you order it," replied MacNabb. + +"Oh!" said Lord Glenarvan, "the major is absorbed in the smoke of his +cigar; we must not disturb him, for I assure you he is an inveterate +smoker, Miss Mary; he smokes all the time, even in his sleep." + +The major made a sign of assent, and the passengers descended +between-decks. + +MacNabb remained alone, talking to himself, according to his custom, +but never contradicting himself. Enveloped in a dense cloud of smoke, +he stood motionless, gazing back at the wake of the yacht. After a few +moments of contemplation, he turned and found himself face to face with +a new character. If _anything_ could have surprised him, it must have +been this meeting, for the passenger was absolutely unknown to him. + +[Sidenote: A TELESCOPIC APPARITION.] + +This man, tall, lank, and shriveled, might have been forty years old. +He resembled a long, broad-headed nail, for his head was large and +thick, his forehead high, his nose prominent, his mouth wide, and +his chin blunt. As for his eyes, they were hidden behind enormous +eye-glasses, and his look seemed to have that indecision peculiar +to nyctalops. His countenance indicated an intelligent and lively +person, while it had not the crabbed air of those stern people who from +principle never laugh, and whose stupidity is hidden beneath a serious +guise. The nonchalance and amiable freedom of this unknown nonentity +clearly proved that he knew how to take men and things at their best +advantage. Even without his speaking you felt that he was a talker; but +he was abstracted, after the manner of those who do not see what they +are looking at or hear what they are listening to. He wore a traveling +cap, stout yellow buskins and leather gaiters, pantaloons of maroon +velvet, and a jacket of the same material, whose innumerable pockets +seemed stuffed with note-books, memoranda, scraps, portfolios, and a +thousand articles as inconvenient as they were useless, not to speak +of a telescope which he carried in a sling. + +The curiosity of this unknown being was a singular contrast to the +calmness of the major. He walked around MacNabb, and gazed at him +questioningly, whilst the latter did not trouble himself whence the +stranger came, whither he was going, or why he was on board the Duncan. + +When this enigmatical character saw his approaches mocked by the +indifference of the major, he seized his telescope, which at its full +length measured four feet; and motionless, with legs straddled, like a +sign-post on a highway, he pointed his instrument to the line where sky +and water met. After a few moments of examination, he lowered it, and +resting it on the deck, leaned upon it as upon a cane. But immediately +the joints of the instrument closed, and the newly discovered +passenger, whose point of support suddenly failed, was stretched at the +foot of the mainmast. + +[Illustration] + +Any one else in the major's place would at least have smiled, but he +did not even wink. The unknown then assumed his role. + +"Steward!" he cried, with an accent that betokened a foreigner. + +He waited. No one appeared. + +"Steward!" he repeated, in a louder tone. + +Mr. Olbinett was passing just then on his way to the kitchen under the +forecastle. What was his astonishment to hear himself thus addressed by +this tall individual, who was utterly unknown to him! + +"Where did this person come from?" said he to himself. "A friend of +Lord Glenarvan? It is impossible." + +However, he came on deck, and approached the stranger. + +"Are you the steward of the vessel?" the latter asked him. + +"Yes, sir," replied Olbinett; "but I have not the honor----" + +"I am the passenger of cabin number six." + +"Number six?" repeated the steward. + +"Certainly; and your name is----?" + +"Olbinett." + +"Well, Olbinett, my friend," answered the stranger of cabin number six, +"I must think of dinner, and acutely, too. For thirty-six hours I have +eaten nothing, or, rather, have slept, which is pardonable in a man +come all the way from Paris to Glasgow. What hour do you dine, if you +please?" + +"At nine o'clock," answered Olbinett, mechanically. + +The stranger attempted to consult his watch; but this took some time, +for he did not find it till he came to his ninth pocket. + +[Sidenote: CONFUSION WORSE CONFOUNDED.] + +"Well," said he, "it is not yet eight o'clock; therefore, Olbinett, a +biscuit and a glass of sherry for the present; for I am fainting with +hunger." + +Olbinett listened without understanding. Moreover, the unknown kept +talking, and passed from one subject to another with extreme volubility. + +"Well," said he, "has not the captain risen yet? And the mate? What is +he doing? Is he asleep, too? Fortunately, the weather is beautiful, the +wind favorable, and the ship goes on quite by herself----" + +Just as he said this, Captain Mangles appeared at the companion-way. + +"Here is the captain," said Olbinett. + +"Ah, I am delighted," cried the stranger, "delighted to make your +acquaintance, Captain Burton!" + +If any one was ever astounded, John Mangles certainly was, not less at +hearing himself called "Captain Burton," than at seeing this stranger +on board his vessel. + +The latter continued, with more animation: + +"Permit me to shake hands with you, and if I did not do so day before +yesterday, it was that no one might be embarrassed at the moment of +departure. But to-day, captain, I am truly happy to meet you." + +Captain Mangles opened his eyes in measureless astonishment, looking +first at Olbinett, and then at the new comer. + +"Now," continued the latter, "the introduction is over, and we are old +friends. Let us have a talk; and tell me, are you satisfied with the +Scotia?" + +"What do you mean by the Scotia?" asked the captain, at last. + +"Why, the Scotia that carries us: a good ship, whose commander, the +brave Captain Burton, I have heard praised no less for his physical +than his moral qualities. Are you the father of the great African +traveler of that name? If so, my compliments!" + +"Sir," replied Captain Mangles, "not only am I not the father of the +traveler Burton, but I am not even Captain Burton." + +"Ah!" said the unknown, "it is the mate of the Scotia then, Mr. +Burdness, whom I am addressing at this moment?" + +"Mr. Burdness?" replied Captain Mangles, who began to suspect the +truth. But was he talking to a fool, or a rogue? This was a question in +his mind, and he was about to explain himself intelligibly, when Lord +Glenarvan, his wife, and Miss Grant came on deck. + +The stranger perceived them, and cried,-- + +"Ah! passengers! passengers! excellent! I hope, Mr. Burdness, you are +going to introduce me----" + +And advancing with perfect ease, without waiting for the captain,-- + +"Madam" said he to Miss Grant, "Miss" to Lady Helena, "Sir" he added, +addressing Lord Glenarvan. + +"Lord Glenarvan," said Captain Mangles. + +"My lord," continued the unknown, "I beg your pardon for introducing +myself, but at sea we must relax a little from etiquette. I hope we +shall soon be acquainted, and that, in the society of these ladies, the +passage of the Scotia will seem as short to us as agreeable." + +Lady Helena and Miss Grant could not find a word to answer. They were +completely bewildered by the presence of this intruder. + +"Sir," said Glenarvan, at length, "whom have I the honor of addressing?" + +"Jacques Eliacim Francois Marie Paganel, secretary of the Geographical +Society of Paris; corresponding member of the societies of Berlin, +Bombay, Darmstadt, Leipsic, London, St. Petersburg, Vienna, and New +York; honorary member of the Royal Geographical and Ethnographical +Institute of the East Indies, who, after passing twenty years of his +life in studying geography, designs now to enter upon a roving life, +and is directing his course to India to continue there the labors of +the great travelers." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JACQUES PAGANEL IS UNDECEIVED. + + +The secretary of the Geographical Society must have been an agreeable +person, for all this was said with much modesty. Lord Glenarvan, +moreover, knew perfectly whom he had met. The name and merit of Jacques +Paganel were well known to him. His geographical labors, his reports +on modern discoveries, published in the bulletins of the Society, his +correspondence with the entire world, had made him one of the most +distinguished scientific men of France. Thus Glenarvan extended his +hand very cordially to his unexpected guest. + +"And now that our introduction is over," added he, "will you permit me, +Monsieur Paganel, to ask you a question?" + +"Twenty, my lord," replied Jacques Paganel; "it will always be a +pleasure to converse with you." + +"You arrived on board this vessel the day before yesterday?" + +"Yes, my lord, day before yesterday, at eight o'clock in the evening. +I took a cab from the Caledonian Railway to the Scotia, in which I had +engaged cabin number six at Paris. The night was dark. I saw no one on +board. Feeling fatigued by thirty hours of travel, and knowing that +a good way to avoid sea-sickness is to go to bed on embarking, and +not stir from your bunk for the first days of the voyage, I retired +immediately, and have conscientiously slept thirty-six hours, I assure +you." + +Jacques Paganel's hearers now knew the reason of his presence on board. +The Frenchman, mistaking the vessel, had embarked while the crew of +the Duncan were engaged in the ceremony at Saint Mungo. Everything was +explained. But what would the geographer say, when he learned the name +and destination of the vessel on which he had taken passage? + +"So, Monsieur Paganel," said Glenarvan, "you have chosen Calcutta as +your centre of action?" + +"Yes, my lord. To see India is an idea that I have cherished all my +life. It is my brightest dream, which shall be realized at last in the +country of the elephants and the Thugs." + +"Then you would not care to visit another country?" + +"No, my lord; it would be even disagreeable, for I have letters from +Lord Somerset to the governor-general of India, and a mission from the +Geographical Society which I must fulfil." + +"Ah! you have a mission?" + +"Yes, a useful and curious voyage to undertake, the programme of +which has been arranged by my scientific friend and colleague, M. +Vivien de Saint Martin. It is to follow in the steps of the brothers +Schlagintweit, and many other celebrated travelers. I hope to succeed +where Missionary Krick unfortunately failed in 1846. In a word, I wish +to discover the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo, which waters Thibet, +and finally to settle whether this river does not join the Brahmapootra +in the northeast part of Assam. A gold medal is promised to that +traveler who shall succeed in supplying this much-needed information on +Indian geography." + +Paganel was grandiloquent. He spoke with a lofty animation, and was +carried away in the rapid flight of imagination. It would have been +as impossible to check him as to stay the Rhine at the Falls of +Schaffhausen. + +"Monsieur Jacques Paganel," said Lord Glenarvan, after a moment +of silence, "that is certainly a fine voyage, and one for which +science would be very grateful; but I will not further prolong your +ignorance. For the present, you must give up the pleasure of seeing +India." + + +"Give it up! And why?" + +"Because you are turning your back upon the Indian peninsula." + +"How? Captain Burton----" + +"I am not Captain Burton," replied John Mangles. + +"But the Scotia?" + +"This vessel is not the Scotia." + +Paganel's amazement cannot be depicted. He looked first at Lord +Glenarvan, always serious; then at Lady Helena and Miss Grant, whose +features expressed a sympathetic disappointment; and finally at Captain +Mangles, who was smiling, and the imperturbable major. Then, raising +his shoulders and drawing down his glasses from his forehead to his +eyes, he exclaimed,-- + +"What a joke!" + +But at that his eyes fell upon the steering wheel, on which were +inscribed these two words, thus: + +[Illustration] + +"The Duncan! the Duncan!" he cried in a tone of real despair; and, +leaping down the companion-way, he rushed to his cabin. + +When the unfortunate geographer had disappeared, no one on board, +except the major, could retain gravity, and the laugh was communicated +even to the sailors. To mistake the railroad was not so bad; to take +the train to Dumbarton, instead of Edinburgh, would do. But to mistake +the vessel, and be sailing to Chili, when he wished to go to India, was +the height of absent-mindedness. + +[Sidenote: ABSENT-MINDEDNESS.] + +"On the whole, I am not astonished at this on the part of Jacques +Paganel," said Glenarvan; "he is noted for such blunders. He once +published a celebrated map of America, in which he located Japan. +However, he is a distinguished scholar, and one of the best geographers +of France." + +[Illustration] + +"But what are we going to do with the poor gentleman?" asked Lady +Helena. "We cannot take him to Patagonia." + +"Why not?" replied MacNabb gravely. "We are not responsible for his +errors. Suppose he were in a railroad car, would it stop for him?" + +"No; but he could get out at the first station," answered Lady Helena. + +"Well," said Glenarvan, "he can do so now, if he pleases, at our first +landing." + +At this moment Paganel, woeful and humble, reappeared on deck, after +convincing himself that his baggage was on board. He kept repeating +those fatal words: "The Duncan! the Duncan!" He could find no others +in his vocabulary. He went to and fro, examining the rigging of the +yacht, and questioning the mute horizon of the open sea. At last he +returned to Lord Glenarvan. + +[Illustration] + +"And this Duncan is going----?" he asked. + +"To America, Monsieur Paganel." + +"And where especially?" + +"To Concepcion." + +"To Chili! to Chili!" cried the unfortunate geographer. "And my mission +to India! But what will M. de Quatrefages say, the President of the +Central Commission? How shall I represent myself at the sessions of the +Society?" + +[Sidenote: COURTESY AND CONVERSE.] + +"Come, monsieur," said Glenarvan, "do not despair. Everything can +be arranged, and you will only have to submit to a delay of little +consequence. The Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo will wait for you in the mountains +of Thibet. We shall soon reach Madeira, and there you will find a +vessel to take you back to Europe." + +"I thank you, my lord, and must be resigned. But we can say this is an +extraordinary adventure, which would not have happened but for me. And +my cabin which is engaged on board the Scotia?" + +"Oh, as for the Scotia, I advise you to give her up for the present." + +"But," said Paganel after examining the vessel again, "the Duncan is a +pleasure yacht." + +"Yes, sir," replied Captain Mangles, "and belongs to his lordship, Lord +Glenarvan----" + +"Who begs you to make free use of his hospitality," said Glenarvan. + +"A thousand thanks, my lord," replied Paganel; "I am truly sensible +to your courtesy. But permit me to make a simple remark. India is a +beautiful country. It offers marvelous surprises to travelers. These +ladies have probably never visited it. Well, the man at the helm needs +only to give a turn to the wheel, and the Duncan will go as easily to +Calcutta as Concepcion. Now, since this is a pleasure voyage----" + +The negative reception that met Paganel's proposal did not permit him +to develop it. He paused. + +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena at length, "if this were only a +pleasure voyage, I would answer: 'Let us all go to India,' and Lord +Glenarvan would not disapprove. But the Duncan is going to recover +some shipwrecked sailors, abandoned on the coast of Patagonia; and she +cannot change so humane a course." + +In a few moments the Frenchman was acquainted with the situation of +affairs, and learned, not without emotion, the providential discovery +of the documents, the story of Captain Grant, and Lady Helena's +generous proposal. + +"Madam," said he, "permit me to admire your conduct in all this, and to +admire it without reserve. May your yacht continue on her course; I +would reproach myself for delaying her a single day." + +"Will you then join in our search?" asked Lady Helena. + +"It is impossible, madam; I must fulfil my mission. I shall disembark +at your first landing." + +"At Madeira then," said Captain Mangles. + +"At Madeira let it be. I shall be only one hundred and eighty leagues +from Lisbon, and will wait there for means of further conveyance." + +"Well, Monsieur Paganel," said Glenarvan, "it shall be as you desire; +and, for my part, I am happy that I can offer you for a few days the +hospitalities of my vessel. May you not grow weary of our company." + +"Oh, my lord," exclaimed the geographer, "I am still too happy in being +so agreeably disappointed. However, it is a very ludicrous situation +for a man who takes passage for India, and is sailing to America." + +In spite of this mortifying reflection, Paganel made the best use of a +delay that he could not avoid. He showed himself amiable, and even gay; +he enchanted the ladies with his good humor, and before the end of the +day he was the friend of every one. At his request the famous document +was shown to him. He studied it carefully, long and minutely. No other +interpretation appeared to him possible. Mary Grant and her brother +inspired him with the liveliest interest. He gave them good hopes. His +way of distinguishing the events, and the undeniable success that he +predicted for the Duncan, elicited a smile from the young girl. + +[Sidenote: THIS, OR THAT, OR NEITHER.] + +As to Lady Helena, when he learned that she was the daughter of William +Tuffnel, there was an outburst of surprise and admiration. He had known +her father. What a bold discoverer! How many letters they had exchanged +when the latter was corresponding member of the Society! He it was who +had introduced him to M. Malte-Brun. What a meeting! and how much +pleasure to travel with the daughter of such a man! Finally, he asked +Lady Helena's permission to kiss her, to which she consented, although +it was perhaps a little "improper." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +THE GEOGRAPHER'S RESOLUTION. + + +Meanwhile the yacht, favored by the currents, was advancing rapidly +towards the equator. In a few days the island of Madeira came in view. +Glenarvan, faithful to his promise, offered to land his new guest here. + +"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will not be formal with you. Before +my arrival on board, did you intend to stop at Madeira?" + +"No," said Glenarvan. + +"Well, permit me to profit by the consequences of my unlucky blunder. +Madeira is an island too well known. Everything has been said and +written about it; and it is, moreover, rapidly declining in point of +civilization. If, then, it is all the same to you, let us land at the +Canaries." + +"Very well, at the Canaries," replied Glenarvan. "That will not take us +out of our way." + +"I know it, my dear lord. At the Canaries, you see, there are three +groups to study, not to speak of the Peak of Teneriffe, which I have +always desired to see. This is a fine opportunity. I will profit by +it; and, while waiting for a vessel, will attempt the ascent of this +celebrated mountain." + +"As you please, my dear Paganel," replied Glenarvan, who could not help +smiling, and with good reason. + +The Canaries are only a short distance from Madeira, scarcely two +hundred and fifty miles, a mere trifle for so good a vessel as the +Duncan. + +The same day, at two o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Mangles and +Paganel were walking on the deck. The Frenchman pressed his companion +with lively questions concerning Chili. All at once the captain +interrupted him, and pointing towards the southern horizon, said,-- + +"Mr. Paganel!" + +"My dear captain," replied the geographer. + +"Please cast your eyes in that direction. Do you see nothing?" + +"Nothing." + +"You are not looking right. It is not on the horizon, but above, in the +clouds." + +"In the clouds? I look in vain." + +"Stop, now, just on a line with the end of the bowsprit." + +"I see nothing." + +"You do not wish to see. However that may be, although we are forty +miles distant, you understand, the Peak of Teneriffe is visible above +the horizon." + +Whether Paganel wished to see or not, he had to yield to the evidence +some hours afterwards, or, at least, confess himself blind. + +"You perceive it now?" said his companion. + +"Yes, yes, perfectly!" replied Paganel. "And that," added he in a +contemptuous tone, "is what you call the Peak of Teneriffe?" + +"The same." + +"It appears to be of very moderate height." + +"Yet it is eleven thousand feet above the level of the sea." + +"Not so high as Mont Blanc." + +"Very possibly; but when you come to climb it, you will find it, +perhaps, high enough." + +[Illustration: They could scarcely see the city, which was on an +elevated plain in the form of a terrace, resting on volcanic rocks +three hundred feet in height. The appearance of the island through this +rainy curtain was misty.] + +"Oh! climb it, my dear captain? What is the use, I ask you, after +Humboldt and Bonpland? What can I do after these great men?" + +[Illustration: Peak of Teneriffe.] + +"Indeed," replied Captain Mangles, "there is nothing left but to wander +about. It is a pity, for you would be very tired waiting for a vessel +at Teneriffe. You cannot look for many distractions there." + +"Except my own," said Paganel, laughing. "But, my dear captain, have +not the Cape Verd Islands important landings?" + +"Certainly. Nothing is easier than to land at Villa-Praia." + +"Not to speak of an advantage that is not to be despised," answered +Paganel; "that the Cape Verd Islands are not far from Senegal, where I +shall find fellow-countrymen." + +"As you please, Mr. Paganel," replied Captain Mangles. "I am certain +that geographical science will gain by your sojourn in these islands. +We must land there to take in coal; you will, therefore, cause us no +delay." + +[Sidenote: DECLINED, WITH THANKS.] + +So saying, the captain gave the order to pass to the southeast of the +Canaries. The celebrated peak was soon left on the larboard; and the +Duncan, continuing her rapid course, cut the Tropic of Cancer the next +morning at five o'clock. The weather there changed. The atmosphere +had the moisture and oppressiveness of the rainy season, disagreeable +to travelers, but beneficial to the inhabitants of the African +islands, who have no trees, and consequently need water. The sea was +boisterous, and prevented the passengers from remaining on deck; but +the conversation in the cabin was not less animated. + +The next day Paganel began to collect his baggage preparatory to +his approaching departure. In a short time they entered the bay of +Villa-Praia, and anchored opposite the city in eight fathoms of +water. The weather was stormy and the surf high, although the bay was +sheltered from the winds. The rain fell in torrents so that they could +scarcely see the city, which was on an elevated plain in the form of a +terrace, resting on volcanic rocks three hundred feet in height. The +appearance of the island through this rainy curtain was misty. + +Shipping the coal was not accomplished without great difficulty, and +the passengers saw themselves confined to the cabin, while sea and +sky mingled their waters in an indescribable tumult. The weather was, +therefore, the topic of conversation on board. Each one had his say +except the major, who would have witnessed the deluge itself with +perfect indifference. Paganel walked to and fro, shaking his head. + +"It is an imperative fact," said he. + +"It is certain," replied Glenarvan, "that the elements declare +themselves against you." + +"I will see about that." + +"You cannot face such a storm," said Lady Helena. + +"I, madam? Certainly. I fear only for my baggage and instruments. They +will all be lost." + +"Our landing is the only thing doubtful," resumed Glenarvan. "Once +at Villa-Praia, you will not have very uncomfortable quarters; rather +uncleanly, to be sure, in the company of monkeys and swine, whose +surroundings are not always agreeable; but a traveler does not regard +that so critically. Besides, you can hope in seven or eight months to +embark for Europe." + +"Seven or eight months!" exclaimed Paganel. + +"At least that. The Cape Verd Islands are very rarely frequented +during the rainy season. But you can employ your time profitably. This +archipelago is still little known. There is much to do, even now." + +"But," replied Paganel in a pitiful tone, "what could I do after the +investigations of the geologist Deville?" + +"That is really a pity," said Lady Helena. "What will become of you, +Monsieur Paganel?" + +Paganel was silent for a few moments. + +"You had decidedly better have landed at Madeira," rejoined Glenarvan, +"although there is no wine there." + +"My dear Glenarvan," continued Paganel at last, "where shall you land +next?" + +"At Concepcion." + +"Alas! but that would bring me directly away from India!" + +"No; for when you have passed Cape Horn you approach the Indies." + +"I very much doubt it." + +"Besides," continued Glenarvan with the greatest gravity, "as long as +you are at the Indies, what difference does it make whether they are +the East or the West?" + +"'What difference does it make'?" + +"The inhabitants of the Pampas of Patagonia are Indians as well as the +natives of the Punjab." + +"Eh! my lord," exclaimed Paganel, "that is a reason I should never have +imagined!" + +[Sidenote: BAIT FOR A TRAVELLER.] + +"And then, my dear Paganel, you know that you can gain the gold medal +in any country whatever. There is something to do, to seek, to +discover, everywhere, in the chains of the Cordilleras as well as the +mountains of Thibet." + +"But the course of the Yaroo-tsang-bo-tsoo?" + +"Certainly. You can replace that by the Rio Colorado. This is a river +very little known, and one of those which flow on the map too much +according to the fancy of the geographer." + +"I know it, my dear lord; there are errors of several degrees. I do not +doubt that at my request the Society would have sent me to Patagonia as +well as to India; but I did not think of it." + +"The result of your continual abstraction." + +"Well, Monsieur Paganel, shall you accompany us?" asked Lady Helena in +her most persuasive tone. + +"And my mission, madam?" + +"I inform you that we shall pass through the Strait of Magellan," +continued Glenarvan. + +"My lord, you are a tempter." + +"I add that we shall visit Port Famine." + +"Port Famine!" cried the Frenchman, assailed on all sides; "that port +so celebrated in geographical fasts!" + +"Consider also, Monsieur Paganel," continued Lady Helena, "that in this +enterprise you will have the right to associate the name of France with +that of Scotland." + +"Yes; doubtless." + +"A geographer may be very serviceable to our expedition; and what is +more noble than for science to enlist in the service of humanity?" + +"That is well said, madam." + +"Believe me, try chance, or rather Providence. Imitate us. It has sent +us this document; we have started. It has cast you on board the Duncan; +do not leave her." + +"And do you, indeed, wish me, my good friends?" replied Paganel. "Well, +you desire me to stay very much?" + +"And you, Paganel, you are dying to stay," retorted Glenarvan. + +"Truly," cried the geographer, "but I fear I am very indiscreet." + +Thus far the Duncan had acquitted herself admirably: in every way her +powers for steaming or sailing had been sufficiently tested, and her +captain and passengers were alike satisfied with her performance and +with one another. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THROUGH THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN. + + +The joy on board was general, when Paganel's resolution was known. +Young Robert threw himself on his neck with very demonstrative +delight. The worthy geographer almost fell backwards. "A rough little +gentleman," said he; "I will teach him geography." As Captain Mangles +had engaged to make him a sailor, Glenarvan a man of honor, the major a +boy of coolness, Lady Helena a noble and generous being, and Mary Grant +a pupil grateful towards such patrons, Robert was evidently to become +one day an accomplished gentleman. + +The Duncan soon finished shipping her coal, and then leaving these +gloomy regions she gained the current from the southeast coast of +Brazil, and, after crossing the equator with a fine breeze from the +north, she entered the southern hemisphere. The passage was effected +without difficulty, and every one had good hopes. On this voyage in +search of Captain Grant, the probabilities increased every day. Their +captain was one of the most confident on board; but his confidence +proceeded especially from the desire that he cherished so strongly at +heart, of seeing Miss Mary happy and consoled. He was particularly +interested in this young girl; and this feeling he concealed so well, +that, except Miss Grant and himself, no one on board the Duncan had +perceived it. + +As for the learned geographer, he was probably the happiest man in the +southern hemisphere. He passed his time in studying the maps with which +he covered the cabin-table; and then followed daily discussions with +Mr. Olbinett, so that he could scarcely set the table. + +But Paganel had all the passengers on his side except the major, +who was very indifferent to geographical questions, especially at +dinner-time. Having discovered a whole cargo of odd books in the mate's +chests, and among them a number of Cervantes' works, the Frenchman +resolved to learn Spanish, which nobody on board knew, and which would +facilitate his search on the shores of Chili. Thanks to his love for +philology, he did not despair of speaking this new tongue fluently on +arriving at Concepcion. He therefore studied assiduously, and was heard +incessantly muttering heterogeneous syllables. During his leisure hours +he did not fail to give young Robert practical instruction, and taught +him the history of the country they were rapidly approaching. + +In the meantime the Duncan was proceeding at a remarkable rate. She +cut the Tropic of Capricorn, and her prow was headed toward the strait +of the celebrated geographer. Now and then the low shores of Patagonia +were seen, but like an almost invisible line on the horizon. They +sailed along the coast for more than ten miles, but Paganel's famous +telescope gave him only a vague idea of these American shores. + +The vessel soon found herself at the head of the strait, and entered +without hesitation. This way is generally preferred by steam-vessels +bound for the Pacific. Its exact length is three hundred and +seventy-six miles. Ships of the greatest tonnage can always find deep +water, even near its shores, an excellent bottom, and many springs of +water. The rivers abound in fish, the forest in game, there are safe +and easy landings at twenty places, and, in short, a thousand resources +that are wanting in the Strait of Lemaire, and off the terrible rocks +of Cape Horn, which are continually visited by storms and tempests. + +[Illustration: Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves.] + +During the first hours of the passage, till you reach Cape Gregory, +the shores are low and sandy. The entire passage lasted scarcely +thirty-six hours, and this moving panorama of the two shores well +rewarded the pains the geographer took to admire it under the radiant +beams of the southern sun. No inhabitant appeared on the shores of the +continent; and only a few Fuegians wandered along the barren rocks of +Terra del Fuego. + +At one moment the Duncan rounded the peninsula of Brunswick between +two magnificent sights. Just here the strait cuts between stupendous +masses of granite. The base of the mountains was hidden in the heart +of immense forests, while their summits, whitened with eternal snow, +were lost in the clouds. Towards the southeast Mount Taru towered +six thousand five hundred feet aloft. Night came, preceded by a long +twilight, the light melting away insensibly by gentle degrees, while +the sky was studded with brilliant stars. + +In the midst of this partial obscurity, the yacht boldly continued on +her course, without casting anchor in the safe bays with which the +shores abound. Sometimes the tips of her yards would graze the branches +of the beeches that hung over the waves. At others her propeller would +beat the waters of the great rivers, starting geese, ducks, snipe, +teal, and all the feathered tribes of the marshes. Soon deserted ruins +appeared, and fallen monuments, to which the night lent a grand aspect; +these were the mournful remains of an abandoned colony, whose name +will be an eternal contradiction to the fertility of the coasts and +the rich game of the forests. It was Port Famine, the place that the +Spaniard Sarmiento colonized in 1581 with four hundred emigrants. Here +he founded the city of San Felipe. But the extreme severity of the cold +weakened the colony; famine devoured those whom the winter had spared, +and in 1587 the explorer Cavendish found the last of these four hundred +unfortunates dying of hunger amid the ruins of a city only six years in +existence. + +[Sidenote: CHEERLESS MEMORIES.] + +The vessel coasted along these deserted shores. At daybreak she sailed +in the midst of the narrow passes, between beeches, ash-trees, and +birches, from the bosom of which emerged ivy-clad domes, cupolas +tapestried with the hardy holly, and lofty spires, among which the +obelisk of Buckland rose to a great height. Far out in the sea sported +droves of seals and whales of great size, judging by their spouting, +which could be seen at a distance of four miles. At last they doubled +Cape Froward, still bristling with the ices of winter. On the other +side of the strait, on Terra del Fuego, rose Mount Sarmiento to the +height of six thousand feet, an enormous mass of rock broken by bands +of clouds which formed as it were an aerial archipelago in the sky. + +[Illustration: Port Famine.] + +Cape Froward is the real end of the American continent, for Cape Horn +is only a lone rock in the sea. Passing this point the strait narrowed +between Brunswick Peninsula, and Desolation Island. Then to fertile +shores succeeded a line of wild barren coast, cut by a thousand inlets +of this tortuous labyrinth. + +The Duncan unerringly and unhesitatingly pursued its capricious +windings, mingling her columns of smoke with the mists on the rocks. +Without lessening her speed, she passed several Spanish factories +established on these deserted shores. At Cape Tamar the strait widened. +The yacht rounded the Narborough Islands, and approached the southern +shores. At last, thirty-six hours after entering the strait, the rocks +of Cape Pilares were discerned at the extreme point of Desolation +Island. An immense open glittering sea extended before her prow, and +Jacques Paganel, hailing it with an enthusiastic gesture, felt moved +like Ferdinand Magellan himself, when the sails of the Trinidad swelled +before the breezes of the Pacific. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE COURSE DECIDED. + + +Eight days after doubling Cape Pilares the Duncan entered at full speed +the Bay of Talcahuana, a magnificent estuary, twelve miles long and +nine broad. The weather was beautiful. Not a cloud is seen in the sky +of this country from November to March, and the wind from the south +blows continually along these coasts, which are protected by the chain +of the Andes. + +Captain Mangles, according to Lord Glenarvan's orders, had kept close +to the shore of the continent, examining the numerous wrecks that lined +it. A waif, a broken spar, a piece of wood fashioned by the hand of +man, might guide the Duncan to the scene of the shipwreck. But nothing +was seen, and the yacht continued her course and anchored in the harbor +of Talcahuana forty-two days after her departure from the waters of the +Clyde. + +[Sidenote: LEARNING SPANISH!] + +Glenarvan at once lowered the boat, and, followed by Paganel, landed +at the foot of the palisade. The learned geographer, profiting by the +circumstance, would have made use of the language which he had studied +so conscientiously; but, to his great astonishment, he could not make +himself understood by the natives. + +"The accent is what I need," said he. + +"Let us go to the Custom-house," replied Glenarvan. + +There they were informed by means of several English words, accompanied +by expressive gestures, that the British consul resided at Concepcion. +It was only an hour's journey. Glenarvan easily found two good horses, +and, a short time after, Paganel and he entered the walls of this great +city, which was built by the enterprising genius of Valdivia, the +valiant companion of Pizarro. + +How greatly it had declined from its ancient splendor! Often pillaged +by the natives, burnt in 1819, desolate, ruined, its walls still +blackened with the flames of devastation, eclipsed by Talcahuana, it +now scarcely numbered eight thousand souls. Under the feet of its +idle inhabitants the streets had grown into prairies. There was no +commerce, no activity, no business. The mandolin resounded from every +balcony, languishing songs issued from the lattices of the windows, and +Concepcion, the ancient city of men, had become a village of women and +children. + +Glenarvan appeared little desirous of seeking the causes of this +decline--though Jacques Paganel attacked him on this subject--and, +without losing an instant, betook himself to the house of J. R. +Bentock, Esq., consul of Her Britannic Majesty. This individual +received him very courteously, and when he learned the story of Captain +Grant undertook to search along the entire coast. + +The question whether the Britannia had been wrecked on the shores of +Chili or Araucania was decided in the negative. No report of such an +event had come either to the consul, or his colleagues in other parts +of the country. + +But Glenarvan was not discouraged. He returned to Talcahuana, and, +sparing neither fatigue, trouble, or money, he sent men to the coast, +but their search was in vain. The most minute inquiries among the +people of the vicinity were of no avail. They were forced to conclude +that the Britannia had left no trace of her shipwreck. + +[Illustration: In Concepcion.] + +[Sidenote: "TRY AGAIN!"] + +Glenarvan then informed his companions of the failure of his endeavors. +Mary Grant and her brother could not restrain their grief. It was now +six days since the arrival of the Duncan at Talcahuana. The passengers +were together in the cabin. Lady Helena was consoling, not by her +words--for what could she say?--but by her caresses, the two children +of the captain. Jacques Paganel had taken up the document again, and +was regarding it with earnest attention, as if he would have drawn from +it new secrets. For an hour he had examined it thus, when Glenarvan, +addressing him, said,-- + +"Paganel, I appeal to your sagacity. Is the interpretation we have made +of this document incorrect? Is the sense of these words illogical?" + +Paganel did not answer. He was reflecting. + +"Are we mistaken as to the supposed scene of the shipwreck?" continued +Glenarvan. "Does not the name Patagonia suggest itself at once to the +mind?" + +Paganel was still silent. + +"In short," said Glenarvan, "does not the word _Indian_ justify us +still more?" + +"Perfectly," replied MacNabb. + +"And therefore, is it not evident that these shipwrecked men, when they +wrote these lines, expected to be prisoners of the Indians?" + +"There you are wrong, my dear lord," said Paganel, at last; "and if +your other conclusions are just, the last at least does not seem to me +rational." + +"What do you mean?" asked Lady Helena, while all eyes were turned +towards the geographer. + +"I mean," answered Paganel, emphasizing his words, "that Captain Grant +is _now prisoner of the Indians_: and I will add that the document +leaves no doubt on this point." + +"Explain yourself, sir," said Miss Grant. + +"Nothing is easier, my dear Mary. Instead of reading _they will be +prisoners_, read _they are prisoners_, and all will be clear." + +"But that is impossible," replied Glenarvan. + +"Impossible? And why, my noble friend?" asked Paganel, smiling. + +"Because the bottle must have been thrown when the vessel was breaking +on the rocks. Hence the degrees of longitude and latitude apply to the +very place of shipwreck." + +"Nothing proves it," said Paganel, earnestly; "and I do not see why +the shipwrecked sailors, after being carried by the Indians into the +interior of the country, could not have sought to make known by means +of this bottle the place of their captivity." + +"Simply, my dear Paganel, because to throw a bottle into the sea it is +necessary, at least, that the sea should be before you." + +"Or, in the absence of the sea," added Paganel, "the rivers which flow +into it." + +An astonished silence followed this unexpected, yet reasonable, answer. +By the flash that brightened the eyes of his hearers Paganel knew that +each of them had conceived a new hope. Lady Helena was the first to +resume the conversation. + +"What an idea!" she exclaimed. + +"What a _good_ idea!" added the geographer, simply. + +"Your advice then?" asked Glenarvan. + +"My advice is to find the thirty-seventh parallel, just where it meets +the American coast, and follow it, without deviating half a degree, to +the point where it strikes the Atlantic. Perhaps we shall find on its +course the survivors of the Britannia." + +"A feeble chance," replied the major. + +"However feeble it may be," continued Paganel, "we ought not to neglect +it. If I am right that this bottle reached the sea by following the +current of a river, we cannot fail to come upon the traces of the +prisoners. Look, my friends, look at the map of this country, and I +will convince you beyond a doubt." + +[Sidenote: NIL DESPERANDUM!] + +So saying, Paganel spread out before them upon the table a large map of +Chili and the Argentine Provinces. "Look," said he, "and follow me in +this passage across the American continent. Let us pass over the narrow +strip of Chili and the Cordilleras of the Andes, and descend into the +midst of the Pampas. Are rivers, streams, water-courses, wanting in +these regions? No. Here are the Rio Negro, the Rio Colorado, and their +affluents, cut by the thirty-seventh parallel, all of which might have +served to transport the document. There, perhaps, in the midst of a +tribe, in the hands of settled Indians, on the shores of these unknown +rivers, in the gorges of the sierras, those whom I have the right to +call our friends are awaiting an interposition of Providence. Ought +we, then, to disappoint their hopes? Do you not think we should follow +across these countries an unswerving course? And if, contrary to all +expectation, I am still mistaken, is it not our duty to trace this +parallel to the very end, and, if necessary, make upon it the tour of +the world?" + +These words, spoken with a noble enthusiasm, excited a deep emotion +among Paganel's hearers. All rose to shake hands with him. + +"Yes, my father is there!" cried Robert Grant, devouring the map with +his eyes. + +"And wherever he is," replied Glenarvan, "we shall find him, my child. +Nothing is more consistent than our friend Paganel's interpretation, +and we must follow without hesitation the course he has indicated. +Either Captain Grant is in the hands of countless Indians, or is +prisoner in a feeble tribe. In the latter case, we will rescue him. In +the former, after ascertaining his situation, we will join the Duncan +on the eastern coast, sail to Buenos Ayres, and with a detachment, +organized by the major, can overcome all the Indians of the Argentine +Plains." + +"Yes, yes, your lordship," answered Captain Mangles; "and I will add +that this passage of the continent will be without peril." + +"Without peril, or fatigue," continued Paganel. "How many have already +accomplished it who had scarcely our means for success, and whose +courage was not sustained by the grandeur of the undertaking!" + +"Sir, sir," exclaimed Mary Grant, in a voice broken with emotion, "how +can I thank a devotion that exposes you to so many dangers?" + +"Dangers!" cried Paganel. "Who uttered the word _danger_?" + +"Not I!" replied Robert Grant, with flashing eye and determined look. + +"Danger!" repeated Paganel; "does such a thing exist? Moreover, what is +the question? A journey of scarcely three hundred and fifty leagues, +since we shall proceed in a straight line; a journey which will be +accomplished in a favorable latitude and climate; in short, a journey +whose duration will be only a month at most. It is a mere walk." + +"Monsieur Paganel," asked Lady Helena at last, "do you think that, if +the shipwrecked sailors have fallen into the power of the Indians, +their lives have been spared?" + +"Certainly I do, madam. The Indians are not cannibals; far from that, +one of my countrymen whom I knew in the Society was three years +prisoner among the Indians of the Pampas. He suffered, was ill-treated, +but at last gained the victory in this trying ordeal. A European is +a useful person in these countries. The Indians know his value, and +esteem him very highly." + +"Well then, there is no more hesitation," said Glenarvan; "we must +start, and that, too, without delay. What course shall we take?" + +"An easy and agreeable one," replied Paganel. "A few mountains to begin +with; then a gentle descent on the eastern slope of the Andes; and at +last a level, grassy, sandy plain, a real garden." + +"Let us see the map," said the major. + +"Here it is, my dear MacNabb. We shall begin at the end of the +thirty-seventh parallel on the coast of Chili. After passing through +the capital of Araucania, we shall strike the Cordilleras, and +descending their steep declivities across the Rio Colorado, we shall +reach the Pampas. Passing the frontiers of Buenos Ayres, we shall +continue our search until we reach the shores of the Atlantic." + +[Sidenote: A STROLL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.] + +Thus speaking and developing the programme of the expedition, Paganel +did not even take the trouble to look at the map spread before him. +And he had no need to; educated in the schools of Frezier, Molina, +Humboldt, and Miers, his unerring memory could neither be deceived nor +baffled. After finishing his plan, he added: + +"Therefore, my dear friends, the course is straight. In thirty days we +shall accomplish it, and arrive before the Duncan on the eastern shore, +since the westerly winds will delay her progress." + +"The Duncan then," said Captain Mangles, "will cross the thirty-seventh +parallel between Cape Corrientes and Cape St. Antonio?" + +"Exactly." + +"And whom would you constitute the members of such an expedition?" +asked Glenarvan. + +"The fewer the better. The only point is to ascertain the situation of +Captain Grant, and not to engage in combat with the Indians. I think +that Lord Glenarvan, as our chief, the major, who would yield his place +to no one, your servant Jacques Paganel----" + +"And I!" cried Robert Grant. + +"Robert?" said Mary. + +"And why not?" answered Paganel. "Travels develop youth. We four, then, +and three sailors of the Duncan----" + +"What," exclaimed Captain Mangles, "your lordship does not intercede +for me?" + +"My dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we shall leave the ladies on +board, the dearest objects we have in the world. Who would watch over +them, if not the devoted captain of the Duncan?" + +"We cannot accompany you, then," said Lady Helena, whose eyes were +dimmed by a mist of sadness. + +"My dear wife," replied Glenarvan, "our journey will be performed with +unusual rapidity, our separation will be short, and----" + +[Illustration: The mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful fellow, and +Mulready, were the fortunate ones.] + +[Sidenote: GOOD AFTERNOON!] + +"Yes, yes; I understand you," answered Lady Helena. "Go, then, and may +you succeed in your enterprise." + +"Besides, this is not a journey," added Paganel. + +"What is it, then?" asked Lady Helena. + +"A passage, nothing more. We shall pass, that is all, like honest +men, over the country and do all the good possible. '_Transire +benefaciendo_' is our motto." + +With these words the discussion ended. The preparations were begun that +very day, and it was resolved to keep the expedition secret, in order +not to alarm the Indians. The 14th of October was fixed for the day of +departure. + +When they came to choose the sailors who were to go, they all offered +their services, and Glenarvan was forced to make a choice. He preferred +to have them draw lots, that he might not mortify such brave men. This +was accordingly done; and the mate, Tom Austin, Wilson, a powerful +fellow, and Mulready, were the fortunate ones. + +Lord Glenarvan had displayed great energy in his preparations, for he +wished to be ready at the day appointed; and he was. Captain Mangles +likewise supplied his ship with coal, that he might put to sea at any +moment. He wished to gain the Argentine shore before the travelers. +Hence there was a real rivalry between Glenarvan and the captain, which +was of advantage to both. + +At last, on the 14th of October, at the time agreed upon, every one was +ready. At the moment of departure the passengers of the yacht assembled +in the cabin. The Duncan was on the point of starting, and already her +propeller was agitating the quiet waters of Talcahuana Bay. Glenarvan, +Paganel, MacNabb, Robert Grant, Tom Austin, Wilson and Mulready, armed +with carbines and Colt's revolvers, were preparing to leave the vessel. +Guides and mules were waiting for them on shore. + +"It is time," said Lord Glenarvan at last. + +"Go, then, my husband!" replied Lady Helena, restraining her emotion. + +He pressed her to his breast, while Robert threw himself upon the neck +of his sister. + +"And now, dear companions," said Jacques Paganel, "one last clasp of +the hand to last us till we reach the shores of the Atlantic." + +It was not asking much, but these were clasps which would strengthen +the hopes of the worthy geographer. + +They then returned to the deck, and the seven travelers left the +vessel. They soon reached the wharf, which the yacht approached within +less than half a cable's length. + +Lady Helena cried for the last time,-- + +"My friends, God help you!" + +"And he will help us, madam," answered Jacques Paganel; "for, I assure +you, we shall help ourselves." + +"Forward!" shouted Captain Mangles to his engineer. + +"_En route_!" returned Glenarvan; and at the same instant that the +travelers, giving reins to their animals, followed the road along the +shore, the Duncan started again at full speed on the highway of the +ocean. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +TRAVELING IN CHILI. + + +The native troop engaged by Glenarvan consisted of three men and a boy. +The leader of the muleteers was an Englishman who had lived in the +country for twenty years. His occupation was to let mules to travelers, +and guide them across the passes of the Andes. Then he consigned them +to the care of a "laqueano" (Argentine guide), who was familiar with +the road over the Pampas. + +[Sidenote: THE PROCESSION FORMED.] + +This Englishman had not so forgotten his native tongue, in the company +of mules and Indians, that he could not converse with the travelers. +Hence it was easy for Glenarvan to make known his wishes, and for +the muleteer to execute his orders, of which circumstance the former +availed himself, since Paganel had not yet succeeded in making himself +understood. + +This leader, or "catapaz," in the language of Chili, was assisted by +two native peons and a boy of twelve. The peons had charge of the +mules laden with the baggage of the party, and the boy led the madrina +(little mare), which wore small bells, and went in advance of the other +ten mules. The travelers were mounted on seven, and the catapaz on one, +of these animals, while the two others carried the provisions and a +few rolls of cloth designed to insure the good-will of the chiefs of +the plains. The peons traveled on foot according to their custom. This +journey in South America was, therefore, to be performed under the most +favorable conditions of safety and speed. + +[Illustration] + +Crossing the Andes is not an ordinary journey. It cannot be undertaken +without employing those hardy mules, of which the most preferable +belong to the Argentine Republic. These excellent animals have attained +in that country a development superior to their pristine quality and +strength. They are not very particular about their food, drink only +once a day, and easily make ten leagues in eight hours. + +There are no taverns on this route, from one ocean to the other. You +eat dried meat, rice seasoned with allspice, and whatever game can be +captured on the way. In the mountains the torrents, and in the plains +the rivers, furnish water, generally flavored with a few drops of rum, +of which each has a supply in an ox-horn called "chiffle." However, +care must be taken not to indulge too much in alcoholic drinks, which +are specially injurious in a region where the nervous system is +peculiarly excited. + +As for your bedding, it consists merely of the native saddle called +"recado." This saddle is made of sheep-skins tanned on one side and +covered with wool on the other, and is supported by broad girths +elaborately embroidered. A traveler wrapped in one of these warm +coverings can brave with impunity the dampness of the nights, and enjoy +the soundest repose. + +Glenarvan, who knew how to travel and conform to the customs of +different countries, had adopted the Chilian costume for himself and +his friends. Paganel and Robert, two children (a large and a small +one), felt no pleasure in introducing their heads into the national +poncho (a large blanket with a hole in the centre), and their legs +into leathern stirrups. They would rather have seen their mules +richly caparisoned, with the Arab bit in their mouths, a long bridle +of braided leather for a whip, and their heads adorned with metal +ornaments and the "alforjas" (double saddle-bags containing the +provisions). + +[Sidenote: LAND AND WATER.] + +Paganel, always absent-minded, received three or four kicks from his +excellent animal just as he was mounting. Once in the saddle, however, +with his inseparable telescope in a sling and his feet confined in the +stirrups, he confided himself to the sagacity of his beast, and had +no reason to repent. As for young Robert, he showed from the first a +remarkable capacity for becoming an excellent horseman. + +[Illustration] + +They started. The day was magnificent, the sky was perfectly clear, +and the atmosphere sufficiently refreshed by the sea-breezes in spite +of the heat of the sun. The little party followed at a rapid pace the +winding shores of the bay, and made good progress the first day across +the reeds of old dried marshes. Little was said. The parting farewells +had left a deep impression upon the minds of all. They could still see +the smoke of the Duncan as she gradually disappeared on the horizon. +All were silent, except Paganel; this studious geographer kept asking +himself questions, and answering them, in his new language. + +The catapaz was, moreover, quite a taciturn man, whose avocation had +not made him loquacious. He scarcely spoke to his peons, for they +understood their duty very well. Whenever a mule stopped, they urged +him with a guttural cry. If this did not suffice, a good pebble thrown +with sure aim overcame his obstinacy. If a girth gave way or a bridle +was loosened, the peon, taking off his poncho, enveloped the head of +the animal, which, when the injury was repaired, resumed its pace. + +The custom of the muleteers is to set out at eight o'clock in the +morning after breakfast, and travel thus till it is time to rest at +four o'clock in the afternoon. Glenarvan, accordingly, conformed +to this custom. Precisely when the signal to halt was given by the +catapaz, the travelers arrived at the city of Arauco, situated at the +southern extremity of the bay, without having left the foam-washed +shore of the ocean. They would have had to proceed twenty miles farther +to the west to reach the limits of the thirty-seventh parallel; but +Glenarvan's agents had already traversed that part of the coast +without meeting with any signs of shipwreck. A new exploration became, +therefore, useless, and it was decided that the city of Arauco should +be chosen as their point of departure. From this their course was to +be directed towards the east in a rigorously straight line. The little +party entered the city and took up their quarters in the open court of +a tavern, whose accommodations were still in a rudimentary state. + +While supper was preparing, Glenarvan, Paganel and the catapaz took a +walk among the thatch-roofed houses. Except a church and the remains +of a convent of Franciscans, Arauco presented nothing interesting. +Glenarvan attempted to make some inquiries, but failed, while Paganel +was in despair at not being able to make himself understood by the +inhabitants. But, since they spoke Araucanian, his Spanish served him +as little as Hebrew. + +[Sidenote: ONWARD, AND ONWARD STILL.] + +The next day, the madrina at the head, and the peons in the rear, the +little troop resumed the line of the thirty-seventh parallel towards +the east. They now crossed the fertile territory of Araucania, rich in +vineyards and flocks. But gradually solitude ensued. Scarcely, from +mile to mile, was there a hut of "rastreadores" (Indian horse-tamers). +Now and then they came upon an abandoned relay-station, that only +served as a shelter to some wanderer on the plains; and, by means of a +ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the mountains visible in the distance. + +At four o'clock in the afternoon, after a journey of thirty-five miles, +they halted in the open country under a group of giant myrtles. The +mules were unharnessed, and left to graze at will upon the rich herbage +of the prairie. The saddle-bags furnished the usual meat and rice, +the pelions spread on the ground served as covering, the saddles as +pillows, and each one found on these improvised beds a ready repose, +while the peons and the catapaz watched in turn. + +As the weather continued pleasant, all the travelers, not excepting +Robert, were still in good health; and, since the journey had begun +under such favorable auspices, they thought it best to profit by it, +and push on. The following day they advanced rapidly, crossed without +accident Bell Rapids, and at evening encamped on the banks of the Rio +Biobio. There were thirty-five miles more to travel before they were +out of Chili. + +The country had not changed. It was still rich in amaryllis, violets, +date-trees, and golden-flowered cactuses. A few animals, among +others the ocelot, inhabited the thickets. A heron, a solitary owl, +thrushes and snipes wary of the talons of the hawk, were the only +representatives of the feathered tribe. + +Of the natives few were seen; only some "guassos" (degenerate children +of the Indians and Spanish), galloping on horses which they lacerated +with the gigantic spurs that adorned their naked feet, and passing +like shadows. They met on the way no one who could inform them, and +inquiries were therefore utterly impossible. + +[Sidenote: AN ASTONISHED CATAPAZ.] + +Glenarvan thought that Captain Grant, if prisoner of the Indians, must +have been carried by them beyond the Andes. Their search could be +successful only in the Pampas. They must be patient, and travel on +swiftly and continuously. + +[Illustration: By means of a ford, they crossed the Rio Tubal, the +mountains visible in the distance.] + +They advanced in the same order as before, which Robert with difficulty +kept, for his eagerness led him to press forward, to the great +annoyance of his animal. Nothing but a command from Glenarvan would +keep the young boy at his place in the line. The country now became +more uneven; and several hillocks indicated that they were approaching +the mountains. + +Paganel still continued his study of Spanish. + +"What a language it is!" exclaimed he; "so full and sonorous!" + +"But you are making progress, of course?" replied Glenarvan. + +"Certainly, my dear lord. Ah! if there were only no accent! But, alas! +there is one!" + +In studying this language, Paganel did not, however, neglect his +geographical observations. In these, indeed, he was astonishingly +clever, and could not have found his superior. When Glenarvan +questioned the catapaz about some peculiarity of the country, his +learned companion would always anticipate the answer of the guide, who +then gazed at him with a look of amazement. + +That same day they met a road which crossed the line that they had +hitherto pursued. Lord Glenarvan naturally asked its name of their +guide, and Paganel as naturally answered,-- + +"The road from Yumbel to Los Angelos." + +Glenarvan looked at the catapaz. + +"Exactly," replied he. + +Then, addressing the geographer, he said,-- + +"You have traveled in this country?" + +"Certainly," replied Paganel gravely. + +"On a mule?" + +"No; in an arm-chair." + +The catapaz did not understand, for he shrugged his shoulders and +returned to the head of the troop. + +At five o'clock in the afternoon they stopped in a shallow gorge, a +few miles above the little town of Loja; and that night the travelers +encamped at the foot of the first slopes of the Andes. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +ELEVEN THOUSAND FEET ALOFT. + + +The route through Chili had as yet presented no serious obstacles; but +now the dangers that attend a journey across the mountains suddenly +increased, the struggle with the natural difficulties was about to +begin in earnest. + +An important question had to be decided before starting. By what pass +could they cross the Andes with the least departure from the prescribed +course? The catapaz was questioned on this subject. + +"I know," he replied, "of but two passes that are practicable in this +part of the Andes." + +"Doubtless the pass of Arica," said Paganel, "which was discovered by +Valdivia Mendoza." + +"Exactly." + +"And that of Villarica, situated to the south of Nevado." + +"You are right." + +"Well, my friend, these two passes have only one difficulty; they will +carry us to the south, or the north, farther than we wish." + +"Have you another pass to propose?" asked the major. + +"Yes," replied Paganel; "the pass of Antuco." + +"Well," said Glenarvan; "but do you know this pass, catapaz?" + +[Sidenote: ATTAINING TO EMINENCE.] + +"Yes, my lord, I have crossed it, and did not propose it because it is +only a cattle-track for the Indian herdsmen of the eastern slopes." + +"Never mind, my friend," continued Glenarvan; "where the herds of the +Indians pass, we can also; and, since this will keep us in our course, +let us start for the pass of Antuco." + +The signal for departure was immediately given, and they entered the +valley of Los Lejos between great masses of crystalized limestone, and +ascended a very gradual slope. Towards noon they had to pass around +the shores of a small lake, the picturesque reservoir of all the +neighboring streams which flowed into it. + +Above the lake extended vast "llanos," lofty plains, covered with +grass, where the herds of the Indians grazed. Then they came upon a +swamp which extended to the south and north, but which the instinct +of the mules enabled them to avoid. Soon Fort Ballenare appeared on a +rocky peak which it crowned with its dismantled walls. The ascent had +already become abrupt and stony, and the pebbles, loosened by the hoofs +of the mules, rolled under their feet in a rattling torrent. + +The road now became difficult, and even perilous. The steepness +increased, the walls on either side approached each other more and +more, while the precipices yawned frightfully. The mules advanced +cautiously in single file, with their noses to the ground, scenting the +way. + +Now and then, at a sudden turn, the madrina disappeared, and the little +caravan was then guided by the distant tinkling of her bell. Sometimes, +too, the capricious windings of the path would bend the column into +two parallel lines, and the catapaz could talk to the peons, while a +crevasse, scarcely two fathoms wide, but two hundred deep, formed an +impassable abyss between them. + +Under these conditions it was difficult to distinguish the course. The +almost incessant action of subterranean and volcanic agency changes +the road, and the landmarks are never the same. Therefore the catapaz +hesitated, stopped, looked about him, examined the form of the rocks, +and searched on the crumbling stones for the tracks of Indians. + +[Illustration] + +Glenarvan followed in the steps of his guide. He perceived, he _felt_, +his embarrassment, increasing with the difficulties of the way. He did +not dare to question him, but thought that it was better to trust to +the instinct of the muleteers and mules. + +For an hour longer the catapaz wandered at a venture, but always +seeking the more elevated parts of the mountain. At last he was forced +to stop short. They were at the bottom of a narrow valley,--one of +those ravines that the Indians call "quebradas." A perpendicular wall +of porphyry barred their exit. + +[Sidenote: CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN.] + +The catapaz, after searching vainly for a passage, dismounted, folded +his arms, and waited. Glenarvan approached him. + +"Have you lost your way?" he asked. + +"No, my lord," replied the catapaz. + +"But we are not at the pass of Antuco?" + +"We are." + +"Are you not mistaken?" + +"I am not. Here are the remains of a fire made by the Indians, and the +tracks left by their horses." + +"Well, they passed this way?" + +"Yes; but we cannot. The last earthquake has made it impracticable." + +"For mules," replied the major; "but not for men." + +"That is for you to decide," said the catapaz. "I have done what I +could. My mules and I are ready to turn back, if you please, and search +for the other passes of the Andes." + +"But that will cause a delay." + +"Of three days, at least." + +Glenarvan listened in silence to the words of the catapaz, who had +evidently acted in accordance with his engagement. His mules could go +no farther; but when the proposal was made to retrace their steps, +Glenarvan turned towards his companions, and said,-- + +"Do you wish to go on?" + +"We will follow you," replied Tom Austin. + +"And even precede you," added Paganel. "What is it, after all? To scale +a chain of mountains whose opposite slopes afford an unusually easy +descent. This accomplished, we can find the Argentine laqueanos, who +will guide us across the Pampas, and swift horses accustomed to travel +over the plains. Forward, then, without hesitation." + +"Forward!" cried his companions. + +"You do not accompany us?" said Glenarvan to the catapaz. + +"I am the muleteer," he replied. + +"As you say." + +"Never mind," said Paganel; "on the other side of this wall we shall +find the pass of Antuco again, and I will lead you to the foot of the +mountain as directly as the best guide of the Andes." + +Glenarvan accordingly settled with the catapaz, and dismissed him, his +peons, and his mules. The arms, the instruments, and the remaining +provisions, were divided among the seven travelers. By common consent +it was decided that the ascent should be undertaken immediately, and +that, if necessary, they should travel part of the night. Around the +precipice to the left wound a steep path that mules could not ascend. +The difficulties were great; but, after two hours of fatigue and +wandering, Glenarvan and his companions found themselves again in the +pass of Antuco. + +They were now in that part of the Andes properly so called, not far +from the main ridge of the mountains; but of the path traced out, of +the pass, nothing could be seen. All this region had just been thrown +into confusion by the recent earthquakes. + +They ascended all night, climbed almost inaccessible plateaus, and +leaped over broad and deep crevasses. Their arms took the place of +ropes, and their shoulders served as steps. The strength of Mulready +and the skill of Wilson were often called into requisition. Many times, +without their devotion and courage, the little party could not have +advanced. + +Glenarvan never lost sight of young Robert, whose youth and eagerness +led him to acts of rashness, while Paganel pressed on with all the +ardor of a Frenchman. As for the major, he only moved as much as +was necessary, no more, no less, and mounted the path by an almost +insensible motion. Did he perceive that he had been ascending +for several hours? It is not certain. Perhaps he imagined he was +descending. + +[Sidenote: PRACTICING "EXCELSIOR."] + +At five o'clock in the morning the travelers had attained a height of +seven thousand five hundred feet. They were now on the lower ridges, +the last limit of arborescent vegetation. At this hour the aspect of +these regions was entirely changed. Great blocks of glittering ice, of +a bluish color in certain parts, rose on all sides, and reflected the +first rays of the sun. + +[Illustration] + +The ascent now became very perilous. They no longer advanced without +carefully examining the ice. Wilson had taken the lead, and with his +foot tested the surface of the glaciers. His companions followed +exactly in his footsteps, and avoided uttering a word, for the least +sound might have caused the fall of the snowy masses suspended eight +hundred feet above their heads. + +They had reached the region of shrubs, which, four hundred and fifty +feet higher, gave place to grass and cactuses. At eleven thousand feet +all traces of vegetation disappeared. The travelers had stopped only +once to recruit their strength by a hasty repast, and with superhuman +courage they resumed the ascent in the face of the ever-increasing +dangers. + +[Illustration: Two hours more of terrible exertion followed. They kept +ascending, in order to reach the highest summit of this part of the +mountain.] + +[Sidenote: SOMEWHAT SERIOUS.] + +The strength of the little troop, however, in spite of their courage, +was almost gone. Glenarvan, seeing the exhaustion of his companions, +regretted having engaged in the undertaking. Young Robert struggled +against fatigue, but could go no farther. + +Glenarvan stopped. + +"We must take a rest," said he, for he clearly saw that no one else +would make this proposal. + +"Take a rest?" replied Paganel; "how? where? we have no shelter." + +"It is indispensable, if only for Robert." + +"No, my lord," replied the courageous child; "I can still walk--do not +stop." + +"We will carry you, my boy," said Paganel, "but we must, at all +hazards, reach the eastern slope. There, perhaps, we shall find some +hut in which we can take refuge. I ask for two hours more of travel." + +"Do you all agree?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Yes," replied his companions. + +"I will take charge of the brave boy," added the equally brave Mulready. + +They resumed their march towards the east. Two hours more of terrible +exertion followed. They kept ascending, in order to reach the highest +summit of this part of the mountain. + +Whatever were the desires of these courageous men, the moment now came +when the most valiant failed, and dizziness, that terrible malady of +the mountains, exhausted not only their physical strength but their +moral courage. It is impossible to struggle with impunity against +fatigues of this kind. Soon falls became frequent, and those who fell +could only advance by dragging themselves on their knees. + +Exhaustion was about to put an end to this too prolonged ascent; and +Glenarvan was considering with terror the extent of the snow, the cold +which in this fatal region was so much to be dreaded, the shadows that +were deepening on the solitary peaks, and the absence of a shelter for +the night, when the major stopped him, and, in a calm tone, said,-- + +"A hut!" + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A SUDDEN DESCENT. + + +Any one but MacNabb would have passed by, around, or even over this +hut a hundred times without suspecting its existence. A projection on +the surface of the snow scarcely distinguished it from the surrounding +rocks. It was necessary to uncover it; after half an hour of persistent +labor, Wilson and Mulready had cleared away the entrance to the +"casucha," and the little party stepped in. + +[Sidenote: A "RESTAURANT" REOPENED.] + +This casucha, constructed by the Indians, was made of adobes, a kind +of bricks dried in the sun. Ten persons could easily find room inside, +and, if its walls had not been sufficiently water-tight in the rainy +season, at this time, at least, they were some protection against the +severity of the cold. There was, besides, a sort of fireplace with a +flue of bricks very poorly laid, which enabled them to kindle a fire, +and thus withstand the external temperature. + +"Here is a shelter, at least," said Glenarvan, "even if it is not +comfortable. Providence has led us hither, and we cannot do better than +accept this fortune." + +"Why," replied Paganel, "it is a palace. It only wants sentries and +courtiers. We shall get along admirably here." + +"Especially when a good fire is blazing on the hearth," said Tom +Austin; "for, if we are hungry, we are none the less cold it seems to +me; and, for my part, a good fagot would delight me more than a slice +of venison." + +"Well, Tom," said Paganel, "we will try to find something combustible." + +"Something combustible on the top of the Andes?" said Mulready, shaking +his head doubtfully. + +"Since a chimney has been made in this hut," replied the major, "there +is probably something here to burn." + +"Our friend is right," added Glenarvan. "Prepare everything for supper; +and I will play the part of wood-cutter." + +"I will accompany you with Wilson," said Paganel. + +"If you need me----," said Robert, rising. + +"No, rest yourself, my brave boy," replied Glenarvan. "You will be a +man when others are only children." + +Glenarvan, Paganel, and Wilson went out of the hut. It was six o'clock +in the evening. The cold was keen and cutting, in spite of the calmness +of the air. The azure of the sky was already fading, and the sun +shedding his last rays on the lofty peaks of the mountains. + +Reaching a hillock of porphyry, they scanned the horizon in every +direction. They had now gained the summit of the Andes, which commanded +an extended prospect. To the east the sides of the mountains declined +by gentle gradations, down which they could see the peons sliding +several hundred feet below. In the distance extended long lines of +scattered rocks and stones that had been crowded back by glacial +avalanches. The valley of the Colorado was already growing dim in the +increasing twilight; the elevations of land, the crags and the peaks, +illumined by the rays of the sun, gradually faded, and darkness covered +the whole eastern slope of the Andes. + +Towards the north undulated a succession of ridges that mingled +together insensibly. To the south, however, the view was magnificent; +and, as night descended, the grandeur was inimitable. Looking down +into the wild valley of Torbido, you saw Mount Antuco, whose yawning +crater was two miles distant. The volcano, like some enormous monster, +belched forth glowing smoke mingled with torrents of bright flame. The +circle of the mountains that inclosed it seemed to be on fire. Showers +of incandescent stones, clouds of reddish vapors, and streams of lava, +united in glittering columns. A loud rumbling that increased every +moment, and was followed by a dazzling flash, filled this vast circuit +with its sharp reverberations, while the sun, his light gradually +fading, disappeared as a star is extinguished in the shadows of the +horizon. + +[Sidenote: FOOD BROUGHT TO THE DOOR.] + +Paganel and Glenarvan would have remained a long time to contemplate +this magnificent struggle of the fires of earth with those of heaven, +and the improvised wood-cutters were becoming admirers of nature; but +Wilson, less enthusiastic, reminded them of their situation. Wood was +wanting, it is true, but fortunately a scanty and dry moss clothed the +rocks. An ample supply was taken, as well as of a plant whose roots +were quite combustible. This precious fuel was brought to the hut, and +piled in the fire-place; but it was difficult to kindle the fire, and +especially to keep it burning. + +When the viands were prepared, each one drank several mouthfuls of +hot coffee with delight. As for the dried meat, it appeared a little +unsatisfactory, which provoked on the part of Paganel a remark as +useless as it was true. + +"Indeed," said he, "I must confess a llama-steak would not be bad just +now." + +"What!" cried the major, "are you not content with our supper, Paganel?" + +"Enchanted, my good major; but I acknowledge a plate of venison would +be welcome." + +"You are a sybarite," said MacNabb. + +"I accept the title, major; but you yourself, whatever you may say, +would not be displeased with a beefsteak." + +"Probably not." + +"And if you were asked to take your post at the cannon, you would go +without a word." + +"Certainly: and, although it pleases you----" + +His companions had not heard any more, when distant and prolonged howls +were heard. They were not the cries of scattered animals, but those of +a herd approaching with rapidity. Would Providence, after furnishing +them with shelter, give them their supper? Such was the thought of the +geographer. But Glenarvan humbled his joy somewhat by observing that +the animals of the Andes were never met with in so elevated a region. + +"Whence comes the noise, then?" asked Tom Austin. "Hear how it +approaches!" + +"An avalanche!" said Mulready. + +"Impossible! these are real howls!" replied Paganel. + +"Let us see," cried Glenarvan. + +"Let us see like hunters," answered the major, as he took his rifle. + +All rushed out of the hut. Night had come. It was dark, but the sky was +studded with stars. The moon had not yet shown her disk. The peaks +on the north and east were lost in the darkness, and the eye only +perceived the grotesque outlines of a few towering rocks. + +The howls--those of terrified animals--were redoubled. They came from +the dark side of the mountain. What was going on? + +Suddenly there came a furious avalanche, but one of living creatures, +mad with terror. The whole plateau seemed to tremble. There were +hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these animals. Were they wild beasts +of the Pampas, or only llamas? The whole party had only time to throw +themselves to the earth, while this living whirlwind passed a few feet +above them. + +At this moment the report of a fire-arm was heard. The major had shot +at a venture. He thought that a large animal fell a few paces from +him, while the whole herd, carried along by their resistless motion, +disappeared down the slopes illumined by the volcano. + +"Ah, I have them!" cried a voice, that of Paganel. + +"What have you?" asked Glenarvan. + +"My glasses, to be sure!" + +"You are not wounded?" + +"No, a little kick,--but by what?" + +"By this," replied the major, dragging after him the animal he had shot. + +Each one hastened to gain the hut; and by the light of the fire +MacNabb's prize was examined. It was a pretty animal, resembling a +little camel without a hump. It had a small head, flat body, long legs +and claws, fine coffee-colored hair, and its breast was spotted with +white. + +Scarcely had Paganel looked at it when he exclaimed,-- + +"It is a guanaco!" + +"What is that?" asked Glenarvan. + +"An animal that eats itself." + +"And is it good?" + +[Sidenote: "A DISH FOR THE GODS."] + +"Delicious! a dish for the gods! I knew well that you would like fresh +meat for supper. And what meat this is! But who will dress the animal?" + +"I will," said Wilson. + +"Well, I will engage to broil it," replied Paganel. + +"You are a cook, then, Monsieur Paganel?" said Robert. + +"Certainly, my boy. A Frenchman is always a cook." + +In a little while Paganel placed large slices of meat on the coals, +and, in a short time, served up to his companions this appetizing +viand. No one hesitated, but each attacked it ravenously. To the great +amazement of the geographer, a general grimace accompanied by a "pwah!" +followed the first mouthful. + +"It is horrible!" said one. + +"It is not eatable!" replied another. + +The poor geographer, whatever was the difficulty, was forced to agree +that this steak was not acceptable even to starving men. They therefore +began to launch jokes at him, and deride his "dish for the gods," while +he himself sought a reason for this unaccountable result. + +"I have it!" he cried. "I have it!" + +"Is the meat too old?" asked MacNabb, calmly. + +"No, my intolerant major; but it has traveled too much. How could I +forget that?" + +"What do you mean?" asked Tom Austin. + +"I mean that the animal is not good unless killed when at rest. I +can affirm from the taste that it has come from a distance, and, +consequently, the whole herd." + +"You are certain of this?" said Glenarvan. + +"Absolutely so." + +"But what event could have terrified these animals so, and driven them +at a time when they ought to be peacefully sleeping in their lairs." + +"As to that, my dear Glenarvan," said Paganel, "it is impossible for me +to say. If you believe me, let us search no farther. For my part I am +dying for want of sleep. Let us retire, major!" + +"Very well, Paganel." + +Thereupon each wrapped himself in his poncho, the fuel was replenished +for the night, and soon all but Glenarvan were buried in profound +repose. + +He alone did not sleep. A secret uneasiness held him in a state of +wakeful fatigue. He could not help thinking of that herd, flying in one +common direction, of their inexplicable terror. They could not have +been pursued by wild beasts: at that height there were scarcely any, +and yet fewer hunters. What fright had driven them over the abysses +of Antuco, and what was the cause of it? He thought of their strange +situation, and felt a presentiment of coming danger. + +However, under the influence of a partial drowsiness, his ideas +gradually modified, and fear gave place to hope. He saw himself in +anticipation, on the morrow, on the plain at the foot of the Andes. +There his actual search was to begin; and success was not, perhaps, far +distant. He thought of Captain Grant and his two sailors, delivered +from a cruel slavery. + +These images passed rapidly before his mind, every instant interrupted +by a flash of fire, a spark, a flame, illumining the faces of his +sleeping companions, and casting a flickering shadow over the walls of +the hut. Then his presentiments returned with more vividness, while +he listened vaguely to the external sounds so difficult to explain on +these solitary summits. + +At one moment he thought he heard distant rumblings, dull and +threatening like the rollings of thunder. These sounds could be caused +only by a tempest, raging on the sides of the mountain. He wished to +convince himself, and left the hut. + +The moon had risen, and the sky was clear and calm. Not a cloud was to +be seen either above or below, only now and then the moving shadows of +the flames of the volcano. At the zenith twinkled thousands of stars, +while the rumblings still continued. They seemed to approach, and run +along the chain of the mountains. + +[Illustration: The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the +crash of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered +all communication with each other impossible.] + +Glenarvan returned more uneasy than before, seeking to divine what +relation there was between these subterranean noises and the flight of +the guanacos. He looked at his watch; it was two o'clock. + +However, having no certain knowledge of immediate danger, he did not +wake his companions, whom fatigue held in a deep repose, but fell +himself into a heavy sleep that lasted several hours. + +All at once a violent crash startled him to his feet. It was a +deafening roar, like the irregular noise of innumerable artillery +wagons rolling over a hollow pavement. Glenarvan suddenly felt the +earth tremble beneath his feet. He saw the hut sway and start open. + +"Look out!" he cried. + +His companions, awakened and thrown into confusion, were hurried down +a rapid descent. The day was breaking, and the scene was terrible. The +form of the mountains suddenly changed, their tops were truncated, +the tottering peaks disappeared, as if a pitfall had opened at their +base. A mass, several miles in extent, became detached entire, and slid +towards the plain. + +"An earthquake!" cried Paganel. + +He was not mistaken. It was one of those phenomena frequent on the +mountain frontier of Chili. This portion of the globe is disturbed +by subterranean fires, and the volcanoes of this chain afford only +insufficient outlets for the confined vapors. + +In the meantime the plateau, to which seven stunned and terrified men +clung by the tufts of moss, glided with the rapidity of an express. +Not a cry was possible, not a movement of escape. They could not hear +each other. The internal rumblings, the din of the avalanche, the crash +of the blocks of granite, and the whirlwinds of snow, rendered all +communication with each other impossible. + +[Sidenote: A STEEP GRADIENT.] + +At one time the mass would slide without jolts or jars; at another, +seized with a pitching and rolling motion like the deck of a vessel +shaken by the billows, it would run along the edge of the abysses +into which the fragments of the mountain fell, uproot the trees of +centuries, and level with the precision of an enormous scythe all the +inequalities of the eastern slope. + +How long this indescribable scene lasted, no one could tell; in what +abyss all were to be engulfed, no one was able to foresee. Whether they +were all there alive, or whether one of them was lying at the bottom of +a crevasse, no one could say. Stunned by the swiftness of the descent, +chilled by the keenness of the cold, blinded by the whirlwinds of snow, +they panted, exhausted and almost inanimate, and only clung to the +rocks by the supreme instinct of preservation. + +All at once a shock of unusual violence arrested their gliding vehicle. +They were thrown forward and rolled upon the last declivities of the +mountains. The plateau had stopped short. + +[Illustration] + +For a few moments no one stirred. At last one rose, deafened by the +shock, but yet firm. It was the major. He shook off the snow that +blinded him, and looked around. His companions were not very far from +one another. He counted them. All but one lay on the ground. The +missing one was Robert Grant. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +PROVIDENTIALLY RESCUED. + + +The eastern side of the Andes consists of long slopes, declining +gradually to the plain upon which a portion of the mass had suddenly +stopped. In this new country, garnished with rich pastures and adorned +with magnificent vegetation, an incalculable number of apple-trees, +planted at the time of the conquest, glowed with their golden fruit +and formed true forests. It seemed as if a part of beautiful Normandy +had been cast into these monotonous regions, and under any other +circumstances the eye of a traveler would have been struck with this +sudden transition from desert to oasis, from snowy peak to verdant +prairie, from winter to summer. + +The earth had regained an absolute immobility, and the earthquake had +ceased. But without doubt the subterranean forces were still exerting +their devastating action at a distance, for the chain of the Andes is +always agitated or trembling in some part. This time, however, the +commotion had been of extreme violence. The outline of the mountains +was entirely changed; a new view of summits, crests, and peaks was +defined against the azure of the sky; and the guide of the Pampas would +have sought in vain for his accustomed landmarks. + +[Sidenote: COMEDY CHANGED TO TRAGEDY.] + +A wonderfully beautiful day was breaking. The rays of the sun, issuing +from their watery bed in the Atlantic, glittered over the Argentine +plains and were already silvering the waves of the other ocean. It was +eight o'clock in the morning. + +Glenarvan and his companions, revived by the aid of the major, +gradually recovered consciousness. Indeed, they had only undergone +a severe giddiness. The mountain was descended, and they would have +applauded a means of locomotion which had been entirely at nature's +expense, if one of the feeblest, Robert Grant, had not been missing. +Every one loved the courageous boy: Paganel was particularly attached +to him; the major, too, in spite of his coldness; but especially +Glenarvan. + +When the latter learned of Robert's disappearance, he was desperate. He +pictured to himself the poor child engulfed in some abyss, and calling +vainly for him whom he considered his second father. + +"My friends," said he, scarcely restraining his tears, "we must search +for him, we must find him! We cannot abandon him thus! Every valley, +every precipice, every abyss must be explored to the very bottom! You +shall tie a rope around me and let me down! I will do it, you hear me, +I will! May Heaven grant that Robert is still living! Without him, +how could we dare find his father? What right have we to save Captain +Grant, if his rescue costs the life of his child?" + +His companions listened without speaking. They felt that he was seeking +in their looks some ray of hope, and they lowered their eyes. + +"Well," continued Glenarvan, "you understand me; you are silent! You +have no more hope!" + +A few moments of silence ensued, when MacNabb inquired: + +"Who of you, my friends, remembers when Robert disappeared?" + +To this question no answer was given. + +"At least," continued the major, "you can tell with whom the boy was +during the descent." + +"With me," replied Wilson. + +"Well, at what moment did you last see him with you? Recall the +circumstances. Speak." + +"This is all that I remember. Robert Grant was at my side, his hand +grasping a tuft of moss, less than two minutes before the shock that +caused our descent." + +"Less than two minutes? Remember, Wilson, the minutes may have seemed +long to you. Are you not mistaken?" + +"I think not--yes, it is so, less than two minutes." + +"Well," said MacNabb; "and was Robert on your right, or on your left?" + +"On my left. I remember that his poncho flapped in my face." + +"And where were you situated in reference to us?" + +"On the left also." + +"Then Robert could have disappeared only on this side," said the major, +turning towards the mountain, and pointing to the right. "And also +considering the time that has elapsed since his disappearance, the +child must have fallen at a high part of the mountain. There we must +search, and, by taking different ways, we shall find him." + +Not a word more was said. The six men, scaling the declivities of the +mountain, stationed themselves at different heights along the ridge, +and began their search. They kept always to the right of their line of +descent, sounding the smallest fissures, descending to the bottom of +precipices half filled with fragments of the mass; and more than one +came forth with his garments in shreds, his feet and hands lacerated, +at the peril of his life. + +[Sidenote: A SLEEPLESS NIGHT.] + +All this portion of the Andes, except a few inaccessible plateaus, +was carefully explored for many hours without one of these brave men +thinking of rest. But it was a vain search. The child had not only +found death in the mountains, but also a tomb, the stone of which, +made of some enormous rock, was forever closed over him. + +Towards noon Glenarvan and his companions, bruised and exhausted, found +themselves again in the valley. The former was a prey to the most +violent grief. He scarcely spoke, and from his lips issued only these +words, broken by sighs,--"I will not go; I will not go!" + +Each understood this determination, and respected it. + +"We will wait," said Paganel to the major and Tom Austin. "Let us take +some rest, and recruit our strength. We shall need it, whether to begin +our search or continue our journey." + +"Yes," replied MacNabb, "let us remain, since Edward wishes it. He +hopes: but what does he hope?" + +"God knows!" said Tom Austin. + +"Poor Robert!" replied Paganel, wiping his eyes. + +Trees thronged the valley in great numbers. The major chose a group of +lofty carob-trees, under which was established a temporary encampment. +A few blankets, the arms, a little dried meat, and some rice, was +all that remained to the travelers. A stream, which flowed not far +off, furnished water, still muddy from the effects of the avalanche. +Mulready kindled a fire on the grass, and soon presented to his master +a warm and comforting repast. But Glenarvan refused it, and remained +stretched on his poncho in profound prostration. + +Thus the day passed. Night came, clear and calm as the preceding. While +his companions lay motionless, although wakeful, Glenarvan reascended +the mountain. He listened closely, still hoping that a last cry might +reach him. He ventured alone and afar, pressing his ear to the ground, +listening, restraining the beatings of his heart, and calling in a +voice of despair. + +The whole night long he wandered on the mountain. Sometimes Paganel, +sometimes the major, followed him, ready to help him on the slippery +summits, or on the edge of the chasms, where his rashness led him. But +his last efforts were fruitless; and to the cry of "Robert! Robert!" a +thousand times repeated, echo alone replied. + +Day dawned, and it was necessary to go in search of Glenarvan on +the mountain, and bring him in spite of his reluctance back to the +encampment. His despair was terrible. Who would now dare to speak +to him of departure, and propose leaving this fatal valley? But the +provisions were failing. They would soon meet the Argentine guides +and horses to take them across the Pampas. To retrace their steps was +more difficult than to advance. Besides, the Atlantic was the place +appointed to meet the Duncan. All these reasons did not permit a longer +delay, and it was for the interest of all that the hour for departure +should be no longer deferred. + +MacNabb attempted to draw Glenarvan from his grief. For a long time he +spoke without his friend appearing to hear him. Glenarvan shook his +head. At length, words escaped his lips. + +"Go?" said he. + +"Yes, go." + +"One hour more!" + +"Well, one hour more," replied the worthy major. + +When it had passed, Glenarvan asked for another. You would have thought +a condemned man was praying for his life. Thus it continued till about +noon, when MacNabb, by the advice of all, would no longer hesitate, and +told Glenarvan that they must go, the lives of his companions depended +upon a prompt decision. + +"Yes, yes," replied Glenarvan, "we will go, we will go!" + +But as he spoke his eyes were turned away from MacNabb. His gaze was +fixed upon a black speck in the air. Suddenly his hand rose, and +remained immovable, as if petrified. + +"There! there!" cried he. "See! see!" + +[Illustration: The bird had raised him by his garments, and was now +hovering in mid-air at least one hundred and fifty feet above the +encampment. He had perceived the travelers, and was violently striving +to escape with his heavy prey.] All eyes were raised towards the sky, +in the direction so imperatively indicated. At that moment the black +speck visibly increased. It was a bird hovering at a measureless height. + +"A condor," said Paganel. + +"Yes, a condor," replied Glenarvan. "Who knows? He is coming, he is +descending! Let us wait." + +What did Glenarvan hope? Was his reason wandering? He had said, "Who +knows?" Paganel was not mistaken. The condor became more distinct every +moment. + +This magnificent bird, long revered by the Incas, is the king of +the southern Andes. In these regions he attains an extraordinary +development. His strength is prodigious; and he often precipitates +oxen to the bottom of the abysses. He attacks sheep, goats, and calves +wandering on the plain, and carries them in his talons to a great +height. Sometimes he hovers at an elevation beyond the limit of human +vision, and there this king of the air surveys, with a piercing look, +the regions below, and distinguishes the faintest objects with a power +of sight that is the astonishment of naturalists. + +What had the condor seen? A corpse,--that of Robert Grant? "Who knows?" +repeated Glenarvan, without losing sight of him. The enormous bird +approached, now hovering, now falling with the swiftness of inert +bodies. He soon described circles of larger extent, and could be +perfectly distinguished. He measured fifteen feet across his wings, +which supported him in the air almost without motion, for it is the +peculiarity of these great birds to sail with a majestic calmness +unlike all others of the winged tribes. + +The major and Wilson had seized their rifles, but Glenarvan stopped +them with a gesture. The condor was approaching in the circles of his +flight a sort of inaccessible plateau a quarter of a mile distant. +He was turning with a vertical rapidity, opening and closing his +formidable claws, and shaking his cartilaginous neck. + +[Sidenote: SOMETHING WORSE.] + +"There! there!" cried Glenarvan. + +Then suddenly a thought flashed through his mind. + +"If Robert is still living!" exclaimed he, with a cry of terror, "this +bird! Fire, my friends, fire!" + +But he was too late. The condor had disappeared behind the lofty +boulders. A second passed that seemed an eternity. Then the enormous +bird reappeared, heavily laden, and rising slowly. + +A cry of horror was uttered. In the claws of the condor an inanimate +body was seen suspended and dangling. It was Robert Grant. The bird had +raised him by his garments, and was now hovering in mid-air at least +one hundred and fifty feet above the encampment. He had perceived the +travelers, and was violently striving to escape with his heavy prey. + +[Illustration] + +"May Robert's body be dashed upon these rocks," cried Glenarvan, +"rather than serve----" + +He did not finish, but, seizing Wilson's rifle, attempted to take aim +at the condor. But his arm trembled; he could not sight the piece. His +eyes were dimmed. + +"Let me try," said the major. + +With clear eye, steady hand, and motionless body, he aimed at the bird, +that was already three hundred feet above him. But he had not pressed +the trigger, when a report resounded in the valley. A light smoke +curled up between two rocks, and the condor, shot in the head, fell, +slowly turning, sustained by his broad outspread wings. He had not +released his prey, and at last reached the ground, ten paces from the +banks of the stream. + +"Quick! quick!" said Glenarvan; and without seeking whence this +providential shot had come, he rushed towards the condor. His +companions closely followed him. + +[Illustration] + +[Sidenote: "THE LOST IS FOUND."] + +When they arrived the bird was dead, and the body of Robert was hidden +under its great wings. Glenarvan threw himself upon the child, released +him from the talons of the condor, stretched him on the grass, and +pressed his ear to his breast. + +Never did a wilder cry of joy issue from human lips than when Glenarvan +rose, exclaiming: + +"He lives! he lives!" + +In an instant Robert was stripped of his garments, and his face bathed +with fresh water. He made a movement, opened his eyes, looked around, +and uttered a few words: + +"You, my lord--my father!----" + +Glenarvan could not speak. Emotion stifled him, and, kneeling, he wept +beside this child so miraculously saved. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THALCAVE. + + +After the great danger that he had just escaped, Robert incurred +another, no less great,--that of being overwhelmed with caresses. +However feeble he was still, not one of these good people could refrain +from pressing him to his heart. But it must be confessed that these +well-meant embraces are not fatal, for the boy did not die. + +When his rescue was certain, thought reverted to his rescuer, and the +major very naturally thought of looking around him. Fifty paces from +the stream, a man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on one +of the first ledges of the mountain. A long gun lay at his feet. This +individual, who had so suddenly appeared, had broad shoulders, and +long hair tied with leathern thongs. His height exceeded six feet, and +his bronzed face was red between his eyes and mouth, black below his +eyelids, and white on his forehead. After the manner of the Patagonians +of the frontiers, the native wore a splendid cloak, decorated with +red arabesques, made of the skin of a guanaco, its silky fur turned +outward, and sewed with ostrich-tendons. Under his cloak a tippet of +fox-skin encircled his neck and terminated in a point in front. At his +girdle hung a little bag containing the colors with which he painted +his face. His leggings were of ox-hide, and fastened to the ankle with +straps regularly crossed. + +The figure of this Patagonian was fine, and his face denoted real +intelligence in spite of the colors that adorned (!) it. He waited in +an attitude full of dignity, and, seeing him so motionless and stern on +his pedestal of rocks, you would have taken him for a statue. + +The major, as soon as he perceived him, pointed him out to Glenarvan, +who hastened towards him. The Patagonian took two steps forward; +Glenarvan took his hand, and pressed it. There was in the latter's +look, in his physiognomy, such a feeling, such an expression of +gratitude, that the native could not mistake it. He inclined his head +gently, and uttered a few words that neither the major nor his friend +could understand. + +The Patagonian, after regarding the strangers attentively, now changed +the language; but whatever it was, this new idiom was no better +understood than the first. However, certain expressions which he used +struck Glenarvan. They seemed to belong to the Spanish language, of +which he knew several common words. + +"Spanish?" said he. + +The Patagonian nodded. + +"Well," said the major, "this is our friend Paganel's business. It is +fortunate that he thought of learning Spanish." + +Paganel was called. He came at once and with all the grace of a +Frenchman saluted the Patagonian, to which the latter paid no +attention. The geographer was informed of the state of affairs, and was +only too glad to use his diligently-acquired knowledge. + +[Sidenote: SOMETHING WRONG.] + +"Exactly," said he. And opening his mouth widely in order to articulate +better, he said, in his best Spanish,-- + +"You--are--a--brave--man." + +The native listened, but did not answer. + +"He does not understand," said the geographer. + +"Perhaps you do not pronounce well," replied the major. + +"Very true! Curse the pronunciation!" + +And again Paganel began, but with no better success. + +"I will change the expression," said he. And pronouncing with +magisterial slowness, he uttered these words,-- + +"A--Patagonian,--doubtless?" + +The native remained mute as before. + +"Answer!" added Paganel. + +The Patagonian did not reply. + +"Do--you--understand?" cried Paganel, violently enough to damage his +organs of speech. + +It was evident that the Indian did not understand, for he answered, but +in Spanish,-- + +"I do not understand." + +It was Paganel's turn now to be astonished, and he hastily put on his +glasses, like one irritated. + +"May I be hanged," said he, "if I understand a word of this infernal +jargon! It is certainly Araucanian." + +"No," replied Glenarvan; "this man answered in Spanish." + +And, turning to the Patagonian, he repeated,-- + +"Spanish?" + +"Yes," replied the native. + +Paganel's surprise became amazement. The major and Glenarvan looked at +him quizzingly. + +"Ah, my learned friend!" said the major, while a half smile played +about his lips, "you have committed one of those blunders peculiar to +you." + +"What!" cried the geographer, starting. + +"Yes, it is plain that this Patagonian speaks Spanish." + +"He?" + +[Illustration: A man of lofty stature was standing, motionless, on +one of the first ledges of the mountain. This individual had broad +shoulders, and long hair tied with leathern thongs.] + +[Sidenote: A PENINSULAR BABEL.] + +"Yes. By mistake you have learnt another language, while thinking that +you studied----" + +MacNabb did not finish. A loud "Oh!" from the geographer, accompanied +by shrugs of the shoulders, cut him short. + +"Major, you are going a little too far," said Paganel in a very dry +tone. + +"To be sure, since you do not understand." + +"I do not understand because this native speaks so badly!" answered the +geographer, who began to be impatient. + +"That is to say, he speaks badly, because you do not understand," +returned the major, calmly. + +"MacNabb," said Glenarvan, "that is not a probable supposition. However +abstracted our friend Paganel may be, we cannot suppose that his +blunder was to learn one language for another." + +"Now, my dear Edward, or rather you, my good Paganel, explain to me +what the difficulty is." + +"I will not explain," replied Paganel, "I insist. Here is the book +in which I practice daily the difficulties of the Spanish language! +Examine it, major, and you will see whether I impose upon you." + +So saying, Paganel groped in his numerous pockets. After searching a +few moments, he drew forth a volume in a very bad state, and presented +it with an air of assurance. The major took the book, and looked at it. + +"Well, what work is this?" he asked. + +"The Lusiad," replied Paganel; "an admirable poem which----" + +"The Lusiad!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my friend, the Lusiad of the immortal Camoens, nothing more or +less." + +"Camoens!" repeated Glenarvan; "but, unfortunate friend, Camoens was +a Portuguese! It is Portuguese that you have been studying for six +weeks." + +"Camoens! Lusiad! Portuguese!" + +Paganel could say no more. His eyes wandered, while a peal of Homeric +laughter rang in his ears. + +The Patagonian did not wink; he waited patiently for the explanation of +this event, which was totally incomprehensible to him. + +"Insensate! fool!" cried Paganel, at last. "What! is it so? Is it not +a mere joke? Have I done this? It is the confusion of languages, as at +Babel. My friends! my friends! to start for India and arrive at Chili! +to learn Spanish and speak Portuguese! this is too much, and, if it +continues, I shall some day throw myself out of the window instead of +my cigar." + +To hear Paganel take his blunder thus, to see his comical actions, it +was impossible to keep serious. Besides, he set the example himself. + +"Laugh, my friends," said he, "laugh with a will! you cannot laugh as +much as I do at myself." + +And he uttered the most formidable peal of laughter that ever issued +from the mouth of a geographer. + +"But we are none the less without an interpreter," said the major. + +"Oh, do not be troubled," replied Paganel. "The Portuguese and Spanish +resemble each other so much that I made a mistake. However, this very +resemblance will soon enable me to rectify my error, and in a short +time I will thank this worthy Patagonian in the language he speaks so +well." + +Paganel was right, for he could soon exchange a few words with the +native. He even learned that his name was Thalcave, a word which +signifies in Araucanian "the thunderer." This surname was doubtless +given to him for his skill in the use of fire-arms. + +[Sidenote: BETTER PROSPECTS.] + +But Glenarvan was particularly rejoiced to discover that the Patagonian +was a guide, and, moreover, a guide of the Pampas. There was, +therefore, something so providential in this meeting that the success +of the enterprise seemed already an accomplished fact, and no one any +longer doubted the rescue of Captain Grant. + +In the meantime the travelers and the Patagonian had returned to +Robert. The latter stretched his arms towards the native, who, without +a word, placed his hand upon his head. He examined the child and felt +his wounded limbs. Then, smiling, he went and gathered on the banks +of the stream a few handfuls of wild celery, with which he rubbed the +boy's body. Under this treatment, performed with an extreme gentleness, +the child felt his strength revive, and it was plain that a few hours +would suffice to restore him. + +It was therefore decided that that day and the following night should +be passed at the encampment. Besides, two important questions remained +to be settled--food, and means of conveyance. Provisions and mules were +both wanting. + +Fortunately Thalcave solved the difficulty. This guide, who was +accustomed to conduct travelers along the Patagonian frontiers, and +was one of the most intelligent baqueanos of the country, engaged to +furnish Glenarvan all that his little party needed. He offered to take +him to a "tolderia" (encampment) of Indians, about four miles distant, +where they would find everything necessary for the expedition. This +proposal was made partly by gestures, partly by Spanish words which +Paganel succeeded in understanding. It was accepted, and Glenarvan and +his learned friend, taking leave of their companions, reascended the +stream under the guidance of the Patagonian. + +They proceeded at a good pace for an hour and a half, taking long +strides to keep up to the giant Thalcave. All the region was charming, +and of a rich fertility. The grassy pastures succeeded each other, +and could easily have fed thousands of cattle. Large ponds, united by +a winding chain of streams, gave these plains a verdant moisture. +Black-headed swans sported on the mirror-like surface, and disputed the +empire of the waters with numberless ostriches that gamboled over the +plains, while the brilliant feathered tribes were in wonderful variety. + +[Illustration] + +Jacques Paganel proceeded from admiration to ecstasy. Exclamations +of delight continually escaped his lips, to the astonishment of the +Patagonian, who thought it very natural that there should be birds in +the air, swans on the lakes, and grass on the prairies. The geographer +had no reason to regret his walk, or complain of its length. He +scarcely believed himself started, or that the encampment would soon +come in sight. + +This tolderia was at the bottom of a narrow valley among the mountains. +Here in huts of branches lived thirty wandering natives, grazing +large herds of milch cows, sheep, cattle and horses. Thus they roamed +from one pasture to another, always finding a repast ready for their +four-footed companions. + +[Sidenote: GLENARVAN GOING TO MARKET.] + +Thalcave took upon himself the negotiation, which was not long. In +return for seven small Argentine horses, all saddled, a hundred pounds +of dried meat, a few measures of rice, and some leathern bottles for +water, the Indians received twenty ounces of gold, the value of which +they perfectly understood. Glenarvan would have bought another horse +for the Patagonian, but he intimated that it was unnecessary. + +[Illustration] + +The bargain concluded, Glenarvan took leave of his new "providers," as +Paganel expressed it, and returned to the encampment. His arrival was +welcomed by cries of joy at sight of the provisions and horses. Every +one ate with avidity. Robert partook of some nourishment; he had almost +entirely regained his strength, and the remainder of the day was passed +in perfect rest. Various subjects were alluded to: the absent dear +ones, the Duncan, Captain Mangles, his brave crew, and Harry Grant who +was, perhaps, not far distant. + +As for Paganel, he did not leave the Indian. He became Thalcave's +shadow, and could not remain quiet in the presence of a real +Patagonian, in comparison with whom he would have passed for a dwarf. +He overwhelmed the grave Indian with Spanish phrases, to which the +latter quietly listened. The geographer studied this time without a +book, and was often heard repeating words aloud. + +"If I do not get the accent," said he to the major, "you must not be +angry with me. Who would have thought that one day a Patagonian would +teach me Spanish!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +NEWS OF THE LOST CAPTAIN. + + +At eight o'clock the next morning Thalcave gave the signal for +departure. The slope was gradual, and the travelers had only to descend +a gentle declivity to the sea. + +When the Patagonian declined the horse that Glenarvan offered him, the +latter thought that he preferred to go on foot, according to the custom +of certain guides; and indeed, his long legs ought to have made walking +easy. But he was mistaken. + +At the moment of departure Thalcave whistled in a peculiar manner. +Immediately a magnificent Argentine horse, of superb form, issued from +a small wood near by, and approached at the call of his master. The +animal was perfectly beautiful. His brown color indicated a sound, +spirited and courageous beast. He had a small and elegantly poised +head, widely opening nostrils, a fiery eye, large hams, swelling +withers, broad breast, long pasterns, in short, all the qualities that +constitute strength and suppleness. The major, like a perfect horseman, +admired unreservedly this specimen of the horses of the plains. This +beautiful creature was called Thaouka, which means "bird" in the +Patagonian language, and he justly merited this appellation. + +[Sidenote: A FRESH START.] + +When Thalcave was in the saddle, the horse pranced with spirited grace, +and the Patagonian, a skillful rider, was magnificent to behold. His +outfit comprised two weapons of the chase, the "bolas" and the lasso. +The bolas consists of three balls tied together by a leathern string, +which are fastened to the front of the saddle. The Indians frequently +throw them the distance of a hundred paces at the animal or enemy that +they are pursuing, and with such precision that they twist about their +legs and bring them to the ground. It is, therefore, in their hands a +formidable instrument, and they handle it with surprising dexterity. +The lasso, on the contrary, does not leave the hand that wields it. It +consists simply of a leathern thong thirty feet in length, terminating +in a slip-noose which works upon an iron ring. The right hand throws +the slip-noose, while the left hand holds the remainder of the lasso, +the end of which is firmly tied to the saddle. A long carbine in a +sling completed the Patagonian's armament. + +Thalcave, without observing the admiration caused by his natural +grace, ease and courage, took the lead, and the party advanced, now +at a gallop, and now at a walk, for their horses seemed entirely +unaccustomed to trotting. Robert mounted with much boldness, and +speedily convinced Glenarvan of his ability to keep his seat. + +On issuing from the gorges of the Andes, they encountered a great +number of sand-ridges, called "medanos," real waves incessantly +agitated by the wind, when the roots of the herbage did not confine +them to the earth. This sand is of an extreme fineness; and, at the +least breath, they saw it float away in light clouds, or form regular +sand-columns which rose to a considerable height. This spectacle caused +pleasure as well as annoyance to the eyes. Pleasure, for nothing was +more curious than these columns, wandering over the plain, struggling, +mingling, sinking and rising in inexpressible confusion; and annoyance, +since an impalpable dust emanated from these innumerable medanos and +penetrated the eyelids, however tightly they were closed. + +[Illustration] + +This phenomenon continued during a great part of the day. Nevertheless, +they advanced rapidly, and towards six o'clock the Andes, forty miles +distant, presented a darkish aspect already fading in the mists of the +evening. + +The travelers were a little fatigued with their journey, and, +therefore, saw with pleasure the approach of the hour for retiring. +They encamped on the shores of a turbulent stream, enclosed by lofty +red cliffs. Toward noon of the next day, the sun's rays became very +oppressive, and at evening a line of clouds on the horizon indicated +a change in the weather. The Patagonian could not be deceived, and +pointed out to the geographer the western portion of the sky. + +"Good, I know," said Paganel, and addressing his companions: "A change +in the weather is about to take place. We shall have a 'pampero.'" + +[Sidenote: TALKING LIKE A BOOK.] + +He explained that this pampero is frequent on the Argentine Plains. It +is a very dry wind from the southwest. Thalcave was not mistaken, and +during the night, which was quite uncomfortable for people sheltered +with a simple poncho, the wind blew with great violence. The horses lay +down on the ground, and the men near them in a close group. Glenarvan +feared they would be delayed if the storm continued; but Paganel +reassured him after consulting his barometer. + +"Ordinarily," said he, "this wind creates tempests, which last for +three days; but when the barometer rises as it does now, you are free +from these furious hurricanes in a few hours. Be assured, then, my dear +friend; at break of day the sky will have resumed its usual clearness." + +"You talk like a book, Paganel," replied Glenarvan. + +"And I am one," replied Paganel, "which you are free to consult as much +as you please." + +He was not mistaken. At one o'clock in the morning the wind suddenly +subsided, and every one was able to enjoy an invigorating sleep. The +next morning they rose bright and fresh, especially Paganel, who +displayed great cheerfulness and animation. + +During this passage across the continent, Lord Glenarvan watched with +scrupulous attention for the approach of the natives. He wished to +question them concerning Captain Grant, by the aid of the Patagonian, +with whom Paganel had begun to converse considerably. But they +followed a path little frequented by the Indians, for the trails over +the Pampas, which lead from the Argentine Republic to the Andes, are +situated too far to the north. If by chance a wandering horseman +appeared in the distance, he fled rapidly away, little caring to come +in contact with strangers. + +However, although Glenarvan, in the interest of his search, regretted +the absence of the Indians, an incident took place which singularly +justified the interpretation of the document. + +Several times the course pursued by the expedition crossed paths on +the Pampas, among others quite an important road--that from Carmen to +Mendoza--distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun. There were thousands of them, and, without +doubt, more than one human skeleton had added its bones to those of +these humbler animals. + +Hitherto Thalcave had made no remark concerning the line so rigorously +followed. He understood, however, that if they kept no definite +course over the Pampas, they would not come to cities or villages. +Every morning they advanced towards the rising sun, without deviating +from the straight line, and every evening the setting sun was behind +them. In his capacity of guide, Thalcave must, therefore, have been +astonished to see that not only he did not guide them, but that they +guided him. Nevertheless, if he was astonished, with the reserve +natural to the Indians he made no remark. But to-day arriving at the +above-mentioned road, he stopped his horse, and turned towards Paganel. + +"Road to Carmen," said he. + +"Yes, my good Patagonian," replied the geographer, in his purest +Spanish; "road to Carmen and Mendoza." + +"We do not take it?" resumed Thalcave. + +"No," answered Paganel. + +"And we are going----?" + +"Always to the east." + +"That is going nowhere." + +"Who knows?" + +Thalcave was silent, and gazed at the geographer with profound +surprise. He did not admit, however, that Paganel was joking the least +in the world. An Indian, with his natural seriousness, never imagines +that you are not speaking in earnest. + +"You are not going to Carmen then?" he added, after an instant of +silence. + +[Sidenote: A PROFESSORIAL DIFFICULTY.] + +"No," replied Paganel. + +"Nor to Mendoza?" + +"No." + +At this moment Glenarvan, rejoining Paganel, asked what Thalcave said, +and why he had stopped. + +When he had told him, Glenarvan said,-- + +"Could you not explain to him the object of our expedition, and why we +must always proceed toward the east?" + +"That would be very difficult," answered Paganel, "for an Indian +understands nothing of geography." + +"But," said the major seriously, "is it the history, or the historian, +that he cannot understand?" + +"Ah, MacNabb," said Paganel, "you still doubt my Spanish!" + +"Try, my worthy friend." + +"Very well." + +Paganel turned to the Patagonian, and began a discourse, frequently +interrupted for want of words and from the difficulty of explaining to +a half-ignorant savage details which were rather incomprehensible to +him. + +The geographer was just then a curious sight. He gesticulated, +articulated, and exerted himself in a hundred ways, while great +drops of sweat rolled down his face. When his tongue could no longer +move, his arm came to his aid. He dismounted, and traced on the +sand a geographical map, with lines of latitude and longitude, the +two oceans, and the road to Carmen. Never was professor in such +embarrassment. Thalcave watched these manoeuvres without showing whether +he comprehended or not. + +The lesson in geography lasted more than half an hour. At last Paganel +ceased, wiped his face, which was wet with perspiration, and looked at +the Patagonian. + +"Did he understand?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"We shall see," replied Paganel; "but, if he did not, I give it up." + +[Sidenote: "PERHAPS!"] + +Thalcave did not stir. He no longer spoke. His eyes were fixed upon +the figures traced on the sand, which the wind was gradually effacing. + +[Illustration: An important road--that from Carmen to +Mendoza--distinguishable by the bones of such animals as mules, horses, +sheep and oxen, whose remains were scattered by the birds of prey, and +lay bleaching in the sun.] + +"Well?" asked Paganel. + +Thalcave did not appear to hear him. Paganel already saw an ironical +smile forming upon the lips of the major, and, wishing to save +his reputation, had begun with renewed energy his geographical +demonstrations, when the Patagonian stopped him with a gesture. + +"You are searching for a prisoner?" he said. + +"Yes," replied Paganel. + +"And exactly on the line from the setting to the rising sun?" said +Thalcave, indicating by a comparison, in the Indian manner, the course +from west to east. + +"Yes, yes, that is it!" + +"And it is your God," said the Patagonian, "who has confided to the +waves of the vast ocean the secrets of the prisoner?" + +"God himself." + +"May his will be accomplished then!" replied Thalcave, with a certain +solemnity. "We will go to the east, and, if necessary, even to the sun." + +Paganel, in his exultation over his pupil, immediately translated to +his companions the replies of the Indian. + +Glenarvan requested Paganel to ask the Patagonian if he had heard +of any strangers falling into the hands of the Indians, which was +accordingly done. + +"Perhaps," replied the Patagonian. + +As soon as this word was translated, Thalcave was surrounded by the +seven travelers, who gazed at him with questioning looks. Paganel, +excited and scarcely finding his words, resumed these interesting +interrogatories, while his eyes, fixed upon the grave Indian, strove +to anticipate his reply before it issued from his lips. Every word the +Patagonian said he repeated in English, so that his companions heard +the Indian speak, as it were, in their own language. + +"And this prisoner?" inquired Paganel. + +"He was a stranger," replied Thalcave slowly; "a European." + +"You have seen him?" + +"No, but he is mentioned in the accounts of the Indians. He was a brave +man." + +"You understand, my friends," said Paganel; "a courageous man!" + +"My father!" cried Robert Grant. + +Then, addressing Paganel: + +"How do you say 'It is my father,' in Spanish?" he asked. + +"_Es mio padre_," answered the geographer. + +Immediately Robert, taking Thalcave's hands, said in a sweet voice,-- + +"_Es mio padre!_" + +"_Suo padre!_" replied the Patagonian, whose look brightened. + +He took the boy in his arms, lifted him from his horse, and gazed at +him with the most curious sympathy. His intelligent countenance became +suffused with a peaceful emotion. + +But Paganel had not finished his inquiries. Where was this prisoner? +What was he doing? When had Thalcave heard of him? All these questions +thronged his mind at once. He did not have to wait long for answers, +but learnt that the European was a slave of one of the Indian tribes +that scour the plains. + +"But where was he last?" asked Paganel. + +"With the cazique Calfoucoura," answered Thalcave. + +"On the line we have been following?" + +"Yes." + +"And who is this cazique?" + +"The chief of the Poyuches Indians; a man with two tongues and two +hearts." + +[Sidenote: A SCIENTIFIC BATH.] + +"That is to say, false in word and in deed," said Paganel, after +translating to his companions this beautiful metaphor of the Indian +language. "And can we rescue our friend?" he added. + +"Perhaps so, if your friend is still in the hands of the Indians." + +"And when did you hear of him?" + +"A long time ago, and, since then, the sun has brought back two summers +to the sky." + +Glenarvan's joy could not be described. This answer coincided exactly +with the date of the document. But one question remained to be asked. + +"You speak of a prisoner," said Paganel; "but were there not three?" + +"I do not know," replied Thalcave. + +"And you know nothing of their actual situation?" + +"Nothing." + +This last word ended the conversation. It was possible that the three +prisoners had been separated a long time. But the substance of the +Patagonian's information was that the Indians spoke of a European who +had fallen into their power. The date of his captivity, the place where +he must have been, everything, even to the Patagonian phrase used to +express his courage, related evidently to Captain Harry Grant. + +Their progress was now somewhat slow and difficult; their next object +being to reach and cross the river Colorado, to which at length +their horses brought them. Here Paganel's first care was to bathe +"geographically" in its waters, which are colored by a reddish clay. He +was surprised to find the depth so great as it really was, this being +the result of the snow having melted rapidly under the first heat of +summer. The width likewise of this stream was so considerable that it +was almost impossible for their horses to swim across; but they happily +discovered a sort of weir-bridge, of wattles looped and fastened +together, which the Indians were in the habit of using; and by its aid +the little troop was enabled to pass over to the left bank, where they +rested for the night. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +A SERIOUS NECESSITY. + + +They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk pace among +the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the Indians +as a shelter during the storms. At certain distances, but less and +less frequent, pools of shallow water contributed to the growth of +willows and a certain plant which is found in the neighborhood of +fresh water. Here the horses drank their fill, to fortify themselves +for the journey. Thalcave, who rode in advance, beat the bushes, and +thus frightened away the "cholinas" (vipers), while the agile Thaouka +bounded over all obstacles, and aided his master in clearing a passage +for the horses that followed. + +[Illustration: They set out at daybreak. The horses advanced at a brisk +pace among the tufts of "paja-brava," a kind of grass that serves the +Indians as a shelter during the storms.] + +Early in the afternoon, the first traces of animals were +encountered--the bones of an innumerable drove of cattle, in whitened +heaps. These fragments did not extend in a winding line, such as +animals exhausted and falling one by one would leave behind them. Thus +no one, not even Paganel, knew how to explain this chain of skeletons +in a space comparatively circumscribed. He therefore questioned +Thalcave, who was not at a loss for a reply. + +"What is this?" they asked, after Paganel had inquired of the Indian. + +"The fire of heaven," replied the geographer. + +"What! the lightning could not have produced such a disaster," said Tom +Austin, "and stretched five hundred head of cattle on the earth!" + +But Thalcave reaffirmed it, and he was not mistaken; for the storms of +the Pampas are noted for their violence. + +At evening they stopped at an abandoned rancho, made of interlaced +branches plastered with mud and covered with thatch. This structure +stood within an inclosure of half-rotten stakes which, however, +sufficed to protect the horses during the night against the attacks of +the foxes. Not that they had anything to fear personally from these +animals, but the malicious beasts gnawed the halters, so that the +horses could escape. + +A few paces from the rancho, a hole was dug which served as a kitchen +and contained half-cooled embers. Within, there was a bench, a bed of +ox-hide, a saucepan, a spit, and a pot for boiling mate. The mate is +a drink very much in use in South America. It is the Indian's tea, +consisting of a decoction of leaves dried in the fire, and is imbibed +through a straw. At Paganel's request, Thalcave prepared several +cups of this beverage, which very agreeably accompanied the ordinary +eatables, and was declared excellent. + +[Sidenote: A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE.] + +The next day they resumed their journey towards the east. About noon +a change took place in the appearance of the Pampas, which could +not escape eyes wearied with its monotony. The grass became more and +more scanty, and gave place to sickly burdocks and gigantic thistles; +while stunted nettles and other thorny shrubs grew here and there. +Heretofore, a certain moisture, preserved by the clay of the prairie, +freshened the meadows; the vegetation was thick and luxuriant. But now +a patchy growth, bare in many places, exposed the earth, and indicated +the poverty of the soil. These signs of increasing dryness could not be +mistaken, and Thalcave called attention to them. + +[Illustration] + +"I am not sorry at this change," said Tom Austin; "to see always grass, +nothing but grass, becomes tiresome before long." + +"But where there is grass there is water," replied the major. + +"Oh, we are not in want," said Wilson, "and shall find some river on +our course." + +However, when Wilson said that the supply of water would not fail +he had not calculated for the unquenchable thirst that consumed his +companions all that day; and, when he added that they would meet with +some stream in their journey he had anticipated too much. Indeed, not +only were rivers wanting, but even the artificial wells dug by the +Indians were empty. On seeing these indications of dryness increase +from mile to mile, Paganel asked Thalcave where he expected to find +water. + +"At Lake Salinas," replied the Indian. + +"And when shall we arrive there?" + +"To-morrow evening." + +The natives ordinarily, when they travel on the Pampas, dig wells, and +find water a few feet below the surface; but the travelers, destitute +of the necessary implements, could not employ this expedient. It was +therefore necessary to obtain a supply in some other way, for, if they +did not absolutely suffer from the tormenting desire for drink, no one +could entirely allay his thirst. + +At evening they halted, after a journey of thirty miles. Every one +relied upon a good night to recruit himself after the fatigues of +the day; but they were greatly annoyed by a very persistent swarm of +mosquitoes, which disappeared, however, after the wind changed. + +If the major preserved his calmness in the midst of the petty +annoyances of life, Paganel, on the contrary, could not treat the +matter so indifferently. He fought the mosquitoes, and sadly regretted +the absence of his acid-water, which would have soothed the pain of +their bites. Although the major endeavored to console him, he awoke in +a very bad humor. + +However, he was very easily persuaded to set out at daybreak, for it +was important to arrive at Lake Salinas the same day. The horses were +very much exhausted: they were dying of thirst; and, although their +riders had denied themselves on their account, still their share of +water had been very limited. The dryness was to-day even greater, and +the heat no less intolerable, with the dusty wind, the simoom of the +Pampas. + +[Sidenote: INDIANS AHEAD!] + +During the day the monotony of the journey was interrupted. Mulready, +who rode in advance, turned back, signaling the approach of a party of +Indians. This meeting elicited different opinions. Glenarvan thought +of the information that these natives might furnish concerning the +shipwrecked seamen of the Britannia. Thalcave, for his part, scarcely +enjoyed meeting in his journey the wandering Indians of the plains. +He considered them plunderers and robbers, and only sought to avoid +them. According to his orders, the little party collected together, and +made ready their fire-arms. It was necessary to be prepared for any +emergency. + +The Indian detachment was soon perceived. It consisted of only ten +men, which fact reassured the Patagonian. They approached within a +hundred paces, so that they could be easily distinguished. Their high +foreheads, prominent rather than receding, their tall forms, and their +olive color, showed them to be magnificent types of the Indian race. +They were clad in the skins of guanacos, and carried various weapons of +war and the chase, while their dexterity in horsemanship was remarkable. + +[Illustration] + +Having halted, they appeared to hold a conference, crying and +gesticulating. Glenarvan advanced toward them; but he had not proceeded +two yards, when the detachment wheeled about and disappeared with +incredible swiftness. The tired horses of the travelers could never +have overtaken them. + +"The cowards!" cried Paganel. + +"They fly too fast for honest men," said MacNabb. + +"What are these Indians?" inquired Paganel of Thalcave. + +"Gauchos!" replied the Patagonian. + +"Gauchos!" repeated Paganel, turning toward his companions, "Gauchos! +We had no need, then, to take such precautions. There was nothing to +fear!" + +"Why?" asked the major. + +"Because the Gauchos are inoffensive peasants." + +"Do you think so, Paganel?" + +"Certainly. They took us for robbers, and fled." + +Glenarvan was quite disappointed in not speaking with them, as he +expected to obtain additional tidings of the lost sailors; but it +was necessary to push on, if they would reach their destination that +evening. + +At eight o'clock Thalcave, who had gone a little in advance, announced +that the lake so long desired was in sight. A quarter of an hour +afterward the little party descended the high banks. But here a serious +disappointment awaited them,--the lake was dry! + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +IN SEARCH OF WATER. + + +Lake Salinas terminates the cluster of lagoons that adjoin the Ventana +and Guamini mountains. Numerous expeditions are made to this place +to obtain supplies of salt, with which these waters are strongly +impregnated. But now the water had evaporated under the heat of the +sun, and the lake was only a vast glittering basin. + +When Thalcave announced the presence of a drinkable liquid at Lake +Salinas, he meant the streams of fresh water that flow from it in +many places. But at this time its affluents were as dry as itself. +The burning sun had absorbed everything. Hence, the consternation was +general when the thirsty party arrived at the parched shores of Lake +Salinas. + +It was necessary to take counsel. The little water in the leathern +bottles was half spoiled, and could not quench their thirst, which +began to make itself acutely felt. Hunger and fatigue gave place to +this imperative want. A "roukah," a kind of upright tent, of leather, +which stood in a hollow, and had been abandoned by the natives, served +as a refuge for the travelers, while their horses, stretched on the +muddy shores of the lake, ate the saline plants and dry reeds, although +reluctantly. + +When each had sat down in the roukah, Paganel asked Thalcave's advice +as to what was best to be done. A rapid conversation, of which +Glenarvan caught a few words, ensued between the geographer and the +Indian. Thalcave spoke calmly, while Paganel gesticulated for both. +This consultation lasted a few minutes, and then the Patagonian folded +his arms. + +"What did he say?" inquired Glenarvan. "I thought I understood him to +advise us to separate." + +"Yes, into two parties," replied Paganel. "Those of us whose horses are +so overcome with fatigue and thirst that they can scarcely move will +continue the journey as well as possible. Those who are better mounted, +on the contrary, will ride in advance, and reconnoitre the Guamini +River, which empties into Lake San Lucas. If there is sufficient water +there, they will wait for their companions on the banks of the stream; +if not, they will return to save the rest a useless journey." + +"And then?" asked Tom Austin. + +"Then we must go southward to the first branches of the Ventana +mountains, where the rivers are numerous." + +"The plan is good," replied Glenarvan, "and we will follow it without +delay. My horse has not suffered so much yet from want of water, and I +offer to accompany Thalcave." + +"Oh, my lord, take me!" cried Robert, as if a pleasure excursion were +in question. + +"But can you keep up with us, my child?" + +"Yes, I have a good beast that asks nothing better than to go in +advance. Will you, my lord? I beseech you!" + +"Come then, my boy," said Glenarvan, delighted not to be separated from +Robert. "And we three," he added, "will be very stupid if we do not +discover some clear and fresh stream." + +"And I?" said Paganel. + +"Oh, you, my dear Paganel!" replied the major, "you will remain with +the reserve detachment. You know the course, the Guamini River, and the +Pampas, too well to abandon us. Neither Wilson, Mulready, nor myself +are capable of rejoining Thalcave at his rendezvous, unless we advance +confidently under the guidance of the brave Jacques Paganel." + +[Illustration: "Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you +when you have found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand +and pressed it to his lips.] + +"I resign," said the geographer, very much flattered to obtain a higher +command. + +"But no distractions!" added the major. "Do not lead us where we have +nothing to do, and bring us back to the shores of the Pacific!" + +"You would deserve it, my intolerable major," said Paganel, smiling. +"But tell me, my dear Glenarvan, how will you understand Thalcave's +language?" + +"I suppose," answered Glenarvan, "that the Patagonian and I will not +need to talk. Besides, with the few Spanish words that I know, I shall +succeed well enough on an emergency in giving him my opinion and +understanding his." + +"Go then, my worthy friend," replied Paganel. + +"Let us eat first," said Glenarvan, "and sleep till the hour of +departure." + +They ate supper without drink, which was rather unrefreshing, and then +fell asleep. Paganel dreamed of torrents, cascades, streams, rivers, +ponds, brooks, nay even full bottles, in short, of everything which +generally contains water. It was a real nightmare. + +The next morning at six o'clock the horses were saddled. They gave them +the last drink of water left, which they took with more dislike than +pleasure, for it was very nauseating. The three horsemen then mounted. + +"_Au revoir!_" said the major, Austin, Wilson, and Mulready. + +Soon the Patagonian, Glenarvan, and Robert (not without a certain +throbbing of the heart) lost sight of the detachment confided to the +sagacity of the geographer. + +[Sidenote: THE YOUNG SAILOR ON HORSEBACK.] + +Thalcave was right in first proceeding towards the Guamini, since this +stream lay on the prescribed course, and was the nearest. The three +horses galloped briskly forward. These excellent beasts perceived, +doubtless, by instinct, whither their masters were guiding them. +Thaouka, especially, showed a spirit that neither fatigue nor thirst +could overcome. The other horses followed, at a slower pace, but +incited by his example. + +The Patagonian frequently turned his head to look at Robert Grant, and, +seeing the young boy firm and erect, in an easy and graceful position, +testified his satisfaction by a word of encouragement. + +"Bravo, Robert!" said Glenarvan. "Thalcave seems to congratulate you. +He praises you, my boy!" + +"And why, my lord?" + +"Because of the way you ride." + +"Oh, I merely keep firm; that is all," replied Robert, who blushed with +pleasure at hearing himself complimented. + +"That is the main point, Robert," said Glenarvan; "but you are too +modest, and I am sure you cannot fail to become an accomplished +equestrian." + +"Well," said Robert, "but what will papa say, who wishes to make a +sailor of me?" + +"The one does not interfere with the other. If all horsemen do not make +good sailors, all sailors may certainly make good horsemen. To ride on +the yards, you must learn to keep yourself firm. As for knowing how to +manage your horse, that comes more easily." + +"Poor father!" exclaimed Robert; "how he will thank you when you have +found him!" And, so saying, he took his lordship's hand and pressed it +to his lips. + +"You love him well, Robert?" + +"Yes, my lord; he was so kind to sister and me. He thought only of us, +and every voyage brought us a memento of the countries he visited, and, +what was better, tender caresses and kind words, on his return. Ah! +you will love him too, when you know him! Mary resembles him. He has a +sweet voice like her. It is singular for a sailor, is it not?" + +"Yes, very singular, Robert," said Glenarvan. + +"I see him still," replied the boy, as if speaking to himself. "Good +and brave papa! He rocked me to sleep on his knees, when I was little, +and kept humming an old Scottish song which is sung around the lakes of +our country. I sometimes recall the air, but indistinctly. How we loved +him, my lord! Well, I think one must be very young to love his father +well." + +"And old to reverence him, my child," replied Glenarvan, quite moved by +the words that came from this young heart. + +During this conversation, their horses had relaxed their pace and +fallen behind the other; but Thalcave called them, and they resumed +their former gait. It was soon evident, however, that, with the +exception of Thaouka, the horses could not long maintain this speed. At +noon it was necessary to give them an hour's rest. + +Glenarvan grew uneasy. The signs of dryness did not diminish, and the +want of water might result in disastrous consequences. Thalcave said +nothing, but probably thought that if the Guamini was dry it would then +be time to despair, if indeed an Indian's heart has ever experienced +such an emotion. + +They therefore kept on, and by use of whip and spur the horses were +induced to continue their journey, but they could not quicken their +pace. Thalcave might easily have gone ahead, for in a few hours Thaouka +could have carried him to the banks of the stream. He doubtless thought +of it, but probably did not like to leave his two companions alone in +the midst of this desert, and, that he might not outstrip them, he +forced Thaouka to lessen his speed. It was not, however, without much +resistance, prancing and neighing, that Thalcave's horse consented to +keep pace with the others. It was not so much the strength as the voice +of his master which restrained him; the Indian actually talked to his +horse; and the animal, if he did not answer, at least comprehended +him. The Patagonian must have used excellent arguments, for, after +"discussing" some time, Thaouka yielded, and obeyed his master's +commands. + +[Sidenote: GAINED AT LAST.] + +But, if Thaouka understood Thalcave, Thalcave had none the less +understood Thaouka. The intelligent animal, through his superior +instincts, had perceived a moisture in the air. He inhaled it eagerly, +and kept moving his tongue, as if it were steeped in a grateful liquid. +The Patagonian could not be deceived; water was not far distant. + +He therefore encouraged his companions by explaining the impatience of +his horse, which the others were not long in understanding. They made a +final effort, and galloped after the Indian. + +About three o'clock a bright line appeared in a hollow of the plain. It +trembled under the rays of the sun. + +"Water!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Water, yes, water!" cried Robert. + +They had no more need to urge their horses. The poor beasts, feeling +their strength renewed, rushed forward with an irresistible eagerness. +In a few moments they had reached the Guamini River, and, saddled as +they were, plunged to their breasts into the cooling stream. Their +masters imitated their example, without reluctance, and took an +afternoon bath which was as healthful as it was pleasant. + +[Illustration] + +"Ah, how good it is!" said Robert, as he quenched his thirst in the +middle of the river. + +"Be moderate, my boy," said Glenarvan, who did not set a good example. + +Nothing was heard but the sound of rapid drinking. As for Thalcave, +he drank quietly, without hurrying, long and deeply, till they might +perhaps fear that the stream would be drained. + +"Well," said Glenarvan, "our friends will not be disappointed in their +expectations. They are sure, on arriving at the Guamini, to find an +abundance of clear water, if Thalcave leaves any!" + +"But could we not go to meet them?" asked Robert. "We could spare them +several hours of anxiety." + +"Doubtless, my boy; but how carry the water? Wilson has charge of the +water-bottles. No, it is better to wait, as we agreed. Calculating the +necessary time, and the slow pace of the horses, our friends will be +here at night. Let us, then, prepare them a safe shelter and a good +repast." + +Thalcave had not waited for Glenarvan's orders to search for a place +to encamp. He had very fortunately found on the banks of the river a +"ramada," a kind of inclosure designed for a cattle-fold and shut in +on three sides. The situation was excellent for the purpose, so long +as one did not fear to sleep in the open air; and that was the least +anxiety of Thalcave's companions. Thus they did not seek a better +retreat, but stretched themselves on the ground in the sun to dry their +water-soaked garments. + +"Well, since here is shelter," said Glenarvan, "let us think of supper. +Our friends must be satisfied with the couriers whom they have sent +forward; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, they will have no reason +to complain. I think an hour's hunting will not be time lost. Are you +ready, Robert?" + +"Yes, my lord," replied he, with gun in hand. + +[Sidenote: AN EVENING'S SPORT.] + +Glenarvan had conceived this idea because the banks of the Guamini +seemed to be the haunt of the game of the surrounding plains. +"Tinamous," a kind of partridge, plovers called "teru-teru," yellow +rails, and water-fowl of magnificent green were seen rising in flocks. +As for quadrupeds, they did not make their appearance; but Thalcave, +pointing to the tall grass and thick coppice, explained that they +were hidden there. The hunters had only to take a few steps to find +themselves in one of the best game-coverts in the world. + +[Illustration] + +They began to hunt, therefore, and, disdaining the feathered tribe, +their first attempts were made upon the large game of the Pampas. Soon +hares and guanacos, like those that had attacked them so violently on +the Andes, started up before them by hundreds; but these very timid +animals fled with such swiftness that it was impossible to come within +gun-shot. The hunters, therefore, attacked other game that was less +fleet. A dozen partridges and rails were brought down, and Glenarvan +shot a peccary, which was very good eating. + +In less than half an hour they had obtained without difficulty all the +game they needed. Robert captured a curious animal called an armadillo, +which was covered with a sort of helmet of movable bony pieces and +measured a foot and a half in length. It was very fat, and would be an +excellent dish, as the Patagonian said; while Robert was proud of his +success. + +As for Thalcave, he showed his companions a "nandou" hunt. This bird, +peculiar to the Pampas, is a kind of ostrich, whose swiftness is +marvelous. + +The Indian did not try to decoy so nimble an animal, but urged his +horse to a gallop, straight towards the bird, so as to overtake it +at once, for, if the first attack should fail, the nandou would soon +fatigue both horse and rider with its giddy backward and forward +movements. + +Thalcave, arriving at a proper distance, launched his "bolas" with a +strong hand, and so skillfully that they twisted about the legs of +the ostrich and paralyzed its efforts. In a few moments it lay on +the ground. The Indian soon captured his prize and contributed it +to the common repast. The string of partridges, Thalcave's ostrich, +Glenarvan's peccary, and Robert's armadillo were brought back to camp. +The ostrich and the peccary were immediately stripped of their skin +and cut into small slices. As for the armadillo, it is a dainty animal +which carries its roasting dish with it, and it was, accordingly, +placed in its own bony covering on the glowing embers. + +The three hunters were satisfied with the partridges for supper, and +kept the rounds of beef for their friends. This repast was washed down +with clear water, which was then considered superior to all the wines +in the world. + +The horses were not forgotten. A great quantity of dry fodder, piled in +the ramada, served them for food and bedding. + +[Sidenote: DESERT SILENCE.] + +When everything was ready, Glenarvan, Robert, and the Indian wrapped +themselves in their ponchos, and stretched their limbs on a bundle of +alfafares, the usual bed of the hunters of the Pampas. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE RED WOLVES. + + +Night came,--the night of the new moon, only the uncertain light of +the stars illumined the plain. On the horizon the zodiacal light faded +away in a dark mist. The waters of the Guamini flowed without a murmur, +while birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles reposed after the fatigues of +the day. The silence of the desert reigned on the vast expanse of the +Pampas. + +Glenarvan, Robert, and Thalcave had yielded to the common law, and, +stretched on their thick beds of grass, they enjoyed a refreshing +sleep. The horses, overcome with fatigue, had lain down on the ground: +Thaouka alone, like a true blooded horse, slept standing, spirited in +repose as in action, and ready to start at the least sign from his +master. Perfect tranquillity reigned within the inclosure, and the +embers of the night-fire, as they gradually died out, cast their last +rays over the silent obscurity. + +About ten o'clock, after a short sleep, the Indian awoke. His eyes +became fixed beneath his lowered eyebrows, and his head was turned in a +listening attitude towards the plain. He seemed endeavoring to detect +some scarcely perceptible sound. A vague uneasiness was soon expressed +on his face, usually so calm. Had he perceived the approach of prowling +Indians, or the coming of jaguars, water-tigers, and other formidable +beasts which are numerous in the neighborhood of rivers? This last +possibility doubtless appeared plausible to him, for he cast a rapid +glance over the combustible materials piled in the inclosure, and his +anxiety increased. In fact, all this dry bedding would quickly be +consumed, and could not long intimidate the audacious animals. + +According to this conjecture, Thalcave had only to await the progress +of events, which he did, half reclining, his head resting on his hands, +his elbows on his knees, his eyes motionless, in the attitude of a man +whom a sudden anxiety has awakened from sleep. + +An hour passed. Any other person but Thalcave, reassured by the outward +silence, would have lain down again. But where a stranger would have +suspected nothing, the highly-trained senses and natural instinct of +the Indian foresaw the coming danger. + +While he was listening and watching, Thaouka gave a low neigh. His +nose was stretched towards the entrance to the ramada. The Patagonian +suddenly started. + +"Thaouka has scented some enemy," said he. + +He arose and scanned the plain attentively. Silence still reigned, but +not tranquillity. Thalcave discerned shadows moving noiselessly among +the tufts of grass. Here and there glittered luminous points, which +spread on all sides, now fading away, and now gleaming forth again. You +would have thought fantastic elves were dancing on the surface of an +immense lagoon. A stranger would doubtless have taken these flitting +sparks for glow-worms, which shine, when night comes, in many parts of +the Pampas. But Thalcave was not deceived; he knew with what enemies he +had to deal. He loaded his carbine, and took a position near the first +stakes of the inclosure. + +He did not wait long. A strange cry, a mingling of barks and howls, +resounded over the plain. The report of the carbine answered it, +and was followed by a hundred frightful yelps. Glenarvan and Robert +suddenly awoke. + +[Sidenote: FEARFUL ODDS.] + +"What is the matter?" asked Robert. + +"Indians?" said Glenarvan. + +"No," replied Thalcave, "aguaras." + +Robert looked at Glenarvan. + +"Aguaras?" said he. + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "the red wolves of the Pampas." + +Both seized their weapons, and joined the Indian. The latter pointed +to the plain, from which arose a series of formidable howls. Robert +involuntarily took a step backward. + +"You are not afraid of the wolves, my boy?" said Glenarvan. + +"No, my lord," replied Robert, in a firm tone. "With you I fear +nothing." + +"So much the better. These aguaras are not very formidable beasts; and +were it not for their numbers I should not even think of them." + +"What does it matter?" replied Robert. "We are well armed. Let them +come." + +"And they shall be well received." + +Speaking thus, Glenarvan endeavored to reassure the lad; but he did +not think without a secret terror of that dense horde of exasperated +beasts. Perhaps there were hundreds of them; and these three, however +well armed, could not advantageously contend against so many and such +antagonists. + +By the howls that resounded over the Pampas, and by the multitude of +shadows that flitted about the plain, Glenarvan could not be mistaken +as to the number. These animals had scented a sure prey, horse-flesh or +human flesh, and not one among them would return to his lair without +having his portion. The situation was, therefore, very alarming. + +Meanwhile the circle of wolves grew gradually narrower. The horses, +awakened, gave signs of the liveliest terror. Thaouka alone pawed the +ground, seeking to break his halter, and ready to rush out. His master +succeeded in calming him only by whistling continually. + +Glenarvan and Robert had stationed themselves so as to defend the +entrance of the ramada, and with their loaded rifles were about to fire +at the first ranks of wolves, when Thalcave turned aside their weapons +already poised for a shot. + +"What does Thalcave wish?" asked Robert. + +"He prohibits us from firing," answered Glenarvan. + +"Why?" + +"Perhaps he does not consider it the proper time." + +This was not, however, the motive which actuated the Indian, but a +graver reason, which Glenarvan understood when Thalcave, raising his +powder-flask and inverting it, showed that it was almost empty. + +"Well?" said Robert. + +"We must economize our ammunition. Our hunt to-day has cost us dear, +and we are deficient in powder and shot. We have not twenty charges +left." + +The boy answered nothing. + +"You are not afraid, Robert?" + +"No, my lord." + +"Very well, my boy." + +At this moment another report resounded. Thalcave had brought down a +too bold enemy. The wolves that were advancing in close ranks recoiled, +and gathered together again a hundred paces from the inclosure. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST HOUR.] + +Glenarvan, at a sign from the Indian, took his place at once, while the +latter, collecting the bedding, grass, and all combustible materials, +piled them at the entrance of the ramada and threw on a burning ember. +Soon a curtain of flame was defined against the dark background of the +sky, and through the openings the plain appeared illumined by great +moving reflections. Glenarvan could therefore judge of the great number +of animals against which they had to defend themselves. Never had so +many wolves been seen together before, nor so excited by rapacity. The +fiery barrier that Thalcave had just opposed to them had redoubled +their fury. Some, however, advanced to the very fire, crowded by +the rear ranks, and burned their paws. From time to time a shot was +necessary to check the howling horde, and at the end of an hour fifteen +bodies lay on the prairie. + +The besieged were now in a situation relatively less dangerous. So long +as their supplies lasted, so long as the barrier of fire stood at the +entrance to the ramada, invasion was not to be feared. But what was to +be done if all these methods of repelling the wolves should fail at the +same time? + +Glenarvan gazed at Robert, and felt his heart beat quick with +excitement. He forgot himself, and thought only of this poor child, who +displayed a courage beyond his years. Robert was pale, but his hand did +not leave his weapon, and he awaited with firm bearing the assault of +the enraged wolves. + +Meantime, Glenarvan, after coolly considering the situation, resolved +to do something decisive. + +"In one hour," said he, "we shall have no more powder, shot, or fire. +We must not wait till then to make a sally." + +He turned towards Thalcave, and, recalling a few words of Spanish, +began a conversation with the Indian, frequently interrupted by the +cracks of the rifle. + +It was not without difficulty that these two men succeeded in +understanding each other. Glenarvan, fortunately, knew the habits of +the red wolf. Without this knowledge he could not have interpreted the +words and gestures of the Patagonian. + +Nevertheless, a quarter of an hour passed before he could give to +Robert the meaning of Thalcave's answer. He had questioned the Indian +concerning their situation. + +"And what did he answer?" inquired Robert. + +"He said that, cost what it may, we must hold out till daybreak. The +aguara goes out only at night, and when morning comes he returns to +his lair. He is the wolf of darkness, a cowardly beast that fears the +daylight." + +"Well, let us defend ourselves till day." + +"Yes, my boy, and with our knives if we can no longer use our guns." + +Already Thalcave had set the example, and when a wolf approached the +fire, the long knife of the Patagonian was thrust through the flames +and drawn back again red with blood. + +However, the means of defense were failing. About two o'clock in the +morning, Thalcave threw into the fire the last armful of fuel, and the +besieged had only five charges left. + +Glenarvan cast about him a sorrowful glance. He thought of the child +who was there, of his companions, of all whom he loved. Robert said +nothing; perhaps the danger did not appear imminent to his hopeful +spirit. But Glenarvan pictured to himself that terrible event, now +apparently inevitable, the being devoured alive! He was not master of +his emotion; he drew the child to his breast, he clasped him to his +heart, he pressed his lips to his forehead, while tears flowed from his +eyes. + +Robert gazed at him with a smile. "I am not afraid," said he. + +"No, my boy, no," replied Glenarvan; "and you are right. In two hours, +day will appear, and we shall be saved! Well done, Thalcave, my brave +Patagonian!" cried he, as the Indian killed with the butt of his gun +two enormous beasts that were attempting to cross the glowing barrier. + +[Sidenote: A DYING HOPE.] + +But at this moment the dying light of the fire showed him the aguaras +advancing in a dense body to assail the ramada. The denouement of the +bloody drama was approaching. The fire gradually subsided, for want +of fuel; the flames sank; the plain, before illumined, now relapsed +into shadow, and in the shadow reappeared the terrible eyes of the red +wolves. A few moments more, and the whole drove would rush into the +inclosure. + +[Illustration] + +Thalcave discharged his carbine for the last time, stretched out one +more of their enemies, and, as his ammunition was exhausted, folded +his arms. His head sank upon his breast; he appeared to be questioning +himself. Was he searching for some bold, novel, or rash scheme for +repelling this furious herd? Glenarvan did not venture to ask him. + +At this moment a change took place in the action of the wolves. They +seemed to be retreating, and their howls, so deafening before, suddenly +ceased. An ominous silence reigned over the plain. + +"They are going," said Robert. + +"Perhaps," replied Glenarvan, who was listening with intentness. + +But Thalcave shook his head. He knew well that the animals would not +abandon a certain prey until at daybreak they returned to their holes +and dens. + +However, the tactics of their enemies had evidently changed, they no +longer endeavored to force the entrance of the ramada; but their new +manoeuvres were already causing a still more imminent danger. + +The wolves, abandoning their design of penetrating the inclosure by +this entrance, which was defended by weapon and fire, went to the +back of the ramada and sought to assail it in the rear. Their claws +were soon heard rattling against the half-decayed wood. Already their +powerful paws and bloody mouths had forced their way between the +shattered stakes. The horses, bewildered and panic-stricken, broke +their halters and dashed into the inclosure. Glenarvan seized Robert +in his arms, to defend him to the last extremity; and he would have +attempted a rash flight, and rushed out of the ramada, had not his eyes +fallen upon the Indian. + +Thalcave, turning like a deer, had suddenly approached his horse, +which was neighing with impatience, and was beginning to saddle him +carefully, forgetting neither strap nor buckle. He seemed no longer to +care for the howls, that were now redoubled. Glenarvan gazed at him +with a dark foreboding. + +"He is leaving us!" cried he, seeing Thalcave gather up his reins as +though he were about to mount. + +"He? never!" said Robert. + +In truth the Indian was about to make a venture, not to leave his +friends, but to save them by sacrificing himself. Thaouka was ready. +He champed his bit; he pranced; his eyes, full of a fiery spirit, shot +forth lightning flashes; he understood his master. + +Just as the Indian was seizing the mane of his horse, Glenarvan caught +him by the arm with a convulsive grasp. + +"You are going?" said he, pointing to the plain, which was now deserted. + +"Yes," replied the Indian, who comprehended the gesture of his +companion; and, with vehement gesticulations which were however +perfectly intelligible, he added a few words in Spanish, which +signified: "Thaouka--good horse--swift--will draw the wolves after him." + +[Illustration: Frightful howls resounded. The wolves, starting on the +track of the horse, fled into the darkness with a terrible speed.] + +"Ha! Thalcave!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Quick, quick!" continued the Indian; while Glenarvan said to Robert, +in a voice broken by emotion,-- + +"Robert, my lad, you hear! He will sacrifice himself for us; he will +rush out over the plain, and turn aside the fury of the wolves upon +himself." + +"Friend Thalcave," replied Robert, looking imploringly at the +Patagonian, "friend Thalcave, do not leave us!" + +"No," said Glenarvan, "he will not leave us." + +And, turning to the Indian, he added, pointing to the terrified horses +crowding against the stakes,-- + +"Let us go together." + +"No," said the Indian, who was not mistaken as to the meaning of these +words. "Bad beasts--frightened--Thaouka--good horse." + +"Very well," said Glenarvan. "Thalcave shall not leave, Robert. He +shows me what I have to do. It is my duty to go, and his to remain with +you." + +Then, seizing Thaouka's bridle, he added,-- + +"I will go." + +"No," replied the Patagonian, calmly. + +"I tell you," cried Glenarvan, taking the bridle from the hands of the +Indian, "I will go. Save this boy! I trust him to you, Thalcave!" + +Glenarvan, in his excitement, mingled English and Spanish together. But +what matters the language? In such a terrible situation, signs tell +all, and men quickly understand each other. + +[Sidenote: SAFETY FOR TWO.] + +However, Thalcave resisted, and the discussion was prolonged. The +danger was increasing every moment. Already the broken stakes were +yielding to the teeth and claws of the wolves. But neither Glenarvan +nor Thalcave appeared willing to yield. The Indian had drawn Glenarvan +towards the entrance of the inclosure. He pointed to the plain, now +free from wolves. In his animated language, he explained that not a +moment was to be lost; that the danger, if this plan failed, would be +greater for those who remained; in short, that he alone knew Thaouka +well enough to employ his marvelous agility and speed for the common +safety. Glenarvan blindly persisted in his resolve to sacrifice +himself, when suddenly he was pushed violently back. Thaouka pranced, +reared on his hind legs, and all at once, with a spring, cleared the +barrier of fire and the rampart of bodies, while a boyish voice cried,-- + +"God save you, my lord!" + +Glenarvan and Thalcave had scarcely time to perceive Robert, who, +clinging to the horse's mane, disappeared in the darkness. + +"Robert, unfortunate!" cried Glenarvan. + +But these words the Indian himself could not hear. Frightful howls +resounded. The wolves, starting on the track of the horse, fled into +the darkness with a terrible speed. + +Thalcave and Glenarvan rushed out of the ramada. Already the plain had +resumed its tranquillity, and they could scarcely distinguish a moving +line which undulated afar in the shadows of the night. + +Glenarvan sank upon the ground, overcome, in despair, clasping his +hands. He gazed at Thalcave, who smiled with his accustomed calmness. + +"Thaouka--good horse--brave child--he will be saved!" he repeated, +nodding his head. + +"But if he falls?" said Glenarvan. + +"He will not fall!" + +In spite of Thalcave's confidence, his companion passed the night in +terrible anguish. He was no longer even mindful of the danger still to +be feared from the wolves. He would have gone in search of Robert, but +the Indian restrained him, and explained that their horses could not +overtake the boy, that Thaouka must have distanced his enemies, and +could not be found in the darkness. They must wait for day to start in +search of Robert. + +At four o'clock in the morning day began to break. The mists of the +horizon were soon tinged with pale rays. A sparkling dew covered the +plain, and the tall grass began to wave under the first breezes of the +dawn. + +The moment of departure had arrived. + +"Forward!" said the Indian. + +Glenarvan did not reply, but sprang upon Robert's horse, and the two +were soon galloping towards the west in the direction from which their +companions were to come. + +For an hour they traveled thus with great speed, gazing around for +Robert, and dreading at each step to behold his mangled body. Glenarvan +tortured the flanks of his horse with his spurs. Suddenly shots were +heard, and reports at regular intervals, like signals for recognition. + +[Illustration] + +"It is they!" cried Glenarvan. + +Thalcave and he urged their horses to a more rapid pace, and a few +moments afterwards they joined the party led by Paganel. + +[Sidenote: LIVELY GRATITUDE.] + +To Glenarvan's joy, Robert was there, alive, borne by the noble +Thaouka, who neighed with pleasure at seeing his master. + +"Ah, my boy! my boy!" cried Glenarvan, with unspeakable tenderness; and +Robert and he, dismounting, rushed into each other's arms. + +Then it was the Indian's turn to clasp to his breast the courageous son +of Captain Grant. + +"He lives! he lives!" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +"Yes," replied Robert, "thanks to Thaouka." + +The Indian had not waited for these words of gratitude to embrace his +horse, but at that very moment he spoke to him and embraced him, as +if human blood flowed in the veins of the noble animal. Then, turning +towards Paganel, he pointed to young Robert. + +"A brave boy!" said he. + +Glenarvan, however, asked, even while he admired the lad,-- + +"Why, my son, did you not let Thalcave or me try this last chance of +saving you?" + +"My lord," replied he, in accents of the liveliest gratitude, "was it +not my duty to sacrifice myself, when Thalcave has saved my life, and +you are going to save my father?" + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +STRANGE SIGNS. + + +After their first outbursts of joy at meeting were over, Paganel, +Austin, Wilson, and Mulready--all who had remained behind, except the +major--were conscious of one thing, namely, that they were suffering +from thirst. Fortunately, the Guamini flowed at no great distance. +They accordingly continued their journey, and at seven o'clock in the +morning the little party arrived at the ramada. On seeing its entrance +strewn with the bodies of the wolves, it was easy to understand the +violence of the attack and the vigor of the defense. The travelers, +after fully quenching their thirst, devoted their attention to +breakfast in the inclosure. The ostrich-steaks were declared excellent, +and the armadillo, roasted in its own covering, was a delicious dish. + +"To eat reasonably of this," said Paganel, "would be ingratitude +towards Providence. We really must eat immoderately." + +And he did so accordingly,--but was not sick, thanks to the clear water +of the Guamini, which appeared to possess superior digestive properties. + +[Sidenote: AEROSTATIC EXPERIMENTS.] + +At ten o'clock Glenarvan gave the signal for departure. The +water-bottles were filled, and they set out. The horses, being greatly +revived, evinced much spirit, and maintained an easy and almost +continuous canter. The next morning they crossed the boundary which +separates the Argentine Plains from the Pampas. Here Thalcave hoped +to meet the chiefs in whose hands he doubted not that he should find +Harry Grant and rescue him and his two companions from slavery. + +Since they had left the Guamini, the travelers noticed, with great +satisfaction, a considerable change in the temperature, thanks to the +cold winds of Patagonia, which cause continual currents of air. Neither +man nor beast had any reason to complain, after suffering so much from +dryness and heat. They therefore pushed on with courage and confidence. +But, whatever might have been said, the country seemed to be entirely +uninhabited, or, to use a more exact word, "disinhabited." + +Frequently they skirted the shores of fresh-water lagoons, on whose +banks, in the shelter of the bushes, tiny wrens skipped and melodious +larks warbled, in company with the brilliant-plumaged tanagers. These +pretty birds gayly fluttered about, heedless of the haughty starlings +that strutted on the banks like soldiers with their epaulettes and red +breasts. In the thorny coppices the nests of the annubis swung like +hammocks, and on the shores of the lagoons magnificent flamingoes, +marching in regular file, spread their fiery-colored wings to the wind. +Their nests were seen, by thousands together, like a small village, in +the shape of truncated cones a foot high. The birds were not startled +at the approach of the travelers, which was contrary to Paganel's +calculations. + +"I have been curious for a long time," said he to the major, "to see a +flamingo fly." + +"Well," said MacNabb. + +"Now, since I have an opportunity, I shall profit by it." + +"Do so, Paganel." + +"Come with me, major, and you too, Robert; I need witnesses." + +And Paganel, leaving his companions to go on, proceeded towards the +flock of flamingoes, followed by Robert and the major. Arriving within +range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for he would not needlessly +destroy even a bird), and all the flamingoes flew away, while the +geographer gazed at them attentively through his glasses. + +"Well," said he to the major, when the flock had disappeared, "did you +see them fly?" + +"Certainly," replied MacNabb; "you could not do otherwise, unless you +were blind. But let us hasten on, for we have fallen a mile behind." + +When he had joined his companions, Paganel found Glenarvan in excited +conversation with the Indian, whom he did not appear to understand. +Thalcave had frequently stopped to examine the horizon, and each time +his countenance expressed a lively astonishment. Glenarvan, not seeing +his ordinary interpreter present, had attempted, but in vain, to +question the Patagonian. So, as soon as he perceived the geographer at +a distance, he cried,-- + +"Come, friend Paganel, Thalcave and I can scarcely succeed in +understanding each other." + +Paganel conversed a few moments with the Indian, and, turning to +Glenarvan, said,-- + +"Thalcave is astonished at a circumstance that is really strange." + +"What?" + +"At meeting neither Indians, nor any traces of them, on these plains, +which are usually furrowed with their trails, whether they are driving +home the cattle stolen from the ranchos, or going to the Andes to sell +their zorillo carpets and whips of braided leather." + +"And to what does Thalcave attribute this abandonment?" + +"He cannot tell; he is astonished. That is all." + +"But what Indians did he expect to find in this part of the Pampas?" + +"The very ones who have had foreign prisoners; those natives who are +commanded by the caziques Calfoucoura, Catriel, and Yanchetruz." + +"Who are these caziques?" + +[Illustration: Arriving within range, Paganel fired a blank charge (for +he would not needlessly destroy even a bird), and all the flamingoes +flew away, while the geographer gazed at them attentively through his +glasses.] + +"Chiefs of tribes that were very powerful thirty years ago, before they +were driven beyond the sierras. Since that time they have been subdued +as much as an Indian can be, and now scour the Pampas as well as the +province of Buenos Ayres. I am therefore astonished, like Thalcave, +at not encountering traces of them in a country where they generally +pursue the calling of plunderers." + +"Well, then," inquired Glenarvan, "what course ought we to take?" + +"I will see," replied Paganel. + +After a few moments' conversation with Thalcave, he said,-- + +"This is his advice, which seems to me very wise. We must continue our +journey to the east as far as Fort Independence; and there, if we have +no news of Captain Grant, we shall at least know what has become of the +Indians of the plain." + +"Is Fort Independence far?" + +"No; it is situated at Tandil, sixty miles distant." + +"And when shall we arrive there?" + +"On the evening of the day after to-morrow." + +Glenarvan was quite disconcerted at finding no Indians on the Pampas, +a circumstance which was little expected. There are ordinarily too +many of them. Some special cause must therefore have removed them. +But a serious question was to be considered. If Captain Grant was a +prisoner of one of these tribes, had he been carried to the north or +to the south? This problem harassed Glenarvan. It was advisable at all +hazards to keep track of the captain. In short, it was better to follow +Thalcave's advice and reach the village of Tandil, where at least they +could obtain information. + +About four o'clock in the afternoon they approached a hill that might +have passed for a mountain in so level a country. It was Tapalquem +Sierra, and at its foot the travelers encamped for the night. + +[Sidenote: GALLOPING GAUCHOS.] + +The passage of this mountain was accomplished the next day with the +greatest ease. They followed the sandy undulations of a gradually +sloping terrace, which certainly did not present difficulties to +people who had scaled the Andes, and the horses scarcely relaxed their +rapid pace. At noon they reached the abandoned Fort Tapalquem, the +first of the chain of forts built on the southern frontier against the +plundering natives. But not a shadow of an Indian did they encounter, +to the increasing surprise of Thalcave; although, towards the middle of +the day, three rovers of the plain, well armed and mounted, gazed for +a moment at the little party, but prevented their approach, galloping +away with incredible rapidity. Glenarvan was furious. + +"Gauchos," said the Patagonian. + +"Ah! Gauchos," replied MacNabb. "Well, Paganel, what do you think of +these creatures?" + +"I think they look like famous bandits," answered Paganel. + +"And hence of course are, my dear geographer?" + +"Of course, my dear major." + +Paganel's avowal was followed by a general laugh, which did not +disconcert him at all. + +According to Thalcave's orders, they advanced in close ranks, and +at evening encamped in a spacious abandoned rancho, where the chief +Catriel generally assembled his bands of natives. From an examination +of the ground and the absence of fresh tracks, the Patagonian knew that +it had not been occupied for a long time. + +The next morning Glenarvan and his companions found themselves again +on the plain. The first estancias (vast establishments for raising +cattle), which border upon the Tandil, were descried; but Thalcave +resolved not to stop, but to keep straight on to Fort Independence, +where he wished to obtain information, especially concerning the +singular condition of this abandoned country. + +The trees, so rare since leaving the Andes, now reappeared. The greater +part of these have been planted since the arrival of the Europeans +on the American continent. They generally surround "corrals," vast +cattle-inclosures protected with stakes. Here thousands of cattle, +sheep, cows, and horses, branded with the mark of the owner, graze +and fatten, while large numbers of huge dogs keep watch. The soil is +admirably adapted to raising cattle, and yields an excellent fodder. + +The people lead the life of the shepherds of the Bible. Their flocks +are perhaps even more numerous than those which fed on the plains of +Mesopotamia; but the family element is wanting, and the owners of the +great folds of the Pampas have little to recommend themselves or their +manner of life. + +Paganel explained all these particulars to his companions, and even +succeeded in interesting the major. + +Thalcave, meanwhile, hastened their progress, as he wished to arrive +that evening at Fort Independence. The horses, urged on by their +masters, and following the example of Thaouka, dashed through the +tall grass. They passed several farms, fortified and defended by deep +ditches. The principal house was provided with an elevated terrace, +from which the inmates could fire upon the plunderers of the plain. +Glenarvan might perhaps have obtained here the information that he +sought; but it was wisest to go to the village of Tandil. They did not +stop, therefore, and soon the feet of the horses struck the grassy +sward of the first mountain slopes. An hour afterward the village +appeared at the bottom of a narrow gorge crowned by the embattled walls +of Fort Independence. + +[Illustration: In fact, they were a dozen young children and boys who +were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a striped shirt +confined at the waist by a leathern girdle.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +A FALSE TRAIL. + + +Paganel, after giving his companions a brief account of the village of +Tandil, added that they could not fail to obtain information there; +moreover, the fort was always garrisoned by a detachment of national +troops. Glenarvan, accordingly, put the horses into the stable of a +"fonda;" and Paganel, the major, Robert, and he, under the guidance of +Thalcave, proceeded towards Fort Independence. + +After ascending the ridges of the mountains for a short time, they +arrived at the postern, rather carelessly guarded by a native sentinel. +They passed without difficulty, and inferred either great negligence or +extreme security. A few soldiers were exercising on the parade-ground +of the fort, the oldest of whom was not more than twenty and the +youngest scarcely ten. In fact, they were a dozen young children and +boys who were drilling very nicely. Their uniform consisted of a +striped shirt confined at the waist by a leathern girdle. The mildness +of the climate justified this light costume. Each of these young +soldiers carried a gun and a sword, which were too long and heavy for +the little fellows. All had a certain family resemblance, and the +corporal who commanded resembled them too: they were twelve brothers, +who were parading under the orders of the thirteenth. + +[Sidenote: AN ARGENTINE COMMANDANT.] + +Paganel was not astonished. He remembered his Argentine statistics, and +knew that in this country the average number of children in a family +exceeds nine. But what surprised him exceedingly was to see these +little soldiers practicing the French tactics, and to hear the orders +of the corporal given in his own native language. + +"This is singular," said he. + +But Glenarvan had not come to see boys drill, still less to occupy +himself with their nationality or relationship. He did not, therefore, +give Paganel time to express further astonishment, but besought him +to ask for the commander of the fortress. Paganel did so, and one of +the soldiers proceeded towards a small building which served as the +barracks. + +A few moments after, the commander appeared in person. He was a man +of fifty, robust, with a military air, thick whiskers, prominent +cheek-bones, gray hair, and commanding look, so far as one could judge +through the clouds of smoke that issued from his short pipe. + +Thalcave, addressing him, introduced Lord Glenarvan and his companions. +While he spoke, the commander kept scrutinizing Paganel with quite +embarrassing persistence. The geographer did not know what the trooper +meant, and was about to ask him, when the latter unceremoniously seized +his hand, and said, in a joyous tone, in his own language,-- + +"A Frenchman?" + +"Yes, a Frenchman," replied Paganel. + +"Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a Frenchman," +cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with rather painful +violence. + +"One of your friends?" asked the major of Paganel. + +"Yes," replied he, with national pride; "we have friends in all parts +of the world!" + +[Illustration: "Ah, I am delighted! Welcome, welcome! I am almost a +Frenchman," cried the commander, shaking the geographer's arm with +rather painful violence.] + +[Sidenote: RAISING A REGIMENT.] + +He then entered into conversation with the commander. Glenarvan would +gladly have put in a word in regard to his affairs, but the soldier +was telling his story, and was not in the mood to be interrupted. +This honest man had left France a long time before; and the native +language was no longer perfectly familiar to him: he had forgotten, +if not words, at least the manner of combining them. As his visitors +soon learned, he had been a sergeant in the French army. Since the +foundation of the fort he had not left it, and commanded it by +appointment from the Argentine government. He was by parentage a +Basque, and his name was Manuel Ipharaguerre. A year after his arrival +in the country, Sergeant Manuel was naturalized, joined the Argentine +army, and married an honest Indian woman, who had twins,--boys, to be +sure, for the sergeant's worthy consort would never present him with +daughters. Manuel did not think of any other calling than that of the +soldier, and hoped, in time, with the help of God, to offer to the +republic a whole battalion of young soldiers. + +"You have seen them?" said he. "Charming fellows! Good soldiers! Jose! +Juan! Miguel! Pepe! Pepe is only seven years old, and is already biting +his cartridge!" + +Pepe, hearing himself complimented, joined his two little feet, and +presented arms with perfect precision. + +"He will do!" added the sergeant. "He will be a major--or +brigadier-general one day!" + +This story lasted a quarter of an hour, to Thalcave's great +astonishment. The Indian could not understand how so many words could +come from a single throat. No one interrupted the commander; and even +a French sergeant had to conclude at last, though not without forcing +his guests to accompany him to his dwelling. Here they were introduced +to Madame Ipharaguerre, who appeared to be "a good-looking person," if +this expression may be employed in regard to an Indian. + +When he had exhausted himself, the sergeant asked his guests to what he +owed the honor of their visit. And now it was their turn to explain. + +Paganel, opening the conversation in French, told him of their journey +across the Pampas, and ended by asking why the Indians had abandoned +the country. + +"War!" replied the sergeant. + +"War?" + +"Yes, civil war." + +"Civil war?" rejoined Paganel. + +"Yes, war between Paraguay and Buenos Ayres," answered the sergeant. + +"Well?" + +"Why, all the Indians of the north are in the rear of General Flores, +and those of the plains are plundering." + +"But the caziques?" + +"The caziques with them." + +This answer was reported to Thalcave, who shook his head. Indeed, +he either did not know, or had forgotten, that a civil war, which +was afterwards to involve Brazil, was decimating two-thirds of the +republic. The Indians had everything to gain in these internal +struggles, and could not neglect such fine opportunities for plunder. +The sergeant, therefore, was not mistaken in attributing this desertion +of the Pampas to the civil war that was being waged in the northern +part of the Argentine Provinces. + +But this event disconcerted Glenarvan's hopes. If Captain Grant was +a prisoner of the caziques, he must have been carried by them to the +northern frontiers. Yet how and where to find him? Must they attempt +a perilous and almost useless search to the northern limits of the +Pampas? It was a serious matter, which was to be earnestly considered. + +However, one important question was still to be asked of the sergeant, +and the major thought of this, while his companions were looking at +each other in silence. + +"Have you heard of any Europeans being retained as prisoners by the +caziques of the Pampas?" + +Manuel reflected for a few moments, like a man who recalls events to +recollection. + +"Yes," said he, at length. + +"Ah!" cried Glenarvan, conceiving a new hope. + +[Sidenote: REVELATIONS.] + +Paganel, MacNabb, Robert, and he now surrounded the sergeant. + +"Speak, speak!" cried they, gazing at him with eagerness even in their +looks. + +"Several years ago," replied Manuel, "yes,--that is it,--European +prisoners--but have never seen them." + +"Several years ago?" said Glenarvan. "You are mistaken. The date of the +shipwreck is definite. The Britannia was lost in June, 1862, less than +two years ago." + +"Oh, more than that, my lord!" + +"Impossible!" cried Paganel. + +"Not at all. It was when Pepe was born. There were two men." + +"No, three!" said Glenarvan. + +"Two," replied the sergeant, in a positive tone. + +"Two?" exclaimed Glenarvan, very much chagrined. "Two Englishmen?" + +"No," continued the sergeant. "Who speaks of Englishmen? It was a +Frenchman and an Italian." + +"An Italian who was massacred by the Indians?" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, and I learned afterwards--Frenchman saved." + +"Saved!" exclaimed Robert, whose very life seemed to hang on the +sergeant's lips. + +"Yes, saved from the hands of the Indians," replied Manuel. + +Each looked to the geographer, who beat his brow in despair. + +"Ah! I understand," said he, at last. "All is clear, all is explained." + +"But what is to be done?" asked Glenarvan, with as much anxiety as +impatience. + +"My friends," answered Paganel, taking Robert's hands, "we must submit +to a severe misfortune. We have followed a false trail! The captive +in question is not the captain, but one of my countrymen (whose +companion, Marco Vazello, was actually assassinated by the Indians), +a Frenchman who often accompanied these cruel savages to the banks of +the Colorado, and who, after fortunately escaping from their hands, +returned to France. While thinking that we were on the track of Captain +Grant, we have fallen upon that of young Guinnard." + +A profound silence followed this declaration. The mistake was palpable. +The sergeant's story, the nationality of the prisoner, the murder +of his companion, and his escape from the hands of the Indians, all +accorded with the evident facts. Glenarvan gazed at Thalcave with a +bewildered air. The Indian then resumed the conversation. + +"Have you never heard of three English captives?" he asked the sergeant. + +"Never," replied Manuel. "It would have been known at Tandil. I should +have heard of it. No, it cannot be." + +Glenarvan, after this formal response, had nothing more to do at Fort +Independence. He and his friends, therefore, departed, not without +thanking the sergeant and shaking hands with him. + +Glenarvan was in despair at this complete overthrow of his hopes. +Robert walked beside him in silence, with tearful eyes, while his +protector could not find a single word to console him. Paganel +gesticulated and talked to himself. The major did not open his lips. +As for Thalcave, his Indian pride seemed humbled at having gone astray +on a false trail. No one, however, thought of reproaching him for so +excusable an error. + +They returned to the encampment, saddened indeed. Still, not one of +the courageous and devoted men regretted so many hardships uselessly +endured, so many dangers vainly incurred. But each saw all hope of +success annihilated in an instant. Could they find Captain Grant +between Tandil and the sea? No. If any prisoner had fallen into the +hands of the Indians on the Atlantic coast, Sergeant Manuel would +certainly have been informed. An event of such a nature could not +have escaped the natives who trade from Tandil to Carmen. Among the +traders of the Argentine Plains everything is known and reported. There +was therefore but one course now to take,--to join, without delay, the +Duncan at Cape Medano, the appointed rendezvous. + +[Illustration: More than once during the journey, the attention and +interest of all, but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the +curious illusion of the mirage.] + +In the meantime, Paganel had asked Glenarvan for the document, by +relying on which their search had resulted so unfortunately. He +read it again with unconcealed vexation, seeking to discover a new +interpretation. + +"This document is, at all events, clear," said Glenarvan. "It explains +in the most definite manner the shipwreck of the captain and the place +of his captivity." + +"No," replied the geographer, stamping with his foot, "a hundred times +no! Since Captain Grant is not on the Pampas, he is not in America. +This document ought to tell where he is; and it shall, my friends, or I +am no longer Jacques Paganel." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +THE FLOOD. + + +[Sidenote: OMENS AND MIRAGES.] + +Fort Independence is one hundred and fifty miles from the shores of +the Atlantic. But for unforeseen and unexpected delays, Glenarvan +could have rejoined the Duncan in four days. He could not, however, +reconcile himself to the idea of returning on board without Captain +Grant, and failing so completely in his search; and did not therefore, +as usual, give the orders for departure. But the major assumed the +task of saddling the horses, renewing the provisions, and making his +arrangements for the journey. Thanks to his activity, the little party, +at eight o'clock in the morning, was on its way down the grassy slopes +of the Tandil Sierra. + +Glenarvan, with Robert at his side, galloped on in silence. His +lordship's bold and resolute character did not permit him to accept +this disappointment calmly. His heart beat violently, and his brain was +on fire. Paganel, tormented by the mystery of the document, arranged +the words in every way, as if to draw from them a new meaning. Thalcave +silently resigned himself to Thaouka's sagacity. The major, always +confident, performed his duties like a man upon whom discouragement can +have no effect. Tom Austin and his two sailors shared their master's +annoyance. Once, when a timid hare crossed the path in front of them, +the superstitious Scotchmen gazed at one another. + +"A bad omen," said Wilson. + +"Yes, in the Highlands," replied Mulready. + +"What is bad in the Highlands is no better here," added Wilson, +sententiously. + +About noon the travelers had descended the mountains and gained the +undulating plains that extend to the sea; the boundless prairie spread +its broad carpet of verdure before them. + +More than once during the journey the attention and interest of all, +but especially of Paganel, were arrested by the curious illusion of +the mirage, by which was presented in the sky, at the limits of the +horizon, a semblance of the estancias, the poplars and willows near +them, and other objects; the images being so much like the reality that +it required a strong effort to realize their deceptive character. + +The weather hitherto had been fine, but now the sky assumed a less +pleasing aspect. Masses of vapor, generated by the high temperature +of the preceding days, condensed into thick clouds and threatened to +dissolve in showers of rain. Moreover, the proximity of the Atlantic, +and the west wind, which here reigns supreme, rendered the climate of +this region peculiarly moist. However, for that day at least the heavy +clouds did not break; and at evening the horses, after traveling forty +miles, halted on the edge of a deep "canyada," an immense natural ditch +filled with water. A shelter was wanting, but the ponchos served for +tents as well as clothing, and peaceful slumbers enwrapped all. + +The next day, as they progressed farther, the presence of subterranean +streams betrayed itself more noticeably, and moisture was seen in every +depression of the ground. Soon they came to large ponds, some already +deep and others just forming. So long as there were only lagoons, the +horses could easily extricate themselves; but with these treacherous +swamps it was more difficult. Tall grass obstructed them, and it was +necessary to incur the danger before it could be understood. These +quagmires had been already fatal to more than one human being. + +Robert, who had ridden half a mile in advance, returned at a gallop, +crying,-- + +"Monsieur Paganel! Monsieur Paganel! A forest of horns!" + +"What!" replied the geographer, "have you found a forest of horns?" + +"Yes, yes; or at least a field." + +"A field! you are dreaming, my boy," said Paganel, shrugging his +shoulders. + +"I am not dreaming," retorted Robert; "you shall see for yourself. This +is a strange country! People sow horns, and they spring up like corn! I +should like very well to have some of the seed." + +"But he speaks seriously," said the major. + +"Yes, major, you shall see." + +Robert was not mistaken, and soon they found themselves before a vast +field of horns, regularly planted. + +"Well?" said Robert. + +"This is something singular," replied Paganel, turning towards the +Indian with a questioning look. + +[Sidenote: AN ANXIOUS INDIAN.] + +"The horns come from the ground," explained Thalcave; "and the cattle +are under it." + +"What!" cried Paganel, "is there a whole drove in this mire?" + +"Yes," answered the Patagonian. + +In fact, a vast herd had perished in this bog, which had given way +beneath them. Hundreds of cattle had thus met their death, side by +side, by suffocation in this vast quagmire. This circumstance, which +sometimes takes place on the plains, could not be ignored by the +Indian, and it was a warning which it was proper to heed. They passed +around this immense hecatomb, which would have satisfied the most +exacting gods of antiquity; and an hour after the field of horns was +far behind. + +Thalcave now began to observe with an anxious air the state of things +around him. He frequently stopped, and rose in his stirrups. His tall +form enabled him to survey a wide range; but, perceiving nothing that +could enlighten him, he resumed his undeviating course. A mile farther, +he stopped again, and, turning from the beaten track, proceeded a short +distance, first to the north, then to the south, and then resumed his +place at the head of the party, without saying either what he hoped or +what he feared. + +These manoeuvres, many times repeated, puzzled Paganel and annoyed +Glenarvan. The geographer was accordingly requested to interrogate +the Indian, which he did at once. Thalcave replied that he was +astonished to see the plain so soaked with moisture. Never within his +recollection, since he had performed the office of guide, had his feet +trodden a soil so saturated. Even in the season of the great rains the +Argentine plain was always easily passed. + +"But to what do you attribute this increasing moisture?" asked Paganel. + +"I know not," replied the Indian; "and what if I did?" + +"Do the mountain streams, when swollen with the rains, ever overflow +their banks?" + +"Sometimes." + +"And now, perhaps?" + +"Perhaps," said Thalcave. + +Paganel was forced to be contented with this answer, and communicated +to Glenarvan the result of the conversation. + +"And what does Thalcave advise?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"What is to be done?" asked Paganel of the Patagonian. + +"Advance quickly," replied the Indian. + +This advice was easier to give than to follow. The horses were quickly +fatigued with treading a soil that sank beneath them deeper and deeper +as they progressed, so that this part of the plain might have been +compared to an immense basin in which the invading waters would rapidly +accumulate. It was advisable, therefore, to cross without delay these +sloping terraces that an inundation would have instantly transformed +into a lake. + +They hastened their pace, though there was no great depth to the water +which spread out in a sheet beneath the horses' feet. About two o'clock +the flood-gates of the heavens opened, and tropical torrents of rain +descended. Never was a finer opportunity presented for showing oneself +a philosopher. There was no chance of escaping this deluge, and it was +better for the travelers to receive it stoically. Their ponchos were +soon dripping, and their hats wet them still more, like roofs whose +gutters have overflowed. The fringes of the saddle-cloths seemed so +many liquid streams; and the horsemen, bespattered by their animals, +whose hoofs splashed in the water at every step, rode in a double +shower, which came from the ground as well as the sky. + +[Sidenote: HYDROPATHIC TREATMENT.] + +It was in this wretchedly cold and exhausted state that they arrived, +towards evening, at a very miserable rancho. Only people who were not +fastidious could have given it the name of a shelter, only travelers in +distress would consent to occupy it. But Glenarvan and his companions +had no choice. They therefore cowered down in the abandoned hut which +would not have satisfied even a poor Indian of the plains. A sorry +fire of grass, which gave out more smoke than heat, was kindled with +difficulty. The torrents of rain made havoc without, and large drops +oozed through the mouldy thatch. The fire was extinguished twenty +times, and twenty times did Wilson and Mulready struggle against the +invading water. + +The supper was very meagre and comfortless, and every one's appetite +failed. The major alone did justice to the water-soaked repast, and did +not lose a mouthful: he was superior to misfortune. As for Paganel, +like a Frenchman, he tried to joke; but now he failed. + +"My jokes are wet," said he: "they miss fire." + +However, as it was more agreeable--if possible, under the +circumstances--to sleep, each one sought in slumber a temporary +forgetfulness of his fatigues. + +The night was stormy. The sides of the rancho cracked as if they would +break, while the frail structure bent beneath the gusts of wind and +threatened to give way at every shock. The unfortunate horses neighed +in terror without, exposed to the inclemency of the tempest; and their +masters did not suffer less in their miserable shelter. However, sleep +drowned all their troubles at last. Robert first closed his eyes, +reclining his head on Lord Glenarvan's shoulder; and soon all the +inmates of the rancho slept under the protection of God. + +They woke the next morning at the call of Thaouka, who, always ready, +neighed without, and struck the wall of the hut vigorously with his +hoof, as though to give the signal for departure. They owed him too +much not to obey him, and they accordingly resumed their journey. + +The rain had ceased, but the hard earth held what had fallen. On the +impenetrable clay, pools, marshes, and ponds overflowed and formed +immense "banados" of treacherous depth. Paganel, on consulting his map, +judged rightly that the Grande and Nivarota Rivers, into which the +waters of the plain usually flow, must have mingled together in one +broad stream. + +An extremely rapid advance, therefore, became necessary. The common +safety was at stake. If the inundation increased, where could they find +a refuge? The vast circle of the horizon did not offer a single point, +and on this level plain the progress of the water must be rapid. The +horses were urged to their utmost speed. Thaouka took the lead, and +might have borne the name of sea-horse, for he pranced as if he had +been in his native element. + +Suddenly, about six o'clock in the evening, he manifested signs of +extreme agitation. He turned frequently towards the vast expanse to the +south; his neighs were prolonged, his nostrils keenly snuffed the air, +and he reared violently. Thalcave, whom his antics could not unseat, +managed his steed without difficulty. The froth from the horse's mouth +was mingled with blood under the action of the firmly-closed bit, and +yet the spirited animal could not be calm. If free, his master felt but +too well that he would have fled away at full speed towards the north. + +"What is the matter with Thaouka?" asked Paganel. "Has he been bitten +by those voracious blood-suckers of the Argentine waters?" + +"No," replied the Indian. + +"Is he terrified, then, at some danger?" + +"Yes, he has scented danger." + +"What?" + +"I do not know." + +Although the eye did not yet reveal the peril that Thaouka divined, +the ear could already detect it. A low murmur, like the sound of a +rising tide, was heard as from the limit of the horizon. The wind blew +in damp gusts laden with spray; the birds, as if fleeing from some +unknown phenomenon, shot swiftly through the air; and the horses, +wading to their knees, felt the first impulse of the current. Soon a +mingled roar, like bellowing, neighing, and bleating, resounded half +a mile to the south, and immense herds appeared, tumbling, rising, +and rushing, a confused mass of terrified beasts, and fled by with +frightful rapidity. It was scarcely possible to distinguish them in the +midst of the clouds of spray dashed up by their flight. + +[Illustration: "The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his +horse towards the north.] + +"Quick! quick!" cried Thalcave, in a piercing voice. + +"What is it?" said Paganel. + +"The flood! the flood!" replied Thalcave, spurring his horse towards +the north. + +"The inundation!" cried Paganel; and his companions, with him at their +head, fled away in the track of Thaouka. + +It was time. Five miles to the south a high and broad wall of water +was rushing over the plain, which was fast becoming an ocean. The tall +grass disappeared as before the scythe, and the tufts of mimosas, torn +up by the current, separated and formed floating islands. The mass of +waters spread itself in broad waves of irresistible power. The dikes of +the great rivers had evidently given way, and perhaps the waters of the +Colorado and Rio Negro were now mingling in a common stream. + +The wall of water descried by Thalcave advanced with the speed of a +race-horse. The travelers fled before it like a cloud driven by the +storm. Their eyes sought in vain a place of refuge. Sky and water +mingled together on the horizon. The horses, excited by the danger, +dashed along in a mad gallop, so that their riders could scarcely keep +their seats. Glenarvan frequently glanced behind him. + +"The water is overtaking us," he thought. + +"Quick! quick!" cried Thalcave. + +[Sidenote: THE ARK.] + +The unfortunate beasts were urged to a swifter pace. From their flanks, +lacerated with the spur, flowed bright red streams, which marked +their course on the water by long, crimson lines. They stumbled in +the hollows of the ground; they were entangled in the hidden grass; +they fell and rose again continually. The depth of the water sensibly +increased. Long surges announced the on-rush of the mass of water that +tossed its foaming crests less than two miles distant. + +For a quarter of an hour this final struggle against the most terrible +of elements was prolonged. The fugitives could keep no account of the +distance they had traversed; but, judging by the rapidity of their +flight, it must have been considerable. + +Meantime the horses, immersed to their breasts, could no longer +advance without extreme difficulty. Glenarvan, Paganel, Austin, all +believed themselves lost, victims of the horrible death of unfortunates +abandoned at sea. Their animals began to lose their footing; six feet +of water was sufficient to drown them. + +We must forbear to picture the acute anguish of these eight men +overtaken by a rising inundation. They felt their powerlessness to +struggle against these convulsions of nature, superior to human +strength. Their safety was no longer in their own hands. + +Five minutes after, the horses were swimming, while the current alone +carried them along with irresistible force and furious swiftness. All +safety seemed impossible, when the voice of the major was heard. + +"A tree!" said he. + +"A tree!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, yonder!" replied Thalcave, and he pointed northward to a kind of +gigantic walnut-tree, which rose solitary from the midst of the waters. + +His companions had no need to be urged. This tree that was opportunely +presented to them they must reach at all hazards. The horses probably +could not accomplish the distance; but the men, at least, could be +saved,--the current would carry them. + +At that moment Tom Austin's horse gave a stifled neigh and disappeared. +His rider, extricating himself from the stirrups, began to swim +vigorously. + +"Cling to my saddle!" cried Glenarvan to him. + +"Thanks, my lord," replied he, "my arms are strong." + +"Your horse, Robert?" continued Glenarvan, turning towards the boy. + +"All right, my lord, all right! He swims like a fish." + +"Attention!" cried the major, in a loud voice. + +This word was scarcely pronounced, when the enormous wall of water +reached them. A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide. When the deluge had passed, the men regained the surface, and +rapidly counted their numbers; but the horses, except Thaouka, had +disappeared forever. + +"Courage! courage!" cried Glenarvan, who supported Paganel with one arm +and swam with the other. + +"All right! all right!" replied the worthy geographer; "indeed I am not +sorry----" + +What was he not sorry for? No one ever knew; for the poor man was +forced to swallow the end of his sentence in half a pint of muddy water. + +The major calmly advanced, taking a regular stroke of which the most +skillful swimmer would not have been ashamed. The sailors worked their +way along like porpoises in their native element. As for Robert, he +clung to Thaouka's mane, and was thus drawn along. The horse proudly +cut the waters, and kept himself instinctively on a line with the tree, +towards which the current bore him, and which was now not far distant. + +In a few moments the entire party reached it. It was fortunate; for, if +this refuge had failed, all chance of safety would have vanished, and +they must have perished in the waves. The water was up to the top of +the trunk where the main branches grew, so that it was easy to grasp +them. + +Thalcave, leaving his horse, and lifting Robert, seized the first limb, +and soon his powerful arms had lodged the exhausted swimmers in a place +of safety. But Thaouka, carried away by the current, was rapidly +disappearing. He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly. + +[Illustration: A huge wave, forty feet high, overwhelmed the fugitives +with a terrible roar. Men and beasts, everything, disappeared in a +whirlpool of foam. A ponderous liquid mass engulfed them in its furious +tide.] + +"Do you abandon him?" said Paganel. + +"I?" cried the Indian, and, plunging into the tempestuous waters, he +reappeared some distance from the tree. A few moments after, his arm +rested upon the neck of Thaouka, and horse and horseman swam away +together towards the misty horizon of the north. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +A SINGULAR ABODE. + + +The tree upon which Glenarvan and his companions had just found refuge +resembled a walnut-tree. It had the same shining foliage and rounded +form. It was the "ombu," which is met with only on the Argentine +Plains. It had an enormous, twisted trunk, and was confined to the +earth not only by its great roots, but also by strong shoots which held +it most tenaciously. It had thus resisted the force of the inundation. + +[Sidenote: AN ORNITHOLOGICAL OMNIUM-GATHERUM.] + +This ombu measured one hundred feet in height, and might have covered +with its shade a circumference of three hundred and sixty feet. All +the upper part rested on three great branches, which forked from the +top of the trunk, that was six feet in diameter. Two of these branches +were nearly perpendicular, and supported the immense canopy of foliage, +whose crossed, twisted, and interlaced limbs, as if woven by the hand +of a basket-maker, formed an impenetrable shelter. The third branch, +on the contrary, extended almost horizontally over the roaring waters; +its leaves were bathed in them, while it seemed a promontory to this +island of verdure surrounded by an ocean. There was abundant space, +also, in the interior of this gigantic tree. The foliage, which was +not very dense at its outer circumference, left large openings like +sky-lights, and made it well ventilated and cool. At sight of these +branches rising in innumerable ramifications towards the clouds, while +the parasitic convolvuli bound them to each other, and the rays of the +sun shone through the interstices of the leaves, you would really have +thought that the trunk of this ombu bore upon itself alone an entire +forest. + +On the arrival of the fugitives, a feathered population flew away to +the top branches, protesting by their cries against so flagrant a +usurpation of their dwelling. These birds, that had themselves sought +refuge upon this solitary ombu, were seen by hundreds,--blackbirds, +starlings, and many other richly-feathered varieties; and when they +flew away it seemed as if a gust of wind had stripped the tree of its +leaves. + +Such was the asylum offered to Glenarvan's little party. Robert and the +nimble Wilson were scarcely perched in the tree, before they hastened +to climb to the topmost branches. Their heads protruded above the dome +of verdure. From this lofty position the view embraced a wide range. +The ocean created by the inundation surrounded them on all sides, +and their eyes could discern no limit. No other tree emerged from +the watery surface; the ombu, alone in the midst of the unconfined +waters, groaned at every shock. At a distance, borne along by the +impetuous current, floated uprooted trunks, twisted branches, thatch +torn from some demolished rancho, beams swept by the waters from the +roofs of cattle-folds, bodies of drowned animals, bloody skins, and, +on a swaying tree, a whole family of growling jaguars that clung with +their claws to this fragile raft. Still farther off, a black speck +almost invisible attracted Wilson's attention. It was Thalcave and his +faithful Thaouka, disappearing in the distance. + +[Illustration: He turned his intelligent head towards his master, and, +shaking his long mane, neighed for him beseechingly.] + +[Sidenote: A COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.] + +"Thalcave, friend Thalcave!" cried Robert, stretching out his hands +towards the courageous Patagonian. + +"He will be saved, Mr. Robert," said Wilson; "but let us join Lord +Glenarvan." + +A moment after, Robert and the sailor descended the three stories +of branches and found themselves among their companions. Glenarvan, +Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were seated astraddle, or +dangling in the branches, according to their own inclinations. Wilson +gave an account of their visit to the top of the tree. All shared his +opinion in regard to Thalcave. The only question was, whether Thalcave +would save Thaouka, or Thaouka Thalcave. + +The present situation of these refugees was undeniably insecure. The +tree would not probably give way to the force of the current, but the +rising waters might reach the top branches, for the depression of +the soil made this part of the plain a deep reservoir. Glenarvan's +first care, therefore, was to establish, by means of notches, points +of comparison which enabled him to note the different heights of the +water. The flood was now stationary, and it appeared to have reached +its greatest elevation. This was encouraging. + +"And now what shall we do?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Build our nest, of course," replied Paganel. + +"Build our nest!" cried Robert. + +"Certainly, my boy, and live the life of birds, since we cannot live +the life of fishes." + +"Very well," said Glenarvan; "but who will give us our beakful?" + +"I," replied the major. + +All eyes were turned towards MacNabb, who was comfortably seated in a +natural arm-chair formed of two pliant branches, and with one hand was +holding out the wet though well-filled saddle-bags. + +"Ah, MacNabb," cried Glenarvan, "this is just like you! You think of +everything, even under circumstances where it is allowable to forget." + +"As soon as it was decided not to be drowned, I concluded not to die of +hunger." + +"I should not have thought of this," said Paganel, innocently; "but I +am so absent-minded!" + +"And what do the saddle-bags contain?" inquired Tom Austin. + +"Provisions for seven men for two days," replied MacNabb. + +"Well," said Glenarvan, "I hope that the inundation will be +considerably lower twenty-four hours hence." + +"Or that we shall find some means of gaining _terra firma_," added +Paganel. + +"Our first business, then, is to breakfast," said Glenarvan. + +"After drying ourselves," observed the major. + +"And fire?" said Wilson. + +"Why, we must make one," replied Paganel. + +"Where?" + +"At the top of the trunk, of course." + +"With what?" + +"With dead wood that we shall cut in the tree." + +"But how kindle it?" said Glenarvan. "Our tinder is like a wet sponge." + +"We will manage that," answered Paganel; "a little dry moss, a ray of +sunlight, the lens of my telescope, and you will see by what a fire I +will dry myself. Who will go for wood in the forest?" + +"I!" cried Robert, and, followed by his friend Wilson, he disappeared +like a cat in the depths of the foliage. + +[Sidenote: GOING BIRD'S-NESTING.] + +During their absence Paganel found dry moss in sufficient quantity; he +availed himself of a ray of sunlight, which was easy, for the orb of +day now shone with a vivid brightness, and then, with the aid of his +lens, he kindled without difficulty the combustible materials which +were laid on a bed of leaves in the fork of the branches. It was a +natural fireplace, with no danger of conflagration. + +Wilson and Robert soon returned with an armful of dead wood, which was +cast on the fire. Paganel, to cause a draught, placed himself above the +fireplace, his long legs crossed in the Arab fashion; then, moving his +body rapidly up and down, he produced, by means of his poncho, a strong +current of air. The wood kindled, and a bright, roaring flame soon rose +from this improvised oven. Each dried himself in his own way, while the +ponchos, hung on the branches, swung to and fro in the breeze. + +They now breakfasted, sparingly however, for they had to allow for the +following day. The immense basin might not perhaps be empty so soon as +Glenarvan hoped, and, moreover, the provisions were limited. The tree +bore no fruit; but fortunately it afforded a remarkable supply of fresh +eggs, thanks to the numerous nests that loaded the branches, not to +speak of their feathered occupants. These resources were by no means to +be despised. The question now was, therefore, in case of a prolonged +stay, how to secure comfortable quarters. + +"Since the kitchen and dining-room are on the ground floor," said +Paganel, "we will sleep in the first story. The house is large, the +rent reasonable, and we must take our ease. I perceive that above there +are natural cradles, in which, when we have once laid ourselves, we +shall sleep as well as in the best beds in the world. We have nothing +to fear; moreover, we will keep watch, and there are enough of us to +repulse all the wild animals." + +"Only we have no arms," said Tom Austin. + +"I have my revolvers," said Glenarvan. + +"And I mine," replied Robert. + +"What use," continued Tom Austin, "if Mr. Paganel does not find the +means of manufacturing powder?" + +"It is not necessary," replied MacNabb, showing a full flask. + +"Where did you get that, major?" inquired Paganel. + +"Of Thalcave. He thought it might be useful to us, and gave it to me +before going back to Thaouka." + +"Brave and generous Indian!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes," added Tom Austin, "if all the Patagonians are fashioned after +this model, I pay my respects to Patagonia." + +"I desire that the horse be not forgotten," said Paganel. "He forms +part of the Patagonian, and, if I am not greatly mistaken, we shall see +them again." + +"How far are we from the Atlantic?" inquired the major. + +"Not more than forty miles," answered Paganel. "And now, my friends, +since each is free to act, I ask permission to leave you. I am going to +choose an observatory above, and, with the aid of my telescope, will +keep you acquainted with what goes on here." + +The geographer was allowed to go. He very adroitly swung himself +from branch to branch, and disappeared behind the thick curtain of +foliage. His companions at once occupied themselves with making the +sleeping-room and preparing their beds, which was neither a difficult +nor a lengthy task. As there were no bedclothes to fix nor furniture to +arrange, each soon resumed his place by the fire. + +They then conversed, but not about their present condition, which they +must patiently endure. They returned to the inexhaustible subject of +Captain Grant's recovery. If the waters subsided, in three days the +travelers would be again on board the Duncan. But the captain and his +two sailors, those unfortunate castaways, would not be with them; and +it even seemed after this failure, after this vain search in South +America, as if all hope of finding them were irrevocably lost. Whither +direct a new search? What, too, would be the grief of Lady Helena and +Mary Grant on learning that the future had no hope in store for them! + +"Poor sister!" exclaimed Robert; "all is over for us!" + +[Illustration: Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, Austin, and Mulready were +seated astraddle, or dangling in the branches, according to their own +inclinations.] + +Glenarvan, for the first time, had no consoling answer to make. +What hope could he give the child? Had he not followed with rigorous +exactitude the directions of the document? + +"At all events," said he, "this thirty-seventh degree of latitude is +no vain indication. Have we not supposed, interpreted, and ascertained +that it relates to the shipwreck or the captivity of Captain Grant? +Have we not read it with our own eyes?" + +"All that is true, my lord," replied Tom Austin; "nevertheless our +search has not succeeded." + +"It is discouraging as well as annoying," said Glenarvan. + +"Annoying if you will," replied MacNabb, in a calm tone, "but not +discouraging. Precisely because we thus have a definite item, we must +thoroughly exhaust all its instructions." + +"What do you mean?" inquired Glenarvan. "What do you think ought to be +done?" + +"A very simple and reasonable thing, my dear Edward. Let us turn our +faces towards the east, when we are on board the Duncan, and follow +the thirty-seventh parallel even around to our starting-point, if +necessary." + +"Do you think, my dear major, that I have not thought of this?" replied +Glenarvan. "Indeed I have, a hundred times. But what chance have we of +succeeding? Is not leaving the American continent departing from the +place indicated by Captain Grant himself, from Patagonia, so clearly +named in the document?" + +"Do you wish to begin your search in the Pampas again," replied the +major, "when you are sure that the shipwreck of the Britannia did not +take place on the Pacific or Atlantic coast?" + +Glenarvan did not answer. + +"And however feeble the chance of finding Captain Grant by following +this latitude may be, still ought we not to attempt it?" + +"I do not deny it," replied Glenarvan. + +[Sidenote: APPLIED GEOGRAPHY.] + +"And you, my friends," added the major, addressing the sailors, "are +you not of my opinion?" + +"Entirely," answered Tom Austin, while Wilson and Mulready nodded +assent. + +"Listen to me, my friends," continued Glenarvan, after a few moments +of reflection, "and you too, Robert, for this is a serious question. +I shall do everything possible to find Captain Grant, as I have +undertaken to do, and shall devote my entire life, if necessary, +to this object. All Scotland would join me to save this noble man +who sacrificed himself for her. I too think, however slight may +be the chance, that we ought to make the tour of the world on the +thirty-seventh parallel; and I shall do so. But this is not the point +to be settled: there is a much more important one, and it is this: +Ought we once and for all to abandon our search on the American +continent?" + +This question, so directly asked, was unanswered. No one dared to +declare his opinion. + +"Well?" resumed Glenarvan, addressing the major more especially. + +"My dear Edward," replied MacNabb, "it would involve too great a +responsibility to answer you now. The case requires consideration. +But first of all I desire to know what countries the thirty-seventh +parallel crosses." + +"That is Paganel's business," replied Glenarvan. + +"Let us ask him, then," said the major. + +The geographer was no longer to be seen, as he was hidden by the thick +foliage. It was necessary to call him. + +"Paganel! Paganel!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Present!" answered a voice which seemed to come to them from the sky. + +"Where are you?" + +"In my tower." + +"What are you doing?" + +"Surveying the wide horizon." + +"Can you come down a moment?" + +"Do you need me?" + +"Yes." + +"What for?" + +"To know what countries the thirty-seventh parallel crosses." + +"Nothing easier," replied Paganel; "I need not even disturb myself to +tell you." + +"Very well, then." + +"Leaving America, the thirty-seventh parallel crosses the Atlantic." + +"Good." + +"It strikes Tristan d'Acunha Island." + +"Well?" + +"It passes two degrees to the south of the Cape of Good Hope." + +"And then?" + +"It runs across the Indian Ocean." + +"And then?" + +"It grazes St. Paul's Island of the Amsterdam group." + +"Go on." + +"It cuts Australia across the province of Victoria." + +"Proceed." + +"Leaving Australia----" + +This last sentence was not finished. Did the geographer hesitate? +Did he know no more? No; but a startling cry was heard in the top of +the tree. Glenarvan and his friends grew pale as they gazed at each +other. Had a new calamity happened? Had the unfortunate Paganel fallen? +Already Wilson and Mulready were hastening to his assistance, when a +long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to branch. His hands +could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead? They did not know; but +he was about to fall into the roaring waters, when the major, with a +strong hand, arrested his progress. + +"Very much obliged, MacNabb!" cried Paganel. + +"Why, what is the matter with you?" said the major. + +[Illustration: A long body appeared. Paganel dangled from branch to +branch. His hands could grasp nothing. Was he alive, or dead?] + +"What has got into you? Is this another of your eternal distractions?" + +"Yes, yes," replied Paganel, in a voice choked with emotion (and +leaves). "Yes, a distraction,--phenomenal this time." + +"What is it?" + +"We have been mistaken! We are still mistaken!" + +"Explain yourself." + +"Glenarvan, major, Robert, my friends," cried Paganel, "all you who +hear me, we are seeking Captain Grant where he is not." + +"What do you say?" cried Glenarvan. + +"Not only where he is not," added Paganel, "but even where he has never +been." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +PAGANEL'S DISCLOSURE. + + +A profound astonishment greeted these unexpected words. What did the +geographer mean? Had he lost his senses? He spoke, however, with +such conviction that all eyes were turned towards Glenarvan. This +declaration of Paganel was a direct answer to the question the former +had asked. But Glenarvan confined himself to a negative gesture, +indicating disbelief in the geographer, who, as soon as he was master +of his emotion, resumed. + +"Yes," said he, in a tone of conviction, "yes, we have gone astray in +our search, and have read in the document what is not written there." + +"Explain yourself, Paganel," said the major; "and more calmly." + +[Sidenote: A NEW IDEA.] + +"That is very simple, major. Like you, I was in error; like you, I +struck upon a false interpretation. When, but a moment ago, at the top +of this tree, in answer to the question, at the word 'Australia' an +idea flashed through my mind, and all was clear." + +"What!" cried Glenarvan, "do you pretend that Captain Grant----" + +"I pretend," replied Paganel, "that the word _Austral_ in the document +is not complete, as we have hitherto supposed, but the root of the word +_Australia_." + +"This is something singular," said the major. + +"Singular!" replied Glenarvan, shrugging his shoulders; "it is simply +impossible!" + +"Impossible," continued Paganel, "is a word that we do not allow in +France." + +"What!" added Glenarvan, in a tone of the greatest incredulity, "do you +pretend, with that document in your possession, that the shipwreck of +the Britannia took place on the shores of Australia?" + +"I am sure of it!" replied Paganel. + +"By my faith, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "this is a pretension that +astonishes me greatly, coming from the secretary of a geographical +society." + +"Why?" inquired Paganel, touched in his sensitive point. + +"Because, if you admit the word Australia, you admit at the same time +that there are Indians in that country, a fact which has not yet been +proved." + +Paganel was by no means surprised at this argument. He seemingly +expected it, and began to smile. + +"My dear Glenarvan," said he, "do not be too hasty in your triumph. +I am going to defeat you completely, as no Englishman has ever been +defeated." + +"I ask nothing better. Defeat me, Paganel." + +"Listen, then. You say that the Indians mentioned in the document +belong exclusively to Patagonia. The incomplete word _indi_ does not +mean Indians, but natives (_indigenes_). Now do you admit that there +are natives in Australia?" + +It must be confessed that Glenarvan now gazed fixedly at Paganel. + +"Bravo, Paganel!" said the major. + +"Do you admit my interpretation, my dear lord?" + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "if you can prove to me that the imperfect +word _gonie_ does not relate to the country of the Patagonians." + +"No," cried Paganel, "it certainly does not mean Patagonia. Read +anything you will but that." + +"But what?" + +"_Cosmogonie! theogonie! agonie!_" + +"_Agonie!_" cried the major. + +"That is indifferent to me," replied Paganel; "the word has no +importance. I shall not even search for what it may signify. The +principal point is that _Austral_ means Australia, and we must have +been blindly following a false trail, not to have discovered before so +evident a meaning. If I had found the document, if my judgment had not +been set aside by your interpretation, I should never have understood +it otherwise." + +This time cheers, congratulations, and compliments greeted Paganel's +words. Austin, the sailors, the major, and Robert especially, were +delighted to revive their hopes, and applauded the worthy geographer. +Glenarvan, who had gradually been undeceived, was, as he said, almost +ready to surrender. + +"One last remark, my dear Paganel, and I have only to bow before your +sagacity." + +"Speak!" + +"How do you arrange these newly-interpreted words, and in what way do +you read the document?" + +[Illustration: The hunt promised well, and gave hopes of culinary +wonders.] + +"Nothing is easier. Here is the document," said Paganel, producing the +precious paper that he had studied so conscientiously for several +days. A profound silence ensued, while the geographer, collecting his +thoughts, took his time to answer. His finger followed the incomplete +lines on the document, while, in a confident tone, he expressed himself +in the following terms: + + +"'June 7th, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered after'--let +us put, if you wish, 'two days, three days,' or, 'a long struggle,'--it +matters little, it is quite unimportant,--'on the coast of Australia. +Directing their course to shore, two sailors and Captain Grant +endeavored to land,' or 'did land on the continent, where they will +be,' or 'are prisoners of cruel natives. They cast this document,' and +so forth. Is it clear?" + +"It is clear," replied Glenarvan, "if the word _continent_ can be +applied to Australia, which is only an island." + +"Be assured, my dear Glenarvan, the best geographers are agreed in +naming this island the Australian continent." + +"Then I have but one thing to say, my friends," cried Glenarvan. "To +Australia, and may Heaven assist us!" + +"To Australia!" repeated his companions, with one accord. + +"Do you know, Paganel," added Glenarvan, "that your presence on board +the Duncan is a providential circumstance?" + +"Well," replied Paganel, "let us suppose that I am an envoy of +Providence, and say no more about it." + +[Sidenote: A FESTIVE BANQUET.] + +Thus ended this conversation, that in the future led to such great +results. It completely changed the moral condition of the travelers. +They had caught again the thread of the labyrinth in which they had +thought themselves forever lost. A new hope arose on the ruins of +their fallen projects. They could fearlessly leave behind them this +American continent, and already all their thoughts flew away to the +Australian land. On reaching the Duncan, they would not bring despair +on board, and Lady Helena and Mary Grant would not have to lament the +irrevocable loss of the captain. Thus they forgot the dangers of their +situation in their new-found joy, and their only regret was that they +could not start at once. + +It was now four o'clock in the afternoon, and they resolved to take +supper at six. Paganel wished to celebrate this joyful day by a +splendid banquet. As the bill of fare was very limited, he proposed +to Robert that they should go hunting "in the neighboring forest," +at which idea the boy clapped his hands. They took Thalcave's +powder-flask, cleaned the revolvers, loaded them with fine shot, and +started. + +"Do not go far," said the major, gravely, to the two huntsmen. + +After their departure Glenarvan and MacNabb went to consult the notches +on the tree, while Wilson and Mulready revived the smouldering embers. + +Arriving at the surface of this immense lake, they saw no sign of +abatement. The waters seemed to have attained their highest elevation; +but the violence with which they rolled from south to north proved that +the equilibrium of the Argentine rivers was not yet established. Before +the liquid mass could lower, it must first become calm, like the sea +when flood-tide ends and ebb begins. They could not, therefore, expect +a subsidence of the waters so long as they flowed towards the north +with such swiftness. + +While Glenarvan and the major were making these observations, reports +resounded in the tree, accompanied by cries of joy almost as noisy. +The clear treble of Robert contrasted sharply with the deep bass of +Paganel, and the strife was which should be the most boyish. The hunt +promised well, and gave hopes of culinary wonders. + +When the major and Glenarvan returned to the fire, they had to +congratulate Wilson upon an excellent idea. The honest sailor had +devoted himself to fishing with wonderful success, with the aid of +a pin and a piece of string. Several dozen of little fish, delicate +as smelts, called "mojarras," wriggled in a fold of his poncho, and +seemed likely to make an exquisite dish. + +At this moment the hunters descended from the top of the tree. Paganel +carefully carried some black swallows' eggs and a string of sparrows, +which he meant afterwards to serve up as larks. Robert had adroitly +brought down several pairs of "hilgueros,"--little green-and-yellow +birds, which are excellent eating, and very much in demand in the +Montevideo market. The geographer, who knew many ways of preparing +eggs, had to confine himself this time to cooking them in the hot +ashes. However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. The dried +meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast sparrows and +hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered. + +The conversation was very animated. Paganel was greatly complimented in +his twofold capacity of hunter and cook, and accepted these encomiums +with the modesty that belongs to true merit. Then he gave himself up to +singular observations on the magnificent tree that sheltered them with +its foliage, and whose extent, as he declared, was immense. + +"Robert and I," said he jokingly, "imagined ourselves in the open +forest during the hunt. One moment I thought we should be lost. I could +not find my way. The sun was declining towards the horizon. I sought +in vain to retrace my steps. Hunger made itself felt acutely. Already +the gloomy coppices were resounding with the growls of ferocious +beasts,--but no, there are no ferocious beasts, and I am sorry." + +"What!" cried Glenarvan, "you are sorry there are no ferocious beasts?" + +"Certainly." + +"But, when you have everything to fear from their ferocity----" + +"Ferocity does not exist,--scientifically speaking," replied the +geographer. + +[Illustration: However, the repast was as varied as it was delicate. +The dried meat, the hard eggs, the broiled mojarras, and the roast +sparrows and hilgueros, formed a repast which was long remembered.] + +"Ha! this time, Paganel," said the major, "you will not make me admit +the utility of ferocious beasts. What are they good for?" + +"Major," cried Paganel, "they are good to form classifications, orders, +families, genera, sub-genera, species----" + +"Very fine!" said MacNabb. "I should not have thought of that! If I +had been one of Noah's companions at the time of the deluge, I should +certainly have prevented that imprudent patriarch from putting into +the ark pairs of tigers, lions, bears, panthers, and other animals as +destructive as they were useless." + +"Should you have done so?" inquired Paganel. + +"I should." + +"Well, you would have been wrong in a zoological point of view." + +"But not in a human one." + +"This is shocking," continued Paganel; "for my part, I should have +preserved all the animals before the deluge of which we are so +unfortunately deprived." + +"I tell you," replied MacNabb, "that Noah was right in abandoning them +to their fate, admitting that they lived in his time." + +"I tell you that Noah was wrong," retorted Paganel, "and deserves the +malediction of scholars to the end of time." + +The listeners to this argument could not help laughing at seeing the +two friends dispute about what Noah ought to have done or left undone. +The major, who had never argued with any one in his life, contrary to +all his principles, was every day at war with Paganel, who must have +particularly excited him. + +Glenarvan, according to his custom, interrupted the debate, and said,-- + +[Sidenote: WANTED, A JAGUAR!] + +"However much it is to be regretted, in a scientific or human point of +view, that we are deprived of ferocious animals, we must be resigned +to-day to their absence. Paganel could not hope to encounter any in +this aerial forest." + +"No," replied the geographer, "although we beat the bush. It is a pity, +for it would have been a glorious hunt. A ferocious man-eater like the +jaguar! With one blow of his paw he can twist the neck of a horse. When +he has tasted human flesh, however, he returns to it ravenously. What +he likes best is the Indian, then the negro, then the mulatto, and then +the white man." + +"However that may be, my good Paganel," said Glenarvan, "so long as +there are no Indians, mulattoes, or negroes among us, I rejoice in +the absence of your dear jaguars. Our situation is not, of course, so +agreeable----" + +"What!" cried Paganel, "you complain of your lot?" + +"Certainly," replied Glenarvan. "Are you at your ease in these +uncomfortable and uncushioned branches?" + +"I have never been more so, even in my own study. We lead the life of +birds; we sing and flutter about. I almost think that men were destined +to live in the trees." + +"They only want wings," said the major. + +"They will make them some day." + +"In the meantime," replied Glenarvan, "permit me, my dear friend, to +prefer the sand of a park, the floor of a house, or the deck of a +vessel to this aerial abode." + +"Glenarvan," said Paganel, "we must take things as they come. If +favorable, so much the better; if unfavorable, we must not mind it. I +see you long for the comforts of Malcolm Castle." + +"No, but----" + +"I am certain that Robert is perfectly happy," interrupted Paganel, to +secure one advocate, at least, of his theories. + +"Yes, Monsieur Paganel!" cried the boy, in a joyful tone. + +"It is natural at his age," replied Glenarvan. + +"And at mine," added the geographer. "The less ease we have, the fewer +wants; the fewer wants, the happier we are." + +"Well," said the major, "here is Paganel going to make an attack upon +riches and gilded splendor." + +"No, my dear major," continued Paganel; "but, if you wish, I will tell +you, in this connection, a little Arab story that occurs to me." + +"Yes, yes, Monsieur Paganel," cried Robert. + +"And what will your story prove?" asked the major. + +"What all stories prove, my brave companion." + +"Not much, then," replied MacNabb. "But go on, Scheherezade, and tell +one of those stories that you relate so well." + +"There was once upon a time," said Paganel, "a son of the great +Haroun-al-Raschid who was not happy. He accordingly consulted an old +dervish, who told him that happiness was a very difficult thing to +find in this world. 'However,' added he, 'I know an infallible way +to procure you happiness.' 'What is it?' inquired the young prince. +'It is,' replied the dervish, 'to put on the shirt of a happy man.' +Thereupon the prince embraced the old man, and set out in search of his +talisman. He visited all the capitals of the earth; he tried the shirts +of kings, emperors, princes, and nobles; but it was a useless task, he +was no happier. Then he put on the shirts of artists, warriors, and +merchants, but with no more success. He had thus traveled far, without +finding happiness. At last, desperate from having tried so many shirts, +he was returning very sadly one beautiful day to the palace of his +father, when he spied in the field an honest laborer, who was joyously +singing as he ploughed. 'Here is, at all events, a man who possesses +happiness,' said he to himself, 'or happiness does not exist on earth.' +He approached him. 'Good man,' said he, 'are you happy?' 'Yes,' replied +the other. 'You wish for nothing?' 'No.' 'You would not change your lot +for that of a king?' 'Never!' 'Well, sell me your shirt!' 'My shirt! I +have none!'" + +[Illustration: They were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to +have courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one +has neither palace nor cottage.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +BETWEEN FIRE AND WATER. + + +Jacques Paganel's story had a very great success. He was greatly +applauded, but each retained his own opinion, and the geographer +obtained the result common to most discussions,--of convincing nobody. +However, they were agreed on this point, that it was necessary to have +courage for every fortune, and be contented with a tree when one has +neither palace nor cottage. + +During the course of this confabulation evening had come on. Only a +good sleep could thoroughly refresh, after this eventful day. The +inmates of the tree felt themselves not only fatigued by the sudden +changes of the inundation, but especially overcome by the heat, which +had been excessive. Their feathered companions had already set the +example; the hilgueros, those nightingales of the Pampas, had ceased +their melodious warblings, and all the birds had disappeared in the +recesses of the foliage. The best plan was to imitate them. + +But before "retiring to their nest," as Paganel said, Glenarvan, +Robert, and he climbed to the observatory, to examine for the last +time the watery expanse. It was about nine o'clock. The sun had just +set in the sparkling mists of the horizon, and all the western part +of the firmament was bathed in a warm vapor. The constellations, +usually so dazzling, seemed veiled in a soft haze. Still they could +be distinguished, and Paganel pointed out to Robert, for Glenarvan's +benefit, that zone where the stars are most brilliant. + +[Sidenote: PHILOSOPHY AND PONCHOS.] + +While the geographer was discoursing thus, the whole eastern horizon +assumed a stormy aspect. A dense and dark band, clearly defined, +gradually rose, dimming the light of the stars. This cloud of +threatening appearance soon invaded almost the entire vault of the sky. +Its motive power must have been inherent in itself, for there was not +a breath of wind. Not a leaf stirred on the tree, not a ripple curled +the surface of the waters. Even the air seemed to fail, as if some +huge pneumatic machine had rarefied it. A strong electric current was +perceptible in the atmosphere, and every creature felt it course along +the nerves. Glenarvan, Paganel, and Robert were sensibly affected by +these electric currents. + +"We shall have a storm," said Paganel. + +"You are not afraid of thunder?" asked Glenarvan of the boy. + +"Oh, no, my lord," replied Robert. + +"Well, so much the better; for the storm is now not far distant." + +"And it will be violent," continued Paganel, "so far as I can judge +from the state of the sky." + +"It is not the storm that troubles me," said Glenarvan, "but the +torrents of rain with which it will be accompanied. We shall be +drenched to the skin again. Whatever you may say, Paganel, a nest +cannot suffice a man, as you will soon learn to your cost." + +"Oh, yes, it can, with philosophy," briskly replied the geographer. + +"Philosophy does not prevent you from getting wet." + +"No, but it warms you." + +"Well, then," said Glenarvan, "let us join our friends and persuade +them to envelop us with their philosophy and their ponchos as closely +as possible, and especially to lay in a stock of patience, for we shall +need it." + +So saying, he gave another look at the threatening sky. The mass of +clouds now covered it entirely. A faint line of light towards the +horizon was scarcely discernible in the dimness. The sombre appearance +of the water had increased, and between the dark mass below and the +clouds above there was scarcely a separation. At the same time all +perception seemed dulled; and a leaden torpor rested upon both eyes and +ears, while the silence was profound. + +"Let us go down," said Glenarvan; "the lightning will soon be here." + +His two companions and himself slid down the smooth branches, and were +somewhat surprised to find themselves in a remarkable kind of twilight, +which was produced by myriads of luminous objects that crossed each +other and buzzed on the surface of the water. + +"Phosphorescences?" said Glenarvan. + +"No," replied Paganel, "but phosphorescent insects, real +glow-worms,--living diamonds, and not expensive, of which the ladies of +Buenos Ayres make magnificent ornaments for themselves." + +"What!" cried Robert, "are these things, that fly like sparks, insects?" + +"Yes, my boy." + +Robert caught one of the brilliant creatures. Paganel was right. It +was a kind of large beetle, an inch in length, to which the Indians +give the name of "tuco-tuco." This curious insect threw out flashes at +two points situated in front of its sheath, and its light would have +enabled one to read in the darkness. Paganel, on bringing it close to +his watch, saw that it was ten o'clock. + +Glenarvan now joined the major and the three sailors, and gave them +instructions for the night. A terrible storm was to be expected. After +the first rollings of the thunder, the wind would doubtless break forth +and the tree be violently shaken. It was, therefore, advisable for +every one to tie himself firmly to the bed of branches that had been +appropriated to him. If they could not avoid the torrents of the sky, +they must at least guard against those of the earth, and not fall +into the rapid current that broke against the trunk of the tree. They +wished each other good night without much hope of passing one, and then +each, getting into his aerial resting-place, wrapped himself in his +poncho and waited for sleep. + +[Illustration: The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, +darting perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six +times in the same place; others spread in zigzag lines, and produced on +the dark vault of the heavens astonishing jets of arborescent flame.] + +But the approach of a mighty tempest brings to the hearts of most +sentient beings a vague anxiety of which the bravest cannot divest +themselves. The occupants of the tree, agitated and fearful, could not +close their eyes, and the first thunder-clap found them all awake. +It took place about eleven o'clock, resembling a distant rumbling. +Glenarvan climbed to the end of the branch, and peered out from the +foliage. The dark firmament was fitfully illumined by vivid and +brilliant flashes, which the waters brightly reflected, and which +disclosed great rifts in the clouds. Glenarvan, after surveying the +zenith and the horizon, returned to his couch. + +"What do you think, Glenarvan?" asked Paganel. + +"I think that the storm is beginning, and, if it continues, it will be +terrible." + +"So much the better," replied the enthusiastic Paganel. "I like a fine +spectacle, especially when I cannot avoid it. Only one thing would make +me anxious, if anxiety served to avert danger," added he, "and that +is, that the culminating point of this plain is the ombu upon which we +are perched. A lightning-conductor would be very useful here, for this +very tree among all those of the Pampas is the one that particularly +attracts the lightning. And then, as you are aware, my friends, +meteorologists advise us not to take refuge under trees during a storm." + +"Well," said the major, "that is timely advice." + +"It must be confessed, Paganel," replied Glenarvan, "that you choose a +good time to tell us these encouraging things!" + +"Bah!" replied Paganel; "all times are good to receive information. Ah, +it is beginning!" + +[Sidenote: AN EXTRAORDINARY STORM.] + +Violent thunder-claps interrupted this conversation, and their +intensity increased till they reached the most deafening peals. +They soon became sonorous, and made the atmosphere vibrate in rapid +oscillations. The firmament was on fire, and during this commotion +it was impossible to distinguish from what electric spark emanated +the indefinitely-prolonged rumblings that reverberated throughout the +abysses of the sky. + +The incessant flashes assumed various forms. Some, darting +perpendicularly towards the earth, were repeated five or six times in +the same place; others, separating into a thousand different branches, +spread in zigzag lines and produced on the dark vault of the heavens +astonishing jets of arborescent flame. Soon the sky, from east to +north, was crossed by a phosphorescent band of intense brilliancy. This +illumination gradually overspread the entire horizon, lighting up the +clouds like a bonfire, and was reflected in the mirror-like waters, +forming what seemed to be an immense circle of fire, of which the tree +occupied the centre. + +Glenarvan and his companions watched this terrific spectacle in +silence. Sheets of dazzling light glided towards them, and blinding +flashes followed in rapid succession, now showing the calm countenance +of the major, then the speculative face of Paganel or the energetic +features of Glenarvan, and again the frightened look of Robert or the +unconcerned expression of the sailors. The rain, however, did not fall +as yet, nor had the wind risen. But soon the flood-gates of the heavens +opened, and the rain came down in torrents, the drops, as they struck +the surface of the water, rebounding in thousands of sparks illuminated +by the incessant lightning. + +Did this rain predict the end of the storm? Were Glenarvan and his +companions to be released with a few thorough drenchings? At the height +of this struggle of the elements, suddenly there appeared at the end +of the branch which extended horizontally, a flaming globe, of the +size of a fist, and surrounded by a black smoke. This ball, after +revolving a few moments, burst like a bombshell, and with a noise that +was distinguishable in the midst of the general tumult. A sulphurous +vapor filled the atmosphere. There was a moment of silence, and then +Tom Austin was heard crying,-- + +"The tree is on fire!" + +He was right. In a moment the flame, as if it had been communicated +to an immense piece of fireworks, spread along the west side of the +tree. The dead limbs, the nests of dry grass, and finally the live wood +itself, furnished material for the devouring element. + +The wind now rose and fanned the flames into fury. Glenarvan and his +friends, speechless with terror, and venturing upon limbs that bent +beneath their weight, hastily took refuge in the other, the eastern +part of the tree. + +Meantime the boughs shriveled, crackled, and twisted in the fire like +burning serpents. The glowing fragments fell into the rushing waters +and floated away in the current, sending forth flashes of ruddy light. +The flames at one moment would rise to a fearful height, to be lost +in the aerial conflagration, and the next, beaten back by the furious +hurricane, would envelop the tree like a robe of molten gold. + +Glenarvan, Robert, the major, Paganel, and the sailors, were terrified. +A thick smoke was stifling them; an intolerable heat was scorching +them. The fire was extending to the lower part of the tree on their +side; nothing could stop or extinguish it; and they felt themselves +irrevocably doomed to the torture of those victims who are confined +within the burning sides of a sacrificial fire-basket. + +At last their situation was no longer tenable, and of two deaths they +were forced to choose the least cruel. + +"To the water!" cried Glenarvan. + +[Illustration: In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the +ombu, and enveloped it in its watery folds.] + +Wilson, whom the flames had reached, had already plunged into the +current, when they heard him cry, in tones of the greatest terror,-- + +"Help! help!" + +Austin rushed towards him and assisted him to regain the trunk. + +"What is the matter?" + +"Caymans! caymans!" replied Wilson. And, in truth, the foot of the +tree was seen to be surrounded by the most formidable monsters. +Their scales glittered in broad plates of light, sharply defined +by the conflagration. Their flat tails, their pointed heads, their +protruding eyes, their jaws, extending back of their ears, all these +characteristic signs were unmistakable. Paganel recognized the +voracious alligators peculiar to America, and called caymans in Spanish +countries. There were a dozen of them, beating the water with their +powerful tails, and attacking the tree with their terrible teeth. + +At this sight the unfortunate travelers felt themselves lost indeed. A +horrible death was in store for them,--to perish either by the flames +or by the teeth of the alligators. There are circumstances in which +man is powerless to struggle, and where a raging element can only be +repulsed by another equally strong. Glenarvan, with a wild look, gazed +at the fire and water leagued against him, not knowing what aid to +implore of Heaven. + +The storm had now begun to abate; but it had developed in the air a +great quantity of vapor, which the electric phenomena were about to +set in violent commotion. To the south an enormous water-spout was +gradually forming,--an inverted cone of mist, uniting the raging waters +below to the stormy clouds above. It advanced revolving with frightful +rapidity, collected at its centre a liquid column, and by a powerful +attraction, caused by its gyratory motion, drew towards it all the +surrounding currents of air. + +[Sidenote: A STRANGE BARK.] + +In a few moments the gigantic water-spout struck the ombu and enveloped +it in its watery folds. The tree was shaken to its very base, so that +Glenarvan might have thought that the alligators had attacked it +with their powerful jaws and were uprooting it from the ground. His +companions and he, clinging to one another, felt the mighty tree give +way and fall, and saw its flaming branches plunge into the tumultuous +waters with a frightful hiss. It was the work of a second. The +water-spout had passed, to exert elsewhere its destructive violence, +and pumping the waters of the plain as if it would exhaust them. + +The tree now, loosened from its moorings, floated onward under the +combined impulses of wind and current. The alligators had fled, except +one which crawled along the upturned roots and advanced with open jaws; +but Mulready, seizing a large brand, struck the creature so powerful +a blow that he broke its back. The vanquished animal sank in the +eddies of the torrent, still lashing his formidable tail with terrible +violence. + +Glenarvan and his companions, delivered from these voracious creatures, +took refuge on the branches to leeward of the fire, while the tree, +wrapped by the blast of the hurricane in glowing sheets of flame, +floated on like a burning ship in the darkness of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +THE RETURN ON BOARD. + + +For two hours the tree floated on the immense lake without reaching +_terra firma_. The flames had gradually died out, and thus the +principal danger of this terrible voyage had vanished. The current, +still keeping its original direction, flowed from southwest to +northeast; the darkness, though illumined now and then by flashes, had +become profound, and Paganel sought in vain for his bearings. But the +storm was abating, the large drops of rain gave place to light spray +that was scattered by the wind, while the huge distended clouds were +crossed by light bands. + +The tree advanced rapidly on the impetuous torrent, gliding with +surprising swiftness, as if some powerful propelling means were +inclosed within its trunk. There was as yet no certainty that they +would not float on thus for many days. About three o'clock in the +morning, however, the major observed that the roots now and then struck +the bottom. Tom Austin, by means of a long branch, carefully sounded, +and declared that the water was growing shallow. Twenty minutes later, +a shock was felt, and the progress of the tree was checked. + +"Land! land!" cried Paganel, in ringing tones. + +The ends of the charred branches had struck against a hillock on the +ground, and never were navigators more delighted to land. Already +Robert and Wilson, having reached a firm plateau, were uttering shouts +of joy, when a well-known whistle was heard. The sound of a horse's +hoofs was heard upon the plain, and the tall form of the Indian emerged +from the darkness. + +[Illustration: The sound of a horse's hoofs was heard upon the plain, +and the tall form of the Indian emerged from the darkness.] + + +"Thalcave!" cried Robert. + +"Thalcave!" repeated his companions, as with one voice. + +"Friends!" said the Patagonian, who had waited for them there, knowing +that the current would carry them as it had carried him. + +At the same moment he raised Robert in his arms and clasped him to his +breast. Glenarvan, the major, and the sailors, delighted to see their +faithful guide again, shook his hands with the most earnest cordiality. +The Patagonian then conducted them to an abandoned estancia. Here +a good fire was burning, which revived them, and on the coals were +roasting succulent slices of venison, to which they did ample justice. +And when their refreshed minds began to reflect, they could scarcely +believe that they had escaped so many perils,--the fire, the water, and +the formidable alligators. + +Thalcave, in a few words, told his story to Paganel, and ascribed to +his intrepid horse all the honor of having saved him. Paganel then +endeavored to explain to him the new interpretation of the document, +and the hopes it led them to entertain. Did the Indian understand the +geographer's ingenious suppositions? It was very doubtful; but he saw +his friends happy and very confident, and he desired nothing more. + +It may be easily believed that these courageous travelers, after their +day of rest on the tree, needed no urging to resume their journey. At +eight o'clock in the morning they were ready to start. They were too +far south to procure means of transport, and were therefore obliged +to travel on foot. The distance, however, was only forty miles, and +Thaouka would not refuse to carry from time to time a tired pedestrian. +In thirty-six hours they would reach the shores of the Atlantic. + +[Sidenote: IN THE DARK.] + +As soon as refreshed the guide and his companions left behind them +the immense basin, still covered with the waters, and proceeded across +elevated plains, on which, here and there, were seen groves planted by +Europeans, meadows, and occasionally native trees. Thus the day passed. + +The next morning, fifteen miles before reaching the ocean, its +proximity was perceptible. They hastened on in order to reach Lake +Salado, on the shores of the Atlantic, the same day. They were +beginning to feel fatigued, when they perceived sand-hills that hid the +foaming waves, and soon the prolonged murmur of the rising tide struck +upon their ears. + +"The ocean!" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, the ocean!" replied Thalcave. + +And these wanderers, whose strength had seemed almost about to fail, +climbed the mounds with wonderful agility. But the darkness was +profound, and their eyes wandered in vain over the gloomy expanse. They +looked for the Duncan, but could not discern her. + +"She is there, at all events," said Glenarvan, "waiting for us." + +"We shall see her to-morrow," replied MacNabb. + +Tom Austin shouted seaward, but received no answer. The wind was very +strong, and the sea tempestuous. The clouds were driving from the west, +and the foaming crests of the waves broke over the beach in masses of +spray. If the Duncan was at the appointed rendezvous, the lookout man +could neither hear nor be heard. The coast afforded no shelter. There +was no bay, no harbor, no cove; not even a creek. The beach consisted +of long sand-banks that were lost in the sea, and the vicinity of +which is more dangerous than that of the rocks in the face of wind and +tide. These banks, in fact, increase the waves; the sea is peculiarly +boisterous around them, and ships are sure to be lost if they strike on +these bars in heavy storms. + +It was therefore very natural that the Duncan, considering this coast +dangerous, and knowing it to be without a port of shelter, kept at a +distance. Captain Mangles must have kept to the windward as far as +possible. This was Tom Austin's opinion, and he declared that the +Duncan was not less than five miles at sea. + +The major, accordingly, persuaded his impatient relative to be +resigned, as there was no way of dissipating the thick darkness. And +why weary their eyes in scanning the gloomy horizon? He established a +kind of encampment in the shelter of the sand-hills; the remains of +the provisions furnished them a final repast; and then each, following +the major's example, hollowed out a comfortable bed in the sand, and, +covering himself up to his chin, was soon wrapped in profound repose. + +Glenarvan watched alone. The wind continued strong, and the ocean still +showed the effects of the recent storm. The tumultuous waves broke +at the foot of the sand-banks with the noise of thunder. Glenarvan +could not convince himself that the Duncan was so near him; but as for +supposing that she had not arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it +was impossible, for such a ship there were no delays. The storm had +certainly been violent and its fury terrible on the vast expanse of the +ocean, but the yacht was a good vessel and her captain an able seaman; +she must, therefore, be at her destination. + +These reflections, however, did not pacify Glenarvan. When heart and +reason are at variance, the latter is the weaker power. The lord of +Malcolm Castle seemed to see in the darkness all those whom he loved, +his dear Helena, Mary Grant, and the crew of the Duncan. He wandered +along the barren coast which the waves covered with phosphorescent +bubbles. He looked, he listened, and even thought that he saw a fitful +light on the sea. + +"I am not mistaken," he soliloquized; "I saw a ship's light, the +Duncan's. Ah! why cannot my eyes pierce the darkness?" + +[Illustration: Glenarvan watched alone. He could not convince himself +that the Duncan was so near him; but as for supposing that she had not +arrived at her appointed rendezvous, it was impossible, for such a ship +there were no delays.] + +Then an idea occurred to him. Paganel called himself a nyctalops; he +could see in the night. + +The geographer was sleeping like a mole in his bed, when a strong hand +dragged him from his sandy couch. + +"Who is that?" cried he. + +"I." + +"Who?" + +"Glenarvan. Come, I need your eyes." + +"My eyes?" replied Paganel, rubbing them vigorously. + +"Yes, your eyes, to distinguish the Duncan in this darkness. Come." + +"And why my eyes?" said Paganel to himself, delighted, nevertheless, to +be of service to Glenarvan. + +He rose, shaking his torpid limbs in the manner of one awakened from +sleep, and followed his friend along the shore. Glenarvan requested +him to survey the dark horizon to seaward. For several moments Paganel +conscientiously devoted himself to this task. + +"Well, do you perceive nothing?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Nothing. Not even a cat could see two paces before her." + +"Look for a red or a green light, on the starboard or the larboard +side." + +"I see neither a red nor a green light. All is darkness," replied +Paganel, whose eyes were thereupon involuntarily closed. + +For half an hour he mechanically followed his impatient friend in +absolute silence, with his head bowed upon his breast, sometimes +raising it suddenly. He tottered along with uncertain steps, like those +of a drunken man. At last Glenarvan, seeing that the geographer was in +a state of somnambulism, took him by the arm, and, without waking him, +led him back to his sand-hole, and comfortably deposited him therein. + +At break of day they were all started to their feet by the cry,-- + +[Sidenote: IMPATIENCE.] + +"The Duncan! the Duncan!" + +"Hurrah! hurrah!" replied Glenarvan's companions, rushing to the shore. + +The Duncan was indeed in sight. Five miles distant, the yacht was +sailing under low pressure, her main-sails carefully reefed, while her +smoke mingled with the mists of the morning. The sea was high, and a +vessel of her tonnage could not approach the shore without danger. + +Glenarvan, provided with Paganel's telescope, watched the movements of +the Duncan. Captain Mangles could not have perceived them, for he did +not approach, but continued to coast along with only a reefed top-sail. + +At this moment Thalcave, having loaded his carbine heavily, fired it in +the direction of the yacht. They gazed and listened. Three times the +Indian's gun resounded, waking the echoes of the shore. + +At last a white smoke issued from the side of the yacht. + +"They see us!" cried Glenarvan. "It is the Duncan's cannon." + +A few moments after, a heavy report rang out on the air, and the +Duncan, shifting her sail and putting on steam, was seen to be +approaching the shore. By the aid of the glass they saw a boat leave +the ship's side. + +"Lady Helena cannot come," said Tom Austin: "the sea is too rough." + +"Nor Captain Mangles," replied MacNabb: "he cannot leave his vessel." + +"My sister! my sister!" cried Robert, stretching his arms towards the +yacht, which rolled heavily. + +"I hope I shall soon get on board!" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +"Patience, Edward! You will be there in two hours," replied MacNabb. + +Glenarvan now joined Thalcave, who, standing with folded arms alongside +of Thaouka, was calmly gazing at the waves. + +Glenarvan took his hand, and, pointing to the yacht, said,-- + +"Come!" + +The Indian shook his head. + +"Come, my friend!" continued Glenarvan. + +"No," replied Thalcave, gently. "Here is Thaouka, and there are the +Pampas!" he added, indicating with a sweep of his hand the vast expanse +of the plains. + +It was clear that the Indian would never leave the prairies, where the +bones of his fathers whitened. Glenarvan knew the strong attachment +of these children of the desert to their native country. He therefore +shook Thalcave's hand, and did not insist; not even when the Indian, +smiling in his peculiar way, refused the price of his services, +saying,-- + +"It was done out of friendship." + +His lordship, however, desired to give the brave Indian something which +might at least serve as a souvenir of his European friends. But what +had he left? His arms, his horses, everything had been lost in the +inundation. His friends were no richer than himself. For some moments +he was at a loss how to repay the disinterested generosity of the brave +guide; but at last a happy idea occurred to him. He drew from his +pocket-book a costly medallion inclosing an admirable portrait, one of +Lawrence's master-pieces, and presented it to Thalcave. + +"My wife," said Glenarvan. + +Thalcave gazed with wonder at the portrait, and pronounced these simple +words,-- + +"Good and beautiful!" + +Then Robert, Paganel, the major, Tom Austin, and the two sailors +bade an affectionate adieu to the noble Patagonian, who clasped each +one in succession to his broad breast. All were sincerely sorry at +parting with so courageous and devoted a friend. Paganel forced him +to accept a map of South America and the two oceans, which the +Indian had frequently examined with interest. It was the geographer's +most precious possession. As for Robert, he had nothing to give but +caresses, which he freely lavished upon his deliverer and upon Thaouka. + +[Illustration: They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the +shore by the ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the +Indian was seen through the foam of the waves.] + +At that instant the Duncan's boat approached, and, gliding into the +narrow channel between the sand-banks, grounded on the beach. + +"My wife?" asked Glenarvan. + +"My sister?" cried Robert. + +"Lady Helena and Miss Grant await you on board," replied the cockswain. +"But we have not a moment to lose, my lord, for the tide is beginning +to ebb." + +The last acknowledgments were given, and Thalcave accompanied his +friends to the boat. Just as Robert was about to embark, the Indian +took him in his arms and gazed at him tenderly. + +"Now go," said he; "you are a man!" + +"Adieu, my friend, adieu!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Shall we ever see each other again?" asked Paganel. + +"Who knows?" replied Thalcave, raising his arms towards heaven. + +They pushed off, and the boat was rapidly borne from the shore by the +ebbing tide. For a long time the motionless outline of the Indian was +seen through the foam of the waves. Then his tall form grew indistinct, +and soon became invisible. An hour afterwards they reached the Duncan. +Robert was the first to spring upon the deck, where he threw himself +upon his sister's neck, while the crew of the yacht filled the air with +their joyous shouts. + +Thus had our travelers accomplished the journey across South America +on a rigorously straight line. Neither mountains nor rivers had turned +them aside from their course; and, although they were not forced to +struggle against the evil designs of men, the relentless fury of the +elements had often tested their generous intrepidity to its utmost +powers of endurance. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +A NEW DESTINATION. + + +The first moments were consecrated to the happiness of meeting. +Lord Glenarvan did not wish the joy in the hearts of his friends to +be chilled by tidings of their want of success. His first words, +therefore, were,-- + +"Courage, my friends, courage! Captain Grant is not with us, but we are +sure to find him." + +It needed only such an assurance to restore hope to the passengers of +the Duncan. Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was approaching +the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From the deck +they endeavored to count those who were returning. At one time the +young girl would despair; at another she would think she saw her +father. Her heart beat quickly; she could not speak; she could scarcely +stand. Lady Helena supported her, while Captain Mangles stood beside +her in silence. His keen eyes, accustomed to distinguish distant +objects, could not discern the captain. + +"He is there! he is coming! my father!" murmured the young girl. + +But as the boat gradually drew near, the illusion vanished. Not only +Lady Helena and the captain, but Mary Grant, had now lost all hope. It +was, therefore, time for Glenarvan to utter his assuring words. + +[Sidenote: "BREAKFAST!"] + +After the first embraces, all were informed of the principal incidents +of the journey; and, first of all, Glenarvan made known the new +interpretation of the document, due to the sagacity of Jacques Paganel. +He also praised Robert, of whom his sister had a right to be proud. +His courage, his devotion, and the dangers that he had overcome, were +conspicuously set forth by his noble friend, so that the boy would not +have known where to hide himself, if his sister's arms had not afforded +him a sure refuge. + +[Illustration: Lady Helena and Mary Grant, while the boat was +approaching the ship, had experienced all the anguish of suspense. From +the deck they endeavored to count those who were returning.] + +"You need not blush, Robert," said Captain Mangles; "you have behaved +like the worthy son of Captain Grant." + +He stretched out his arms towards Mary's brother, and pressed his lips +to the boy's cheeks, which were still wet with tears. + +They then spoke of the generous Thalcave. Lady Helena regretted that +she could not have shaken hands with the brave Indian. MacNabb, after +the first outbursts of enthusiasm, repaired to his cabin to shave +himself. As for Paganel, he flitted hither and thither, like a bee, +extracting the honey of compliments and smiles. He wished to embrace +all on board the Duncan, and, beginning with Lady Helena and Mary +Grant, ended with Mr. Olbinett, the steward, who could not better +recognize such politeness than by announcing breakfast. + +"Breakfast!" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, Mr. Paganel," replied Olbinett. + +"A real breakfast, on a real table, with table-cloth and napkins?" + +"Certainly." + +"And shall we not eat hard eggs, or ostrich steaks?" + +"Oh, Mr. Paganel!" replied the worthy steward, greatly embarrassed. + +"I did not mean to offend you, my friend," said the geographer; "but +for a month our food has been of that sort, and we have dined, not at +a table, but stretched on the ground, except when we were astride of +the trees. This breakfast that you have just announced seemed to me, +therefore, like a dream, a fiction, a chimera." + +"Well, we will test its reality, Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady +Helena, who could not help laughing. + +"Accept my arm," said the gallant geographer. + +"Has your lordship any orders to give?" inquired Captain Mangles. + +"After breakfast, my dear fellow," replied Glenarvan, "we will discuss +in council the programme of the new expedition." + +The passengers and the young captain then descended to the cabin. +Orders were given to the engineer to keep up steam, that they might +start at the first signal. The major and the travelers, after a rapid +toilette, seated themselves at the table. Ample justice was done to +Mr. Olbinett's repast, which was declared excellent and even superior +to the splendid banquets of the Pampas. Paganel called twice for every +dish, "through absent-mindedness," as he said. This unfortunate word +led Lady Helena to inquire if the amiable Frenchman had occasionally +shown his habitual failing. The major and Lord Glenarvan looked at each +other with a smile. As for Paganel, he laughed heartily, and promised +"upon his honor" not to commit a single blunder during the entire +voyage. He then in a very comical way told the story of his mistake in +the study of Spanish. + +"After all," he added, in conclusion, "misfortunes are sometimes +beneficial, and I do not regret my error." + +"And why, my worthy friend?" asked the major. + +"Because I not only know Spanish, but Portuguese also. I speak two +languages instead of one." + +"By my faith, I should not have thought of that," replied MacNabb. "My +compliments, Paganel, my sincere compliments!" + +[Sidenote: TABLE-TALK IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC.] + +Paganel was applauded, but did not lose a single mouthful. He did not, +however, notice one peculiarity observed by Glenarvan, and that was the +young captain's attentions to his neighbor, Mary Grant. A slight sign +from Lady Helena to her husband told him how matters stood. He gazed at +the two young people with affectionate sympathy, and finally addressed +the captain, but upon a different subject. + +"How did you succeed with your voyage, captain?" he inquired. + +"Excellently," replied the captain; "only I must inform your lordship +that we did not return by way of the Strait of Magellan." + +"What!" cried Paganel, "you doubled Cape Horn, and I was not there!" + +"Hang yourself!" said the major. + +"Selfish fellow! you give me this advice in order that you may share my +rope!" retorted the geographer. + +"Well, my dear Paganel," added Glenarvan, "unless we are endowed with +ubiquity, we cannot be everywhere. Since you crossed the Pampas, you +could not at the same time double Cape Horn." + +"Nevertheless, I am sorry," replied the geographer. + +Captain Mangles now told the story of his voyage, and was congratulated +by Glenarvan, who, addressing Mary Grant, said,-- + +"My dear young lady, I see that Captain John pays his homage to your +noble qualities, and I am happy to find that you are not displeased +with his ship." + +"Oh, how could I be?" replied Mary, gazing at Lady Helena, and perhaps +also at the young captain. + +"My sister loves you, Mr. Captain," cried Robert, "and I do too." + +"And I return your love, my dear boy," replied Captain Mangles, a +little confused by Robert's words, which also brought a slight blush to +the face of the young girl. + +Then, changing the conversation to a less embarrassing subject, the +captain added,-- + +"Since I have related the Duncan's voyage, will not your lordship give +us a few particulars of your travels, and the exploits of our young +hero?" + +No recital could have been more agreeable to Lady Helena and Miss +Grant, and Glenarvan hastened to satisfy their curiosity. He told, word +for word, all about their journey from ocean to ocean. The passage +of the Andes, the earthquake, Robert's disappearance, his capture by +the condor, Thalcave's fortunate shot, the adventure with the wolves, +the boy's devotion, the meeting with Sergeant Manuel, the inundation, +their refuge in the tree, the lightning, the fire, the alligators, +the water-spout, the night on the shores of the Atlantic, all these +incidents, cheerful or serious, excited alternately the joy and terror +of his hearers. Many a circumstance was related that brought Robert +the caresses of his sister and Lady Helena. Never was boy more highly +praised, or by more enthusiastic friends. + +"Now, my friends," remarked Lord Glenarvan, when he had finished his +recital, "let us think of the present. Let us return to the subject of +Captain Grant." + +When breakfast was over, the party repaired to Lady Helena's +state-room, and, taking seats around a table loaded with maps and +charts, resumed the conversation. Glenarvan explained that the +shipwreck had not taken place on the shores either of the Pacific or +the Atlantic, and that, consequently, the document had been wrongly +interpreted so far as Patagonia was concerned; that Paganel, by a +sudden inspiration, had discovered the mistake and proved that they had +been following a false trail. The geographer was accordingly asked to +explain the French document, which he did to the satisfaction of every +one. When he had finished his demonstration, Glenarvan announced that +the Duncan would immediately set sail for Australia. + +The major, however, before the order was given, asked permission to +make a single remark. + +"Speak, major," said Glenarvan. + +"My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the arguments of my +friend Paganel, still less to refute them. I consider them rational, +sagacious, and worthy of our whole attention. But I desire to submit +them to a final examination, that their validity may be incontestable." + +[Illustration: "My object," said MacNabb, "is not to invalidate the +arguments of my friend Paganel, still less to refute them."] + +No one knew what the prudent MacNabb meant, and his hearers listened +with some anxiety. + +"Go on, major," said Paganel: "I am ready to answer all your questions." + +"Nothing can be simpler," said the major. "Five months ago, in +the Frith of Clyde, when we studied the three documents, their +interpretation seemed clear to us. No place but the western coast of +Patagonia could, we thought, have been the scene of the shipwreck. We +had not even the shadow of a doubt on the subject." + +"Very true," added Glenarvan. + +"Afterwards," resumed the major, "when Paganel, in a moment of +providential absent-mindedness, embarked on board our vessel, the +documents were submitted to him, and he unhesitatingly sanctioned our +search upon the American coast." + +"You are right," observed the geographer. + +"And, nevertheless, we are mistaken," said the major. + +"Yes, we are mistaken," repeated Paganel; "but to be mistaken is only +to be human, while it is the part of a madman to persist in his error." + +"Wait, Paganel," continued the major; "do not get excited. I do not +mean that our search ought to be prolonged in America." + +"What do you ask, then?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"Simply the acknowledgment that Australia now seems to be the scene of +the Britannia's shipwreck as much as South America did before." + +"Granted," replied Paganel. + +"Who knows, then," resumed the major, "whether, after Australia, +another country may not offer us the same probabilities, and whether, +when this new search proves vain, it may not seem evident that we ought +to have searched elsewhere?" + +[Sidenote: FRIENDS IN COUNCIL.] + +Glenarvan and Paganel glanced at each other. The major's remarks were +strictly correct. + +"I desire, therefore," added MacNabb, "that a final test be made before +we start for Australia. Here are the documents and maps. Let us examine +successively all points that the thirty-seventh parallel crosses, and +see if there is not some other country to which the document has as +precise a reference." + +"Nothing is easier," replied Paganel. + +The map was placed before Lady Helena, and all showed themselves ready +to follow Paganel's demonstration. After carefully examining the +documents, it was unanimously agreed that Paganel's interpretation was +the correct one. + +"I leave you, therefore, my friends," said he, in conclusion, "to +decide whether all the probabilities are not in favor of the Australian +continent." + +"Evidently," replied the passengers and the captain with unanimity. + +"Captain," said Glenarvan, "have you sufficient provisions and coal?" + +"Yes, my lord, I procured ample supplies at Talcahuana, and, besides, +we can lay in a fresh stock of fuel at Cape Town." + +"One more remark," said the major. + +"A thousand, if you please!" + +"Whatever may be the guarantees for success in Australia, will it not +be well to call for a day or two, in passing, at the islets of Tristan +d'Acunha and Amsterdam? They are situated so near our strict line of +search, that it is worth our while to ascertain if there be on them any +trace of the shipwreck of the Britannia." + +"The unbeliever!" said Paganel. + +"I do not want to have to return to them, monsieur, if Australia does +not after all realize our newly-conceived expectations." + +"The precaution is not a bad one," said Glenarvan. + +[Illustration: At sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, +seemingly separated from all the rest of the rocky group.] + +[Illustration: A few hours of their united toil resulted in the death +of a large number of seals who were "caught napping."] + +"And I do not wish to dissuade you; quite the contrary," replied the +geographer. + +"Well, then, we will adopt it, and start forthwith," said Lord +Glenarvan. + +"Immediately, my lord," replied the captain, as he went on deck, while +Robert and Mary Grant uttered the liveliest expressions of gratitude; +and the Duncan, leaving the American coast and heading to the east, was +soon swiftly ploughing the waves of the Atlantic. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +TRISTAN D'ACUNHA AND THE ISLE OF AMSTERDAM. + + +[Sidenote: LOOKING ALOFT.] + +The Duncan now had before her a broad stretch of ocean but little +traversed by navigators. Between the shores of South America and the +little speck in the ocean known by the name of Tristan d'Acunha, there +was no probability of her meeting with any strange sail; and under some +circumstances, or in some company, the days might have been monotonous +and the hours might have hung wearily. But so ardent was the desire +for success, and so accomplished, yet varied, were the characters of +those who composed the little assembly, that the voyage on the South +Atlantic, though devoid of striking incident, was by no means wanting +in interest. Much of the time was spent on deck, where the ladies' +cabins were now located, Mary Grant especially training her hand, head, +and heart in feeling, thought, and action. The geographer set to work +on a composition entitled "Travels of a Geographer on the Argentine +Pampas;" but many a blank page did he leave. Tho Scottish peer (when +tired of examining for the thousandth time all that belonged to his +yacht) could look at the books and documents which he had brought with +him, intending to peruse them carefully. And as to the major he was +never in company and never out of company; his cigar insured, nothing +else was wanted. + +Ever and anon many miles of the ocean would be covered by masses of +sea-weed; these different species of algae would afford subject for +research; specimens must be preserved, authorities must be consulted, +and as one result at least all would become wiser. Then a discussion +would ensue on some geographical problem, and maps that were not +attainable were of course appealed to by each disputant, though the +subject in question was often of very trivial moment. It was in the +midst of a debate of this kind, during the evening, that a sailor cried +out,-- + +"Land ahead!" + +"In what direction?" asked Paganel. + +"To windward," replied the sailor. + +The landsmen's eyes were strained, but to no purpose. The geographer's +telescope was brought into requisition, but with no avail. "I do not +see the land," said its owner. + +"Look into the clouds," said the captain. + +"Ah!" replied Paganel, struck with the idea, and shortly with the +reality also; for there was the barren mountain-top of Tristan d'Acunha. + +"Then," said he, "if I remember aright, we are eighty miles from it. Is +not that the distance from which this mountain is visible?" + +"Exactly so," replied the captain. + +A few hours brought them much nearer to the group of high and steep +rocks, and at sunrise they saw the conical peak of Tristan, seemingly +separated from all the rest of the rocky group, and reflecting the +glory of the blue heavens and of the rising orb on the placid sea at +its base. + +There are three islets in this group,--Tristan d'Acunha, Inaccessible, +and Rossignol; but it was only at the first + +[Illustration: Our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot.] + +[Illustration: Inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook fish, +Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically."] of these that the Duncan called. Inquiry was made +of the authorities (for these islets are governed by a British official +from the Cape of Good Hope) if there were any tidings of the Britannia. +But nothing was known of such a ship; they were told of the shipwrecks +which had occurred, but there was nothing that afforded a clue to that +which they sought. They spent some hours in examination of the fauna +and flora, which were not very extensive. They saw and were seen by the +sparse population that subsist here, and in the afternoon of the same +day the yacht left the islands and islanders so rarely visited. + +Whilst the passengers had been thus engaged, Lord Glenarvan had allowed +his crew to employ their time advantageously to themselves in capturing +some of the seals which are so plentiful in these latitudes. A few +hours of their united toil resulted in the death of a large number +of seals who were "caught napping," and in the stowing away, for the +profit of the crew when they should reach the Australian market, +several barrels of the oil obtained from their carcases. + +Still onward on the same parallel lay the course of the Duncan, +towards the Isles of Amsterdam and St. Paul; and the same subjects +of conversation, study, and speculation engaged them all, until, one +morning, they espied the first mentioned island, far ahead; and as they +drew nearer, a peak rose clearly before their vision which strongly +reminded them of the Peak of Teneriffe they had beheld a few months +before. + +[Sidenote: WARM SPRINGS AND WARM TALK.] + +The Isle of Amsterdam or St. Peter, and the Isle of St. Paul, have been +visited by very few, and but little is known of them. The latter is +uninhabited; but our friends found a few voluntary exiles on the former +island, who, by means of seal-fishing, eke out a scanty existence in +this out-of-the-way spot. Here again inquiry was made, but in vain, +for any information of the Britannia, her voyage, or her shipwreck. +Neither on the Isle of Amsterdam nor on that of St. Paul, which the +whalers and seal-fishers sometimes visit, had there been any trace of +the catastrophe. + +Desolate as these lonely islands appeared to our travelers, they still +were not devoid of objects of interest. They were meagre enough in +vegetation and in animal life; but there were warm springs which well +repaid a visit. Captain Mangles found the temperature of their waters +to be 166 deg. Fahrenheit; and, inasmuch as this was sufficient to cook +fish, Paganel decided that it was not necessary for him to bathe here +"geographically." + +When they resumed their course, though many miles were before them, +there was a growing sense of anticipation; they were not to pause again +until the "Australian continent" was reached; and more and more did +the conversation and discussions tend towards this continent as their +subject. On one occasion so certain was Paganel as to the ease with +which they would be able to pursue their search, when they arrived, +that he asserted that more than fifty geographers had already made the +course clear for them. + +"What! fifty, do you say?" asked the major, with an air of doubt. + +"Yes, MacNabb, decidedly," said the geographer, piqued at the hesitancy +to believe him. + +"Impossible!" replied the major. + +"Not at all; and if you doubt my veracity, I will cite their names." + +"Ah!" said the major, quietly, "you clever people stick at nothing." + +"Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle against my telescope +that I cannot name at least fifty Australian explorers?" + +"Of course, Paganel, if you like," replied MacNabb, seeing that he +could not now recede from his position without incurring the ridicule +of the company. + +[Illustration: "Major," said Paganel, "will you wager your rifle +against my telescope that I cannot name at least fifty Australian +explorers?"] + +[Illustration: "Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia.] + +"Well, then," said Paganel to Lady Helena and Miss Grant, "come and +be umpires, and Master Robert shall count for us." And forthwith the +learned geographer opened his budget, and poured forth the history of +the discovery of Australia, with the names of its discoverers and the +dates of their explorations, as fluently as though his sole calling in +life was to be professor of Australian history. Rapidly he mentioned +the first twenty who found or traversed the Austral shores; as rapidly +did the names of the second score flow from his lips; and after the +prescribed fifty had been enumerated, he kept on as though his list +were inexhaustible. + +"Enough, enough, Monsieur Paganel!" said Lady Helena. "You have shown +that there is nothing, great or small, about Australia, of which you +are ignorant." + +"Nay, madam," said the geographer, with a bow. + +Then, with a peculiar expression, he smiled as he said to the major, +"We will talk about the rifle at another time." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +THE STORM ON THE INDIAN OCEAN. + + +Two days after this conversation, Captain Mangles took an observation, +and the passengers saw, to their great satisfaction, upon consulting +the map, that they were in the vicinity of Cape Bernouilli, which +they might expect to reach in four days. The west wind had hitherto +favored the progress of the yacht, but for several days it had shown a +tendency to fail, and now there was a perfect calm. The sails flapped +idly against the masts, and had it not been for her powerful screw, the +Duncan would have been becalmed on the ocean. + +[Sidenote: FOREBODINGS OF DISASTER.] + +This state of things might be prolonged indefinitely. At evening +Glenarvan consulted the captain on the subject. The latter, whose +supply of coal was rapidly diminishing, appeared much disturbed at the +subsidence of the wind. He had covered his ship with canvas, and set +his studding- and main-sails, that he might take advantage of the least +breeze; but, in nautical language, there was not enough wind "to fill a +hat." + +"At all events," said Glenarvan, "we need not complain. It is better to +be without wind than to have a contrary one." + +"Your lordship is right," replied Captain Mangles; "but I dread some +sudden change in the weather. We are now in the neighborhood of the +trade-winds, which, from October to April, blow from the northeast, and +our progress will, therefore, be very much retarded." + +"But what can we do, captain? If this misfortune occurs, we must submit +to it. It will only be a delay, after all." + +"Probably, if a storm does not come upon us too." + +"Do you fear bad weather?" asked Glenarvan, looking at the sky, which, +however, was cloudless. + +"Yes," replied the captain. "I tell your lordship, but would conceal my +apprehensions from Lady Helena and Miss Grant." + +"You act wisely. What do you apprehend?" + +"There are signs of a great storm. Do not trust the appearance of the +sky, my lord; nothing is more deceptive. For two days the barometer +has fallen to an alarming degree. This is a warning that I cannot +disregard. I particularly fear the storms of the South Seas, for I have +been already exposed to them." + +"John," replied Glenarvan, "the Duncan is a stout vessel, and her +captain a skillful seaman. Let the storm come; we will take care of +ourselves." + +Captain Mangles, while giving expression to his fears, was by no means +forgetful of his duty as a sailor. The steady fall of the barometer +caused him to take every measure of precaution. The sky, as yet, gave +no indication of the approaching tempest; but the warnings of his +infallible instrument were not to be disregarded. + +The young captain accordingly remained on deck all night. About eleven +o'clock the sky grew threatening towards the south. All hands were +immediately called on deck, to take in the sails. At midnight the wind +freshened. The creaking of the masts, the rattling of the rigging, +and the groaning of bulkheads informed the passengers of the state of +affairs. Paganel, Glenarvan, the major, and Robert came on deck to +render assistance if it should be needed. Over the sky, that they had +left clear and studded with stars, now rolled thick clouds broken by +light bands and spotted like the skin of a leopard. + +"Has the storm broken upon us?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Not yet, but it will presently," replied the captain. + +At that moment he gave the order to reef the top-sail. The sailors +sprang into the windward rattlings, and with difficulty accomplished +their task. Captain Mangles wished to keep on as much sail as possible, +to support the yacht and moderate her rolling. After these precautions +had been taken, he told the mate and the boatswain to prepare for the +assault of the tempest, which could not be long in breaking forth. +Still, like an officer at the storming of a breach, he did not leave +the point of observation, but from the upper deck endeavored to draw +from the stormy sky its secrets. + +[Sidenote: AN ADDED CALAMITY.] + +It was now one o'clock in the morning. Lady Helena and Miss Grant, +aroused by the unusual bustle, ventured to come on deck. The wind was +sharply whistling through the cordage, which, like the strings of a +musical instrument, resounded as if some mighty bow had caused their +rapid vibrations; the pulleys clashed against each other; the ropes +creaked with a sharp sound in their rough sockets; the sails cracked +like cannon, and vast waves rolled up to assail the yacht, as it +lightly danced on their foaming crests. + +When the captain perceived the ladies, he approached and besought them +to return to the cabin. Several waves had already been shipped, and the +deck might be swept at any moment. The din of the elements was now so +piercing that Lady Helena could scarcely hear the young captain. + +"Is there any danger?" she managed to ask him during a momentary lull +in the storm. + +"No, madam," replied he; "but neither you nor Miss Mary can remain on +deck." + +The ladies did not oppose an order that seemed more like an entreaty, +and returned to the cabin just as a wave, rolling over the stern, +shook the compass-lights in their sockets. The violence of the wind +redoubled; the masts bent under the pressure of sail, and the yacht +seemed to rise on the billows. + +"Brail up the main-sail!" cried the captain; "haul in the top-sails and +jibs!" + +The sailors sprang to their places; the halyards were loosened, the +brails drawn down, the jibs taken in with a noise that rose above the +storm, and the Duncan, whose smoke-stack belched forth torrents of +black smoke, rolled heavily in the sea. + +Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and Robert gazed with admiration and +terror at this struggle with the waves. They clung tightly to the +rigging, unable to exchange a word, and watched the flocks of stormy +petrels, those melancholy birds of the storm, as they sported in the +raging winds. + +At that moment a piercing sound was heard above the roar of +the hurricane. The steam was rapidly escaping, not through the +escape-valve, but through the pipes of the boiler. The alarm-whistle +sounded with unusual shrillness; the yacht gave a terrible lurch, and +Wilson, who was at the helm, was overthrown by an unexpected blow +of the wheel. The vessel was in the trough of the sea, and no longer +manageable. + +"What is the matter?" cried Captain Mangles, rushing to the stern. + +"The ship is careening!" replied Austin. + +"Is the rudder unhinged?" + +"To the engine! to the engine!" cried the engineer. + +The captain rushed down the ladder. A cloud of steam filled the +engine-room; the pistons were motionless in their cylinders, and the +cranks gave no movement to the shaft. The engineer, seeing that all +efforts were useless, and fearing for his boilers, had let out the +steam through the escape-valve. + +"What has happened?" asked the captain. + +"The screw is either bent or entangled," replied the engineer; "it will +not work." + +"Is it impossible to free it?" + +"Impossible, at present." + +To attempt to repair the accident at that moment was out of the +question. The screw would not move, and the steam, being no longer +effective, had escaped through the valves. The captain was, therefore, +forced to rely on his sails, and seek the aid of the wind, which had +been hitherto his most dangerous enemy. + +He came on deck, and, briefly informing Glenarvan of the situation, +begged him to return to the cabin with the others; but the latter +wished to remain. + +"No, my lord," replied Captain Mangles, in a firm tone: "I must be +alone here with my crew. Go! The ship may be in danger, and the waves +would drench you unmercifully." + +"But we may be of use----" + +"Go, go, my lord; you must! There are times when I am master on board. +Retire, as I wish!" + +[Sidenote: THE STRUGGLE CONTINUED.] + +For John Mangles to express himself so authoritatively, the situation +must have been critical. Glenarvan understood that it was his duty to +obey. He therefore left the deck, followed by his three companions, and +joined the ladies in the cabin, who were anxiously awaiting the result +of this struggle with the elements. + +"My brave John is an energetic man," remarked Glenarvan as he entered. + +Meantime Captain Mangles lost no time in extricating the ship from +her perilous situation. He resolved to keep towards the Cape, that he +might deviate as little as possible from his prescribed course. It was, +therefore, necessary to brace the sails obliquely to the wind. The +top-sail was reefed, a kind of fore-sail rigged on the main-stay, and +the helm crowded hard aport. The yacht, which was a stanch and fleet +vessel, started like a spirited horse that feels the spur, and proudly +breasted the angry billows. + +The rest of the night was passed in this situation. They hoped that the +tempest would abate by break of day. Vain hope! At eight o'clock in the +morning it was still blowing hard, and the wind soon became a hurricane. + +The captain said nothing, but he trembled for his vessel and those +whom she carried. The Duncan now and then gave a fearful lurch; her +stanchions cracked, and sometimes the yards of the mainmast struck the +crests of the waves. At one moment the crew thought the yacht would +not rise again. Already the sailors, hatchet in hand, were rushing +to cut away the fore-shrouds, when they were violently torn from +their fastenings by the blast. The ship righted herself, but, without +support on the waves, she was tossed about so terribly that the masts +threatened to break at their very foundations. She could not long +endure such rolling; she was growing weak, and soon her shattered sides +and opening seams must give way for the water. + +[Illustration: Then, impelled by the hurricane, the billows outran +her; they leaped over the taffrail, and the whole deck was swept with +tremendous violence.] + +[Sidenote: NEARING THE END.] + +Captain Mangles had but one resource,--to rig a storm-jib. He succeeded +after several hours' labor, but it was not until three o'clock in the +afternoon that the jib was hauled to the main-stay and set to the +wind. With this piece of canvas the Duncan flew before the wind +with inconceivable rapidity. It was necessary to keep up the greatest +possible speed, for upon this alone depended her safety. Sometimes, +outstripping the waves, she cut them with her slender prow and plunged +beneath them, like an enormous sea-monster, while the water swept +her deck from stem to stern. At other times her swiftness barely +equaled that of the surges, her rudder lost all power, and she gave +terrific lurches that threatened to capsize her. Then, impelled by the +hurricane, the billows outran her; they leaped over the taffrail, and +the whole deck was swept with tremendous violence. + +The situation was indeed alarming. The captain would not leave his +post for an instant. He was tortured by fears that his impassive face +would not betray, and persistently sought to penetrate with his gaze +the gathering gloom. And he had good cause for fear. The Duncan, driven +out of her course, was running towards the Australian coast with a +swiftness that nothing could arrest. He felt, too, as if by instinct, +that a strong current was drawing him along. At every moment he feared +the shock of a reef upon which the yacht would be dashed into a +thousand pieces, and he calculated that the shore was not more than a +dozen miles to leeward. + +Finally he went in search of Lord Glenarvan, consulted with him in +private, explained their actual situation, viewed it with the coolness +of a sailor who is ready for any emergency, and ended by saying that he +should be obliged perhaps to run the Duncan ashore. + +"To save those she carries, if possible, my lord," he added. + +"Very well, captain," replied Glenarvan. + +"And Lady Helena and Miss Grant?" + +"I will inform them only at the last moment, when all hope is gone of +keeping at sea. You will tell me." + +"I will, my lord." + +Glenarvan returned to the ladies, who, without knowing all the danger, +felt it to be imminent. They displayed, however, a noble courage, equal +at least to that of their companions. Paganel gave himself up to the +most unreasonable theories concerning the direction of atmospheric +currents, while the major awaited the end with the indifference of a +Mussulman. + +About eleven o'clock the hurricane seemed to moderate a little, the +heavy mists were gradually dissipated, and through the openings the +captain could see a low land at least six miles to leeward. He steered +directly for it. Huge waves rolled to a prodigious height, and he knew +that they must have a firm point of support to reach such an elevation. + +"There are sand-bars here," said he to Tom Austin. + +"That is my opinion," replied the mate. + +"We are in the hands of God," continued the captain. "If He does not +himself guide the Duncan over the bar, we are lost." + +"It is high tide now, captain; perhaps we may do it." + +"But see the fury of those waves! What ship could resist them? God help +us, my friend!" + +Meantime the Duncan dashed towards the shore with terrible swiftness. +Soon she was only two miles from the sand-bars. The mists still +continued to conceal the land. Nevertheless Captain Mangles thought he +perceived, beyond this foaming barrier, a tranquil haven, where the +Duncan would be in comparative safety. But how to reach it? + +He called the passengers on deck, for he did not wish, when the hour +of shipwreck had come, that they should be confined in the cabin. +Glenarvan and his companions gazed at the awful sea. Mary Grant grew +pale. + +"John," said Glenarvan in a low tone to the young captain, "I will try +to save my wife, or will perish with her. Do you take charge of Miss +Grant." + +[Sidenote: OILY INFLUENCES.] + +"Yes, your lordship," was the prompt reply. + +The Duncan was now only a few cable-lengths from the sand-bars. As it +was high tide, there would doubtless have been sufficient water to +enable the yacht to cross these dangerous shoals; but the enormous +waves upon which she rose and fell would infallibly have wrecked her. +Was there then any means of allaying these billows, of calming this +tumultuous sea? + +A sudden idea occurred to the captain. + +"The oil!" cried he; "pour on oil, men, pour on oil!" + +These words were quickly understood by all the crew. They were about +to employ a method that sometimes succeeds. The fury of the sea can +often be appeased by covering it with a sheet of oil, which floats +on the surface and destroys the shock of the waters. The effect is +instantaneous, but transient. As soon as a ship has crossed this +treacherous sea, it redoubles its fury; and woe to those who would +venture to follow. + +The barrels containing the supply of seal-oil were hoisted into the +forecastle by the crew, to whom the danger gave new strength. Here +they were stove in with a blow of the hatchet, and suspended over the +starboard rattlings. + +"Hold on!" cried the captain, waiting for the favorable moment. + +In a few seconds the yacht reached the entrance to the pass, which was +barred by a terrible line of foam. + +"Let go!" cried the young captain. + +The barrels were inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil. +Immediately the unctuous liquid leveled the foaming surface of the sea, +and the Duncan sailed on calm waters, and was soon in a quiet harbor +beyond the terrible sand-bars; and then the ocean, released from its +fetters, bounded after its escaped prey with indescribable fury. + +[Illustration: "Let go!" cried the young captain. The barrels were +inverted, and from their sides streamed floods of oil.] + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +A HOSPITABLE COLONIST. + + +The captain's first care was to secure anchorage. He moored the vessel +in five fathoms of water. The bottom was good, a hard gravel, affording +an excellent hold. There was no danger of drifting, or of stranding at +low tide. The Duncan, after so many hours of peril, was now in a sort +of creek sheltered by a high promontory from the fury of the wind. + +Lord Glenarvan shook the hand of the young captain, saying,-- + +"Thanks, John!" + +And Captain Mangles felt himself fully rewarded by these simple words. +Glenarvan kept to himself the secret of his anguish, and neither Lady +Helena, Mary Grant, nor Robert suspected the magnitude of the perils +they had just escaped. + +One important point remained to be settled. On what part of the +coast had the Duncan been cast by the storm? How could she regain +her prescribed course? How far were they from Cape Bernouilli? Such +were the first questions addressed to the captain, who at once took +his bearings and noted his observations on the map. The Duncan had +not deviated very far from her route. She was at Cape Catastrophe, on +the southern coast of Australia, not three hundred miles from Cape +Bernouilli. + +But could the Duncan's injuries be repaired? This was the question to +decide. The captain wished to know the extent of the damage. It was +discovered, by diving, that a flange of the screw was bent and came +in contact with the stern-post. Hence it was impossible for the screw +to rotate. This injury was considered serious enough to necessitate +going into dry-dock, which of course could not be done in their present +locality. + +Glenarvan and the captain, after mature reflection, resolved that +the Duncan should follow the western shore, seeking traces of the +Britannia, should stop at Cape Bernouilli, where further information +could be obtained, and then continue southward to Melbourne, where her +injuries could be repaired; and, as soon as this was done, that she +should cruise along the eastern shores to finish the search. + +This arrangement was approved, and Captain Mangles resolved to take +advantage of the first favorable wind. He did not have to wait long. +Towards evening the hurricane had entirely subsided, and a moderate +breeze was blowing from the southwest. Preparations were made for +getting under way; new sails were set, and at four o'clock in the +morning the sailors heaved at the capstan, the anchor was weighed, and +the Duncan, with all sails set, cruised close to windward along the +coast. + +They arrived at Cape Bernouilli without finding the least trace of the +lost vessel. But this failure proved nothing. Indeed, during the two +years since the shipwreck, the sea might have scattered or destroyed +the fragments of the brig. Besides, the natives, who scent shipwrecks +as a vulture does a corpse, might have carried away every vestige of +it. Harry Grant and his two companions, therefore, without doubt, had +been taken prisoners the moment the waves cast them ashore, and been +carried into the interior of the country. + +[Sidenote: HOPING AGAINST HOPE.] + +But here one of Paganel's ingenious suppositions failed. So long as +they were in the Argentine territory, the geographer could rightly +maintain that the latitude of the document referred to the place of +captivity,--not to the scene of the shipwreck. Indeed, the great rivers +of the Pampas and their numerous affluents could easily bear the +document to the sea. In this part of Australia, on the contrary, few +streams cross the thirty-seventh parallel, and the principal Australian +rivers--the Murray, the Yara, the Torrens, and the Darling--either flow +into each other, or empty into the ocean by mouths where navigation +is active. What probability was there, then, that a fragile bottle +could have descended these continually navigated waters, and reached +the Indian Ocean? This consideration could not escape such sagacious +minds. Paganel's supposition, plausible in Patagonia, was illogical +in Australia. The geographer perceived this in a discussion on the +subject with the major. It was clear that the latitude applied only to +the place of shipwreck, and that consequently the bottle had been cast +into the sea where the Britannia was wrecked,--on the western coast of +Australia. + +However, as Glenarvan justly observed, this interpretation did not +preclude the possibility of Captain Grant's captivity, who, moreover, +had intimated as much by the words "where they will be prisoners of the +cruel Indians." But there was no more reason for seeking the prisoners +on the thirty-seventh parallel than on any other. + +This conclusion, after much discussion, was finally accepted, and it +was decided that, if no traces of the Britannia were found at Cape +Bernouilli, Lord Glenarvan should return to Europe, relinquishing all +hope of finding the object of their search. + +This resolution occasioned profound grief to the children of the lost +captain. As the boats containing the whole of the party were rowed +ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be probably +decided; irrevocably, we may say, for Paganel, in a former discussion, +had clearly demonstrated that the shipwrecked seamen would have reached +their country long ago, if their vessel had stranded on the other, the +eastern coast. + +[Sidenote: A NEW PROSPECT.] + +"Hope! hope! never cease to hope!" said Lady Helena to the young girl +seated beside her, as they approached the shore. "The hand of God will +never fail us." + +[Illustration: As the boats containing the whole of the party were +rowed ashore, they felt that the fate of their father would soon be +probably decided.] + +"Yes, Miss Mary," said the captain; "when men have exhausted human +resources, then Heaven interposes, and, by some unforeseen event, opens +to them new ways." + +"God grant it, captain!" replied Mary. + +The shore was now only a cable's length distant. The cape terminated in +gentle declivities extending far out into the sea. The boat entered a +small creek, between banks of coral in process of formation, which in +time would form a chain of reefs along the southern coast of the island. + +The passengers of the Duncan disembarked on a perfectly barren shore. +Steep cliffs formed a lofty sea-wall, and it would have been difficult +to scale this natural rampart without ladders or cramping-irons. +Fortunately, the captain discovered a breach half a mile southward, +caused by a partial crumbling of the cliffs. Probably the sea, during +violent equinoctial storms, had beaten against this fragile barrier, +and thus caused the fall of the upper portions of the mass. + +Glenarvan and his companions entered this opening, and reached the +summit of the cliffs by a very steep ascent. Robert climbed an abrupt +declivity with the agility of a cat, and arrived first at the top, +to the great chagrin of Paganel, who was quite mortified at seeing +himself outstripped by a mere lad of twelve. However, he distanced the +peaceable major; but that worthy was utterly indifferent to his defeat. + +The little party surveyed the plain that stretched out beneath them. +It was a vast, uncultivated tract, covered with bushes and brushwood, +and was compared by Glenarvan to the glens of the Scottish lowlands, +and by Paganel to the barren lands of Brittany. But though the country +along the coast was evidently uninhabited, the presence of man, not the +savage, but the civilized worker, was betokened by several substantial +structures in the distance. + +"A mill!" cried Robert. + +True enough, at no great distance apparently, the sails of a mill were +seen. + +"It is indeed a mill," replied Paganel. "Here is a beacon as modest as +it is useful, the sight of which delights my eyes." + +"It is almost a belfry," said Lady Helena. + +"Yes, madam; and while one makes bread for the body, the other +announces bread for the soul. In this respect they resemble each other." + +"Let us go to the mill," replied Glenarvan. + +They accordingly started. After half an hour's walk the soil assumed +a new aspect. The transition from barren plains to cultivated fields +was sudden. Instead of brushwood, quick-set hedges surrounded an +inclosure freshly ploughed. Some cattle, and half a dozen horses, +grazed in pastures encircled by acacias. Then fields of corn were +reached, several acres of land bristling with the yellow ears, haycocks +like great bee-hives, vineyards with blooming inclosures, a beautiful +garden, where the useful and the ornamental mingled; in short, a fair +and comfortable locality, which the merry mill crowned with its pointed +gable and caressed with the moving shadow of its sails. + +At this moment a man of about fifty, of prepossessing countenance, +issued from the principal house, at the barking of three great dogs +that announced the coming of the strangers. Five stout and handsome +boys, his sons, accompanied by their mother, a tall, robust woman, +followed him. This man, surrounded by his healthful family, in the +midst of these new erections, in this almost virgin country, presented +the perfect type of the colonist, who, endeavoring to better his lot, +seeks his fortune and happiness beyond the seas. + +Glenarvan and his friends had not yet introduced themselves, they had +not had time to declare either their names or their rank, when these +cordial words saluted them:-- + +[Sidenote: AN AUSTRALIAN HOME.] + +"Strangers, welcome to the house of Patrick O'Moore." + +"You are an Irishman?" said Glenarvan, taking the hand that the +colonist offered him. + +"I was," replied Mr. O'Moore. "Now I am an Australian. But come in, +whoever you are, gentlemen; this house is at your service." + +The invitation so hospitably given was accepted without ceremony. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant, conducted by Mrs. O'Moore, entered the house, +while the colonist's sons relieved the visitors of their fire-arms. + +A large, cool, airy room occupied the ground-floor of the house, +which was built of stout beams arranged horizontally. Several wooden +benches, built into the walls, and painted in gay colors, ten stools, +two oaken trunks, in which white china and jugs of polished pewter were +arranged, and a long table, at which twenty people could be comfortably +seated, constituted the furniture, worthy of the house and its hardy +inhabitants. + +Dinner was soon served. Dishes of soup smoked between roast beef and +legs of mutton, flanked by large plates of olives, grapes, and oranges. +The host and hostess had such an engaging air, and the fare was so +tempting, so ample, and so abundantly furnished, that it would have +been unbecoming not to accept this rural bounty. The domestics of the +farm, the equals of their master, had already come to partake of the +repast; and the host reserved the place of honor for the strangers. + +"I expected you," said he, quietly, to Lord Glenarvan. + +"You did?" replied the latter, very much surprised. + +"I always expect those who are coming," replied the Irishman. + +Then, in a grave voice, while his household stood respectfully, he +invoked a Divine blessing. Lady Helena was much affected by his perfect +simplicity of manner, and a look from her husband told her that he +likewise was touched by it. + +[Illustration: A fair and comfortable locality, which the merry mill +crowned with its pointed gable and caressed with the moving shadow of +its sails.] + +[Sidenote: THE OLD QUESTION.] + +Ample justice was done to the repast. The conversation was general. +The colonist told his story. It was like that of most deserving and +voluntary emigrants. Many go far to seek their fortunes, and find +only sorrow and disaster; they accuse fate, forgetting to blame their +ignorance, laziness, and vices. The man who is sober and persevering, +economical and honest, is almost sure to succeed. + +This had been the case with Mr. O'Moore. He had left Dundalk, where +he was poor, and, emigrating with his family to Australia, had landed +at Adelaide. At first he engaged in mining, but soon relinquished +this for the less hazardous pursuits of the farmer, in which he had +been successful beyond his highest anticipations. His agricultural +knowledge was a great aid to him. He economized, and bought new lands +with the profits of the first. His family flourished, as well as his +farm. The Irish peasant had become a landed proprietor, and, although +his establishment was only two years old, he owned at that moment five +hundred acres of well-cultivated land and five hundred head of cattle, +was his own master, and as independent as one can be even in the freest +country in the world. + +His guests congratulated him sincerely when his story was finished. He +doubtless expected a similar confidence, but did not urge it. Glenarvan +had an immediate interest in speaking of the Duncan, of his own +presence at Cape Bernouilli, and of the search that they had pursued so +perseveringly. But, like a man who considers the main object in view, +he first questioned his host concerning the shipwreck of the Britannia. + +The Irishman's answer was not cheering. He had never heard of the +ship. No vessel had for some time been lost on the coast; and, as the +shipwreck had occurred only two years before, he could affirm with +absolute certainty that the sailors had not been cast on that part of +the western shore. + +"And now, my lord," added he, "may I be allowed to ask why you have +inquired of me concerning this shipwreck?" + +Glenarvan then told the story of the document, the voyage of the +Duncan, and the attempts made to find Captain Grant. He confessed that +his dearest hopes had been destroyed by Mr. O'Moore's discouraging +information, and that he now despaired of ever finding the shipwrecked +seamen of the Britannia. + +These words produced a gloomy impression upon his hearers. Robert and +Mary listened to them with tearful eyes. Paganel could not find a word +of consolation or hope. Captain Mangles suffered a grief that he could +not subdue. Despair was seizing upon the souls of the noble people whom +the Duncan had vainly brought to these distant shores, when all at once +a voice was heard:-- + +"My lord, praise and thank God! If Captain Grant is living, he is in +Australia." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +THE QUARTERMASTER OF THE BRITANNIA. + + +The astonishment that these words produced cannot be described. +Glenarvan sprang to his feet, and, pushing back his chair, cried,-- + +"Who says that?" + +"I!" replied one of O'Moore's workmen, seated at the end of the table. + +"You, Ayrton?" said the colonist, no less astonished than Glenarvan. + +"I," repeated Ayrton, in an excited but firm tone; "I, a Scotchman like +yourself, my lord, one of the shipwrecked sailors of the Britannia!" + +[Sidenote: A FRESH FACE.] + +Mary Grant, half fainting with emotion, and overcome with happiness, +sank into the arms of Lady Helena; while Captain Mangles, Robert, and +Paganel went towards the man whom their host had called Ayrton. + +He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, of about +forty-five, of more than medium height, and with piercing eyes sunk +deeply beneath his projecting brows. His strength must have been +unusual, even considering his stature, for he was all bone and sinew. +His countenance, full of intelligence and energy, although the features +were stern, prepossessed one in his favor. The sympathy that he +elicited was still more increased by the traces of recent hardships +imprinted upon his face. It was evident that he had suffered much, +although he seemed a man able to brave, endure, and conquer suffering. + +The travelers felt all this at first sight. Ayrton's appearance had +interested them; and Glenarvan, acting as spokesman for all, pressed +him with inquiries. This strange meeting had evidently produced a +bewildering effect, and the first questions were, to some extent, +without order. + +"You are one of the sailors of the Britannia?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord; Captain Grant's quartermaster," replied Ayrton. + +"Saved with him from the shipwreck?" + +"No, my lord. At that terrible moment I was washed overboard and cast +ashore." + +"You are not one of the sailors, then, of whom the document makes +mention?" + +"No; I did not know of the existence of such a document. The captain +must have thrown it overboard after I was gone." + +"But the captain, the captain?" + +"I suppose he was lost, drowned, with the rest of the crew. I thought I +was the sole survivor." + +"But you said that Captain Grant was living!" + +[Illustration: He was a somewhat rough-looking, broad-shouldered man, +of about forty-five.] + +[Illustration: "When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling +down the jib, the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, +which was not two cable-lengths distant."] + +"No. I said, 'if the captain is living'----" + +"'He is in Australia,' you added." + +"He can be nowhere else." + +"You do not know, then, where he is?" + +"No, my lord. I repeat that I thought he was buried in the waves or +dashed upon the rocks. You say that perhaps he is still living." + +"What do you know, then?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Simply this, that if Captain Grant is living he is in Australia." + +"Where did the shipwreck take place?" inquired the major. + +This should have been the first question; but, in the excitement of the +moment, Glenarvan, anxious to know where Captain Grant was, had not +inquired where the Britannia was lost. From this point the conversation +assumed a more definite form, and soon the details of the complicated +story appeared clear and exact to the minds of Ayrton's hearers. + +To the major's question Ayrton replied,-- + +"When I was washed from the forecastle, as I was hauling down the jib, +the Britannia was driving towards the coast of Australia, which was not +two cable-lengths distant. The shipwreck, therefore, took place at that +point." + +"In latitude thirty-seven?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Thirty-seven," replied Ayrton. + +"On the west coast?" + +"No. On the east coast." + +"And when?" + +"On the night of June 27th, 1862." + +"The same! the very same!" cried Glenarvan. + +"You see, then, my lord," added Ayrton, "that I was right in saying +that, if Captain Grant still lives, you must seek him in Australia." + +[Sidenote: OLD MEMORIES.] + +"And we will seek, find, and save him, my friend!" cried Paganel. "Ah, +precious document!" added he, with perfect simplicity: "it must be +confessed that you have fallen into the hands of very sagacious people." + +No one noticed these flattering words of Paganel. Glenarvan, Lady +Helena, Mary, and Robert had crowded around Ayrton, and eagerly clasped +his hands. It seemed as if the presence of this man was a guarantee of +the safety of Harry Grant. Since the sailor had escaped the dangers +of shipwreck, why should not the captain be safe and sound? Ayrton +repeated his declaration that if Captain Grant were living he must be +in Australia. He answered with remarkable intelligence and clearness +the many questions that were propounded to him. Miss Mary, while +he spoke, held one of his hands in her own. This sailor had been a +companion of her father, one of the shipwrecked survivors of the +Britannia. He had lived with Harry Grant, had sailed the seas with him, +had braved the same dangers! She could not withdraw her eyes from that +weather-beaten face, and she wept with happiness. + +Hitherto no one had thought of doubting the veracity of the +quartermaster. Only the major, and perhaps Captain Mangles, questioned +whether Ayrton's story merited _entire_ confidence. This unexpected +meeting might be suspicious. To be sure, Ayrton had mentioned facts and +dates that agreed, and striking particulars. But details, however exact +they may be, do not constitute a certainty; and generally, as we know, +falsehood endeavors to strengthen itself by its preciseness. MacNabb, +therefore, reserved his opinion. + +[Illustration: When he came to himself, he was in the hands of the +natives, who carried him into the interior of the country.] + +As for Captain Mangles, his doubts did not stand long before the +assertions of the sailor, and he considered him a real companion of +Captain Grant when he heard him speak to the young girl of her father. +Ayrton knew Mary and Robert perfectly. He had seen them at Glasgow +on the departure of the Britannia. He remembered that they had been +present at the farewell dinner given on board to the friends of the +captain. Sheriff MacIntyre was one of the guests. Robert--scarcely +ten years old--had been confided to the care of Dick Turner, the +boatswain, but had escaped from him and climbed to the top-sail +yard-arm. + +[Illustration: At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached the +hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood.] + +"It is true! it is true!" cried Robert. + +The quartermaster remembered, too, a thousand little circumstances +to which he did not seem to attach so much importance as did Captain +Mangles. When he stopped, Mary said, in her sweet voice,-- + +"Mr. Ayrton, please tell us more about our father." + +Ayrton acceded to the young girl's request. Glenarvan was reluctant to +interrupt him, and yet many more important questions thronged his mind. +But Lady Helena, pointing out to him Mary's joyful excitement, checked +his inquiries. + +[Sidenote: TWO YEARS OF SLAVERY.] + +The quartermaster now told the story of the Britannia and her voyage +across the Pacific. During the period of a year Harry Grant landed +at the principal ports of Oceanica, opposing unjustifiable captures, +and often a victim to the hostility of unjust traders. He found, +however, an important point on the western coast of Papua. Here the +establishment of a Scottish colony appeared to him feasible, and its +prosperity assured. After examining Papua, the Britannia sailed to +Callao for provisions, and left that port on the 30th of May, 1862, to +return to Europe by the way of the Indian Ocean and the Cape. Three +weeks after her departure, a terrible tempest disabled her. It became +necessary to cut away the masts. A leak was discovered in the hold, +which they did not succeed in stopping. The crew were soon overtasked +and exhausted. The pumps could not be worked. For eight days the +vessel was at the mercy of the storm. There were six feet of water +in her hold, and she gradually foundered. The boats had been washed +overboard, and the crew had given themselves up for lost, when on the +night of June 22nd, as Paganel had rightly interpreted, they descried +the eastern coast of Australia. The vessel soon stranded. A violent +shock was felt. At this moment Ayrton, borne by a wave, was cast into +the midst of the breakers, and lost all consciousness. When he came to +himself, he was in the hands of the natives, who carried him into the +interior of the country. Since then he had heard nothing more of the +Britannia, and naturally supposed that she had been wrecked, with all +on board, on the dangerous reefs of Twofold Bay. + +This was Ayrton's story, which elicited more than once exclamations of +sympathy. The major could not justly doubt its correctness; and after +this recital the quartermaster's own experiences possessed a more real +interest. Indeed, thanks to the document, they no longer doubted that +Captain Grant had survived the shipwreck with two of his sailors. From +the fate of the one they could fairly conjecture that of the other. + +Ayrton was invited to tell of his own adventures, which was soon and +simply done. The shipwrecked sailor, prisoner of a native tribe, was +carried into the interior regions watered by the Darling. Here he led +a very wretched existence, because the tribe itself was miserable; but +he was not maltreated. For two long years he endured a painful slavery. +However, the hope of regaining his liberty sustained his courage. He +watched for the least opportunity of escaping, although his flight +would plunge him into the midst of innumerable perils. One night +in October he eluded the vigilance of the natives, and took refuge +in the depths of extensive forests. For a month, living on roots, +edible ferns, and the gum of the mimosa, often overcome by despair, +he wandered in those vast solitudes, with the sun as his guide by +day and the stars by night. In this way he crossed marshes, rivers, +mountains, in short, all that uninhabited portion of country that few +travelers have explored. At last, exhausted and almost dead, he reached +the hospitable dwelling of Mr. O'Moore, where his labor insured him a +comfortable livelihood. + +"And if Ayrton is pleased with me," said the Irish colonist, when the +story was finished, "I cannot but be pleased with him. He is an honest +and intelligent man, a good worker, and, if he chooses, this house +shall long be at his service." + +Ayrton thanked Mr. O'Moore, and waited for further questions. He +probably thought, however, that the legitimate curiosity of his hearers +ought to be satisfied. What could he say that had not been repeated +a hundred times already? Glenarvan was, therefore, about to open the +conversation on a new topic, to profit by the information received from +Ayrton, when the major, addressing him, said: + +"You were quartermaster of the Britannia?" + +"Yes," replied Ayrton. + +But perceiving that a certain feeling of distrust, a doubt, however +slight, had suggested this inquiry, he added,-- + +"I saved my contract from the wreck." + +He immediately left the room in search of this authoritative document. +During his absence, which lasted but a few moments, Mr. O'Moore said: + +"My lord, I will answer for it that Ayrton is an honest man. During the +two months that he has been in my employ, I have had no fault to find +with him. I knew the story of his shipwreck and captivity. He is a true +man, and worthy of your entire confidence." + +Glenarvan was about to answer that he had never doubted Ayrton's +honesty, when the latter returned and presented his contract. It was a +paper signed by the owners of the Britannia and Captain Grant, whose +writing Mary recognized immediately. It stated that "Tom Ayrton, able +seaman, was engaged as quartermaster on board the brig Britannia of +Glasgow." There was, therefore, no possible doubt of Ayrton's identity, +for it would have been difficult to suppose that this contract could be +in his hands and not belong to him. + +[Sidenote: ENTANGLEMENTS.] + +"Now," said Glenarvan, "I appeal to you all for advice as to what is +best to be done. Your advice, Ayrton, would be particularly valuable, +and I should be much obliged if you would give it to us." + +The sailor reflected a few moments, and then replied: + +"I thank you, my lord, for the confidence you place in me, and hope to +show myself worthy of it. I have some knowledge of the country, and of +the customs of the natives; and, if I can be of use to you----" + +"Certainly," replied Glenarvan. + +"I think, like you," continued Ayrton, "that Captain Grant and his two +sailors were saved from the shipwreck; but, since they have not reached +the English possessions, since they have not reappeared, I doubt not +that their fate was the same as my own, and that they are prisoners of +the natives." + +"You repeat, Mr. Ayrton, the arguments that I have already +substantiated," said Paganel. "The shipwrecked seamen are evidently +prisoners of the natives, as they feared. But ought we to suppose that, +like you, they have been carried to the north?" + +"It is quite likely, sir," replied Ayrton. "The hostile tribes would +hardly remain in the neighborhood of the English provinces." + +"This fact will complicate our search," said Glenarvan, quite +disconcerted. "How shall we find the traces of the prisoners in the +interior of so vast a continent?" + +A prolonged silence followed this remark. Lady Helena frequently +cast a questioning glance at her companions, but without eliciting a +responsive sign. Paganel himself was silent, contrary to his custom. +His usual ingenuity now failed him. Captain Mangles paced the room with +long strides, as if he had been on the deck of his vessel, involved in +some difficulty. + +"And you, Mr. Ayrton," said Lady Helena, at length, to the +quartermaster, "what would you do?" + +"Madam," replied he, promptly, "I should re-embark on board the Duncan, +and go straight to the place of the shipwreck. There I should act +according to circumstances, or indications that chance might furnish." + +"Very good," said Glenarvan; "but we must wait till the Duncan is +repaired." + +"Ah! you have suffered injuries?" inquired Ayrton. + +"Yes," replies the captain. + +"Serious?" + +"No; but they necessitate repairs which cannot be made on board. One +of the flanges of the screw is bent, and this work can be done only at +Melbourne." + +"Can you not sail?" asked the quartermaster. + +"Yes; but, if the wind is contrary, it would take considerable time +to reach Twofold Bay, and at any rate we should have to return to +Melbourne." + +"Well, let the yacht go to Melbourne," said Paganel, "and we will go +without her to Twofold Bay." + +"But how?" + +"By crossing Australia, as we crossed South America." + +"But the Duncan?" added Ayrton, with singular persistency. + +"The Duncan will join us, or we will join her, according to +circumstances. If Captain Grant is found during our journey, we will +return together to Melbourne. If, on the contrary, we continue our +search to the coast, the Duncan shall join us there. Who has any +objections to make to this plan? Have you, major?" + +"No," replied MacNabb, "if it is practicable." + +"So practicable," said Paganel, "that I propose that Lady Helena and +Miss Grant accompany us." + +"Do you speak seriously, Paganel?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Quite seriously, my lord. It is a journey of three hundred and fifty +miles. At the rate of twelve miles a day it would last scarcely a +month,--long enough to give time for repairing the Duncan." + +"But the ferocious animals?" said Glenarvan, wishing to state all +possible objections. + +[Sidenote: OBSTACLES EXPLAINED AWAY.] + +"There are none in Australia." + +"But the savages?" + +"There are none in the course we shall take." + +"Well, then, the convicts?" + +"There are no convicts in the southern provinces of Australia, but only +in the eastern colonies." + +"Mr. Paganel is perfectly right," said O'Moore; "they have all left the +southern provinces. Since I have lived on this farm, I have not heard +of one." + +"And, for my part, I never met one," added Ayrton. + +"You see, my friends," continued Paganel, "that there are few savages, +no wild beasts, and no convicts. There are not many countries of Europe +of which we could say as much. Well, is it agreed?" + +"What do you think, Helena?" asked Glenarvan. + +"What we all think," replied she, turning towards her companions. +"Forward!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +PREPARATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY. + + +It was not Glenarvan's habit to lose time in adopting and executing a +plan. As soon as Paganel's proposal was accepted, he at once resolved +that the preparations for the journey should be completed as soon as +possible. + +And what was to be the result of this search? The existence of +Harry Grant seemed to have become undeniable, which increased the +probabilities of success. No one expected to find the captain exactly +on the line of the thirty-seventh parallel; but perhaps they would come +upon traces of him, and, at all events, their course would bring them +straight to the scene of the shipwreck, which was the principal point. + +Moreover, if Ayrton would consent to join the travelers, to guide them +through the forests, and to the eastern coast, there was another chance +of success. Glenarvan felt the importance of this arrangement, and was +therefore particularly desirous of obtaining the services of Captain +Grant's companion. He inquired of his host whether he was willing for +him to propose to Ayrton to accompany them. Mr. O'Moore consented, +though not without regret at losing so good an assistant. + +"Well, Ayrton, will you aid us in our search for the sailors of the +Britannia?" + +The quartermaster did not answer immediately; he seemed to hesitate for +a few moments, but finally, after reflecting, said: + +"Yes, my lord, I will follow you; and, if I do not set you upon the +track of Captain Grant, I will at least guide you to the place where +his vessel was wrecked." + +"Thanks," replied Glenarvan. + +"One question, my lord." + +"Ask it." + +"Where will you join the Duncan?" + +"At Melbourne, if we do not cross Australia; on the eastern coast, if +our search is continued so far." + +"But the captain of the Duncan?" + +"He will await my orders at Melbourne." + +"Very well, my lord," said Ayrton; "rely on me." + +"I will," replied Glenarvan. + +The quartermaster was heartily thanked by the travelers. Captain +Grant's children lavished upon him their most grateful caresses. All +were delighted at his decision, except the colonist, who would lose +in him an intelligent and faithful assistant. But he understood the +importance that Glenarvan attached to this new addition to his force, +and was resigned. He had, moreover, engaged to furnish them with the +means of conveyance for the journey, and, this business being settled, +the party returned on board. + +[Illustration: This business being settled, the party returned on +board.] + +Everything was now changed; all hesitation had vanished. These +courageous searchers were no longer to wander on blindly. Harry Grant, +they believed, had found a refuge on the continent, and each heart +was full of the satisfaction that certainty brings when it takes the +place of doubt. In two months, perhaps, the Duncan would land the lost +captain on the shores of Scotland. + +When Captain Mangles seconded the proposal that they should attempt to +cross Australia with the ladies, he supposed that this time he would +accompany the expedition. He therefore consulted Glenarvan on the +subject, and brought forward various arguments in his own favor, such +as his desire to take part in the search for his countryman, and his +usefulness in the undertaking. + +"One question, John," said Glenarvan. "You have absolute confidence in +your mate?" + +"Absolute," replied he. "Tom Austin is a good sailor. He will take the +Duncan to Melbourne, repair her thoroughly, and bring her back at the +appointed time. He is a man devoted to duty and discipline, and will +never take the responsibility of changing or delaying the execution of +an order. You can rely upon him as fully as on myself." + +"Very well, captain," replied Glenarvan; "you shall accompany us; for," +added he, smiling, "you certainly ought to be present when we find Mary +Grant's father." + +"Ah, my lord!" murmured Captain Mangles, with something like a blush +upon his swarthy cheeks. + +[Sidenote: A PALACE-CART.] + +The next day the captain, accompanied by the carpenter and by the +sailors loaded with provisions, returned to the farm of Mr. O'Moore, +who was to assist him in the preparations. All the family were waiting +for him, ready to work under his orders. Ayrton was there, and freely +gave them the benefit of his experience. He and his employer were +agreed on this point, that the ladies ought to make the journey in an +ox-cart, and the gentlemen on horseback. The colonist could procure +them the animals and vehicle. + +The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with an awning, +the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, or tires. +The front wheels were a long way from the hind ones, and were joined +together by a rude contrivance that made it impossible to turn short. +To the body of the cart was attached a pole thirty-five feet long, to +which three pairs of oxen were coupled. The animals, thus arranged, +drew by means of a yoke across their necks, to which the bow was +fastened with an iron pin. It required great skill to manage this long, +narrow, tottering vehicle, and guide the oxen by means of the whip. +But Ayrton had served his apprenticeship at O'Moore's farm, and his +employer guaranteed his dexterity. Upon him, therefore, devolved the +duty of driving. + +The cart, being without springs, was not very easy; but our travelers +were obliged to conform to circumstances as much as they could. As no +change was possible in its rude construction, Captain Mangles arranged +the interior in the most comfortable manner. He divided it into two +compartments by a wooden partition. The rear one was designed for +the provisions, the baggage, and Mr. Olbinett's portable kitchen, +while the forward one was reserved exclusively for the ladies. The +carpenter converted it into a convenient chamber, covered it with a +thick carpet, and furnished it with a dressing-table and two berths for +Lady Helena and Mary Grant. Thick leathern curtains secured privacy, +when necessary, and were a protection against the chilliness of the +night. In rainy weather the men could find shelter under the awning; +but a tent was to serve this purpose at the time of encampment. Captain +Mangles succeeded in crowding into this narrow space all that two +ladies could need, and Lady Helena and Mary Grant did not greatly miss +the comfortable cabins of the Duncan. + +[Sidenote: A RETURN VISIT.] + +As for the men, seven strong horses were apportioned to Lord +Glenarvan, Paganel, Robert Grant, Major MacNabb, Captain Mangles, +and the two sailors, Wilson and Mulready, who accompanied this new +expeditionary party. The horses and oxen grazed near at hand, and could +be easily collected at the moment of departure. + +[Illustration: The vehicle was a cart twenty feet long and covered with +an awning, the whole resting upon four wheels, without spokes, felloes, +or tires.] + +Having made his arrangements, and given his orders to the carpenter, +Captain Mangles returned on board with the colonist's family, who +wished to pay Lord Glenarvan a visit. Ayrton thought proper to join +them, and about four o'clock the captain crossed the gangway of the +Duncan. + +Of course, Glenarvan invited his visitors to dinner, and they willingly +accepted his return hospitality. Mr. O'Moore was amazed. The furniture +of the cabins, the tapestry, the upholstery, and the fancy-work of +maple and ebony excited his admiration. Ayrton, on the contrary, gave +only a secondary attention to these costly luxuries. He first examined +the yacht from a sailor's point of view. He explored the hold; he +went down into the engine-room; he looked at the engine, inquired +its effective power and consumption; he visited the coal-house, the +pantry, and the powder-magazine, and took particular interest in the +gun-room and the mounted cannon in the forecastle. Glenarvan now had to +deal with a man who was a critical judge, as he could see by Ayrton's +keen inquiries. At last the quartermaster finished his exploration by +inspecting the masts and rigging; and, after a few moments of general +review, said: + +"You have a fine vessel, my lord." + +"A good one, too," replied Glenarvan. + +"How many tons' burden is she?" + +"Two hundred and ten." + +"Shall I be greatly mistaken," added Ayrton, "if I say that the Duncan +can easily make fifteen knots an hour at full speed?" + +"Say seventeen," interposed the captain, "and you will be nearer +right." + +"Seventeen!" cried the quartermaster: "why, then, no man-of-war, not +even the best, could overtake her." + +"Not one," said the captain. "The Duncan is a real racing yacht, and is +not to be beaten in any way." + +"Not even in sailing?" asked Ayrton. + +"Not even in sailing." + +"Well, my lord, and you, captain, accept the compliments of a sailor +who knows what a vessel is worth." + +"Thanks, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan; "and now remain on board, and it +will be your own fault if the ship is not all you can desire." + +"I will think of it, my lord," said the quartermaster, modestly. + +Mr. Olbinett now approached, and informed Lord Glenarvan that dinner +was ready; and they all adjourned to the saloon. + +"That Ayrton is an intelligent man," said Paganel to the major. + +"Too intelligent!" growled MacNabb, who, without any apparent reason, +disliked the looks and manners of the quartermaster. + +During dinner, Ayrton gave some interesting information concerning +Australia, with which he was perfectly familiar. He inquired the number +of sailors that Glenarvan intended to take with him in his expedition. +When he learned that only two, Wilson and Mulready, were to accompany +them, he seemed astonished. He advised Glenarvan to form his party of +the best seamen of the Duncan. He even insisted upon this point, which +must have removed all suspicion from the mind of the major. + +"But," said Glenarvan, "is there any danger in our journey across +Australia?" + +"None," replied Ayrton. + +[Sidenote: A CHANGE OF RESIDENCE.] + +"Well, then, let us leave on board as many as possible. There must be +men to navigate the Duncan and take charge of her. It is especially +important that she should arrive promptly at the place of meeting, +which we will appoint hereafter. Let us not, therefore, lessen the +crew." + +Ayrton seemed to appreciate this reason, and no longer insisted. + +At evening the party separated. Ayrton and O'Moore's family returned to +their home. The horses and cart were to be ready the next day, and the +travelers were to start at eight o'clock in the morning. + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant now made their last preparations, which were +short and less minute than those of Jacques Paganel. The geographer +passed half the night in unscrewing, cleaning, and screwing on again +the lenses of his telescope. He was still asleep the next morning, when +the major awoke him early with a loud summons. + +The baggage had already been conveyed to the farm through the care of +Captain Mangles. A boat was waiting for the travelers, and they were +not long in embarking. The young captain gave his last orders to Tom +Austin, and instructed him above all to await the commands of Lord +Glenarvan at Melbourne, and execute them scrupulously whatever they +might be. The trusty sailor replied that they might rely on him. In the +name of the crew he offered to his lordship their best wishes for the +success of the expedition. The boat put off, and a thunder of applause +rent the air. In a few moments the party reached the shore, and in no +great length of time arrived at O'Moore's farm. + +Everything was ready. Lady Helena was delighted with her quarters. The +immense cart, with its rude wheels and massive timbers, especially +pleased her. The six oxen yoked in pairs seemed to indicate primeval +simplicity, and were a novel sight. Ayrton, whip in hand, awaited the +orders of his new chief. + +[Illustration: Ayrton and Olbinett took their places respectively in +front and in the rear part of the cart, while Glenarvan, the major, +Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two sailors, mounted their +horses.] + +"I declare!" said Paganel, "this is an admirable vehicle, worth all the +mail-coaches in the world. I know of no better way of traversing the +earth than in this style, like mountebanks. A house that moves when +you please and stops wherever you please is all you can desire." + +[Illustration: The "Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, +and serves to tell of the tortures that our friends had to encounter.] + +"Monsieur Paganel," replied Lady Helena, "I hope to have the pleasure +of receiving you in my parlor." + +"Madam," replied the geographer, "you do me great honor! Have you +chosen a day?" + +"I shall be at home every day for my friends," replied Lady Helena, +smiling, "and you are----" + +"The most devoted of all," added Paganel, gallantly. + +This exchange of compliments was interrupted by the arrival of seven +horses, all harnessed, driven by one of O'Moore's sons. Lord Glenarvan +paid for these new acquisitions, and added many thanks, which the +honest colonist seemed to value as highly as the gold and notes which +he received. + +The signal for departure was now given. Lady Helena and Miss Grant +seated themselves in their compartment, Ayrton and Olbinett took their +places respectively in front and in the rear part of the cart, while +Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, Robert, Captain Mangles, and the two +sailors, all armed with carbines and revolvers, mounted their horses. A +"God bless you" was Mr. O'Moore's parting salute, which was echoed in +chorus by his family. Ayrton uttered a peculiar cry, and started his +long team. The cart moved, the timbers cracked, the axles creaked, and +the farm of the honest hospitable Irishman soon disappeared from view +at the turn of the road. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +AN ACCIDENT. + + +Our travelers made tolerably good progress by their new mode of +conveyance. The heat was great, but endurable, and the road was +quite easy for the horses. They were still in the province of South +Australia, and in this part at least the scenery was not of the +most interesting character. A succession of small hills, with very +dusty tracks, small shrubs, and scant herbage, had to be traversed +for several miles; and when these had been passed they reached the +"Mosquito Plains," whose very name describes them, and serves to tell +of the tortures that our friends had to encounter. Both the bipeds and +the quadrupeds suffered terribly from the infliction of these flying +pests, whom to avoid was impossible; but there was some consolation for +the former in the spirits of hartshorn, carried in the medicine-chest, +which alleviated the pain caused by the sting of those whom Paganel was +continually consigning to a place and person whom they would not visit. + +But shortly a more pleasant neighborhood was reached. Hedges of +acacias, then a newly cut and better made roadway, then European +imported trees--oaks, olives, and lemons,--then a well-kept fence,--all +these signs told of their approach to Red-gum Station, the home and +settlement of an emigrant engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the +source of so much Australian wealth. It was in itself an establishment +of small importance; but to its owners it was a home, and to its +visitors, on this occasion, it was a hotel, as the "station" generally +is to the traveler. + +[Illustration: Red-gum Station, the home and settlement of an emigrant +engaged in the cattle-breeding which is the source of so much +Australian wealth.] + +[Illustration: The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare +bird,--a "jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; +and its broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in +length.] + +Glenarvan's party invariably found beneath the roof of these solitary +settlers a well-spread and hospitable table; and in the Australian +farmer they always met an obliging host. + +After a night spent at this resting-place the party advanced through a +grove, and at evening encamped on the shores of a brackish and muddy +lake. Mr. Olbinett prepared supper with his usual promptness, and the +travelers--some in the cart and others under the tent--were not long +in falling asleep, in spite of the dismal howlings of the dingos,--the +jackals of Australia. + +The next morning Glenarvan and his companions were greeted with a +magnificent sight. As far as the eye could reach, the landscape seemed +to be one flowery meadow in spring-like luxuriance. The delicate blue +of the slender-leaved flax-plant mingled with the flaming scarlet +of the acanthus, and the ground was clothed with a rich carpet of +green and crimson. After a rapid journey of about ten miles, the cart +wound through tall groups of acacias, mimosas, and white gum-trees. +The vegetable kingdom on these plains did not show itself ungrateful +towards the orb of day, and repaid in perfume and color what it +received in sunshine. + +As for the animal kingdom, it was no less lavish of its products. +Several cassowaries bounded over the plain with unapproachable +swiftness. The major was skillful enough to shoot a very rare bird,--a +"jabiru," or giant crane. This creature was five feet high; and its +broad, black, sharp conical beak measured eighteen inches in length. +The violet and purple colors of its head contrasted strongly with the +lustrous green of its neck, the dazzling white of its breast, and the +vivid red of its long legs. + +[Sidenote: A FOUR-FOOTED ARMY.] + +This bird was greatly admired, and the major would have won the honors +of the day, if young Robert had not encountered a few miles farther +on, and bravely vanquished, an unsightly beast, half hedgehog, half +ant-eater, a chaotic-looking animal, like those of pre-historic +periods. A long, glutinous, extensible tongue hung out of its mouth, +and fished up the ants that constituted its principal food. Of course, +Paganel wished to carry away the hideous creature, and proposed to +put it in the baggage-room; but Mr. Olbinett opposed this with such +indignation that the geographer gave up his idea of preserving this +curious specimen. + +Hitherto few colonists or squatters had been seen. The country seemed +deserted. There was not even the trace of a native; for the savage +tribes wander farther to the north, over the immense wastes watered by +the Darling and the Murray. But now a singular sight was presented to +Glenarvan's party. They were fortunate enough to see one of those vast +herds of cattle which bold speculators bring from the eastern mountains +to the provinces of Victoria and South Australia. + +About four o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Mangles descried, three +miles in advance, an enormous column of dust that spread along the +horizon. What occasioned this? It would have been very difficult to +say. Paganel was inclined to regard it as some phenomenon, for which +his lively imagination already sought a natural cause. But Ayrton +dissipated all his conjectures by declaring that this cloud of dust +proceeded from a drove of cattle. + +The quartermaster was not mistaken. The thick cloud approached, from +the midst of which issued a chorus of bleatings, neighings, and +bellowings, while the human voice mingled in cries and whistles with +this pastoral symphony. A man emerged from the noisy multitude; it was +the commander-in-chief of this four-footed army. Glenarvan advanced to +meet him, and friendly relations were established without ceremony. +The leader, or, to give him his real title, the "stock-keeper," was +proprietor of a part of the herd. His name was Sam Machell, and he +was on his way from the eastern provinces to Portland Bay. His cattle +comprised one thousand oxen, eleven thousand sheep, and seventy-five +horses. All these animals, bought when lean on the plains of the +Blue Mountains, were to be fattened in the healthy pastures of South +Australia, where they would be sold for a large price. + +Sam Machell briefly told his story, while the drove continued its +course through the clumps of mimosas. Lady Helena, Mary Grant, and +the horsemen dismounted, and, seated in the shade of a huge gum-tree, +listened to the stock-keeper's narrative. + +He had set out seven months before, and had made about ten miles a day, +at which rate his journey would last three months longer. To aid him +in this laborious task, he had with him twenty dogs and thirty men. +Five of the men were blacks, who are very skillful in recovering stray +animals. Six carts followed the drove; and the drivers, provided with +stock-whips, the handles of which were eighteen inches and the lashes +nine feet in length, moved among the ranks and maintained order, while +the canine light dragoons hovered about on the wings. + +The travelers were amazed at the discipline of this novel army. The +different classes advanced separately, for wild oxen and sheep do +not associate well; the first will never graze where the second have +passed. Hence it was necessary to place the oxen at the head; and these +accordingly, divided into two battalions, took the lead. Five regiments +of sheep, commanded by five drivers, followed, and the platoon of +horses formed the rear-guard. + +The stock-keeper observed to his hearers that the leaders of the army +were neither dogs nor men, but oxen, whose superiority was recognized +by their mates. They advanced in the front rank with perfect gravity, +choosing the best course by instinct, and thoroughly convinced of their +right to be treated with consideration. + +[Sidenote: AN UNFORESEEN HINDRANCE.] + +Thus the discipline was maintained, for the drove obeyed them without +resistance. If it pleased them to stop, the others were obliged to +yield, and it was useless to attempt to resume the line of march if the +leaders did not give the signal. + +Such was Sam Machell's account, during which a great part of the +herd had advanced in good order. It was now time for him to join his +army, and choose the best pastures. He therefore took leave of Lord +Glenarvan, mounted a fine native horse that one of his men was holding +for him, and a few moments after had disappeared in a cloud of dust, +while the cart, resuming its interrupted journey, stopped at nightfall +at the foot of Mount Talbot. + +The next day they reached the shores of the Wimerra, which is half a +mile wide, and flows in a limpid stream between tall rows of gum-trees +and acacias. Magnificent myrtles raised aloft their long, drooping +branches, adorned with crimson flowers, while thousands of goldfinches, +chaffinches, and golden-winged pigeons, not to speak of chattering +parrots, fluttered about in the foliage. Below, on the surface of the +stream, sported a pair of black swans, shy and unapproachable. + +Meantime the cart had stopped on a carpet of turf whose fringes hung +over the swiftly flowing waters. There was neither raft nor bridge, but +they must cross at all hazard. Ayrton busied himself in searching for +a practicable ford. A quarter of a mile up-stream, the river seemed to +him less deep, and from this point he resolved to reach the other bank. +Various soundings gave a depth of only three feet. The cart could, +therefore, pass over this shallow without running much risk. + +"Is there no other way of crossing the river?" asked Glenarvan of the +quartermaster. + +"No, my lord," replied Ayrton; "but this passage does not seem to me +dangerous. We can extricate ourselves from any difficulty." + +"Shall Lady Helena and Miss Grant leave the cart?" + +"Not at all. My oxen are sure-footed, and I will engage to keep them in +the right track." + +"Well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan, "I trust to you." + +The horsemen surrounded the heavy vehicle, and the party boldly entered +the river. Usually, when these fordings are attempted, the carts are +encircled by a ring of empty barrels, which support them on the water. +But here this buoyant girdle was wanting, and it was, therefore, +necessary to confide to the sagacity of the oxen, guided by the +cautious Ayrton. The major and the two sailors dashed through the rapid +current some distance ahead, while Glenarvan and Captain Mangles, one +on each side of the cart, stood ready to assist the ladies, and Paganel +and Robert brought up the rear. + +Everything went well till they reached the middle of the river, but +here the depth increased, and the water rose above the felloes. The +oxen, if thrown out of their course, might lose their footing and +overturn the unsteady vehicle. Ayrton exerted himself to the utmost. He +leaped into the water, and, seizing the oxen by the horns, succeeded in +keeping them in the right track. + +At this moment an accident, impossible to foresee, took place. A crack +was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming angle; the water reached +the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle threatened to give way. +It was an anxious moment. + +Fortunately a vigorous blow upon the yoke brought the cart nearer the +shore. The river grew shallower, and soon men and beasts were in safety +on the opposite bank. Only the front wheels of the cart were damaged, +and Glenarvan's horse had lost the shoes of his fore-feet. + +This mishap required immediate repair. The travelers gazed at each +other in some degree of perplexity, when Ayrton proposed to go to Black +Point Station, twenty miles to the north, and bring a farrier. + +[Sidenote: FOOD, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL.] + +"Very well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "How much time do you need to make +the journey and return to the encampment?" + +"Fifteen hours," replied Ayrton. + +"Go, then; and, while waiting for your return, we will encamp on the +banks of the Wimerra." + +A few moments after, the quartermaster, mounted on Wilson's horse, +disappeared behind the thick curtain of mimosas. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS. + + +After the departure of Ayrton, and during this compulsory halt, +promenades and conversations became the order of the day. There was +an abundance of agreeable surroundings to talk about, and nature +seemed dressed in one of her most attractive garbs. Birds, novel and +varied in their plumage, with flowers such as they had never before +gazed on, were the constant theme of the travelers' remark; and when, +in addition, they had in Mr. Olbinett one who knew how to spread +before them and make the best of all the culinary novelties that were +within reach, a very substantial foundation was possible for the +"feast of reason and the flow of soul" which followed, and for which, +as usual, they were to no small extent indebted to their learned +historico-geographical professor, whose stock of information was as +varied as it was pleasant. + +[Illustration: A crack was heard; the cart inclined at an alarming +angle; the water reached the feet of the ladies, and the whole vehicle +threatened to give way. It was an anxious moment.] + +After dinner the traveling party had, as if in anticipation, seated +themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; the young moon was +rising high into the heavens, lengthening the twilight, and prolonging +it into the evening hour; whilst the smoke of the major's cigar was +seen curling upwards, losing itself in the foliage of the tree. + + +[Illustration: After dinner the traveling party had, as if in +anticipation, seated themselves at the foot of a magnificent banksia; +the young moon was rising high into the heavens, lengthening the +twilight, and prolonging it into the evening hour.] + +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena, "you have never given us the +history that you promised when you supplied us with that long list of +names." + +The gentleman addressed did not require any lengthened entreaties on +this subject, but, with an attentive auditory, and in the grandest +of all lecture-rooms, he rehearsed to them the two great dramas of +Australian travel, which have made the names of Burke and Stuart +immortal in the history of that continent. + +He told them that it was on the 20th of August, 1860, that Robert +O'Hara Burke set out, under the auspices of the Royal Society of +Melbourne, to cross the continent from south to north, and so to reach +the Indian Ocean. Eleven others--including a botanist, an astronomer, +and an army officer--accompanied him, with horses and other beasts of +burden. But the expedition did not long continue so numerous or so well +provided; in consequence of misunderstandings, several returned, and +Burke pressed on with but few followers and fewer aids. Again, on the +20th of November, he still further diminished his numbers by leaving +behind at an encampment several of his companions, that he and three +others might press on towards the north with as little incumbrance as +possible. After a very painful journey across a stony desert, they +arrived at the extreme point reached by Stuart in 1845; and from this +point, after determining as accurately as possible their latitude and +longitude, they again started northward and seaward. + +[Sidenote: LYING DOWN TO DIE.] + +By the 7th of January they had gone so far as to reach the southern +limit of the tropical heat; and now under a scorching sun, deceived by +the mirage, often without water, and then hailing a storm as a source +of refreshment, now and then meeting with the aborigines, who could in +no wise help them, they had indeed a hard road to travel, though having +neither rivers, lakes, nor mountains to bar their path. + +At length, however, there were various signs that they were approaching +the sea; by-and-by they reached the bank of a river which flows into +the Gulf of Carpentaria; and finally Burke and Wills, after terrible +hardships, arrived at the point where the sea-water flowed up to and +inundated the marshes, though the sea-shore itself they did not reach. +With naught but barrenness in sight on either hand, their great desire +was to get back and rejoin their companions; but peril after peril +awaited them, many of which their note-book has preserved an account +of, but many more will be forever unrecorded. The three survivors +(for one of the party had succumbed to the hardships) now strained +every effort to reach the encampment, where they hoped to find their +companions and a store of provisions. On the 21st of April they +gained the goal, but the prize was missing; only seven hours before, +after five months of waiting in vain, their companions had taken +their departure. Of course nothing remained but to follow them with +their feeble strength and scanty means of subsistence; but calamities +still dogged their footsteps, and at last the leader, Burke, lay down +exhausted, saying to his companion, King, "I have not many hours to +live; here are my watch and my notes; when I am dead, place a pistol +in my right hand, and leave me without burial." His forebodings were +realized, and the next morning he died. King, in despair, went in +search of some Australian tribe, for now Wills had begun to sink, +and he shortly afterwards died also. At length the sole survivor was +rescued by an expedition sent out in search of Burke; and thus the sad +tale was told of this Australian tragedy. + +[Illustration: "When I am dead, place a pistol in my right hand, and +leave me without burial." His forebodings were realized, and the next +morning he died.] + +The narrative concerning Stuart was a less melancholy one, though the +trials endured on his expedition were likewise great. Aided by the +parliament of South Australia, he likewise proceeded northward, +in the year 1862, about seven degrees to the west of the line taken +by Burke. He found his route to be a more accessible and easy one +than the other, and was rewarded for his toil when, on the 24th of +July, he beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly unfurled +the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest tree he +could find. His return to the inhabited regions was successfully +accomplished, and his entry into Adelaide, on the 17th of December, was +an ovation indeed. But his health was shattered, and, after receiving +the gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society, and returning to his +native Scotland, he died on the 5th of June, 1866. + +[Illustration: He beheld the waters of the Indian Ocean, and proudly +unfurled the Australian flag from the topmost branch of the highest +tree he could find.] + +The histories of these Australian travels were lengthy, as told by +Paganel. When he had finished, hope and despair seemed to fight for the +mastery in the breasts of his listeners; but they did not fight long, +for peaceful slumbers soon enwrapped the company, except those whose +turn it was to watch over their fellow-travelers. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +CRIME OR CALAMITY? + + +[Sidenote: THE MISCHIEF REPAIRED.] + +It was not without a certain feeling of apprehension that the major +had seen Ayrton leave the Wimerra to procure a farrier at Black Point +Station. However, he did not breathe a word of his personal suspicions, +but contented himself with exploring the surroundings of the river, +whose tranquillity was undisturbed. As for Glenarvan, his only fear was +to see Ayrton return alone. In the absence of skilled labor, the cart +could not resume its journey, which would be interrupted for several +days perhaps; and his longings for success and eagerness to attain his +end admitted of no delay. + +Fortunately, Ayrton had lost neither his time nor his trouble. The +next morning he reappeared at break of day. A man accompanied him, by +profession a farrier. He was a tall, stout fellow, but of a low and +brutish appearance, which did not prepossess one in his favor. However, +this was of little importance, if he knew his business. At all events +his breath was not wasted in idle words. + +"Is he an efficient workman?" inquired Captain Mangles of the +quartermaster. + +"I know no more than you, captain," replied Ayrton. "We shall see." + +The farrier began his work. He was a man who understood his trade, as +one could see by the way in which he repaired the wheels of the cart. +He labored skillfully and with uncommon energy. + +During the operation, the major noticed that the farrier's wrists were +considerably eroded, and that they were each encircled by a blackish +ring of extravasated blood. These were the marks of recent wounds, +which the sleeves of a miserable woolen shirt but partially concealed. +MacNabb questioned the man about these erosions, which must have been +very painful. He, however, made no reply, but stolidly kept on at his +work. + +Two hours after, the injuries of the cart were repaired. As for +Glenarvan's horse, he was quickly shod. The farrier had taken care to +bring shoes all prepared. There was a peculiarity about them, however, +which did not escape the major. It was a trefoil rudely carved on the +outer rim. He pointed it out to Ayrton. + +"It is the Black Point mark," replied the quartermaster, "which enables +them to follow the tracks of the horses that stray from the station, +and not confound them with others." + +The farrier, having done all that was required of him, now claimed his +wages, and departed without having spoken four words. + +Half an hour later, the travelers were on the move. Beyond the curtain +of mimosas extended a broad, uncovered space, which justly deserved its +name of "open plain." Fragments of quartz and ferruginous rocks lay +among the bushes, tall grass, and hedgerows that protected numerous +flocks. Several miles farther on, the wheels of the cart sank deeply +in the marshy lowlands, through which ran winding creeks, half hidden +beneath a canopy of gigantic rushes. The journey, notwithstanding, was +neither difficult nor tedious. + +Lady Helena invited the horsemen to call upon her in turn, for her +parlor was very small. Each was thus relieved from the fatigue of +horseback riding, and enjoyed the society of this amiable lady, +who, assisted by Miss Mary, performed with perfect grace the honors +of her movable mansion. Captain Mangles was not forgotten in these +invitations, and his rather sober conversation was not at all +displeasing. + +At eleven o'clock they arrived at Carlsbrook, quite an important +municipality. Ayrton thought it best to pass by the city without +entering. Glenarvan was of the same opinion; but Paganel, always +eager for something new, desired to visit the place. Accordingly, +the geographer, taking Robert with him as usual, started on his +explorations, while the cart slowly continued its journey. Their +inspection of the town was very rapid, and shortly afterwards they had +joined their companions. + +While they were passing through this region, the travelers requested +Paganel to give them some account of its progress, and the geographer, +in compliance with their wishes, had just begun a lecture upon the +civilization of the country, when he was interrupted by a shrill +whistle. The party were not a mile from the railroad. A locomotive, +coming from the south, and going slowly, had stopped just where +the road they were following crossed the iron track. At this point +the railway passes over the Lutton on an iron bridge, and thither +Ayrton directed his cart, preceded by the horsemen. The travelers +were attracted, moreover, by a lively feeling of curiosity, for +a considerable crowd was already rushing towards the bridge. The +inhabitants of the neighboring stations, leaving their houses, and the +shepherds their flocks, lined the sides of the track. Frequent cries +were heard. Some serious event must have taken place to cause such +excitement,--a great accident, perhaps. + +[Illustration: A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, but a +running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled with +the fragments of cars and locomotives.] + +Glenarvan, followed by his companions, urged on his horse, and in a few +moments arrived at Camden Bridge. Here the cause of this agitation was +at once manifest. A terrible accident had occurred, not a collision, +but a running off the track and a fall into the river, which was filled +with the fragments of cars and locomotives. Either the bridge had +given way, or the engine had run off the track; for five coaches out +of six had been precipitated into the bed of the Lutton. The last car, +miraculously preserved by the breaking of its coupling, stood on the +very verge of the abyss. Below was to be seen nothing but a terrible +heap of blackened and bent axle-trees, broken cars, twisted rails, and +charred timbers. The boiler, which had burst at the shock, had thrown +its iron plates to an enormous distance. From this mass of unsightly +objects issued flames and spiral wreaths of steam, mingled with black +smoke. Large spots of blood, scattered limbs, and trunks of burnt +bodies appeared here and there; and no one dared to estimate the number +of victims buried beneath the ruins. + +Glenarvan, Paganel, the major, and Captain Mangles mingled with the +crowd, and listened to the conjectures that passed from one to another. +Each sought to explain the catastrophe, while laboring to save what was +left. + +"The bridge has broken," said one. + +[Sidenote: CAUSES AND EFFECTS.] + +"Broken?" replied others. "That cannot be, for it is still uninjured. +They forgot to close it for the passage of the train, that is all." + +It was a draw-bridge, which had been constructed for the convenience of +the shipping. Had the man on guard, through unpardonable negligence, +forgotten to close it, and thus precipitated the train, at full speed, +into the bed of the Lutton? This supposition seemed plausible, for one +half of the bridge lay beneath the fragments of the cars, while the +other still hung intact in its chains. Doubt was no longer possible; +surely carelessness must have caused the calamity. + +The accident had happened to the night express, which left Melbourne +at forty-five minutes past eleven. It must have been a quarter-past +three in the morning when the train reached Camden Bridge, where this +terrible destruction of life and property took place. The travelers +and employes of the last car at once busied themselves in seeking +assistance; but the telegraph-wires, whose poles lay on the ground, +were no longer available. It took the authorities of Castlemaine three +hours to reach the scene of the disaster; and it was, therefore, six +o'clock in the morning before a corps of workers was organized under +the direction of the surveyor-general of the district, and a detachment +of policemen, commanded by an officer. The squatters had come to their +aid, and exerted themselves to extinguish the fire, which consumed the +heap of ruins with unconquerable fierceness. Several unrecognizable +bodies lay on the edge of the embankment, but it was impossible +to rescue a living being from this furnace. The fire had rapidly +accomplished the work of destruction. Of the travelers in the train, +whose number was not known, only ten survived, those in the last car. +The railroad company had just sent an extra locomotive to convey them +to Castlemaine. + +Meantime, Lord Glenarvan, having made the acquaintance of the +surveyor-general, was conversing with him and the police-officer. The +latter was a tall, thin man, of imperturbable coolness, who, if he +had any feeling, betrayed no sign of it on his impassible features. +He was like a mathematician engaged upon a problem; he was seeking to +elucidate the mystery of the disaster. To Glenarvan's first words, +"This is a great calamity!" he replied, calmly, "It is more than that." + +"More than that!" cried Glenarvan; "and what can be more than that?" + +"It is a crime!" replied the officer, coolly. + +Glenarvan turned to Mr. Mitchell, the surveyor-general, with a +questioning look. + +"That is correct," said the latter; "our examination has convinced us +that the catastrophe is the result of a crime. The last baggage-wagon +was robbed. The surviving travelers were attacked by a party of five or +six malefactors. The bridge was opened intentionally; and, taking into +account this fact with the disappearance of the guard, I cannot but +come to the conclusion that the miserable man was the accomplice of the +criminals." + +The police-officer, at these words, slowly shook his head. + +"You are not of my opinion?" inquired Mr. Mitchell. + +"Not as regards the complicity of the guard." + +"At any rate, this assumed complicity," continued the surveyor-general, +"enables us to attribute the crime to the natives who wander about the +country. Without the guard's assistance these natives could not have +opened the draw-bridge, for they do not understand its working." + +"Exactly," replied the officer. + +"Now, it is known," added Mr. Mitchell, "from the testimony of a +boatman, whose boat passed Camden Bridge at forty minutes past ten in +the evening, that the bridge was closed according to regulation, after +his passage." + +"Quite right." + +[Illustration: In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a +corpse. It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had +pierced him to the heart.] + +"Therefore the complicity of the guard seems to me to be proved +incontestably." + +The officer again made a gesture of dissent. + +"Then you do not attribute the crime to the natives?" inquired +Glenarvan. + +"I do not." + +"To whom, then?" + +At this moment a loud uproar was heard half a mile up the river. A +crowd had formed, which rapidly increased, and was now approaching the +station. In the midst of the multitude two men were bearing a corpse. +It was that of the guard, already cold. A poniard-thrust had pierced +him to the heart. The assassins had dragged the body some distance from +Camden Bridge, doubtless intending by this means to mislead the police +in their first investigations. This discovery clearly justified the +doubts of the officer. The natives had no hand in the crime. + +"Those who struck the blow," said he, "are persons already familiar +with the use of these little instruments." + +As he spoke he displayed a pair of "darbies," a kind of manacles +consisting of a double ring of iron, furnished with a padlock. + +"Before long," added he, "I shall have the pleasure of presenting them +with these bracelets as a new year's gift." + +"Then you suspect----?" + +"People who have 'traveled free on Her Majesty's vessels.'" + +"What! convicts?" cried Paganel, who recognized the phrase employed in +the Australian colonies. + +"I thought," observed Glenarvan, "that those who have been transported +had no right to stay in the province of Victoria." + +"Ah, well," replied the officer, "if they have not the right, they take +it! Sometimes they escape; and, if I am not greatly mistaken, these +fellows have come direct from Perth. Well, they shall return again, you +may be sure." + +[Sidenote: A RAILROAD SLEEPER.] + +Mr. Mitchell nodded approvingly at the words of the officer. At this +moment the cart arrived at the railroad crossing. Glenarvan, wishing +to spare the ladies the spectacle at Camden Bridge, took leave of the +surveyor-general, and made a sign to his companions to follow him. + +"There is no occasion," said he, "for us to interrupt our journey." + +On reaching the cart, Glenarvan simply told Lady Helena that a railroad +accident had taken place, without mentioning the part that the convicts +had played in the catastrophe. He reserved this matter that he might +question Ayrton in private. The little party then crossed the track, +not far above the bridge, and resumed their route towards the east. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +FRESH FACES. + + +They had not proceeded far before they reached a native cemetery, +pleasantly situated and with abundance of shady trees. Here for a +time they halted, and, whilst Robert and Paganel were exploring, Lord +and Lady Glenarvan almost stumbled over a queer object. It was human, +indigenous, and sleeping; but at first this was all that they could +decide, until, as the eyes opened and the sleeper roused to active +life, they saw before them a boy of eight years, with a notice pinned +to the back of his jacket which read as follows: "TOLINE*, to be +conducted to Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid." + +[Illustration: A boy of eight years, with a notice pinned to the back +of his jacket which read as follows: "Toline, to be conducted to +Echuca, care of Jeff Smith, Railway Porter. Prepaid."] + +Here, it would seem, was another waif that Providence had cast in their +path. They questioned him, and his answers were pertinent and clear. He +had been educated in the Wesleyan Methodist day-school at Melbourne, +and was now going for a time to visit his parents, who were living +with the rest of their tribe in Lachlan. He had been in the train to +which the accident had happened, and had, with childlike confidence, +troubled less about his fate than did those of older years. Going to a +little distance, and laying himself on the grass, he had soon fallen +into the slumber from which our travelers had aroused him. + +[Illustration: Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and +Toline had to answer many a question. He came out of his examination +very creditably.] + +Paganel and the others had now gathered round, and Toline had to answer +many a question. He came out of his examination very creditably; the +reverence with which he spoke of the Creator and of the Bible produced +a very favorable impression on the Scottish heads of the expedition, +whilst the fact that he had taken "the first prize in geography" was +sufficient introduction to Monsieur Paganel, who forthwith tested his +knowledge, greatly to his own satisfaction, and considerably to the +credit of his young pupil. The curiosity of his discoverers having been +fully satisfied, Toline was made welcome, and partook with the others +of the general repast. Many were the plans and purposes concerning +him, and much wonder was expressed as to how they could speed him on +his way; but in the morning it was discovered that he had solved the +problem for himself, and a bouquet of fresh leaves and flowers, laid by +the side of Lady Helena's seat, was the only memento that Toline had +left. + +[Sidenote: A GOLDEN CITY.] + +The party were now approaching the district which, in the years 1851 +and 1852, was so much talked of throughout the civilized world, +and attracted from all parts so many reckless adventurers and +fortune-hunters. The line of the thirty-seventh parallel, on which they +were traveling, led them through the diggings and municipality of Mount +Alexander, which was one of the most successful spots for the digger at +the commencement of the gold fever, in consequence of the comparatively +level nature of the ground and the general richness of the soil, so +different from some other localities where only once in a while was +some enormous nugget to be found. As they drew near to the streets of +this hastily-built town, Ayrton and Mulready, who were in charge of the +cart, were sent forward, whilst the others walked through the place to +inspect what there might be of interest, as well as to ascertain what +might be learned concerning the object of their expedition. + +Thus, in this strange gathering of all nationalities and creeds and +professions, the regular inhabitants beheld a still more extraordinary +sight than that every day afforded them: folks who to the refinement +which education and civilization give added both the earnestness +of the worker and the freshness and vigor of the pleasure-seeking +tourist. In the streets, in connection with the strange sign-boards and +announcements, the novel erections and purposes to which some of them +were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary for every one. + +Still more did he expatiate upon the thousand-and-one topics of +interest when they visited the bank building, which here is the +centre of more than one agency connected with this great gold-bearing +district. Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be seen +specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold has +been found, whether in combination with clay or other minerals, or--as +it is sometimes, to the great joy of the finder, discovered--_pur +et simple_. Here also were models, diagrams, and even the tools +themselves, to illustrate the different methods by which the object +of search was dug out, or washed, or crushed, or tested. Here also +was an almost unequaled collection of precious stones, gems of all +sorts, making the gallery in which they were placed a real Golconda +for its wealth and attractions. Besides all this, here was the centre +of the varied agencies by which the reports were brought in from the +companies established for mining purposes, and also from each isolated +worker, of the space purchased, the number of feet or yards dug, the +ore extracted, the comparative richness or poverty of the soil here, +there, and elsewhere, which in their summarized and aggregate form have +greatly helped to a correct knowledge of the comparative and absolute +gold-bearing value of various spots. Then, in addition to the usual +operations of a banking establishment, it was here that the ore was +stored, from hence that it was sent, under government escort and with +government guarantee, subject to a fixed, though moderate, charge, +so that the transport to Melbourne, which at first was a dangerous +and expensive "middle passage," was now as easily and inexpensively +accomplished as is the transmission of freight from London to Paris. + +[Illustration: In the streets, in connection with the strange +sign-boards and announcements, the novel erections and purposes to +which some of them were adapted, Paganel had a history and commentary +for every one.] + +Over the whole of this establishment they were conducted by the most +courteous and obliging of officials, and the services thus rendered +charmed the Frenchman, who was none the less loquacious, and was in +truth able even to enlighten his guides. + +[Illustration: Here was the mineralogical museum, in which might be +seen specimens illustrative of all the various ways in which the gold +has been found.] + +[Sidenote: PLEASING PROGRESS.] + +But his joy culminated when, after some time spent in the hotel, the +party left the town, and passed through the "diggings," properly so +called. It was difficult to persuade Paganel and Robert--who kept +together--to come on, in order that they might not leave Ayrton and +Mulready too long in suspense. Now the Frenchman would see just the key +that he needed to understand a point not before clear to him; anon you +might see him as in the illustration, when he had picked up a pebble +and was sure that it was in itself so interesting as a mineralogical +specimen that he must treasure it up for the Bank of France, so that +his own land might have at least one part of Australia. All this was +done with such a mingling of childish good-nature and scientific and +national pride that it was useless to do anything but laugh, and an +irrepressible smile came over even the major's features. At length, +however, by drawing him into a lecture, they succeeded in persuading +him to follow them; and, as they left the diggings, he told them the +history of the prophecies, the discovery, and the spread of knowledge +as to the rich auriferous deposits of this part of Australia. He +could give them facts and incidents and dates as to the ingress into +Melbourne, and the exodus therefrom to the diggings, in the year 1852; +he told them how the energy and the love of order which characterize +the English-speaking peoples had reduced to system, method, +subordination, the chaotic surgings and restlessness which marked the +first weeks and months of this new era; and he detailed, as though +he had studied the subject to the entire neglect of other matters, +the working of the system,--how the land was registered, what was the +sum paid in the aggregate, how the taxes were collected, wherein the +system had been found faulty. All this occupied much time, and, before +he had finished, the cart was in sight, in which Lady Helena and Miss +Grant reseated themselves, and for the remainder of the day and the +succeeding night their progress was in the accustomed order. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +A WARNING. + + +At sunrise the travelers left the gold regions and crossed the +frontiers of the county of Talbot. Their line of travel now struck +the dusty roads of the county of Dalhousie. Half the journey was +accomplished. In fifteen days more of travel equally rapid the little +party would reach the shores of Twofold Bay. Moreover, every one was in +good health. Paganel's assertions as to the salubrity of this climate +were verified. There was little or no moisture, and the heat was quite +endurable. Neither men nor animals complained. + +[Illustration: Anon you might see him as in the illustration, when +he had picked up a pebble and was sure that it was in itself so +interesting as a mineralogical specimen that he must treasure it up for +the Bank of France.] [Sidenote: A PILLARED GROVE.] + +Only one change had been made in the line of march since leaving +Camden Bridge. The criminal disaster on the railway, when made known +to Ayrton, had induced him to take precautions hitherto needless. +The horsemen were not to lose sight of the cart. During the hours of +encampment one of them was always on guard. Morning and evening the +priming of the fire-arms was renewed. It was certain that a band of +malefactors were scouring the country; and, although nothing gave cause +for immediate suspicion, still it was necessary to be ready for any +emergency. + +In truth they had reason to act thus. An imprudence, or negligence +even, might cost them dear. Glenarvan, moreover, was not alone in +giving heed to this state of affairs. In the isolated towns and +stations the inhabitants and squatters took precautions against any +attack or surprise. The houses were closed at nightfall. The dogs were +let loose within the palisades, and barked at the slightest alarm. +There was not a shepherd, collecting his numerous flocks on horseback +for the evening return, who did not carry a carbine suspended from the +pommel of his saddle. The news of the crime committed at Camden Bridge +was the reason for this excessive caution, and many a colonist who had +formerly slept with open doors and windows now carefully locked his +house at twilight. + +After awhile, the cart entered a grove of giant trees, the finest +they had hitherto seen. There was a cry of admiration at sight of the +eucalyptuses, two hundred feet high, whose spongy bark was five inches +in thickness. The trunks measured twenty feet in circumference, and +were furrowed by streams of odorous sap. Not a branch, not a twig, not +a wanton shoot, not even a knot, disfigured their perfect symmetry. +They could not have issued smoother from the hand of the turner. They +were like so many columns exactly mated, and could be counted by +hundreds, spreading at a vast height into capitals of finely-shaped +branches adorned with vertical leaves, from which hung solitary +flowers, whose calices were like inverted urns. + +Under this evergreen canopy the air circulated freely. A continual +ventilation absorbed the moisture of the earth, and horses, herds of +cattle, and carts could easily pass between these trees, which were +widely separated and arranged in straight rows. It was neither a +wood with thickets crowded and obstructed by brambles, nor a virgin +forest barricaded with fallen trunks and entangled with inextricable +parasites, where only axe and fire can clear a way for the pioneers. +A carpet of herbage below, and a sheet of verdure above; long vistas +of noble pillars; little shade or coolness; a peculiar light, like +the rays that sift through a delicate tissue; shadows sharply defined +upon the ground: all this constituted a strange sight. The forests of +Oceanica are entirely different from those of the New World, and the +eucalyptus--the "tara" of the aborigines--is the most perfect tree of +the Australian flora. + +The shade is not dense, nor the darkness profound, beneath these domes +of verdure, owing to a strange peculiarity in the arrangement of the +leaves of the eucalyptus. Not one presents its face to the sun, but +only its sharp edge. The eye sees nothing but profiles in this singular +foliage. Thus the rays of the sun glide to the earth as if they had +passed between the slats of a window-blind. + +Every one observed this and seemed surprised. Why this particular +arrangement? This question was naturally addressed to Paganel, who +replied like a man who is never at fault. + +"What astonishes me," said he, "is not the freak of nature, for she +knows what she does; but botanists do not always know what they say. +Nature was not mistaken in giving to these trees this singular foliage; +but men are wrong in calling them eucalyptuses." + +"What does the word mean?" asked Mary Grant. + +"It comes from the Greek words [Greek: eu kalypto], signifying _I cover +well_. But you all see that the eucalyptus covers badly." + +[Sidenote: A SILENT MARCH.] + +"Just so, my dear Paganel," replied Glenarvan; "and now tell us why the +leaves grow thus." + +"In this country, where the air is dry," said Paganel, "where rains +are rare and the soil is parched, the trees need neither wind nor +sun. Hence these narrow leaves seek to defend themselves against the +elements and preserve themselves from too great an evaporation. They +therefore present their edges, and not their faces, to the action of +the solar rays. There is nothing more intelligent than a leaf." + +"Nor more selfish," remarked the major. "They thought only of +themselves, and not at all of travelers." + +The entire party was inclined to be of MacNabb's opinion, except +Paganel, who, as he wiped his face, congratulated himself upon +traveling beneath these shadowless trees. However, this arrangement of +foliage was to be regretted; for the journey through these forests is +frequently very long and painful, since nothing protects the traveler +from the heat of the sun. + +All day long our travelers pursued their way under these interminable +arches. They met neither quadruped nor human being. A few cockatoos +inhabited the tops of the trees; but at that height they could scarcely +be distinguished, and their chattering was an almost inaudible murmur. +Sometimes a flock of parrots would shoot across a distant vista, +illumining it with a rapid flash of variegated light. But generally a +deep silence reigned in this vast temple of verdure, and the measured +tread of the horses, a few words exchanged now and then in desultory +conversation, the creaking of the cart-wheels, and from time to time a +cry from Ayrton as he urged on his sluggish team, were the only sounds +that disturbed this vast solitude. + +[Illustration: They were like so many columns exactly mated, and could +be counted by hundreds.] + +At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that bore the marks +of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, for the flames +had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire length. +Having only this shell of bark remaining, they no longer suffered +severely from this treatment. However, this lamentable habit of the +squatters and natives will finally destroy these magnificent trees, and +they will disappear like the cedars of Lebanon, so many centuries old, +consumed by the careless fires of wandering encampments. + +[Illustration: At evening they encamped at the foot of some trees that +bore the marks of a recent fire. They formed tall chimneys, as it were, +for the flames had hollowed them out internally throughout their entire +length.] + +Olbinett, according to Paganel's advice, kindled a fire in one of these +tubular trunks. He obtained a draught at once, and the smoke soon +disappeared in the dark mass of foliage. The necessary precautions were +taken for the night, and Ayrton, Mulready, Wilson, and Captain Mangles +watched by turns till sunrise. + +During all the next day the interminable forest presented its long, +monotonous avenues, till it seemed as if it would never end. Towards +evening, however, the rows of trees became thinner; and a few miles +farther on, upon a small plain, appeared a collection of regularly +built houses. + +"Seymour!" cried Paganel. "This is the last place we shall meet with +before leaving the province of Victoria." + +"Is it an important town?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"Madam," replied he, "it is a simple parish that would like to become a +municipality." + +"Shall we find a comfortable hotel?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I hope so," answered the geographer. + +"Well, then, let us go into the town; for the ladies will not be sorry, +I imagine, to rest here one night." + +"My dear Edward," replied Lady Helena, "Mary and I accept; but on the +condition that it shall cause no trouble or delay." + +"None at all," said Lord Glenarvan. "Moreover, our oxen are fatigued. +To-morrow we will start at break of day." + +[Sidenote: A TALK AFTER SUPPER.] + +It was now nine o'clock. The moon was approaching the horizon, and her +rays were dimmed by the gathering mist. The darkness was increasing. +The whole party, accordingly, entered the broad street of Seymour under +the guidance of Paganel, who always seemed to be perfectly acquainted +with what he had never seen. But his instinct directed him, and he went +straight to Campbell's North British Hotel. Horses and oxen were taken +to the stable, the cart was put under the shed, and the travelers were +conducted to quite comfortable apartments. + +At ten o'clock the guests took their seats at a table, over which +Olbinett had cast his experienced eye. Paganel had just explored the +town, in company with Robert, and now related his nocturnal impressions +in a very laconic style. He had seen absolutely nothing. + +However, a man less absent-minded would have observed a certain +excitement in the streets of Seymour. Groups were formed here and +there, which gradually increased. People talked at the doors of the +houses, and questioned each other with an air of anxiety. Various daily +papers were read aloud, commented upon, and discussed. These signs, +one might suppose, could not have escaped the most careless observer; +Paganel, however, had suspected nothing. + +The major, on the contrary, without even leaving the hotel, had +ascertained the fears that were agitating the little community. Ten +minutes' conversation with the loquacious landlord had informed him; +but he did not utter a word. Not until supper was over, and Lady +Helena, Mary, and Robert had retired to their chambers, did the major +say to his companions: + +"They have traced the authors of the crime committed at Camden Bridge." + +"Have they been arrested?" asked Ayrton, quickly. + +"No," replied MacNabb, without seeming to notice the eagerness of the +quartermaster. + +"So much the worse," added Ayrton. + +"Well," inquired Glenarvan, "to whom do they attribute the crime?" + +"Read," said the major, handing to Glenarvan a copy of the _Australian +and New Zealand Gazette_, "and you will see that the police-officer was +not mistaken." + +Glenarvan read aloud the following passage: + +"Sydney, Jan. 2, 1865.--It will be remembered that on the night of +December 29 an accident took place at Camden Bridge, five miles from +Castlemaine Station, on the Melbourne and Sandhurst Railway, by which +the night express was precipitated at full speed into the Lutton River. +Numerous thefts committed after the accident, and the corpse of the +guard found half a mile above, prove that it was the result of a crime; +and, in accordance with the verdict at the inquest, this crime is to +be attributed to a band of convicts who escaped, six months ago, from +the Perth penitentiary, in Western Australia, as they were about to +be transferred to Norfolk Island. These convicts are twenty-nine in +number, and are commanded by a certain Ben Joyce, a dangerous criminal, +who arrived in Australia several months ago in some way, and upon whom +justice has not yet succeeded in laying hands. The inhabitants of the +cities, and the colonists and squatters of the stations, are warned +to be on their guard, and requested to send to the undersigned any +information which may assist his investigations. + + "J. P. MITCHELL, Surveyor-General." + + * * * * * + +When Glenarvan had finished reading this article, MacNabb turned to the +geographer and said: + +"You see, Paganel, that there may yet be convicts in Australia." + +"Runaways there may be, of course," replied Paganel, "but not those +who have been transported and regularly received. These people have no +right to be here." + +"Well, at any rate they are here," continued Glenarvan; "but I do not +suppose that their presence need cause us to change our plans or delay +our journey. What do you think, captain?" + +[Sidenote: LOOKING AT BOTH SIDES.] + +Captain Mangles did not answer immediately. He hesitated between the +grief that the abandonment of the search would cause the two children, +and the fear of compromising the safety of the party. + +"If Lady Glenarvan and Miss Grant were not with us," said he, "I should +care very little for this band of wretches." + +Glenarvan understood him, and added: + +"Of course it is not advisable to give up our undertaking; but perhaps +it would be prudent for the sake of the ladies to join the Duncan at +Melbourne, and continue our search for Captain Grant towards the east. +What do you think, MacNabb?" + +"Before replying," said the major, "I should like to hear Ayrton's +opinion." + +The quartermaster, thus addressed, looked at Glenarvan. + +"I think," said he, "that, as we are two hundred miles from Melbourne, +the danger, if there is any, is as great on the southern as on the +eastern road. Both are little frequented, and one is as good as the +other. Moreover, I do not think that thirty malefactors can intimidate +eight well-armed and resolute men. Therefore, in the absence of better +advice, I should go on." + +"Well said," replied Paganel. "By continuing our course we shall cross +Captain Grant's track, while by returning to the south we should go +directly away from it. I agree with you, therefore, and shall give +myself no uneasiness about the runaway convicts." + +Thus the determination to make no change in the programme was +unanimously approved of. + +"One more remark, my lord," said Ayrton, as they were about to separate. + +"Speak." + +"Would it not be advisable to send an order to the Duncan to sail to +the coast?" + +"Why?" asked Captain Mangles. "It will be time enough to send the order +when we arrive at Twofold Bay. If any unforeseen event should compel +us to return to Melbourne, we might be sorry not to find the Duncan +there. Moreover, her injuries cannot yet have been repaired. I think, +therefore, that it would be better to wait." + +"Well," replied Ayrton, without further remark. + +The next day the little party, armed and ready for any emergency, left +Seymour, and half an hour after re-entered the forest of eucalyptuses, +which appeared again towards the east. Glenarvan would have preferred +to travel in the open country, for a plain is less favorable to sudden +attacks and ambuscades than a thick wood. But they had no alternative; +and the cart kept on all day between the tall, monotonous trees, and at +evening encamped on the borders of the district of Murray. + +They were now setting foot on one of the least frequented portions of +the Australian continent, a vast uninhabited region stretching away to +the Australian Alps. At some future day its forests will be leveled, +and the home of the colonist will stand where now all is desolation; +but at present it is a desert. In this region is situated the so-styled +"reserve for the blacks." On these remote plains various spots have +been set apart, where the aboriginal race can enjoy to the full the +privilege of gradually becoming extinct. Though the white man is at +perfect liberty to invade this "reserved" territory, yet the black may +call it his own. + +Paganel, who was in his element wherever statistics or history was +concerned, went into full details respecting the native races. He gave +a long account of the cruelties to which these unfortunate beings +had been subjected at the hands of the early colonists, and showed +how little had been done by the interference of the government. As +a striking instance of the manner in which the aborigines melt away +before the advance of civilization, he cited the case of Tasmania, +which at the beginning of this century had five thousand native +inhabitants, but in 1863 had only seven. + +[Sidenote: STUDIES IN ANTHROPOLOGY.] + +"Fifty years ago," said he, "we should have met in our course many +a tribe of natives; whereas thus far we have not seen even one. A +century hence, the black race will have utterly disappeared from this +continent." + +At that moment Robert, halting in front of a group of eucalyptuses, +cried out: + +"A monkey! there is a monkey!" + +The cart was instantly stopped, and, looking in the direction +indicated by the boy, our travellers saw a huge black form moving with +astonishing agility from branch to branch, until it was lost from view +in the depths of the grove. + +"What sort of a monkey is that?" asked MacNabb. + +"That monkey," answered Paganel, "is a full-blooded Australian." + +Just then were heard sounds of voices at some little distance; the oxen +were put in motion, and after proceeding a few hundred paces the party +came suddenly upon an encampment of aborigines, consisting of some +ten or twelve tents, made of strips of bark arranged in the manner of +tiles, and giving shelter to their wretched inhabitants on only one +side. Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, women, +and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins. Their first movement +was one of flight; but a few words from Ayrton restored confidence, and +they slowly approached the party of Europeans. + +The major jocularly insisted that Robert was correct in saying that +he had seen a monkey; but Lady Helena declined to accept his views, +and, getting out of the cart, made friendly advances to these degraded +beings, who seemed to look upon her as a divinity. Reassured by her +gentle manner, they surrounded the travelers, and began to cast wishful +glances at the provisions which the cart contained. Glenarvan, at the +request of his wife, distributed a quantity of food among the hungry +group. + +[Illustration: Of these miserable beings there were about thirty, men, +women, and children, dressed in ragged kangaroo-skins.] + +After this had been dispatched, our friends were favored by their new +acquaintances with a sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the +women urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who +fell in the fray. Suddenly the excited crowd dropped their arms, and +a profound silence succeeded to the din of war. A flight of cockatoos +had made its appearance in the neighboring trees; and the opportunity +to display their proficiency in the use of the boomerang was at once +improved by the Australians. The skill manifested in the construction +and use of this instrument served Lady Helena as a strong argument +against the monkey theory, though the major pretended that he was not +yet convinced. + +[Illustration: A sham fight, which lasted about ten minutes, the women +urging on the combatants and pretending to mutilate those who fell in +the fray.] + +Lord Glenarvan was now about to give the order to advance, when a +native came running up with the news that he had discovered half +a dozen cassowaries. The chase that followed, with the ingenious +disguise assumed by the hunter, and the marvelous fidelity with which +he imitated the movements and cries of the bird, was witnessed with +interest by the travelers. Lady Helena adduced the skill displayed as +a still further argument against the major's theory; but the obstinate +MacNabb declined to recede from his position, citing to his antagonist +the statement of the negroes concerning the orang-outangs,--that they +are negroes like themselves, only that they are too cunning to talk, +for fear of being made to work. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +WEALTH IN THE WILDERNESS. + + +[Sidenote: A PIANO IN THE DESERT.] + +After a peaceful night, the travelers, at seven o'clock in the morning, +resumed their journey eastward over the plains. Twice they crossed the +tracks of squatters, leading towards the north; and then the different +hoof-prints would have been confounded if Glenarvan's horse had not +left upon the dust the Black Point mark, distinguishable by its three +trefoils. + +Sometimes the plain was furrowed with winding creeks, bordered by +box-wood, which took their source on the slopes of the Buffalo Range, +a chain of mountains whose picturesque outlines stretched along the +horizon, and which the party resolved to reach that evening. Ayrton +urged on his oxen, and, after a journey of thirty-five miles, they +reached the place. The tent was pitched beneath a great tree. Night had +come, and supper was quickly dispatched; all thought more of sleeping +than of eating, after the fatigues of the day. + +Paganel, to whom fell the first watch, did not lie down, but, rifle on +shoulder, guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the +better resist sleep. In spite of the absence of the moon, the night was +almost bright with the splendor of the southern constellations; and the +geographer amused himself in reading the great book of the firmament, +which is always open. The silence of sleeping nature was broken only +by the sound of the horses' chains as they rattled against their feet. +Paganel was becoming fully absorbed in his astronomical meditations, +and occupying himself more with the things of heaven than those of +earth, when a distant sound startled him from his reverie. + +He listened attentively, and, to his great astonishment, thought he +distinguished the tones of a piano. A few boldly-struck chords wafted +to his ears their harmonious vibrations. He could not be mistaken. + +"A piano in the desert!" said he to himself. "It cannot be!" + +It was indeed very surprising, and Paganel began to think that some +strange Australian bird was imitating the sound of the instrument. + +[Sidenote: A TWOFOLD SURPRISE.] + +But at that moment a voice, harmoniously pitched, was heard. The +pianist was accompanied by a vocalist. The geographer listened +incredulously, but in a few moments was forced to recognize the +sublime air that struck upon his ear. It was "_Il mio tesoro tanto_" +from Don Juan. + +[Illustration: Paganel did not lie down, but, rifle on shoulder, +guarded the encampment, walking to and fro that he might the better +resist sleep.] + +"Parbleu!" thought the geographer, "however strange the Australian +birds may be, or even though the parrots were the most musical in the +world, they could not sing Mozart." + +He listened to the end of this grand inspiration of the master. The +effect of this sweet melody, in the stillness of the starlit night, +was indescribable. He remained a long time under the influences of its +enchantment. At last the voice ceased, and all was silent. + +When Wilson came to relieve the geographer, he found him wrapt in a +profound reverie. Paganel said nothing to the sailor, but, reserving +his account of the incident for Glenarvan the next day, he crept into +the tent. + +In the morning the whole party were awakened by unexpected bayings. +Glenarvan at once arose. Two magnificent pointers were gamboling along +the edge of a small wood; but at the approach of the travelers they +disappeared among the trees, barking loudly. + +"There must be a station in this desert," said Glenarvan, "and hunters, +since those are hunting-dogs." + +Paganel was just about to relate his experiences of the past night, +when two men appeared, in hunting costume, mounted on fine horses. They +naturally stopped at sight of the little party, encamped in gypsy-like +fashion, and seemed to be wondering what the presence of armed men in +this place meant, when they perceived the ladies, who were alighting +from the cart. + +They immediately dismounted, and advanced towards them, hat in hand. +Glenarvan went to meet them, and introduced himself and party, giving +the name and rank of each member. The young men bowed, and one of them, +the elder, said: + +"My lord, will your ladies, your companions, and yourself do us the +honor to accompany us to our house?" + +"May I ask, gentlemen, whom I have the honor of addressing?" inquired +Glenarvan. + +"Michael and Alexander Patterson, proprietors of Hottam Station. You +are already on the grounds of the establishment, and have but a quarter +of a mile to go." + +"Gentlemen," replied Glenarvan, "I should be unwilling to slight a +hospitality so graciously offered----" + +"My lord," interrupted Michael Patterson, "by accepting you will confer +a favor upon two poor colonists, who will be only too happy to extend +to you the honors of the desert." + +Glenarvan bowed in token of assent. + +"Sir," said Paganel, addressing Michael Patterson, "should I be too +inquisitive were I to ask if it was you who sang that divine air of +Mozart last night?" + +"It was I, sir," replied the gentleman; "and my brother accompanied me." + +"Well, sir," continued Paganel, extending his hand, "accept the sincere +compliments of a Frenchman, who is an ardent admirer of Mozart's music." + +The young man modestly returned the geographer's greeting, and then +pointed towards the right to the road they were to take. The horses had +been confided to the care of Ayrton and the sailors, and the travelers +at once betook themselves on foot to Hottam Station, under the guidance +of the two young men. + +It was a magnificent establishment, characterized by the perfect order +of an English park. Immense meadows, inclosed by fences, extended as +far as the eye could reach. Here grazed thousands of oxen and sheep. +Numerous shepherds and still more numerous dogs tended this vast herd, +while with the bellowing and bleating mingled the baying of mastiffs +and the sharp crack of stock-whips. + +[Sidenote: ARTIFICIAL SELECTION.] + +To the east the prospect was broken by a border of gum-trees, beyond +which rose the imposing peak of Mount Hottam, seven thousand five +hundred feet high. Long avenues of tall trees stretched in all +directions, while here and there stood dense clumps of grass-trees, +shrubby plants about ten feet high, resembling the dwarf palm, with a +thick foliage of long narrow leaves. The air was laden with the perfume +of laurels, whose clusters of white flowers in full bloom exhaled the +most delicate fragrance. + +With the charming groups of native trees were mingled those +transplanted from European climes. The peach, the pear, the apple, +the fig, the orange, and even the oak were hailed with delight by the +travelers, who, if they were not astonished at walking in the shade of +the trees of their country, wondered, at least, at the sight of the +birds that fluttered among the branches, the satin-birds with their +silky plumage, and the canaries, clad in golden and black velvet. + +Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or lyre-bird, whose tail +has the form of the graceful instrument of Orpheus. As the bird fled +away among the arborescent ferns, its tail striking the branches, they +almost expected to hear those harmonious chords that helped Amphion to +rebuild the walls of Thebes. + +Lord Glenarvan was not satisfied with merely admiring the fairy +wonders of this oasis of the Australian desert. He listened with +profound interest to the young men's story. In England, in the heart +of civilization, a new-comer would have first informed his host +whence he came and whither he was going; but here, by a nice shade +of distinction, Michael and Sandy Patterson thought they should +make themselves known to the travelers to whom they offered their +hospitalities, and briefly told their story. + +[Illustration: Here, for the first time, they saw the menure, or +lyre-bird, whose tail has the form of the graceful instrument of +Orpheus.] + +[Sidenote: NATURE AND ART.] + +It was like that of all intelligent and active young Englishmen, +who do not believe that the possession of riches absolves from the +responsibility to labor for the welfare of others. Michael and +Alexander Patterson were the sons of a London banker. When they were +twenty years old, their father had said: "Here is money, my sons. Go +to some distant land, found there a useful establishment, and acquire +in labor the knowledge of life. If you succeed, so much the better; if +you fail, it matters little. We shall not regret the money that will +have enabled you to become men." They obeyed; they chose the province +of Victoria as the place to sow the paternal bank-notes, and had no +reason to repent. At the end of three years their establishment had +attained its present prosperity. + +They had just finished the brief account of their career, when the +dwelling came in sight at the end of a fine avenue of trees. It was a +charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by clusters of plants, and +had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage, while a veranda, from which +hung Chinese lanterns, encircled it like a Roman impluvium. The windows +were shaded by brilliant-colored awnings, which at a distance looked +almost like masses of flowers. Nothing could be prettier, cozier, or +pleasanter to the sight. On the lawn and among the shrubbery round +about stood bronze candelabra, supporting elegant lamps with glass +globes, which at nightfall illumined the whole garden with a beauteous +light. + +No farm-hands, stables, or outhouses were to be seen,--nothing that +indicated scenes of toil. The dwellings of the workmen--a regular +village, consisting of some twenty cottages--were a quarter of a mile +distant, in the heart of a little valley. Telegraph-wires secured +immediate communication between the village and the house of the +proprietors, which, far from all tumult, was in truth "a thing of +beauty." + +The avenue was soon passed. A little iron bridge, of great elegance, +crossing a murmuring stream, gave access to the private grounds. A +courteous attendant advanced to meet the travelers; the doors of +the house were opened, and the guests of Hottam Station entered the +sumptuous dwelling. + +All the luxuries of refined and civilized life seemed to be present. +Into the vestibule, which was adorned with decorative subjects, +illustrating the turf or the chase, opened a spacious parlor, lighted +with five windows. A piano, covered with classic and modern music; +easels, upon which were half-finished paintings; marble statues, +mounted on tasteful pedestals; on the walls, a few pictures by Flemish +masters; rich carpets, soft to the feet as grassy meadows; panels of +tapestry, descriptive of pleasing mythological episodes; an antique +chandelier, costly chinaware, delicate vases, and a great variety +of articles of _virtu_, indicated a high appreciation of beauty and +comfort. Everything that could please, everything that could relieve +the tedium of a voluntary exile, everything that could remind one of a +luxurious European home, was to be found in this fairy abode. It would +have been easy to imagine oneself in some princely castle of England, +France, or Germany. + +The five windows admitted, through delicate curtains, a light tempered +and softened by the shadows of the veranda. Lady Helena looked out, +and was astonished. The house, upon this side, commanded the view of a +broad valley, which extended to the eastern mountains. The alternation +of meadow and woodland, broken here and there by vast clearings, the +graceful sweep of the hill-sides, and the outlines of the entire +landscape, formed a picture beyond the power of description. This vast +panorama, intersected by broad bands of light and shade, changed every +hour with the progress of the sun. + +In the mean time, in accordance with the hosts' orders, breakfast +had been prepared by the steward of the station, and in less than a +quarter of an hour the travelers were seated at a bountiful table. The +quality of the viands and the wines was unexceptionable; but what was +especially gratifying, in the midst of these refinements of wealth, was +the evident pleasure experienced by the young settlers in dispensing to +strangers, beneath their own roof, this magnificent hospitality. + +[Sidenote: AUSTRALIANS, NATIVE AND IMPORTED.] + +The young gentlemen were soon made acquainted with the object of the +expedition, and took a lively interest in Glenarvan's search, giving +also great encouragement to the captain's children. + +"Harry Grant," said Michael, "has evidently fallen into the hands of +the natives, since he has not appeared in the settlements on the coast. +He knew his position exactly, as the document proves, and, as he has +not reached any English colony, he must have been made prisoner by the +natives as soon as he landed." + +"That is precisely what happened to his quartermaster, Ayrton," replied +Captain Mangles. + +"But, gentlemen," inquired Lady Helena, "have you never heard of the +shipwreck of the Britannia?" + +"Never, madam," said Michael. + +"And what treatment do you think Captain Grant would experience as a +prisoner among the Australians?" + +"The Australians are not cruel, madam," replied the young settler: +"Miss Grant may reassure herself on this point. There are many +instances of their kindness; and some Europeans have lived a long time +among them, without having any reason to complain of brutality." These +words corroborated the information previously given by Paganel and +Ayrton. + +When the ladies had left the table, the conversation turned upon +convicts. The settlers had heard of the accident at Camden Bridge, +but the band of runaways gave no uneasiness, they would not dare to +attack a station that was guarded by more than a hundred men. They were +confident, too, that they would not venture into the deserted regions +of the Murray, nor into the colonies of New South Wales, where the +roads are well protected. + +[Sidenote: A DAY'S SPORT.] + +Glenarvan could not decline the invitation of his amiable hosts to +spend the entire day at Hottam Station. The delay thus occasioned +could be turned to good account: the horses and oxen would be +greatly benefited by their rest in the comfortable stables of the +establishment. It was, therefore, decided to remain, and the two young +men submitted to their guests a programme for the day's sports, which +was adopted with alacrity. + +[Illustration: It was a charming house of wood and brick, surrounded by +clusters of plants, and had the elegant form of a Swiss cottage.] + +At noon, seven fine hunters pawed the ground at the gate of the +house. For the ladies was provided an elegant coach, and the long +reins enabled their driver to show his skill in manoeuvring the +"four-in-hand." The horsemen, accompanied by outriders, and well armed, +galloped beside the carriage, while the pack of hounds bayed joyously +in the coppices. + +For four hours the cavalcade traversed the paths and avenues of these +spacious grounds. As for game, an army of bushmen could not have +started up a greater number of animals. Young Robert, who kept close to +the major's side, accomplished wonders. The intrepid boy, in spite of +his sister's injunctions, was always ahead, and the first to fire. But +Captain Mangles had promised to watch over him, a fact which tended not +a little to allay Miss Grant's apprehension for her brother's safety. + +Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was unquestionably +a kangaroo hunt. About four o'clock the dogs started a troop of these +curious animals. The little ones took refuge in their mothers' pouches, +and the whole drove rushed away in single file. Nothing can be more +astonishing than the enormous bounds of the kangaroo, whose hind legs +are twice as long as its fore ones, and bend like a spring. At the head +of the drove was a male five feet high,--"an old man," in the language +of the bushmen. + +For four or five miles the chase was briskly continued. The kangaroos +did not slacken their pace; and the dogs, who feared, with good reason, +the powerful blows of their formidable paws, did not venture to +approach them. But at last the drove stopped in exhaustion, and "the +old man" braced himself against the trunk of a tree, ready to fight +for his life. One of the pointers, carried on by the impetus of his +course, rolled within reach of him. A moment after, the unfortunate +dog was tossed into the air, and fell back lifeless. The entire pack, +deterred by the fate of their comrade, kept at a respectful distance. +It became necessary to dispatch the kangaroo with the rifle, and +nothing but bullets could bring down the gigantic quadruped. + +At this juncture Robert narrowly escaped being the victim of his +rashness. In order to make sure of his aim, he approached so near the +kangaroo that the animal made a spring at him. Robert fell. A cry of +alarm resounded. Mary Grant, speechless with apprehension, stretched +her hands towards her brother. No one dared to fire, for fear of +hitting the boy. + +Suddenly Captain Mangles, with his hunting-knife open, rushed upon the +kangaroo, at the risk of his life, and stabbed it to the heart. The +beast fell dead, and Robert rose unharmed. An instant after, he was in +the arms of his sister. + +"Thanks, Captain Mangles! thanks!" said Mary, extending her hand to the +young captain. + +"I promised to take care of him," replied the captain, as he took the +trembling hand of the young girl. + +This adventure ended the hunt. The troop of kangaroos had scattered +after the death of their leader, whose carcass was brought to the house. + +It was now six o'clock, and dinner was in readiness for the hunters; +comprising, among other dishes, a soup of kangaroo's tail, prepared in +the native style. + +After a dessert of ices and sherbet, the party repaired to the parlor, +where the evening was devoted to music. Lady Helena, who was a good +pianiste, presided at the instrument, while Michael and Alexander +Patterson sang with great taste selections from the latest compositions +of the modern musical masters. + +[Sidenote: A FRESH DEPARTURE.] + +At eleven o'clock tea was served in true English style. Paganel +having desired to taste the Australian tea, a liquid, black as ink, +was brought to him. It consisted of a quart of water, in which half +a pound of tea had been boiled four hours. Paganel, with a wry face, +pronounced it excellent. At midnight the guests were conducted to cool +and comfortable chambers, where they renewed in dreams the pleasures of +the day. + +The next morning, at sunrise, they took leave of the two young +settlers, with many thanks, and with warmly-expressed hopes to see them +at Malcolm Castle at no very distant day. The cart then started, and in +a few minutes, as the road wound around the foot of Mount Hottam, the +hospitable habitation disappeared, like a passing vision, from the eyes +of the travelers. For five miles farther they traversed the grounds +of the station, and not till nine o'clock did the little party pass +the last palisade and enter upon the almost unknown districts of the +country before them. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +SUSPICIOUS OCCURRENCES. + + +A mighty barrier crossed the road on the southeast. It was the chain +of the Australian Alps, which extend in capricious windings fifteen +hundred miles, and are capped with clouds four thousand feet aloft. + +[Sidenote: ASCENDING THE MOUNTAINS.] + +The sky was dull and lowering, and the rays of the sun struggled +through dense masses of mist. The temperature was, therefore, +endurable; but the journey was difficult on account of the irregularity +of the surface. The unevenness of the plain constantly increased, +and here and there rose mounds, covered with young green gum-trees. +Farther on, these excrescences formed the first slopes of the great +Alps. The ascent was very laborious, as was shown by the efforts of the +oxen, whose yokes cracked under the tension of the heavy vehicle. The +animals panted heavily, and the muscles of their hams were strained +almost to breaking. The axles threatened to give way under the sudden +jolts that Ayrton, with all his skill, could not prevent. The ladies, +however, lost none of their accustomed cheerfulness. + +[Illustration: Of all the sports of the day the most interesting was +unquestionably a kangaroo hunt.] + +Captain Mangles and the two sailors rode a few hundred paces in +advance, to choose practicable passes. It was a difficult and often a +perilous task. Several times Wilson was forced to make a way with his +hatchet through the midst of dense thickets. Their course deviated in +many windings, which impassable obstacles, lofty blocks of granite, +deep ravines, and treacherous swamps compelled them to make. At evening +they encamped at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of a small stream +that flowed along the edge of a plain covered with tall shrubbery, +whose bright-red foliage enlivened the banks. + +"We shall have difficulty in passing here," said Glenarvan, as he gazed +at the chain of mountains, whose outlines were already growing dim in +the twilight. "Alps! that is a name suggestive of arduous climbing." + +"You will change your opinion, my dear Glenarvan," replied Paganel. +"You must not think you are in Switzerland." + +"Then these Australian Alps----?" asked Lady Helena. + +"Are miniature mountains," continued Paganel. "You will cross them +without noticing it." + +The next day, in spite of the assurances of the confident geographer, +the little party found great difficulty in crossing the mountains. They +were forced to advance at a venture, and descend into deep and narrow +gorges that, for aught they knew, might end in a wall of rock. Ayrton +would doubtless have been eventually nonplused had they not, after an +hour's climbing, caught sight of a tavern on one of the paths of the +mountain. + +"Well!" said Paganel, as they reached the hostelry, "the proprietor of +this inn cannot make a great fortune in such a place. Of what use can +he be?" + +"To give us the information we need for our journey," replied +Glenarvan. "Let us go in." + +Glenarvan, followed by Ayrton, entered the tavern. The landlord of +"Bush Inn" was a coarse man, of forbidding appearance, who had to +consider himself as the principal customer for the gin, brandy, and +whisky of his tavern, and scarcely ever saw any one but squatters or +herdsmen. + +He replied in an ill-humored way to the questions that were addressed +him; but his answers sufficed to determine Ayrton upon his course. +Glenarvan, however, remunerated the tavern-keeper for the little +trouble they had given him, and was about to leave the inn, when a +placard, affixed to the wall, attracted his attention. It was a notice +of the colonial police, detailing the escape of the convicts from +Perth, and setting a price upon the head of Ben Joyce--a hundred pounds +sterling to any one who should deliver him up. + +"Indeed," said Glenarvan, "that is a rascal worth hanging." + +"And especially worth taking," replied Ayrton. "A hundred pounds! What +a sum! He is not worth it." + +"As for the inn-keeper," added Glenarvan, as he left the room, "I +scarcely put faith in him, despite his placard." + +"Nor I either," said Ayrton. + +Glenarvan and the quartermaster rejoined the party, and they all +proceeded to where a narrow pass wound across the chain. Here they +began the ascent. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER DEATH.] + +But it was an arduous task. More than once the ladies and their +companions had to dismount, and it was often necessary to push the +wheels of the heavy vehicle at some steep ascent, or to hold it +back along the edge of some dangerous precipice. The oxen, as they +could not work to advantage at sudden turns, had frequently to be +unyoked, and the cart blocked to prevent it from sliding back. Ayrton +was repeatedly forced to bring the already exhausted horses to his +assistance. + +Whether this exertion was too prolonged, or whether from some other +cause, one of the horses gave out during the ascent. He fell suddenly, +without an instant's warning. It was Mulready's horse; and when the +sailor attempted to help him up, he found that he was dead. Ayrton +examined the animal carefully, but did not seem to understand the cause +of this sudden death. + +"The beast must have burst a blood-vessel," said Glenarvan. + +"Evidently," replied Ayrton. + +"Take my horse, Mulready," added Glenarvan; "I will join Lady Helena in +the cart." + +Mulready obeyed, and the little party continued their fatiguing ascent, +abandoning the body to the crows. + +The next day they began the descent, which was much more rapid. During +its course a violent hail-storm burst on them, and they were forced to +seek a shelter beneath the rocks. Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as +large as one's hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds. A sling +could not have hurled them with greater force, and several sharp blows +warned Paganel and Robert to be on their guard. The cart was pierced +through in many places: indeed, few roofs could have resisted the fall +of these cutting missiles, some of which froze to the trunks of the +trees. It was necessary to wait for the end of this avalanche, for fear +of being stoned to death, and it was an hour before the party regained +the steep path, still slippery with icy incrustations. At evening the +cart, considerably shattered, but still firm on its wooden wheels, +descended the last slopes of the Alps, between tall solitary pines, and +reached the plains of Gippsland. + +[Illustration: Not hailstones, but pieces of ice as large as one's +hand, were precipitated from the angry clouds.] + +[Sidenote: DIVIDED COUNSELS.] + +All were impatient to gain their destination, the Pacific Ocean, +where the Britannia had been wrecked. There only could traces of the +shipwrecked seamen be found, and not in these desert regions. Ayrton +urged Lord Glenarvan to send an order to the Duncan to repair to the +coast, that he might have at his disposal all the aid possible in his +search. In his opinion they ought to take advantage of the Lucknow +road, which would lead them to Melbourne. Afterwards this might be +difficult, for highways leading directly to the capital would be +absolutely wanting. + +This advice of the quartermaster seemed reasonable. Paganel seconded +it. He thought, too, that the yacht would be very useful under the +present circumstances, and added that they could no longer communicate +with Melbourne after passing the Lucknow road. + +Glenarvan was undecided, and perhaps would have sent the order that +Ayrton so particularly desired, if the major had not opposed this plan +with great energy. He explained that Ayrton's presence was necessary +to the expedition; that on approaching the coast the country would be +unknown; that, if chance set them on the track of Captain Grant, the +quartermaster would be more capable than any one else of following it; +in short, that he alone could point out the place where the Britannia +was lost. + +MacNabb, therefore, advocated their continuing on the journey without +change. Captain Mangles was of the same opinion. The young captain +observed that his lordship's orders could more easily reach the Duncan +if sent from Twofold Bay, than by dispatching a messenger two hundred +miles over a wild country. + +The major carried his point, and it was therefore decided that they +should proceed to Twofold Bay. MacNabb noticed that Ayrton seemed quite +disappointed, but he said nothing, and, according to his custom, kept +his thoughts to himself. + +Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious forest of ferns. +These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured thirty feet in +height. Horses and horsemen could easily pass beneath their drooping +branches, and sometimes the rowel of a spur would ring, as it struck +against their solid stalks. The coolness of the grove was very grateful +to the wearied travelers. Paganel, always demonstrative, gave vent to +exclamations of delight that startled flocks of parrots and cockatoos. + +All at once his companions saw the geographer reel in the saddle, and +fall to the ground like a log. Was it giddiness, or sunstroke, caused +by the heat? + +They hastened to him. + +"Paganel! Paganel! what is the matter?" cried Lord Glenarvan. + +"The matter is, my dear friend," replied Paganel, extricating himself +from the stirrups, "that I no longer have a horse." + +"What! your horse----?" + +"Is dead, stricken like Mulready's." + +At once Glenarvan, Captain Mangles, and Wilson examined the animal. +Paganel was right. His horse had been suddenly stricken dead. + +"This is singular," said the captain. + +"Very singular indeed," muttered the major. + +Glenarvan could not restrain a feeling of uneasiness at this strange +occurrence. It was impossible for them to retrace their steps in this +desert; while, if an epidemic were to seize all the horses, it would be +very difficult to continue the journey. + +Before the end of the day his fears seemed to be justified. A third +horse, Wilson's, fell dead, and, what was worse, one of the oxen was +also stricken. Their means of conveyance now consisted of only three +oxen and four horses. + +[Sidenote: A FINE FERNERY.] + +The situation had grown serious. The mounted horsemen could, of course, +take turns in traveling on foot. But, if it should be necessary to +leave the cart behind, what would become of the ladies? Could they +accomplish the one hundred and twenty miles that still separated them +from Twofold Bay? + +Captain Mangles and Glenarvan anxiously examined the remaining horses: +perhaps preventives might be found against new calamities. No sign +of disease, however, could be detected. The animals were in perfect +health, and bravely endured the hardships of the journey. Glenarvan, +therefore, was inclined to think that this mysterious epidemic would +have no more victims. This was Ayrton's opinion too, who declared that +he could not at all understand the cause of the frightful mortality. + +They started again, and the cart served to convey the pedestrians, who +rode in it by turns. At evening, after a journey of only ten miles, the +signal to halt was given, the encampment arranged, and the night was +passed comfortably beneath a large group of arborescent ferns, among +whose branches fluttered enormous bats. + +The next day they made an excellent beginning, and accomplished fifteen +miles. Everything led them to hope that they would encamp that evening +on the banks of the Snowy River. Evening came, and a fog, clearly +defined against the horizon, marked the course of the long-looked-for +stream. A forest of tall trees was seen at a bend in the road, behind +a moderate elevation. Ayrton guided his oxen towards the tall trunks +dimly discerned in the shadow, and was just passing the boundary of the +wood, when the cart sank into the earth to the hubs. + +"What is the matter?" asked Glenarvan, when he perceived that the cart +had come to a stop. + +"We are fast in the mud," replied Ayrton. + +He urged his oxen with voice and whip, but they were up to their knees +in the mire, and could not stir. + +"Let us encamp here," said Captain Mangles. + +"That is the best plan," answered Ayrton. "To-morrow, at daybreak, we +can see to extricate ourselves." + +[Illustration: Early in the afternoon they passed through a curious +forest of ferns. These arborescent plants, in full bloom, measured +thirty feet in height.] + +[Illustration: Flashes of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a +coming storm, every now and then illumined the horizon.] + +"Very well: be it so," replied Glenarvan. + +Night had set in rapidly, after a short twilight, but the heat had not +departed with the sun. The air was heavy with stifling mists. Flashes +of lightning, the dazzling forerunners of a coming storm, every now and +then illumined the horizon. + +The beds were prepared, and the sunken cart was made as comfortable as +possible. The sombre arch of the great trees sheltered the tent of the +travelers. Provided no rain fell, they would have no reason to complain. + +Ayrton succeeded with difficulty in extricating his three oxen from +the mud, in which they had by this time sunk to their flanks. The +quartermaster picketed them with the four horses, and would allow no +one to give them their fodder. This service he performed himself with +great exactness, and that evening Glenarvan observed that his care was +redoubled, for which he thanked him, as the preservation of the team +was of paramount importance. + +Meantime, the travelers partook of a hasty supper. Fatigue and heat had +driven away hunger, and they needed rest more than nourishment. Lady +Helena and Miss Grant, wishing their companions good-night, retired to +their accustomed bedroom. As for the men, some crawled under the tent, +while others stretched themselves on the thick grass at the foot of the +trees. + +Gradually each sank into a heavy sleep. The darkness increased beneath +the curtain of dense clouds that covered the sky. Not a breath of +air was felt. The silence of the night was only interrupted by the +occasional howlings of wild animals. + +About eleven o'clock, after an uneasy slumber, the major awoke. His +half-closed eyes were attracted by a dim light that flickered beneath +the great trees. One would have thought it was a whitish sheet +glittering like the surface of a lake. MacNabb imagined, at first, that +the flames of a conflagration were spreading over the ground. + +[Sidenote: STRANGE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS.] + +He rose and walked towards the wood. His surprise was great when +he found himself in the presence of a purely natural phenomenon. +Before him extended an immense field of mushrooms, which emitted +phosphorescent flashes. + +The major, who was not selfish, was about to waken Paganel, that the +geographer might witness the spectacle with his own eyes, when an +unexpected sight stopped him. + +The phosphorescent light illumined the wood for the space of half a +mile, and MacNabb thought he saw shadows rapidly moving along the edge +of the clearing. Did his eyes deceive him? Was he the sport of an +illusion? + +He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive observation, +distinctly perceived several men, who seemed by their movements to be +searching the ground for something. What could these men want? He must +know, and, without an instant's hesitation or awakening his companions, +he crawled along on all-fours, carefully concealing himself in the tall +grass. + + + + +CHAPTER XL. + +A STARTLING DISCOVERY. + + +[Sidenote: INCREASING PERPLEXITIES.] + +It was a terrible night. At two o'clock in the morning the rain began +to fall in torrents, which continued to pour from the stormy clouds +till daylight. The tent was an insufficient shelter. Glenarvan and +his companions took refuge in the cart, where they passed the time +in conversing upon various subjects. The major, however, whose short +absence no one had noticed, contented himself with listening in +silence. The fury of the tempest gave them considerable uneasiness, +since it might cause an inundation, by which the cart, fast in the +mire, would be overwhelmed. + +[Illustration: He crouched down, and, after a long and attentive +observation, distinctly perceived several men.] + +More than once Mulready, Ayrton, and Captain Mangles went to ascertain +the height of the rushing waters, and returned drenched from head to +foot. + +At length day appeared. The rain ceased, but the rays of the sun failed +to penetrate the thick veil of clouds. Large pools of muddy, yellowish +water covered the ground. A warm vapor issued from the water-soaked +earth and saturated the atmosphere with a sickly moisture. + +Glenarvan, first of all, turned his attention to the cart. In his eyes, +this was their main support. It was imbedded fast in the midst of a +deep hollow of sticky clay. The fore wheels were almost entirely out of +sight, and the hind ones were buried up to the hubs. It would be a very +difficult matter to pull out the heavy vehicle, and would undoubtedly +require the united strength of men, oxen, and horses. + +"We must make haste," said Captain Mangles. "If this clay dries, the +work will be more difficult." + +Glenarvan, the two sailors, the captain, and Ayrton then entered the +wood, where the animals had passed the night. + +It was a tall forest of gloomy gum-trees. Nothing met the eye but dead +trunks, widely separated, which had been destitute of their bark for +centuries. Not a bird built its nest on these lofty skeletons; not a +leaf trembled on the dry branches, that rattled together like a bundle +of dry bones. Glenarvan, as he walked on, gazed at the leaden sky, +against which the branches of the gum-trees were sharply defined. To +Ayrton's great astonishment, there was no trace of the horses and oxen +in the place where he had left them. The fettered animals, however, +could not have gone far. + +They searched for them in the wood, but failed to find them. Ayrton +then returned to the banks of the river, which was bordered by +magnificent mimosas. He uttered a cry well known to his oxen, but +there was no answer. The quartermaster seemed very anxious, and his +companions glanced at each other in dismay. + +An hour passed in a vain search, and Glenarvan was returning to the +cart, which was at least a mile off, when a neigh fell upon his ear, +followed almost immediately by a bellow. + +"Here they are!" cried Captain Mangles, forcing his way between the +tall tufts of the gastrolobium, which were high enough to conceal a +whole herd. + +Glenarvan, Mulready, and Ayrton rushed after him, and soon shared his +astonishment. Two oxen and three horses lay upon the ground, stricken +like the others. Their bodies were already cold, and a flock of hungry +crows, croaking in the mimosas, waited for their unexpected prey. + +Glenarvan and his friends gazed at each other, and Wilson did not +suppress an oath that rose to his lips. + +"What is the matter, Wilson?" said Lord Glenarvan, scarcely able to +control himself. "We can do nothing. Ayrton, bring the ox and horse +that are left. They must extricate us from the difficulty." + +"If the cart were once out of the mud," replied Captain Mangles, "these +two animals, by short journeys, could draw it to the coast. We must, +therefore, at all events, release the clumsy vehicle." + +"We will try, John," said Glenarvan. "Let us return to camp, for there +must be anxiety at our long absence." + +Ayrton took charge of the ox, and Mulready of the horse, and the party +returned along the winding banks of the river. Half an hour after, +Paganel, MacNabb, Lady Helena, and Miss Grant were told the state of +affairs. + +"By my faith," the major could not help exclaiming, "it is a pity, +Ayrton, that you did not shoe all our animals on crossing the Wimerra." + +"Why so, sir?" asked Ayrton. + +"Because of all our horses only the one you put into the hands of the +farrier has escaped the common fate." + +"That is true," said Captain Mangles; "and it is a singular +coincidence!" + +[Sidenote: MISTAKES AND MISAPPREHENSIONS.] + +"A coincidence, and nothing more," replied the quartermaster, gazing +fixedly at the major. + +MacNabb compressed his lips, as if he would repress the words ready +to burst from them. Glenarvan, the captain, and Lady Helena seemed to +expect that he would finish his sentence; but he remained silent, and +walked towards the cart, which Ayrton was now examining. + +"What did he mean?" inquired Glenarvan of Captain Mangles. + +"I do not know," replied the young captain. "However, the major is not +the man to speak without cause." + +"No," said Lady Helena; "Major MacNabb must have suspicions of Ayrton." + +"What suspicions?" asked Glenarvan. "Does he suppose him capable of +killing our horses and oxen? For what purpose, pray? Are not Ayrton's +interests identical with ours?" + +"You are right, my dear Edward," said Lady Helena. "Besides, the +quartermaster has given us, ever since the beginning of the journey, +indubitable proofs of his devotion to our comfort." + +"True," replied Captain Mangles. "But, then, what does the major's +remark mean? I must have an understanding." + +"Perhaps he thinks he is in league with these convicts?" remarked +Paganel, imprudently. + +"What convicts?" inquired Miss Grant. + +"Monsieur Paganel is mistaken," said Captain Mangles quickly: "he knows +that there are no convicts in the province of Victoria." + +"Yes, yes, that is so," eagerly replied Paganel, who would fain have +retracted his words. "What could I have been thinking of? Convicts? Who +ever heard of convicts in Australia? Moreover, as soon as they land, +they make very honest people. The climate, you know, Miss Mary, the +moral effect of the climate----" + +In his desire to correct his blunder, the poor geographer became +hopelessly involved. Lady Helena looked at him, wondering what had +deprived him of his usual coolness; but, not wishing to embarrass him +further, she retired with Mary to the tent, where Mr. Olbinett was +engaged in preparing breakfast. + +"I deserve to be transported myself," said Paganel piteously. + +"I think so," replied Glenarvan. + +Ayrton and the two sailors were still trying to extricate the cart. +The ox and the horse, yoked side by side, were pulling with all their +strength; the traces were stretched almost to breaking, and the bows +threatened to give way to the strain. Wilson and Mulready pushed at +the wheels, while the quartermaster, with voice and whip, urged on the +ill-matched team. But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now +dry, held it as if it had been cemented. + +Captain Mangles wetted the clay to make it yield, but to no purpose: +the cart was immovable. Unless the vehicle was taken to pieces, they +must give up the idea of getting it out of the quagmire. As tools +were wanting, of course they could not undertake such a task. Ayrton, +however, who seemed determined to overcome the difficulty at any cost, +was about to renew his exertions, when Lord Glenarvan stopped him. + +"Enough, Ayrton! enough!" said he. "We must be careful of the ox and +horse that remain. If we are to continue our journey on foot, one can +carry the two ladies and the other the provisions. They may do us good +service yet." + +"Very well, my lord," replied the quartermaster, unyoking his exhausted +animals. + +"Now, my friends," added Glenarvan, "let us return to camp, deliberate, +consider our situation, know what our chances are, and come to a +resolution." + +[Illustration: But the heavy vehicle did not stir. The clay, now dry, +held it as if it had been cemented.] + +A few minutes after, the travelers were indemnifying themselves for +their sleeplessness the past night by a good breakfast, and the +discussion of their affairs began. + +The first question was to determine the exact position of the +encampment. Paganel was charged with this duty, and fulfilled it with +his customary precision. + +"How far are we from Twofold Bay?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Seventy-five miles," replied Paganel. + +"And Melbourne is----?" + +"Two hundred miles distant, at least." + +"Very well. Our position being determined," continued Glenarvan, "what +is it best to do?" + +The answer was unanimous,--make for the coast without delay. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant engaged to travel fifteen miles a day. The +courageous women did not shrink from traversing the entire distance on +foot, if necessary. + +"But are we certain to find at the bay the resources that we need?" +asked Glenarvan. + +"Without doubt," replied Paganel. "Eden is not a new municipality; and +its harbor must have frequent communication with Melbourne. I even +believe that thirty-five miles from here, at the parish of Delegete, we +can obtain provisions and the means of conveyance." + +"And the Duncan?" asked Ayrton. "Do you not think it advisable to order +her to the bay?" + +"What say you, captain?" said Glenarvan. + +"I do not think that there is any necessity for such a proceeding," +replied the young captain, after reflection. "There will be plenty of +time to send your orders to Tom Austin and summon him to the coast." + +"That is quite true," added Paganel. + +"Besides," continued Captain Mangles, "in four or five days we shall be +at Eden." + +"Four or five days!" interposed Ayrton, shaking his head; "say fifteen +or twenty, captain, if you do not wish to regret your error hereafter." + +[Sidenote: DIFFICULTIES FORESEEN.] + +"Fifteen or twenty days to make seventy-five miles!" exclaimed +Glenarvan. + +"At least, my lord. You will have to cross the most difficult portion +of Victoria,--plains covered with underbrush, without any cleared +roads, where it has been impossible to establish stations. You will +have to travel with the hatchet or the torch in your hand; and, believe +me, you will not advance rapidly." + +Ayrton's tone was that of a man who is thoroughly acquainted with his +subject. Paganel, towards whom questioning glances were turned, nodded +approvingly at the words of the quartermaster. + +"I acknowledge the difficulties," said Captain Mangles, at length. +"Well, in fifteen days, my lord, you can send your orders to the +Duncan." + +"I may add," resumed Ayrton, "that the principal obstacles do not +proceed from the roughness of the journey. We must cross the Snowy, +and, very probably, have to wait for the subsidence of the waters." + +"Wait!" cried the captain. "Can we not find a ford?" + +"I think not," replied Ayrton. "This morning I searched in vain for a +practicable one. It is unusual to find a river so much swollen at this +season; it is a fatality against which I am powerless." + +"This Snowy River is broad, then?" remarked Lady Glenarvan. + +"Broad and deep, madam," answered Ayrton; "a mile in breadth, with a +strong current. A good swimmer could not cross it without danger." + +"Well, then, let us build a boat!" cried Robert, who was never at fault +for a plan. "We can cut down a tree, hollow it out, embark, and the +thing is done." + +"Good for the son of Captain Grant!" replied Paganel. + +"The boy is right," continued Captain Mangles. "We shall be forced +to this. I therefore think it useless to waste our time in further +discussions." + +"What do you think, Ayrton?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I think, my lord, that if no assistance comes, in a month we shall +still be detained on the banks of the Snowy." + +"But have you a better plan?" inquired Captain Mangles, somewhat +impatiently. + +"Yes; let the Duncan leave Melbourne, and sail to the eastern coast." + +"How can her presence in the bay assist us to arrive there?" + +Ayrton meditated for a few moments, and then said, evasively: + +"I do not wish to obtrude my opinion. What I do is for the interest +of all, and I am disposed to start as soon as your lordship gives the +signal for departure." + +Then he folded his arms. + +"That is no answer, Ayrton," continued Glenarvan. "Tell us your plan, +and we will discuss it. What do you propose?" + +In a calm and confident tone the quartermaster thereupon expressed +himself as follows: + +"I propose that we do not venture beyond the Snowy in our present +destitute condition. We must wait for assistance in this very place, +and this assistance can come only from the Duncan. Let us encamp here +where provisions are not wanting, while one of us carries to Tom Austin +the order to repair to Twofold Bay." + +This unexpected proposal was received with a murmur of astonishment, +and Captain Mangles took no pains to conceal his aversion. + +"In the mean time," continued Ayrton, "either the waters of the Snowy +will have subsided, which will enable us to find a practicable ford, or +we shall have to resort to a boat, and shall have time to construct it. +This, my lord, is the plan which I submit to your approval." + +"Very well, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan; "your idea deserves to be +seriously considered. Its greatest objection is the delay it will +cause; but it spares us severe hardships, and perhaps real dangers. +What do you think, friends?" + +[Illustration: "If it please your lordship, I will go."] + +"Let us hear your advice, major," said Lady Helena. "During the whole +discussion you have contented yourself with listening simply." + +"Since you ask my opinion," answered the major, "I will give it to you +very frankly. Ayrton seems to me to have spoken like a wise and prudent +man, and I advocate his proposition." + +This answer was rather unexpected; for hitherto MacNabb had always +opposed Ayrton's ideas on this subject. Ayrton, too, was surprised, +and cast a quick glance at the major. Paganel, Lady Helena, and the +sailors had been favorably disposed to the quartermaster's project, and +no longer hesitated after MacNabb's declaration. Glenarvan, therefore, +announced that Ayrton's plan was adopted. + +"And now, captain," added he, "do you not think that prudence dictates +this course, and that we should encamp on the banks of the river while +waiting for the means of conveyance?" + +"Yes," replied Captain Mangles, "if the messenger succeeds in crossing +the Snowy, which we cannot cross ourselves." + +All looked at the quartermaster, who smiled with the air of a man who +knows perfectly well what he is about to do. + +"The messenger will not cross the river," said he. + +"Ah!" cried Captain Mangles. + +"He will strike the Lucknow road, which will take him direct to +Melbourne." + +"Two hundred miles on foot!" exclaimed the captain. + +"On horseback," continued Ayrton. "There is one good horse left. It +will be a journey of but four days. Add two days for the Duncan to +reach the bay, twenty-four hours for the return to the encampment, and +in a week the messenger will be back again with the crew." + +[Sidenote: CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE.] + +The major again nodded approvingly at these words, to the great +astonishment of Captain Mangles. But the quartermaster's proposition +had gained all the votes, and the only question was how to execute this +apparently well-conceived plan. + +"Now, my friends," said Glenarvan, "it remains only to choose our +messenger. He will have a difficult and dangerous mission; that is +certain. Who is willing to devote himself for his companions, and carry +our instructions to Melbourne?" + +Wilson, Mulready, Captain Mangles, Paganel, and Robert offered +themselves immediately. The captain particularly insisted that this +mission should be confided to him; but Ayrton, who had not yet +finished, resumed the conversation, and said: + +"If it please your lordship, I will go. I am acquainted with the +country, and have often crossed more difficult regions. I can extricate +myself where another would fail. I therefore claim, for the common +welfare, the right to go to Melbourne. One word will place me on a good +footing with your mate, and in six days I engage to bring the Duncan to +Twofold Bay." + +"Well said!" replied Glenarvan. "You are a brave and intelligent man, +Ayrton, and will succeed." + +The quartermaster was evidently more capable than any one else of +fulfilling this difficult mission. Captain Mangles raised one final +objection, that Ayrton's presence was necessary to enable them to +find traces of the Brittania or Captain Grant; but the major observed +that they should remain encamped on the banks of the Snowy till the +messenger's return, that it was not proposed to resume the search +without him, and that consequently his absence could be in no way +prejudicial to their interests. + +"Well then, Ayrton, start," said Glenarvan. "Make haste, and return to +the encampment by way of Eden." + +A gleam of satisfaction seemed to light up the eyes of the +quartermaster. He turned his head to one side, though not so quickly +but that Captain Mangles had intercepted his glance, and instinctively +felt his suspicions increased. + +The quartermaster made his preparations for departure, aided by the +two sailors, one of whom attended to his horse, and the other to his +provisions. Meantime Glenarvan wrote the letter designed for Tom Austin. + +He ordered the mate of the Duncan to repair without delay to Twofold +Bay, and recommended the quartermaster to him as a man in whom he could +place entire confidence. As soon as he arrived at the bay, he was to +send a detachment of sailors under the command of Ayrton. + +He had just reached this part of his letter, when the major, who had +been looking over his shoulder, asked him, in a singular tone, how he +wrote the word Ayrton. + +"As it is pronounced," replied Glenarvan. + +"That is a mistake," said the major coolly. "It is pronounced Ayrton, +but it is written 'Ben Joyce'!" + + + + +CHAPTER XLI. + +THE PLOT UNVEILED. + + +The sound of the name of Ben Joyce fell upon the party like a +thunderbolt. Ayrton suddenly sprang to his feet. In his hand was a +revolver. A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a bullet. + +Before Captain Mangles and the sailors recovered from the surprise into +which this unexpected turn of affairs had thrown them, the audacious +convict had escaped, and joined his band, scattered along the edge of +the wood of gum-trees. + +[Illustration: A report was heard; and Glenarvan fell, struck by a +bullet.] + +The tent did not offer a sufficient shelter against the bullets, and +it was clearly necessary to beat a retreat. Glenarvan, who was but +slightly injured, had risen. + +"To the cart! to the cart!" cried Captain Mangles, as he hurried on +Lady Helena and Mary Grant, who were soon in safety behind its stout +sides. + +The captain, the major, Paganel, and the sailors then seized their +rifles, and stood ready to repel the convicts. Glenarvan and Robert had +joined the ladies, while Olbinett hastened to the common defence. + +These events had transpired with the rapidity of lightning. Captain +Mangles attentively watched the edge of the wood; but the reports +suddenly ceased on the arrival of Ben Joyce, and a profound silence +succeeded the noisy fusillade. A few wreaths of white smoke were still +curling up between the branches of the gum-trees, but the tall tufts of +gastrolobium were motionless and all signs of attack had disappeared. + +The major and Captain Mangles extended their examinations as far as the +great trees. The place was abandoned. Numerous footprints were seen, +and a few half-burnt cartridges smoked on the ground. The major, like +a prudent man, extinguished them, for a spark was enough to kindle a +formidable conflagration in this forest of dry trees. + +"The convicts have disappeared," said Captain Mangles. + +"Yes," replied the major; "and this disappearance alarms me. I should +prefer to meet them face to face. It is better to encounter a tiger in +the open plain than a serpent in the grass. Let us search these bushes +around the cart." + +[Sidenote: UNRAVELINGS.] + +The major and captain scoured the surrounding country. But from the +edge of the wood to the banks of the Snowy they did not meet with a +single convict. Ben Joyce's band seemed to have flown away, like a +flock of mischievous birds. This disappearance was too strange to +inspire a perfect security. They therefore resolved to keep on the +watch. The cart, which was a really immovable fortress, became the +centre of the encampment, and two men kept guard, relieving each other +every hour. + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant's first care had been to dress Glenarvan's +wound. At the very moment that her husband fell, from Ben Joyce's +bullet, in her terror she had rushed towards him. Then, controlling +her emotion, this courageous woman had assisted Glenarvan to the cart. +Here the shoulder of the wounded man was laid bare, and the major +perceived that the ball had lacerated the flesh, causing no other +injury. Neither bones nor large muscles seemed affected. The wound bled +considerably, but Glenarvan, by moving the fingers of his hand and +fore-arm, encouraged his friends to expect a favorable result. When his +wound was dressed, he no longer desired any attention, and explanations +followed. The travelers, except Wilson and Mulready, who were keeping +guard outside, had taken seats as well as possible in the cart, and the +major was requested to speak. + +Before beginning his story, he informed Lady Helena of the escape of +a band of convicts from Perth, their appearance in the province of +Victoria, and their complicity in the railway disaster. He gave her +the number of the _Australian and New Zealand Gazette_ purchased at +Seymour, and added that the police had set a price on the head of Ben +Joyce, a formidable bandit, whom eighteen months of crime had given a +wide-spread notoriety. + +But how had MacNabb recognized this Ben Joyce in the quartermaster +Ayrton? Here was the mystery that all wished to solve; and the major +explained. + +Since the day of his meeting with Ayrton he had suspected him. Two or +three almost insignificant circumstances, a glance exchanged between +the quartermaster and the farrier at Wimerra River, Ayrton's hesitation +to pass through the towns and villages, his strong wish to order the +Duncan to the coast, the strange death of the animals confided to his +care, and, finally, a want of frankness in his actions,--all these +facts, gradually noticed, had roused the major's suspicions. + +However, he could form no direct accusation until the events that had +transpired the preceding night. Gliding between the tall clumps of +shrubbery, as was related in the previous chapter, he approached near +the suspicious shadows that had attracted his attention half a mile +from the encampment. The phosphorescent plants cast their pale rays +through the darkness. Three men were examining some tracks on the +ground, and among them he recognized the farrier of Black Point Station. + +"Here they are," said one. + +"Yes," replied another, "here is the trefoil of the hoofs again." + +"It has been like this since leaving the Wimerra." + +"All the horses are dead." + +"The poison is not far away." + +"There is enough here to settle an entire troop of cavalry. This +gastrolobium is a useful plant." + +"Then they were silent," added MacNabb, "and departed. I wanted to know +more: I followed them. The conversation soon began again. 'A cunning +man, this Ben Joyce,' said the farrier; 'a famous quartermaster, with +his invented shipwreck. If his plan succeeds, it will be a stroke of +fortune. Devilish Ayrton! Call him Ben Joyce, for he has well earned +his name.' These rascals then left the wood of gum-trees. I knew what +I wished, and returned to the encampment with the certainty that all +the convicts in Australia are not reformed, in spite of Paganel's +arguments." + +"Then," said Glenarvan, whose face was pale with anger, "Ayrton has +brought us here to rob and assassinate us?" + +"Yes," replied the major. + +"And, since leaving the Wimerra, his band has followed and watched us, +waiting for a favorable opportunity?" + +[Sidenote: FROM DEPTH TO DEPTH.] + +"Yes." + +"But this wretch is not, then, a sailor of the Britannia? He has stolen +his name and contract?" + +All eyes were turned towards MacNabb, who must have considered this +matter. + +"These," replied he, in his calm voice, "are the proofs that can be +derived from this obscure state of affairs. In my opinion this man's +real name is Ayrton. Ben Joyce is his fighting title. It is certain +that he knows Harry Grant, and has been quartermaster on board the +Britannia. These facts, proved already by the precise details given +by Ayrton, are still further corroborated by the conversation of the +convicts that I have related. Let us not, therefore, be led astray +by vain conjectures, but only be certain that Ayrton is Ben Joyce, a +sailor of the Britannia, now chief of a band of convicts." + +The major's explanation was accepted as conclusive. + +"Now," replied Glenarvan, "will you tell me how and why Harry Grant's +quartermaster is in Australia?" + +"How, I do not know," said MacNabb; "and the police declare they know +no more than I on the subject. Why, it is also impossible for me to +say. Here is a mystery that the future will explain." + +"The police do not even know the identity of Ayrton and Ben Joyce," +said Captain Mangles. + +"You are right, John," replied the major; "and such information would +be likely to facilitate their search." + +"This unfortunate, then," remarked Lady Helena, "intruded into +O'Moore's farm with a criminal intention?" + +"There is no doubt of it," continued MacNabb. "He was meditating +some hostile attack upon the Irishman, when a better opportunity was +offered. Chance threw us in his way. He heard Glenarvan's story of the +shipwreck, and, like a bold man, he promptly decided to take part in +the expedition. At the Wimerra he communicated with one of his friends, +the farrier of Black Point, and thus left distinguishable traces of +our course. His band followed us. A poisonous plant enabled him to +gradually kill our oxen and horses. Then, at the proper moment, he +entangled us in the marshes of the Snowy, and surrendered us to the +convicts he commanded." + +Everything possible had been said concerning Ben Joyce. His past had +just been reviewed by the major, and the wretch appeared as he was,--a +bold and formidable criminal. His intentions had been clearly proved, +and required, on the part of Glenarvan, extreme vigilance. Fortunately, +there was less to fear from the detected bandit than the secret traitor. + +But one serious fact appeared from this explanation. No one had yet +thought of it; only Mary Grant, disregarding the past, looked forward +to the future. Captain Mangles first saw her pale and disconsolate. He +understood what was passing in her mind. + +"Miss Mary!" cried he, "you are weeping!" + +"What is the matter, my child?" asked Lady Helena. + +"My father, madam, my father!" replied the young girl. + +She could not continue. But a sudden revelation dawned on the mind of +each. They comprehended Mary's grief, why the tears flowed from her +eyes, why the name of her father rose to her lips. + +The discovery of Ayrton's treachery destroyed all hope. The convict, to +entice Glenarvan on, had invented a shipwreck. In their conversation, +overheard by MacNabb, his accomplices had clearly confessed it. The +Britannia had never been wrecked on the reefs of Twofold Bay! Harry +Grant had never set foot on the Australian continent! + +For the second time an erroneous interpretation of the document had set +the searchers of the Britannia on a false trail. All, in the face of +this situation and the grief of the two children, preserved a mournful +silence. Who then could have found words of hope? Robert wept in his +sister's arms. Paganel murmured, in a voice of despair,-- + +[Sidenote: CALM AND CLOUDINESS.] + +"Ah, unlucky document! You can boast of having sorely puzzled the +brains of a dozen brave people!" + +And the worthy geographer was fairly furious against himself, and +frantically beat his forehead. + +In the mean time Glenarvan had joined Mulready and Wilson, who were on +guard without. A deep silence reigned on the plain lying between the +wood and the river. Heavy clouds covered the vault of the sky. In this +deadened and torpid atmosphere the least sound would have been clearly +transmitted; but nothing was heard. Ben Joyce and his band must have +fled to a considerable distance; for flocks of birds that sported on +the low branches of the trees, several kangaroos peacefully browsing on +the young shoots, and a pair of cassowaries, whose unsuspecting heads +were thrust between the tall bushes, proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes. + +"You have not seen nor heard anything for an hour?" inquired Glenarvan +of the two sailors. + +"Nothing, my lord," replied Wilson. "The convicts must be several miles +away." + +"They cannot have been in sufficient force to attack us," added +Mulready. "This Ben Joyce probably intended to recruit some bandits, +like himself, among the bushrangers that wander at the foot of the +Alps." + +"Very likely, Mulready," replied Glenarvan. "These rascals are cowards. +They know we are well armed, and are perhaps waiting for darkness to +commence their attack. We must redouble our vigilance at nightfall. If +we could only leave this marshy plain and pursue our journey towards +the coast! But the swollen waters of the river bar our progress. I +would pay its weight in gold for a raft that would transport us to the +other side!" + +"Why," said Wilson, "does not your lordship give us the order to +construct this raft? There is plenty of wood." + +"No, Wilson," answered Glenarvan; "this Snowy is not a river, it is an +impassable torrent." + +[Illustration: A pair of cassowaries proved that the presence of man +did not disturb these peaceful solitudes.] + +[Sidenote: READINESS FOR SERVICE.] + +At this moment Captain Mangles, the major, and Paganel joined +Glenarvan. They had been to examine the Snowy. The waters, swollen by +the recent rains, had risen a foot above low-water mark, and formed +an impetuous current. It was impossible to venture upon this roaring +deluge, these rushing floods, broken into a thousand eddies by the +depressions of the river-bed. Captain Mangles declared that the passage +was impracticable. + +"But," added he, "we ought not to remain here without making any +attempt. What we wished to do before Ayrton's treason is still more +necessary now." + +"What do you say, captain?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I say that assistance is needed; and since we cannot go to Twofold +Bay, we must go to Melbourne. One horse is left. Let your lordship give +him to me, and I will go." + +"But it is a perilous venture, John," said Glenarvan. "Aside from the +dangers of this journey of two hundred miles across an unknown country, +all the roads may be guarded by Ben Joyce's accomplices." + +"I know it, my lord; but I know, too, that our situation cannot be +prolonged. Ayrton only asked eight days' absence to bring back the crew +of the Duncan. But I will return in six days to the banks of the Snowy. +What are your lordship's orders?" + +"Before Glenarvan speaks," said Paganel, "I must make a remark. It is +well that one of us should go to Melbourne, but not that these dangers +should be incurred by Captain Mangles. He is the captain of the Duncan, +and must not, therefore, expose himself. Allow me to go in his place." + +"Well said," replied the major; "but why should it be you, Paganel?" + +"Are we not here?" cried Wilson and Mulready. + +"And do you believe," continued MacNabb, "that I am afraid to make a +journey of two hundred miles on horseback?" + +"My friends," said Glenarvan, "if one of us is to go to Melbourne, let +fate decide. Paganel, write our names----" + +"Not yours at least, my lord," insisted Captain Mangles. + +"And why?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Separate you from Lady Helena, when your wound is not yet healed?" + +"Glenarvan," interposed Paganel, "you cannot leave the encampment." + +"No," resumed the major; "your place is here. Edward, you must not go." + +"There are dangers to incur," replied Glenarvan; "and I will not leave +my part to others. Write, Paganel; let my name be mingled with those of +my companions, and Heaven grant that it may be the first drawn." + +All yielded to this wish; and Glenarvan's name was added to the others. +They then proceeded to draw, and the lot fell upon Mulready. The brave +sailor uttered a cry of joy. + +"My lord, I am ready to go," said he. + +Glenarvan clasped his hand, and then turned towards the cart, leaving +the major and Captain Mangles to guard the encampment. Lady Helena +was at once informed of the decision taken to send a messenger to +Melbourne, and of the result of the drawing by lot. She spoke words to +Mulready that went to the heart of that noble sailor. They knew that he +was brave, intelligent, hardy, and persevering. The lot could not have +fallen better. + +It was decided that Mulready should depart at eight o'clock, after the +short twilight. Wilson charged himself with getting the horse ready. He +took the precaution to change the tell-tale shoe that he wore on his +left foot, and to replace it by one belonging to the horses that had +died in the night. The convicts could not now track Mulready, or follow +him, unless mounted. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER DISTRACTION.] + +While Wilson was occupied with these arrangements, Glenarvan was +preparing the letter designed for Tom Austin; but his wounded arm +disabled him, and he asked Paganel to write for him. The geographer, +who seemed absorbed in one idea, was oblivious to what was passing +around him. It must be confessed that Paganel, in all this succession +of sad misfortunes, thought only of his false interpretation of the +document. He turned the words about in every way to draw from them a +new meaning, and remained wrapt in these meditations. Thus he did not +hear Glenarvan's request, and the latter was forced to repeat it. + +"Very well," replied Paganel; "I am ready." + +So saying, he mechanically produced his note-book. He tore out a blank +page, and then, with his pencil in his hand, made ready to write. +Glenarvan began to dictate the following instructions: + +"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan----" + +Paganel had just finished this last word when his eyes fell upon the +number of the _Australian and New Zealand Gazette_ that lay upon the +ground. The paper, being folded, only allowed him to see the two last +syllables of its title. His pencil stopped, and he seemed to completely +forget Glenarvan and his letter. + +"Well, Paganel?" said Glenarvan. + +"Ah!" continued the geographer, uttering a cry. + +"What is the matter?" asked the major. + +"Nothing! nothing!" replied Paganel. Then, in a lower tone, he +repeated: "Aland! aland! aland!" + +He had risen; he had seized the paper. He shook it, seeking to +repress words ready to escape his lips. Lady Helena, Mary, Robert, +and Glenarvan gazed at him without understanding this inexplicable +agitation. Paganel was like a man whom a sudden frenzy has seized. But +this state of nervous excitation did not last. He gradually grew calm. +The joy that gleamed in his eyes died away, and, resuming his place, he +said, in a quiet tone: + +"When you wish, my lord, I am at your disposal." + +Glenarvan continued the dictation of his letter, which was distinctly +worded as follows: + +"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan to the +eastern coast of Australia." + +"Australia?" cried Paganel. "Ah, yes, Australia!" + +The letter was now finished, and presented to Glenarvan for his +signature, who, although affected by his recent wound, acquitted +himself as well as possible of this formality. The note was then +folded and sealed, while Paganel, with a hand that still trembled from +excitement, wrote the following address: + + "Tom Austin, + "Mate of the Yacht Duncan, + "Melbourne." + +Thereupon he left the cart, gesticulating, and repeating these +incomprehensible words: + +"Aland! aland! Zealand!" + + + + +CHAPTER XLII. + +FOUR DAYS OF ANGUISH. + + +The rest of the day passed without any other incident. Everything was +ready for the departure of Mulready, who was happy to give his master +this proof of his devotion. + +Paganel had regained his coolness and accustomed manners. His look +still indicated an uneasy state of mind, but he appeared decided to +keep his secret. He had doubtless strong reasons for acting thus, +for the major overheard him repeating these words, like a man who is +struggling with himself: + +"No, no! they would not believe me! And, besides what use is it? It is +too late!" + +[Illustration: "Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon +disappeared by a path along the edge of the wood.] + +This resolution taken, he occupied himself with giving Mulready the +necessary directions for reaching Melbourne, and, with the map before +him, marked out his course. All the trails of the prairie converged +towards the Lucknow road, which, after extending straight southward to +the coast, suddenly turned in the direction towards Melbourne. It was +simply necessary to follow this, and not attempt to cross the unknown +country. Mulready could not, therefore, go astray. As for dangers, they +lay only a few miles beyond the encampment, where Ben Joyce and his +band were probably lying in wait. This point once passed, Mulready was +sure he could easily distance the convicts and accomplish his important +mission. + +At six o'clock supper was eaten in common. A heavy rain was falling. +The tent no longer afforded sufficient shelter, and each had taken +refuge in the cart, which was a safe retreat. The sticky clay held +it in its place as firm as a fort on its foundations. The fire-arms +consisted of seven rifles and seven revolvers, and thus enabled +them to sustain a long siege, for neither ammunition nor provisions +were wanting. In six days the Duncan would anchor in Twofold Bay. +Twenty-four hours after, her crew would reach the opposite bank of +the river; and, if the passage was not then practicable, at least the +convicts would be compelled to retreat before superior forces. But, +first of all, it was necessary that Mulready should succeed in his +enterprise. + +At eight o'clock the darkness became intense. It was the time to start. +The horse was brought out. His feet had been muffled; as an additional +precaution, and made no sound. The animal seemed fatigued, but upon +his surefootedness and endurance depended the safety of all. The +major advised the sailor to spare his beast as soon as he was out of +reach of the convicts. It was better to lose half a day and reach his +destination safely. Captain Mangles gave him a revolver, which he had +loaded with the greatest care. Mulready mounted. + +[Sidenote: A GLOOMY PROSPECT.] + +"Here is the letter which you are to take to Tom Austin," said +Glenarvan. "Let him not lose an hour, but start for Twofold Bay; and, +if he does not find us there, if we have not crossed the river, let him +come to us without delay. Now go, my brave sailor, and may God guide +you!" + +Glenarvan, Lady Helena, Mary Grant, all clasped Mulready's hand. This +departure on a dark and stormy night, over a road beset with dangers, +across the unknown stretches of a desert, would have appalled a heart +less courageous than that of the sailor. + +"Adieu, my lord," said he, in a calm voice, and soon disappeared by a +path along the edge of the wood. + +At that moment the tempest redoubled its violence. The lofty branches +of the trees shook dismally in the darkness. You could hear the fall of +the dry twigs on the drenched earth. More than one giant tree, whose +sap was gone, but which had stood till then, fell during this terrible +hurricane. The wind roared amid the cracking of the trees and mingled +its mournful sounds with the rushing of the river. The heavy clouds +that chased across the sky poured forth masses of mist, while a dismal +darkness increased still more the horrors of the night. + +The travelers, after Mulready's departure, ensconced themselves in the +cart. Lady Helena, Mary Grant, Glenarvan, and Paganel occupied the +front compartment, which had been made water-tight. In the rear part +Olbinett, Wilson, and Robert had found a sufficient shelter, while the +major and Captain Mangles were on guard without. This precaution was +necessary, for an attack by the convicts was easy and possible. + +These two faithful guardians, therefore, took turns and philosophically +received the blasts that blew sharply in their faces. They strove to +pierce with their eyes the shades so favorable for an ambuscade, for +the ear could detect nothing amid the din of the storm, the roaring of +the wind, the rattling of the branches, the fall of trees, and the +rushing of the impetuous waters. + +In the mean time there were several lulls in the fury of the tempest, +the wind ceasing as if to take breath. The river only moaned adown +the motionless reeds and the black curtain of the gum-trees, and the +silence seemed more profound during these momentary rests. The major +and Captain Mangles now listened attentively. During one of these +intervals a sharp whistle reached their ears. + +The captain hastened to the major. "Did you hear anything?" asked he. + +"Yes," replied MacNabb. "Was it a man or an animal?" + +"A man," said the captain. + +They both listened again. The mysterious whistle was suddenly repeated, +and something like a report followed it, but almost inaudibly, for the +storm just then broke forth with renewed violence. They could not hear +themselves talk, and took their stations to leeward of the cart. + +At this moment the leathern curtains were raised, and Glenarvan joined +his two companions. He likewise had heard the suspicious whistle, and +the report. + +"From what direction?" he asked. + +"Yonder," said the captain, pointing to the dark line, towards which +Mulready had gone. + +"How far?" + +"The wind carried it," was the reply. "It must be three miles distant +at least." + +"Let us go!" said Glenarvan, throwing his rifle over his shoulder. + +"No," interposed the major; "it is a decoy to entice us away from the +cart." + +"But if Mulready has fallen beneath the shots of these wretches!" +continued Glenarvan, seizing MacNabb's hand. + +"We shall know to-morrow," replied the latter, firmly determined to +prevent Glenarvan from committing a useless imprudence. + +[Sidenote: A CRY IN THE NIGHT.] + +"You cannot leave the encampment, my lord," said Captain Mangles; "I +will go alone." + +"No!" cried MacNabb, with energy. "Will you have us, then, perish +singly, diminish our numbers, and be left to the mercy of these +criminals? If Mulready has been their victim, it is a calamity that we +must not repeat a second time. He has gone according to lot. If the lot +had chosen me, I should have gone like him, but should neither have +asked nor expected any assistance." + +In restraining Glenarvan and Captain Mangles the major was right from +every point of view. To attempt to reach the sailor, to go on such +a dark night to meet the convicts, ambuscaded in some coppice, was +useless madness. Glenarvan's little party did not number enough men to +sacrifice any more. + +However, Glenarvan seemed unwilling to yield to these reasons. His +hand played nervously with his rifle. He walked to and fro around the +cart; he listened to the least sound; he strove to pierce the dismal +obscurity. The thought that one of his friends was mortally wounded, +helplessly abandoned, calling in vain upon those for whose sake he +had sacrificed himself, tortured him. MacNabb feared that he should +not succeed in restraining him, that Glenarvan, carried away by his +feelings, would cast himself into the power of Ben Joyce. + +"Edward," said he, "be calm; listen to a friend; think of Lady Helena, +Mary Grant, all who remain! Besides, where will you go? Where find +Mulready? He was attacked two miles distant at least. On what road? +What path take?" + +At this very moment, as if in answer to the major, a cry of distress +was heard. + +"Listen!" said Glenarvan. + +The cry came from the very direction whence the report had sounded, but +less than a quarter of a mile distant. Glenarvan, pushing back MacNabb, +was advancing along the path, when, not far from the cart, these words +were uttered: + +"Help! help!" + +It was a plaintive and despairing voice. Captain Mangles and the major +rushed towards it. In a few moments they perceived, on the edge of +the coppice, a human form that was dragging itself along and groaning +piteously. It was Mulready, wounded and half dead. When his companions +raised him, they felt their hands dabbling in blood. The rain now +increased, and the wind howled through the branches of the dead trees. +In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the major, and the +captain bore the body of Mulready. + +On arriving at the cart, Paganel, Robert, Wilson, and Olbinett came +out, and Lady Helena gave up her room to the poor sailor. The major +took off Mulready's vest, wet with blood and rain. He discovered the +wound. It was a poniard stab, which the unfortunate had received in his +right side. + +MacNabb dressed it skillfully. Whether the weapon had reached the vital +parts, he could not say. A stream of bright-red blood spurted forth, +while the paleness and the swoon of the wounded man proved that he had +been seriously injured. The major accordingly placed upon the opening +of the wound, after first washing it with fresh water, a thick wad of +tinder, and then a few layers of lint, confined by a bandage, and thus +succeeded in stopping the hemorrhage. The patient was then laid on his +side, his head and breast raised, and Lady Helena gave him a refreshing +draught. + +At the end of a quarter of an hour, the wounded man, who had been +motionless till then, made a movement. His eyes half opened, his lips +murmured disconnected words, and the major, putting down his ear, heard +him say: + +"My lord--the letter--Ben Joyce----" + +[Sidenote: A DAY OF DOUBT.] + +The major repeated these words, and glanced at his companions. What did +Mulready mean? Ben Joyce had attacked the sailor, but why? Was it not +simply for the purpose of preventing him from reaching the Duncan? This +letter--Glenarvan examined the sailor's pockets. The letter addressed +to Tom Austin was gone. + +The night passed in anxiety and anguish. They feared every moment that +the wounded man would die. A burning fever consumed him. Lady Helena +and Mary Grant, as though his sisters, did not leave him; never was +patient better nursed, or by more tender hands. + +Day appeared. The rain had ceased. Heavy clouds still rolled along +the vault of the sky, and the earth was strewn with the fragments of +branches. The clay, soaked by floods of water, had yielded; and the +sides of the cart became unsteady, but sank no deeper. + +Captain Mangles, Paganel, and Glenarvan took a tour of exploration +around the camp. They traversed the path still marked with blood, but +found no trace of Ben Joyce or his band. They went to the place where +the attack had been made. Here two corpses lay on the ground, shot +by Mulready. One was the farrier of Black Point. His face, which had +mortified, was a horrible sight. + +Glenarvan did not pursue his investigations farther, prudence +forbidding. He therefore returned to the cart, much alarmed by the +seriousness of the situation. + +"We cannot think of sending another messenger to Melbourne," said he. + +"But we must," replied Captain Mangles; "and I will make the attempt, +since my sailor has failed." + +"No, John. You have not even a horse to carry you these two hundred +miles." + +Indeed, Mulready's horse, the only one that remained, had not +reappeared. Had he fallen beneath the shots of the murderers? Was he +running wild over the desert? Had the convicts captured him? + +[Illustration: In the midst of these terrific gusts, Glenarvan, the +major, and the captain bore the body of Mulready.] + +[Sidenote: RESOLUTION, AND RECOVERY.] + +"Whatever happens," continued Glenarvan, "we will separate no more. +Let us wait eight or fifteen days, till the waters of the river resume +their natural level. We will then reach Twofold Bay by short journeys, +and from there send to the Duncan by a surer way the order to sail for +the coast." + +"This is the only feasible plan," replied Paganel. + +"Well, then, my friends," resumed Glenarvan, "no more separation! A +man risks too much to venture alone across this desert, infested with +bandits. And now may God save our poor sailor and protect ourselves!" + +Glenarvan was right in both resolves, first to forbid any single +attempt to cross the plains, and next to wait patiently on the banks +of the river for a practicable passage. Scarcely thirty-five miles +separated them from Delegete, the first frontier town of New South +Wales, where they would find means of reaching Twofold Bay. From this +point he could telegraph his orders to the Duncan. + +These measures were wise, but they had been adopted rather tardily. If +they had not sent Mulready with the letter, what misfortunes would have +been avoided, not to speak of the attack upon the sailor! + +On arriving at the camp, Glenarvan found his companions less anxious; +they seemed to have regained hope. + +"He is better!" cried Robert, running to meet him. + +"Mulready?" + +"Yes, Edward," replied Lady Helena. "A reaction has taken place. The +major is more encouraged. Our sailor will live." + +"Where is MacNabb?" asked Glenarvan. + +"With him. Mulready wished to speak with him. We must not disturb them." + +Indeed, within an hour the wounded man had rallied from his swoon, and +the fever had diminished. But the sailor's first care, on recovering +memory and speech was to ask for Lord Glenarvan, or, in his absence, +the major MacNabb, seeing him so feeble, would have forbidden all +conversation; but Mulready insisted with such energy that he was forced +to yield. The interview had already lasted some time, and they were +only waiting for the major's report. + +Soon the curtains of the cart moved, and he appeared. He joined his +friends at the foot of a gum-tree. His face, usually so calm, betokened +a serious anxiety. When his eyes encountered Lady Helena and the young +girl, they expressed a deep sadness. Glenarvan questioned him, and +learned what the sailor had related. + +On leaving the encampment, Mulready had followed one of the paths +indicated by Paganel. He hastened, as much at least as the darkness of +the night permitted him. According to his estimate, he had traveled a +distance of about two miles, when several men--five, he thought--sprang +to his horse's head. The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver +and fired. He thought that two of his assailants fell. By the flash of +the report, he recognized Ben Joyce, but that was all. He had not time +to fully discharge his weapon. A violent blow was struck upon his right +side, which brought him to the ground. However, he had not yet lost +consciousness. The assassins believed him dead. He felt them search +him. Then a conversation ensued. "I have the letter," said one of them. +"Give it to me," replied Ben Joyce; "and now the Duncan is ours!" + +At this point in the story Glenarvan could not restrain a cry. + +MacNabb continued: + +[Sidenote: A HOPELESS CHANCE.] + +"'Now, you others,' said Ben Joyce, 'catch the horse. In two days I +shall be on board the Duncan, and in six at Twofold Bay. There is the +place of meeting. The lord's party will be still fast in the marshes +of the Snowy. Cross the river at Kemple Pier bridge, go to the coast, +and wait for me. I will find means to bring you on board. With the +crew once at sea, and a vessel like the Duncan, we shall be masters +of the Indian Ocean.' 'Hurrah for Ben Joyce!' cried the convicts. +Mulready's horse was then led up, and Ben Joyce disappeared at a gallop +on the Lucknow road, while the band proceeded southeastward to the +Snowy River. Mulready, although severely wounded, had strength to drag +himself within two hundred paces of the encampment, where we picked him +up almost dead. This," added MacNabb, "is Mulready's sad story. You +understand now why the courageous sailor wished so much to speak." + +This revelation terrified all. + +"Pirates! pirates!" cried Glenarvan. "My crew massacred, my Duncan in +the hands of these bandits!" + +"Yes, for Ben Joyce will surprise the vessel," replied the major, "and +then----" + +"Well, we must reach the coast before these wretches," said Paganel. + +"But how cross the Snowy?" asked Wilson. + +"Like them," answered Glenarvan. "They will cross Kemple Pier bridge, +and we will do the same." + +"But what will become of Mulready?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"We will take turns in carrying him. Shall I give up my defenceless +crew to Ben Joyce's band?" + +The plan of crossing Kemple Pier bridge was practicable, but perilous. +The convicts might locate themselves at this point to defend it. It +would be at least thirty against seven! But there are moments when we +do not think of these things, when we must advance at all hazards. + +"My lord," said Captain Mangles, at length, "before risking our +last chance, before venturing towards the bridge, it is prudent to +reconnoitre it first. I will undertake this." + +"I will accompany you, captain," replied Paganel. + +[Sidenote: THE BURNED BRIDGE.] + +This proposal was accepted, and the captain and Paganel prepared to +start immediately. They were to follow along the bank of the river till +they came to the place indicated by Ben Joyce, and keep out of sight +of the convicts, who were probably lying in wait. These two courageous +men accordingly, well furnished with arms and provisions, set out, and +soon disappeared among the tall rushes of the river. + +[Illustration: The animal reared. Mulready seized his revolver and +fired.] + +All day the little party waited for them. At evening they had not yet +returned, and great fears were entertained. At last, about eleven +o'clock, Wilson announced their approach. They arrived, worn out with +the fatigues of a six-mile journey. + +"The bridge? Is it there?" asked Glenarvan, rushing to meet them. + +"Yes, a bridge of rushes," said Captain Mangles. "The convicts passed, +it is true, but----" + +"But what?" cried Glenarvan, who foresaw a new calamity. + +"They burned it after their passage," replied Paganel. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII. + +HELPLESS AND HOPELESS. + + +It was not the time to despair, but to act. If Kemple Pier bridge was +destroyed, they must cross the Snowy at all events, and reach Twofold +Bay before Ben Joyce's band. They lost no time, therefore, in vain +words; but the next day Captain Mangles and Glenarvan went to examine +the river, preparatory to a passage. + +The tumultuous waters, swollen by the rains, had not subsided. They +whirled along with indescribable fury. It was certain death to brave +this torrent. Glenarvan, with folded arms and lowered head, stood +motionless. + +"Do you wish me to try to swim to the opposite bank?" asked Captain +Mangles. + +"No, John," replied Glenarvan, seizing the bold young man by the hand; +"let us wait." + +They both returned to the encampment. The day was passed in the most +lively anxiety. Ten times did Glenarvan return to the river. He sought +to contrive some bold plan of crossing it, but in vain. It would not +have been more impassable if a torrent of lava had flowed between its +banks. + +During these long hours of delay, Lady Helena, with the major's +assistance, bestowed upon Mulready the most skillful care. The sailor +felt that he was returning to life. MacNabb ventured to affirm that no +vital organ had been injured, the loss of blood sufficiently explained +the patient's weakness. Thus, as soon as his wound was healed and the +hemorrhage stopped, only time and rest were needed for his complete +restoration. Lady Helena had insisted upon his occupying her end of the +cart. Mulready felt greatly honored. His greatest anxiety was in the +thought that his condition might delay Glenarvan, and he forced them to +promise that they would leave him at the camp in charge of Wilson, as +soon as the river became fordable. + +Unfortunately, this was not possible, either that day or the next. At +seeing himself thus detained, Glenarvan despaired. Lady Helena and the +major tried in vain to pacify and exhort him to patience. Patience! +when, at that moment perhaps, Ben Joyce was going on board the yacht, +when the Duncan was weighing anchor and steaming towards that fatal +coast, to which every hour brought her nearer! + +[Sidenote: ALMOST DESPAIRING.] + +Captain Mangles felt at heart all Glenarvan's anguish, and, as he +wished to overcome the difficulty at all hazards, he constructed a +canoe in the Australian fashion, with large pieces of the bark of the +gum-trees. These slabs, which were very light, were held together by +wooden cross-bars, and formed a very frail craft. + +The captain and the sailor tried the canoe. All that skill, strength, +or courage could do they did. But scarcely were they in the current, +when they capsized and narrowly escaped with their lives. The boat was +drawn into the eddies and disappeared. Captain Mangles and Wilson had +not advanced ten yards into the river, which was swollen by the rains +and melting snows till it was now a mile in breadth. + +Two days were wasted in this way. The major and Glenarvan went five +miles up stream without finding a practicable ford. Everywhere was the +same impetuosity, the same tumultuous rush of water; all the southern +slopes of the mountains had poured their liquid torrents into this +single stream. They were forced, therefore, to give up any hope of +saving the Duncan. Five days had passed since Ben Joyce's departure, +the yacht was probably that very moment at the coast, in the hands of +the convicts. + +However, this state of things could not last long. Indeed, on the +morning of the third day, Paganel perceived that the waters were +beginning to subside. He reported to Glenarvan the result of his +observations. + +"What does it matter now?" replied Glenarvan; "it is too late!" + +"That is no reason for prolonging our stay at the encampment," replied +the major. + +"Certainly not," said Captain Mangles; "to-morrow, perhaps, it will be +possible to cross." + +"But will that save my unfortunate crew?" cried Glenarvan. + +"Listen to me, my lord," continued Captain Mangles. "I know Tom Austin. +He was to execute your orders, and start as soon as his departure was +possible. Who knows whether the Duncan was ready, or her injuries +repaired, on the arrival of Ben Joyce at Melbourne? Supposing the +yacht could not put to sea, and suffered one or two days of delay?" + +"You are right, John," replied Glenarvan. "We must reach Twofold Bay. +We are only thirty-five miles from Delegete." + +"Yes," said Paganel, "and in that town we shall find rapid means of +conveyance. Who knows whether we shall not arrive in time to prevent +this calamity?" + +"Let us start!" cried Glenarvan. + +Captain Mangles and Wilson at once occupied themselves in constructing +a raft of large dimensions. Experience had proved that pieces of bark +could not resist the violence of the torrent. The captain cut down +several gum-trees, of which he made a rude but substantial raft. It was +a tedious task, and that day ended before the work was completed; but +the next day it was finished. + +The waters had now considerably subsided. The torrent had become a +river again, with a rapid current. However, with proper management, the +captain hoped to reach the opposite bank. + +At noon they put on board as much provisions as each could carry for +two days' travel. The rest was abandoned with the cart and the tent. +Mulready was well enough to be moved; he was recovering rapidly. + +Each took his place on the raft, which was moored to the bank. Captain +Mangles had arranged on the starboard side, and confided to Wilson, a +kind of oar to sustain the raft against the current, and prevent its +drifting. As for himself, he stood at the stern, and steered by means +of a clumsy rudder. Lady Helena and Mary Grant occupied the centre +of the raft near Mulready. Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and Robert +surrounded them, ready to lend assistance. + +"Are we ready, Wilson?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, seizing his oar with a firm hand. + +[Illustration: However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the +river, half a mile below where they started.] + +"Attention, and bear up against the current." + +Captain Mangles unmoored the raft, and with one push launched it into +the current of the river. All went well for some time, and Wilson +resisted the leeway. But soon the craft was drawn into the eddies, and +turned round and round, so that neither oar nor rudder could keep it in +a straight course. In spite of their efforts, they were soon placed in +a position where it was impossible to use the oars. + +They were forced to be passive; there was no means of preventing this +gyratory motion. They were whirled about with a giddy rapidity, and +sent out of their course. The captain, with pale face and set teeth, +stood and gazed at the eddying water. + +However, the raft was entangled in the midst of the river, half a mile +below where they started. The current here was very strong, and, as +it broke the eddies, it lessened the whirling motion. The captain and +Wilson resumed their oars, and succeeded in propelling the craft in an +oblique direction. In this way they approached nearer the left bank, +and were only a few yards distant, when Wilson's oar broke. The raft, +no longer sustained against the current, was carried down stream. The +captain endeavored to prevent it, at the risk of breaking his rudder, +and Wilson with bleeding hands assisted him. + +At last they succeeded, and the raft, after a voyage of more than half +an hour, ran upon the steeply-sloping bank. The shock was violent; the +timbers were thrown apart, the ropes broken, and the foaming water came +through. The travelers had only time to cling to the bushes that hung +over the stream. They extricated Mulready and the two ladies, who were +half drenched. In short, everybody was saved; but the greater part of +the provisions and arms, except the major's rifle, were swept away with +the fragments of the raft. + +[Sidenote: A WEARY PILGRIMAGE.] + +The river was crossed, but the little party were without resources, +thirty-five miles from Delegete, in the midst of these untrodden +deserts. They resolved to start without delay. Mulready saw that he +would cause trouble, and desired to remain behind, even alone, and wait +for aid from Delegete. But Glenarvan refused. He could not reach the +town before three days. If the Duncan had left Melbourne several days +before, what mattered a delay of a few hours? + +"No, my friend," said he; "I will not abandon any one. We will make a +litter, and take turns in carrying you." + +The litter was made of branches covered with leaves, and upon this +Mulready was placed. Glenarvan wished to be the first to bear the +sailor, and, seizing one end of the litter and Wilson the other, they +started. + +What a sad sight! and how disastrously this journey, so well begun, +had ended! They were no longer going in search of Captain Grant. +This continent--where he was not, nor had ever been--threatened to +be fatal to those who were seeking traces of him, and perhaps new +discouragements still awaited them. + +The first day passed silently and painfully. Every ten minutes they +took turns in carrying the litter. All the sailor's companions +uncomplainingly imposed upon themselves this duty, which was made still +more arduous by the great heat. + +At evening, after accomplishing only five miles, they encamped under +a group of gum-trees. The rest of the provisions that had escaped the +shipwreck furnished the evening meal. They must hereafter rely on the +major's rifle; but he found no opportunity to fire a single shot. +Fortunately, Robert found a nest of bustards, containing a dozen large +eggs, which Olbinett cooked in the hot ashes. In addition to these +embarrassments, their way became very difficult. The sandy plains were +bristling with thorny plants that tore their garments and lacerated +their limbs. The courageous ladies, however, did not complain, but +valiantly advanced, setting the example, and encouraging each other by +a word or a look. + +On the third day Mulready traveled part of the way on foot. His wound +had entirely healed. The town of Delegete was only ten miles distant, +and at evening they encamped on the very frontiers of New South Wales. + +A fine and penetrating rain had been falling for several hours, and +all shelter would have failed, if Captain Mangles had not fortunately +discovered a ruined and abandoned sawyer's hut. They were obliged to +content themselves with this miserable hovel of branches and thatch. +Wilson attempted to kindle a fire to prepare the food, and accordingly +collected some dead wood that strewed the ground. But when he attempted +to light the fuel he did not succeed; the great quantity of aluminous +material that it contained prevented combustion. It was, therefore, +necessary to dispense with fire and food, and sleep in wet garments, +while the birds, hidden in the lofty branches, seemed to mock these +unfortunate travelers. + +However, Glenarvan and his friends were approaching the end of their +sufferings; and it was time. The two ladies exerted themselves +heroically, but their strength was failing every hour. They dragged +themselves along, they no longer walked. + +The next day they started at daybreak, and at eleven o'clock Delegete +came in sight, fifty miles from Twofold Bay. Here means of conveyance +were quickly obtained. Feeling himself so near the coast, hope returned +to Glenarvan's heart; perhaps there had been some slight delay, and he +would arrive before the Duncan! In twenty-four hours he would reach the +bay! + +At noon, after a comforting repast, all the travelers took their seats +in a mail-coach, and left Delegete at the full speed of five strong +horses. The postilions, stimulated by the promise of a large reward, +drove them along at a rapid rate, over a well-kept road. No time was +lost in changing horses, and it seemed as if Glenarvan had inspired +all with his own intense eagerness. + +[Illustration: The two ladies exerted themselves heroically, but their +strength was failing every hour. They dragged themselves along, they no +longer walked.] + +All day and all night they traveled with the same swiftness, and at +sunrise the next morning a low murmur announced the proximity of the +Indian Ocean. It was necessary, however, to pass around the bay to gain +that part of the coast where Tom Austin was to meet the travelers. + +When the sea appeared, all eyes quickly surveyed the wide expanse. Was +the Duncan there, by a miracle of Providence, as she had been discerned +before by some of them on the Argentine coast? Nothing was seen; sky +and water mingled in an unbroken horizon; not a sail brightened the +vast extent of ocean. + +One hope still remained. Perhaps Tom Austin had thought it best to cast +anchor in Twofold Bay, as the sea was rough and a vessel could not be +moored in safety near such shores. + +"To Eden!" said Glenarvan. + +The mail-coach at once took the road to the right, which ran along the +edge of the bay, and proceeded towards the little town of Eden, only +five miles distant. The postilions stopped not far from the light that +guarded the entrance to the harbor. Several ships were anchored in the +roadstead, but none displayed the flag of Malcolm Castle. + +Glenarvan, Captain Mangles, and Paganel alighted immediately, and +hastened to the custom-house. Here they questioned the employees, and +consulted the latest arrivals. No vessel had entered the bay for a week. + +"She may not have started!" cried Glenarvan, who would not despair. +"Perhaps we have arrived before her!" + +Captain Mangles shook his head. He knew Tom Austin; his mate would +never have delayed so long to execute an order. + +"I will know what this means," said Glenarvan. "Certainty is better +than doubt." + +[Sidenote: THE LAST HOPE.] + +Fifteen minutes later a telegram was sent to the ship-brokers of +Melbourne, and the travelers repaired to the Victoria Hotel. Not long +after an answer was delivered to Lord Glenarvan. It read as follows: + +"Lord Glenarvan, + Eden, Twofold Bay. + +"Duncan started on the 18th instant for some unknown destination." + +The dispatch fell from Glenarvan's hands. There was no more doubt! The +honest Scotch yacht, in Ben Joyce's hands, had become a pirate-vessel! + +Thus ended their search in Australia, begun under such favorable +auspices. The traces of Captain Grant and his shipwrecked sailors +seemed irrecoverably lost. This failure had cost the lives of an entire +crew. Lord Glenarvan was crushed by the blow, and this courageous +searcher, whom the leagued elements had failed to deter, was now +baffled by the malice of men. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV. + +A ROUGH CAPTAIN. + + +If ever the searchers for Captain Grant had reason to despair of seeing +him again, was it not when every hope forsook them at once? To what +part of the world should they venture a new expedition? how explore +unknown countries? The Duncan was no longer in their possession, and +they could not be immediately reconciled to their misfortune. The +undertaking of these generous Scots had, therefore, failed. Failure! +sad word, that finds no echo in a valiant soul; and yet, amid all +the changes of destiny, Glenarvan was forced to acknowledge his +powerlessness to pursue this work of mercy. + +Mary Grant, in this situation, no longer had the courage to utter the +name of her father. She suppressed her own anguish by thinking of the +unfortunate crew. Controlling herself in the presence of her friend, it +was she who consoled Lady Helena, from whom she had received so many +consolations. The young girl was the first to speak of their return to +Scotland. At seeing her so courageous and resigned, Captain Mangles +admired her, and would have spoken a final word in favor of Captain +Grant, if Mary had not stopped him with a look and then said: + +"No, Mr. John; let us think of those who have sacrificed themselves. +Lord Glenarvan must return to England." + +"You are right, Miss Mary," replied he; "he must. The English +authorities must also be informed of the fate of the Duncan. But do not +give up all hope. The search that we have begun I would continue alone, +rather than abandon. I will find Captain Grant, or succumb to the task!" + +This was a solemn compact which John Mangles thus made. Mary accepted +it, and gave her hand to the young captain, as if to ratify this +treaty. On the part of the latter it was a devotion of his entire life; +on the part of the former, an unchanging gratitude. + +The time of their departure was now definitely decided. They resolved +to proceed to Melbourne without delay. The next day Captain Mangles +went to inquire about vessels that were upon the point of sailing. He +expected to find frequent communication between Eden and Melbourne, but +he was disappointed. The vessels were few; two or three anchored in +Twofold Bay composed the entire fleet of the place. There were none for +Melbourne, Sydney, or Point-de-Galle. + +In this state of affairs, what was to be done? Wait for a ship? They +might be delayed a long time, for Twofold Bay is little frequented. +After some deliberation, Glenarvan was about to decide upon reaching +Sydney by the coast, when Paganel made a proposal that was unexpected +to every one. + +The geographer had just returned from Twofold Bay. He knew that there +were no means of transportation to Sydney or Melbourne; but, of the +three vessels anchored in the roadstead, one was preparing to start +for Auckland, the capital of Ika-na-Maoui, the northern island of New +Zealand. Thither Paganel proposed to go by the bark in question, and +from Auckland it would be easy to return to England by the steamers of +the English company. + +This proposition was taken into serious consideration, although Paganel +did not enter into those extended arguments of which he was usually so +lavish. He confined himself to stating the fact, and added that the +voyage would not last more than five or six days. + +Captain Mangles advocated Paganel's plan. He thought it should be +adopted, since they could not wait for the uncertain arrival of other +vessels. But, before deciding, he judged it advisable to visit the ship +in question. Accordingly, he, with Glenarvan, the major, Paganel, and +Robert, took a boat, and pulled out to where it was anchored. + +It was a brig of two hundred and fifty tons, called the Macquarie, +which traded between the different ports of Australia and New Zealand. +The captain, or rather the "master," received his visitors very +gruffly. They saw that they had to deal with an uneducated man, whose +manners were not different from those of the five sailors of his +crew. A coarse red face, big hands, a flat nose, a blinded eye, lips +blackened by his pipe, and a specially brutish appearance, made Will +Halley a very forbidding character. But they had no choice, and for a +voyage of a few days there was no need to be very particular. + +"What do you want?" asked Will Halley, as the strangers reached the +deck of his vessel. + +"The captain," replied Mangles. + +[Sidenote: A BUSINESS INTERVIEW.] + +"I am he," said Halley. "What then?" + +"The Macquarie is loading for Auckland?" + +"Yes. What of it?" + +"What does she carry?" + +"Anything that is bought or sold." + +"When does she sail?" + +"To-morrow, at the noon tide." + +"Would she take passengers?" + +"That depends upon the passengers, and whether they would be satisfied +with the ship's mess." + +"They would take their own provisions." + +"Well, how many are there?" + +"Nine,--two of them ladies." + +"I have no cabins." + +"We will arrange a place for their exclusive use." + +"What then?" + +"Do you accept?" asked Captain Mangles, who was not embarrassed by this +curtness. + +"I must see," replied the master of the Macquarie. He took a turn or +two, striking the deck with his heavy, hobnailed boots; then, turning +to Captain Mangles, said: + +"What do you pay?" + +"What do you ask?" was the reply. + +"Fifty pounds." + +Glenarvan nodded assent. + +"Very well! Fifty pounds." + +"But the passage in cash!" added Halley. + +"In cash." + +"Food separate?" + +"Separate." + +"Agreed. Well?" said Will Halley, holding out his hand. + +"What?" + +"The advance-money." + +"Here is half the fare,--twenty-five pounds," said Captain Mangles, +counting out the sum, which the master pocketed without saying "thank +you." + +"Be on board to-morrow," said he. "Whether you are here or not, I shall +weigh anchor." + +"We will be here." + +Thereupon Glenarvan, the major, Robert, Paganel, and Captain Mangles +left the vessel, without Will Halley's having so much as touched the +brim of his hat. + +"What a stupid fellow!" was their first remark. + +"Well, I like him," replied Paganel. "He is a real sea-wolf." + +"A real bear!" remarked the major. + +"And I imagine," added Captain Mangles, "that this bear has at some +time traded in human flesh." + +"What matter," replied Glenarvan, "so long as he commands the +Macquarie, which goes to New Zealand? We shall see very little of him +on the voyage." + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant were very much pleased to know that they +were to start the next day. Glenarvan observed, however, that the +Macquarie could not equal the Duncan for comfort; but, after so many +hardships, they were not likely to be overcome by trifles. Mr. Olbinett +was requested to take charge of the provisions. The poor man, since the +loss of the Duncan, had often lamented the unhappy fate of his wife, +who had remained on board, and would be, consequently, the victim of +the convicts' brutality. However, he fulfilled his duties as steward +with his accustomed zeal, and their food might yet consist of dishes +that were never seen on the ship's table. + +In the mean time the major discounted at a money-changer's some drafts +that Glenarvan had on the Union Bank of Melbourne. As for Paganel, he +procured an excellent map of New Zealand. + +Mulready was now quite well. He scarcely felt his wound, which had so +nearly proved fatal. A few hours at sea would complete his recovery. + +[Illustration: The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out.] + +Wilson went on board first, charged with arranging the passengers' +quarters. Under his vigorous use of the brush and broom the aspect +of things was greatly changed. Will Halley shrugged his shoulders, +but allowed the sailor to do as he pleased. As for Glenarvan and his +friends, he scarcely noticed them; he did not even know their names, +nor did he care to. This increase of cargo was worth fifty pounds to +him, but he valued it less than the two hundred tons of tanned leather +with which his hold was crowded,--the skins first, and the passengers +next. He was a real trader; and by his nautical ability he passed for a +good navigator of these seas, rendered so very dangerous by the coral +reefs. + +During the afternoon, Glenarvan wished to visit once more the supposed +place of the shipwreck. Ayrton had certainly been the quartermaster of +the Britannia, and the vessel might really have been lost on that part +of the coast. And there, at all events, the Duncan had fallen into the +hands of the convicts. Had there been a fight? Perhaps they would find +on the beach traces of a struggle. If the crew had perished in the +waves, would not the bodies have been cast ashore? + +Glenarvan, accompanied by his faithful captain, undertook this +examination. The landlord of Victoria Hotel furnished them with two +horses, and they set out. But it was a sad journey. They rode in +silence. The same thoughts, the same anxieties, tortured the mind of +each. They gazed at the rocks worn by the sea. They had no need to +question or answer; no sign of the Duncan could be found,--the whole +coast was bare. + +Captain Mangles, however, found on the margin of the shore evident +signs of an encampment, the remains of fires recently kindled beneath +the few trees. Had a wandering tribe of natives passed there within +a few days? No, for an object struck Glenarvan's eye, which proved +incontestably that the convicts had visited that part of the coast. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST NIGHT IN AUSTRALIA.] + +It was a gray and yellow jacket, worn and patched, left at the foot +of a tree. It bore a number and badge of the Perth penitentiary. The +convict was no longer there, but his cast-off garment betrayed him. + +"You see, John," said Glenarvan, "the convicts have been here! And our +poor comrades of the Duncan----" + +"Yes," replied the captain, in a low voice, "they have certainly been +landed, and have perished!" + +"The wretches!" cried Glenarvan. "If they ever fall into my hands, I +will avenge my crew!" + +Grief and exposure had hardened Glenarvan's features. For several +moments he gazed at the vast expanse of water, seeking perhaps to +discern some ship in the dim distance. Then his eyes relaxed their +fierceness, he regained his composure, and, without adding a word or +making a sign, took the road to Eden. + +Only one duty remained to be fulfilled,--to inform the constable of +the events that had just transpired, which was done the same evening. +The magistrate, Thomas Banks, could scarcely conceal his satisfaction +at making out the official record. He was simply delighted at the +departure of Ben Joyce and his band. The whole village shared his joy. +The convicts had left Australia because of a new crime; but, at all +events, they had gone. This important news was immediately telegraphed +to the authorities of Melbourne and Sydney. + +Having accomplished his object, Glenarvan returned to the Victoria +Hotel. The travelers passed this last evening in Australia in sadness. +Their thoughts wandered over this country, so fertile in misfortunes. +They recalled the hopes they had reasonably conceived at Cape +Bernouilli, now so cruelly disappointed at Twofold Bay. + +Paganel was a prey to a feverish agitation. Captain Mangles, who had +watched him since the incident at Snowy River, many times pressed him +with questions which Paganel did not answer. But that evening, as he +went with him to his chamber, the captain asked him why he was so +nervous. + +"My friend," replied Paganel evasively, "I am no more nervous than +usual." + +"Mr. Paganel, you have a secret that troubles you." + +"Well, as you will," cried the geographer; "it is stronger than I." + +"What is stronger than you?" + +"My joy on the one hand, and my despair on the other." + +"You are joyful and despairing at the same time?" + +"Yes; joyful and despairing at visiting New Zealand." + +"Have you any news?" asked Captain Mangles. "Have you discovered the +lost trail?" + +"No, friend. _People never return from New Zealand!_ But yet--well, you +know human nature. As long as we breathe we can hope; and my motto is +'_dum spiro, spero_,' which is the best in the world." + + + + +CHAPTER XLV. + +THE WRECK OF THE MACQUARIE. + + +The next day the travelers were installed on board the Macquarie. +Will Halley had not offered the ladies his cabin, which was not to be +regretted, as the lair was only fit for the brute. + +At noon they made ready to take the flood-tide. The anchor was weighed. +A moderate breeze blew from the southwest. The sails were gradually +set, but the five men worked slowly. At last, incited by the oaths +of the skipper, they accomplished their task. But in spite of her +spread of canvas the brig scarcely advanced. Yet, however poorly she +sailed, in five or six days they hoped to reach the harbor of Auckland. +At seven o'clock in the evening they lost sight of the shores of +Australia, and the lighthouse at Eden. The sea was rough, and the +vessel labored heavily in the trough of the waves. The passengers found +their situation very uncomfortable; but, as they could not remain on +deck, they were forced to submit to confinement. + +[Illustration: But on the next day seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize.] + +That evening conversation very naturally turned upon the land to which +they were now sailing, its discovery and colonization; and just as +naturally all turned to Paganel as to a bookcase, for some information +thereon. It was very readily accessible, although evidently to the +geographer's mind there was something of a painful character connected +with the name, the impression, and the very thoughts of New Zealand and +its Maori inhabitants. + +"Monsieur Paganel," said Lady Helena, "have your friends, the English, +been the only ones to search out this island?" + +"By no means, madam," was the prompt reply. "On the contrary, they +have come second, nay, third, in the race; only," and he looked half +roguishly and half maliciously, "_they stayed when they came_." + +And then he told them of its first discovery by Abel Tasman, the Dutch +navigator, in 1642; that, when first he landed, there seemed to be +amicable feelings expressed by the islanders toward himself, a number +of them coming back to his ship, and being apparently well pleased to +cultivate intercourse. But on the next day, as he sent his boat to +find good anchorage nearer to the shore, seven canoes of the islanders +attacked it most violently and suddenly, causing it to capsize, and so +vigorously assailing its occupants with their pikes that it was with +difficulty any of them were able to swim back to their ship, leaving +those of their companions who were not drowned to be butchered by the +natives. + +[Sidenote: A SADDENING HISTORY.] + +Of course he did not forget to mention that a French navigator, +Surville by name, was the next to visit the shores, and that his +visit likewise was the cause of bloodshed and misery. But he gave +them a more lengthy and extended narrative of Captain Cook's voyages, +which were the most important in their results as well as the most +interesting and tragic in many of their incidents. It was on the 6th +of October, 1769, that this navigator first landed on the shores which +he visited twice afterwards, and each time added greatly to the stock +of previous knowledge concerning these islands, their productions, and +their inhabitants. By him it was first ascertained that cannibalism was +practiced by some, if not all, of the tribes at that time; and it was +very evident, from the manner of Paganel's narration, that hereabout +lay the extremely sensitive point of the worthy geographer's fears and +forebodings. However, he was not deterred from rehearsing how one and +another not merely visited, but began to settle, on the island, so that +in the treaty of 1814 it was formally recognized as belonging to Great +Britain, and twenty years after was important enough to have a separate +official and governmental establishment. + +Paganel also told, at great length, the tales of many of the sad +incidents which from time to time have marked even the commercial +intercourse between the European and the Maori; as, for instance, the +sad tale of conflict and bloodshed connected with the death of Captain +Marion, a French navigator, in 1772. He had landed near the spot where +Surville had ill-treated some of the natives and traitorously seized +a son of the chief, Takouri, who yet appeared to welcome this next +French visitant, though remembering none the less the terrible duty of +vengeance which is felt by the Maori to be so binding. + +[Illustration: It was on the sixth of October, 1769, that this +navigator (Captain Cook) first landed on the shores.] + +For a long time the cloak of friendship was worn by the natives, the +more thoroughly to lull the suspicions of the whites, and to entice a +larger number on shore; in which endeavor they succeeded only too well. +The French ships being greatly out of repair, Marion was induced to +fell timber at some distance in the interior, and to establish in this +occupation a great number of his men, going frequently to them, and +remaining with them and the apparently friendly chiefs. On one of these +occasions the Maoris fulfilled their revengeful project with a terrible +satisfaction to themselves. Only one man, of all those in the interior, +managed to escape, the commander himself falling a prey to their +vengeance. They then endeavored to kill the second in command, who, +with several others, was nearer to the shore. These, of course, at once +started for their boats; breathless, they reached them, hotly pursued +to the water's edge by the insatiate savages. Then, safe themselves, +the French marksmen picked off the chief, and the previous exultation +of the aborigines was, even in the hour of their triumph, turned to +lamentation, coupled with wonder at the terrible power of the white +man's fire-barrel. + +[Illustration: Safe themselves, the French marksmen picked off the +chief.] + +All this and much more did the geographer narrate; but it must be +confessed that he neither spoke, nor did they listen, with the +complacency evinced in his previous tales. Besides, their surroundings +were at the time uncomfortable, and the first prognostications of a +speedy passage were not likely to be verified. + +Unfortunately, this painful voyage was prolonged. Six days after her +departure, the Macquarie had not descried the shores of Auckland. +The wind was fair, however, and still blew from the southwest; but +nevertheless the brig did not make much headway. The sea was rough, the +rigging creaked, the ribs cracked, and the vessel rode the waves with +difficulty. + +Fortunately, Will Halley, like a man who was in no hurry, did not crowd +on sail, or his masts would inevitably have snapped. Captain Mangles +hoped, therefore, that this clumsy craft would reach its destination +in safety; still, he was pained to see his companions on board in such +miserable quarters. + +[Sidenote: PERSISTENT GRIEF.] + +But neither Lady Helena nor Mary Grant complained, although the +continual rain kept them confined, and the want of air and rolling of +the ship seriously incommoded them. Their friends sought to divert +them, and Paganel strove to while the time with his stories, but did +not succeed so well as previously. + +Of all the passengers, the one most to be pitied was Lord Glenarvan. +They rarely saw him below; he could not keep still. His nervous and +excitable nature would not submit to an imprisonment between four +wooden walls. Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck, sometimes bending over +the rail, sometimes pacing up and down with feverish agitation. His +eyes gazed continually into space, and, during the brief lulls, his +glass persistently surveyed the horizon. He seemed to question the mute +waves; the mist that veiled the sky, the masses of vapor, he would have +penetrated with a glance; he could not be resigned, and his countenance +betokened an acute grief. The power and hopefulness of this man, +hitherto so energetic and courageous, had suddenly failed. + +Captain Mangles seldom left him, but at his side endured the severity +of the storm. That day, Glenarvan, wherever there was an opening in +the mist, scanned the horizon with the utmost persistency. The young +captain approached him. + +"Is your lordship looking for land?" he asked. + +Glenarvan shook his head. + +"It will yet be some time before we leave the brig. We ought to have +sighted Auckland light thirty-six hours ago." + +Glenarvan did not answer. He still gazed, and for a moment his glass +was pointed towards the horizon to windward of the vessel. + +"The land is not on that side," said Captain Mangles. "Your lordship +should look towards the starboard." + +"Why, John?" replied Glenarvan. "It is not the land that I am seeking." + +"What is it, my lord?" + +[Sidenote: A COURAGEOUS CAPTAIN.] + +"My yacht, my Duncan! She must be here, in these regions, plowing +these seas, in that dreadful employment of a pirate. She is here, I +tell you, John, on this course between Australia and New Zealand! I +have a presentiment that we shall meet her!" + +[Illustration: Day and night, heedless of the torrents of rain and the +dashing spray of the sea, he remained on deck.] + +"God preserve us from such a meeting, my lord!" + +"Why, John?" + +"Your lordship forgets our situation. What could we do on this brig, if +the Duncan should give us chase? We could not escape." + +"Escape, John?" + +"Yes, my lord. We should try in vain. We should be captured, at the +mercy of the wretches. Ben Joyce has shown that he does not hesitate at +a crime. I should sell my life dearly. We would defend ourselves to the +last extremity. Well! But, then, think of Lady Helena and Mary Grant!" + +"Poor women!" murmured Glenarvan. "John, my heart is broken, and +sometimes I feel as if despair had invaded it. It seems to me as if +new calamities awaited us, as if Heaven had decreed against us! I am +afraid!" + +"You, my lord?" + +"Not for myself, John, but for those whom I love, and whom you love +also." + +"Take courage, my lord," replied the young captain. "We need no longer +fear. The Macquarie is a poor sailer, but still she sails. Will Halley +is a brutish creature; but I am here, and if the approach to the land +seems to me dangerous I shall take the ship to sea again. Therefore +from this quarter there is little or no danger. But as for meeting the +Duncan, God preserve us, and enable us to escape!" + +Captain Mangles was right. To encounter the Duncan would be fatal to +the Macquarie, and this misfortune was to be feared in these retired +seas, where pirates could roam without danger. However, that day, at +least, the Duncan did not appear, and the sixth night since their +departure from Twofold Bay arrived without Captain Mangles's fears +being realized. + +But that night was destined to be one of terror. Darkness set in almost +instantaneously towards evening; the sky was very threatening. Even +Will Halley, whose sense of danger was superior to the brutishness of +intoxication, was startled by these warning signs. He left his cabin, +rubbing his eyes and shaking his great red head. Then he drew a long +breath, and examined the masts. The wind was fresh, and was blowing +strong towards the New Zealand coast. + +Captain Halley summoned his men, with many oaths, and ordered them to +reef the top-sails. Captain Mangles approved in silence. He had given +up remonstrating with this coarse seaman; but neither he nor Glenarvan +left the deck. + +Two hours passed. The sea grew more tempestuous, and the vessel +received such severe shocks that it seemed as if her keel were grating +on the sand. There was no unusual roughness, but yet this clumsy craft +labored heavily, and the deck was deluged by the huge waves. The boat +that hung in the larboard davits was swept overboard by a rising billow. + +Captain Mangles could not help being anxious. Any other vessel would +have mocked these surges; but with this heavy hulk they might well fear +foundering, for the deck was flooded with every plunge, and the masses +of water, not finding sufficient outlet by the scuppers, might submerge +the ship. It would have been wise, as a preparation for any emergency, +to cut away the waistcloth to facilitate the egress of the water; but +Will Halley refused to take this precaution. + +[Sidenote: A NAUTICAL COUP D'ETAT.] + +However, a greater danger threatened the Macquarie, and probably there +was no longer time to prevent it. About half-past eleven Captain +Mangles and Wilson, who were standing on the leeward side, were +startled by an unusual sound. Their nautical instincts were roused, +and the captain seized the sailor's hand. + +"The surf!" said he. + +"Yes," replied Wilson. "The sea is breaking on the reefs." + +"Not more than two cable-lengths distant." + +"Not more! The shore is here!" + +Captain Mangles leaned over the railing, gazed at the dark waves, and +cried: + +"The sounding-lead, Wilson!" + +The skipper, who was in the forecastle, did not seem to suspect his +situation. Wilson grasped the sounding-line, which lay coiled in its +pail, and rushed into the port-shrouds. He cast the lead; the rope +slipped between his fingers; at the third knot it stopped. + +"Three fathoms!" cried Wilson. + +"We are on the breakers!" shouted the sober captain to the stupefied +one. + +Whether the former saw Halley shrug his shoulders or not is of little +consequence. At all events, he rushed towards the wheel and crowded +the helm hard alee, while Wilson, letting go the line, hauled upon the +top-sail yard-arms to luff the ship. The sailor who was steering, and +had been forcibly pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden +attack. + +"To the port-yards! let loose the sails!" cried the young captain, +managing so as to escape the reefs. + +For half a minute, the starboard side of the brig grazed the rocks, +and, in spite of the darkness, John perceived a roaring line of +breakers that foamed a few yards from the ship. + +[Sidenote: VERY CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES.] + +At this moment Will Halley, becoming conscious of the imminent danger, +lost his presence of mind. His sailors, who were scarcely sober, +could not comprehend his orders. Moreover, his incoherent words and +contradictory commands showed that this stupid drunkard's coolness +had failed. He was surprised by the nearness of the land, which was +only eight miles off, when he thought it thirty or forty. The currents +had taken him unawares, and thrown him out of his ordinary course. + +[Illustration: The sailor who was steering, and had been forcibly +pushed aside, did not at all understand this sudden attack.] + +However, Captain Mangles's prompt management had rescued the brig from +her peril; but he did not know his position. Perhaps he was inclosed by +a chain of reefs. The wind blew fresh from the east, and at every pitch +they might strike bottom. + +The roar of the surf was soon redoubled, and it was necessary to luff +still more. John crowded the helm down and braced farther to leeward. +The breakers multiplied beneath the prow of the ship, and they were +obliged to tack so as to put to sea. Would this manoeuvre succeed with +such an unsteady vessel, and under such reduced sail? It was uncertain, +but as their only chance they must venture it. + +"Hard alee!" cried Captain Mangles to Wilson. + +The Macquarie began to approach the new line of reefs. Soon the +water foamed above the submerged rocks. It was a moment of torturing +suspense. The spray glittered on the crests of the waves. You would +have thought a phosphorescent glow had suddenly illumined the water. +Wilson and Mulready forced down the wheel with their whole weight. + +Suddenly a shock was felt. The vessel had struck upon a rock. The +bob-stays broke, and nearly overthrew the mainmast. Could they come +about without any other injury? No; for all at once there was a calm, +and the ship veered to windward again, and her movements suddenly +ceased. A lofty wave seized and bore her forward towards the reefs, +while she rolled heavily. The mainmast went by the board with all its +rigging, the brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to +starboard. The pump-lights were shattered in pieces, and the passengers +rushed to the deck; but the waves were sweeping it from one end to +the other, and they could not remain without danger. Captain Mangles, +knowing that the ship was firmly imbedded in the sand, besought them +for their own sakes to go below again. + +"The truth, John?" asked Glenarvan, faintly. + +"The truth, my lord, is that we shall not founder. As for being +destroyed by the sea, that is another question; but we have time to +take counsel." + +"Is it midnight?" + +"Yes, my lord, and we must wait for daylight." + +"Can we not put to sea in the boat?" + +"In this storm and darkness it is impossible. And, moreover, where +should we strike land?" + +"Well, John, let us remain here till morning." + +Meantime Will Halley was running about the deck like a madman. His +sailors, who had recovered from their stupor, stove in a brandy-barrel +and began to drink. Mangles foresaw that their drunkenness would lead +to terrible scenes. The captain could not be relied upon to restrain +them; the miserable man tore his hair and wrung his hands; he thought +only of his cargo, which was not insured. + +"I am ruined! I am lost!" cried he, running to and fro. + +Captain Mangles scarcely thought of consoling him. He armed his +companions, and all stood ready to repel the sailors, who were filling +themselves with brandy, and cursing frightfully. + +"The first of these wretches who approaches," said the major calmly, "I +will shoot like a dog." + +The sailors doubtless saw that the passengers were determined to keep +them at bay, for, after a few attempts at plunder, they disappeared. +Captain Mangles paid no more attention to these drunken men, but waited +impatiently for day. + +[Sidenote: SLEEPING IN A SAND-CRADLE.] + +The ship was now absolutely immovable. The sea grew gradually calm, +and the wind subsided. The hull could, therefore, hold out a few hours +longer. At sunrise they would examine the shore. If it seemed easy to +land, the yawl, now the only boat on board, would serve to transport +the crew and passengers. It would require three trips, at least, to +accomplish this, for there was room for only four persons. As for the +gig, it had been swept overboard, during the storm, as before mentioned. + +While reflecting on the dangers of his situation, the young captain, +leaning against the binnacle, listened to the roar of the surf. He +strove to pierce the dense darkness, and estimate how far he was from +that desired yet dreaded coast. Breakers are frequently heard several +leagues at sea. Could the frail cutter weather so long a voyage in her +present shattered state? + +While he was thinking thus, and longing for a little light in the +gloomy sky, the ladies, relying upon his words, were reposing in their +berths. The steadiness of the brig secured them several hours of rest. +Glenarvan and the others, no longer hearing the cries of the drunken +crew, refreshed themselves also by a hasty sleep, and, early in the +morning, deep silence reigned on board this vessel, which had sunk to +rest, as it were, upon her bed of sand. + +About four o'clock the first light appeared in the east. The clouds +were delicately tinged by the pale rays of the dawn. Captain Mangles +came on deck. Along the horizon extended a curtain of mist. A few +vague outlines floated in the vapors of the morning. A gentle swell +still agitated the sea, and the outer waves were lost in the dense, +motionless fog. + +He waited. The light gradually brightened, and the horizon glowed with +crimson hues. The misty curtain gradually enveloped the vast vault of +the firmament. Black rocks emerged from the water. Then, a line was +defined along a border of foam, and a luminous point kindled like a +lighthouse at the summit of a peak against the still invisible disk of +the rising sun. + +"Land!" cried Captain Mangles. + +[Illustration: The mainmast went by the board with all its rigging, the +brig heaved twice and was motionless, leaning over to starboard.] + +[Illustration: As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her +opposite side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water.] + +His companions, awakened by his voice, rushed on deck, and gazed in +silence at the coast that was seen on the horizon. Whether hospitable +or fatal, it was to be their place of refuge. + +"Where is that Halley?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I do not know, my lord," replied Captain Mangles. + +"And his sailors?" + +"Disappeared, like himself." + +"And like himself, doubtless, drunk," added MacNabb. + +"Let us search for them," said Glenarvan; "we cannot abandon them on +this vessel." + +Mulready and Wilson went down to the bunks in the forecastle. The place +was empty. They then visited between-decks, and the hold, but found +neither Halley nor his sailors. + +"What! nobody?" said Glenarvan. + +"Have they fallen into the sea?" asked Paganel. + +"Anything is possible," replied Captain Mangles, who cared little for +their disappearance. + +Then, turning towards the stern, he said,-- + +"To the boat!" + +Wilson and Mulready followed, to assist in lowering it. + +The yawl was gone! + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI. + +VAIN EFFORTS. + + +Will Halley and his crew, taking advantage of the night and the +passengers' sleep, had fled with the only boat left. They could not +doubt it. This captain, who was in duty bound to be the last on board, +had been the first to leave. + +[Sidenote: AN ADVANTAGEOUS LOSS.] + +"The rascals have fled," said Captain Mangles. "Well, so much the +better, my lord. We are spared so many disagreeable scenes." + +"I agree with you," replied Glenarvan. "Besides, there is a better +captain on board, yourself, and courageous seamen, your companions. +Command us; we are ready to obey you." + +All endorsed Glenarvan's words, and, ranged along the deck, they stood +ready for the young captain's orders. + +"What is to be done?" asked Glenarvan. + +John cast a glance over the ocean, looked at the shattered masts of the +brig, and, after a few moments' reflection, said: + +"We have two ways, my lord, of extricating ourselves from this +situation: either to raise the vessel and put her to sea, or reach the +coast on a raft, which can be easily constructed." + +"If the vessel can be raised, let us raise it," replied Glenarvan. +"That is the best plan, is it not?" + +"Yes, my lord; for, once ashore, what would become of us without means +of transport?" + +"Let us avoid the coast," added Paganel. "We must beware of New +Zealand." + +"All the more so, as we have gone considerably astray," continued +Captain Mangles. "Halley's carelessness has carried us to the south, +that is evident. At noon I will take an observation; and if, as I +presume, we are below Auckland, I will try to sail the Macquarie up +along the coast." + +"But the injuries of the brig?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"I do not think they are serious, madam," replied Captain Mangles. "I +shall rig a jury-mast at the bows; and we shall sail slowly, it is +true, but still we shall go where we wish. If, unfortunately, the hull +is stove in, or if the ship cannot be extricated, we must gain the +coast, and travel by land to Auckland." + +"Let us examine the state of the vessel, then," said the major. "This +is of the first importance." + +Glenarvan, the captain, and Mulready opened the main scuttle, and went +down into the hold. About two hundred tons of tanned hides were there, +very badly stowed away; but they could draw them aside without much +difficulty, by means of the main-stay tackling, and they at once threw +overboard part of this ballast so as to lighten the ship. + +After three hours of hard labor, they could see the bottom timbers. Two +seams in the larboard planking had sprung open as far up as the channel +wales. As the Macquarie lay over on her starboard beams, her opposite +side was raised, and the defective seams were out of water. Wilson +hastened, therefore, to tighten the joints with oakum, over which he +carefully nailed a copper plate. On sounding they found less than two +feet of water in the hold, which the pumps could easily exhaust, and +thus relieve the ship. After his examination of the hull, the captain +perceived that it had been little injured in stranding. It was probable +that a part of the false keel would remain in the sand, but they could +pass over it. + +Wilson, after inspecting the interior of the brig, dived, in order to +determine her position on the reef. The Macquarie was turned towards +the northwest, and lay on a very shelving, slimy sand-bar. The lower +end of her prow and two-thirds of her keel were deeply imbedded in +the sand. The rest, as far as the stern, floated where the water was +five fathoms deep. The rudder was not, therefore, confined, but worked +freely. The captain considered it useless to lighten her, as he hoped +they would be ready to make use of her at the earliest opportunity. +The tides of the Pacific are not very strong, but he relied upon their +influence to float the brig, which had stranded an hour before high +water. The only point was to extricate her, which would be a long and +painful task. + +[Sidenote: LABOR FOR THE COMMON WEAL.] + +"To work!" cried the captain. + +His improvised sailors were ready. He ordered them to reef the sails. +The major, Robert, and Paganel, under Wilson's direction, climbed +the maintop. The top-sail, swelled by the wind, would have prevented +the extrication of the ship, and it was necessary to reef it, which +was done as well as possible. At last, after much labor, severe to +unaccustomed hands, the maintop-gallant was taken down. Young Robert, +nimble as a cat, and bold as a cabin-boy, had rendered important +services in this difficult operation. + +It was now advisable to cast one anchor, perhaps two, at the stern of +the vessel in the line of the keel. The effect of this would be to +haul the Macquarie around into deep water. There is no difficulty in +doing this when you have a boat, but here all the boats were gone, and +something else must be supplied. + +Glenarvan was familiar enough with the sea to understand the necessity +of these arrangements. One anchor was to be cast to prevent the ship +from stranding at low water. + +"But what shall we do without a boat?" asked he of the captain. + +"We will use the remains of the mizen-mast and the empty casks," was +the reply. "It will be a difficult, but not impossible task, for the +Macquarie's anchors are small. Once cast however, if they do not drag, +I shall be encouraged." + +"Very well, let us lose no time." + +To accomplish their object, all were summoned on deck; each took +part in the work. The rigging that still confined the mizen-mast was +cut away, so that the maintop could be easily withdrawn. Out of this +platform Captain Mangles designed to make a raft. He supported it by +means of empty casks, and rendered it capable of carrying the anchors. +A rudder was fastened to it, which enabled them to steer the concern. + +This labor was half accomplished when the sun neared the meridian. +The captain left Glenarvan to follow out his instructions, and turned +his attention to determining his position, which was very important. +Fortunately, he had found in Will Halley's cabin a Nautical Almanac and +a sextant, with which he was able to take an observation. By consulting +the map Paganel had bought at Eden, he saw that they had been wrecked +at the mouth of Aotea Bay, above Cahua Point, on the shores of the +province of Auckland. As the city was on the thirty-seventh parallel, +the Macquarie had been carried a considerable distance out of her +course. It was, therefore, necessary to sail northward to reach the +capital of New Zealand. + +"A journey of not more than twenty-five miles," said Glenarvan. "It is +nothing." + +"What is nothing at sea will be long and difficult on land," replied +Paganel. + +"Well, then," said Captain Mangles, "let us do all in our power to +float the Macquarie." + +This question being settled, their labors were resumed. It was high +water, but they could not take advantage of it, since the anchors were +not yet moored. Yet the captain watched the ship with some anxiety. +Would she float with the tide? This point would soon be decided. + +They waited. Several cracks were heard, caused either by a rising or +starting of the keel. Great reliance had been placed upon the tide, but +the brig did not stir. + +The work was continued, and the raft was soon ready. The small anchor +was put on board, and the captain and Wilson embarked, after mooring +a small cable at the stern. The ebb-tide made them drift, and they +therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, in ten fathoms of +water. The bottom afforded a firm hold. + +[Sidenote: A MIDNIGHT CONCLAVE.] + +The great anchor now remained. They lowered it with difficulty, +transported it on the raft, and soon it was moored behind the other; +the captain and his men returning to the vessel, and waiting for high +water, which would be early in the morning. It was now six o'clock +in the evening. The young captain complimented his sailors, and told +Paganel that, with the aid of courage and good discipline, he might one +day become quartermaster. + +Meantime, Mr. Olbinett, after assisting in different operations, had +returned to the kitchen, and prepared a very comforting and seasonable +repast. The crew were tempted by a keen appetite, which was abundantly +satisfied, and each felt himself invigorated for fresh exertions. + +After dinner, Captain Mangles took a final precaution to insure the +success of his experiment. He threw overboard a great part of the +merchandise to lighten the brig; but the remainder of the ballast, the +heavy spars, the spare yards, and a few tons of pig-iron, were carried +to the stern, to aid by their weight in liberating the keel. Wilson and +Mulready likewise rolled to the same place a number of casks filled +with water. Midnight arrived before these labors were completed. + +But at this hour the breeze subsided, and only a few capricious +ripples stirred the surface of the water. Looking towards the horizon, +the captain observed that the wind was changing from southwest to +northwest. A sailor could not be mistaken in the peculiar arrangement +and color of the clouds. He accordingly informed Glenarvan of these +indications, and proposed to defer their work till the next day. + +[Sidenote: "A TIDE IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN."] + +"And these are my reasons," said he. "First, we are very much fatigued, +and all our strength is necessary to free the vessel. Then, when this +is accomplished, how can we sail among the dangerous breakers, and +in such profound darkness? Moreover, another reason induces me to +wait. The wind promises to aid us, and I desire to profit by it, and +am in hopes that it will drift the old hull out when the tide raises +her. To-morrow, if I am not mistaken, the breeze will blow from the +northwest. We will set the main-sails, and they will help to raise +the brig." + +[Illustration: They therefore anchored, half a cable's length distant, +in ten fathoms of water.] + + +These reasons were decisive. Glenarvan and Paganel, the most impatient +on board, yielded, and the work was suspended. + +The night passed favorably, and day appeared. Their captain's +predictions were realized. The wind blew from the northwest, and +continued to freshen. The crew were summoned. It was nine o'clock. Four +hours were still to elapse before it would be high water, and that time +was not lost. The laborers renewed their efforts with very good success. + +Meantime the tide rose. The surface of the sea was agitated into +ripples, and the points of the rocks gradually disappeared, like +marine animals returning to their native element. The time for the +final attempt approached. A feverish impatience thrilled all minds. +No one spoke. Each gazed at the captain, and awaited his orders. He +was leaning over the stern-railing, watching the water, and casting an +uneasy glance towards the cables. + +At last the tide reached its height. The experiment must now be made +without delay. The main-sails were set, and the mast was bent with the +force of the wind. + +"To the windlass!" cried the captain. + +Glenarvan, Mulready, and Robert on one side, and Paganel, the major, +and Olbinett on the other, bore down upon the handles that moved the +machine. At the same time the captain and Wilson added their efforts to +those of their companions. + +"Down! down!" cried the young captain; "all together!" + +The cables were stretched taut under the powerful action of the +windlass. The anchors held fast, and did not drag. But they must be +quick, for high tide lasts only a few moments, and the water would not +be long in lowering. + +They redoubled their efforts. The wind blew violently, and forced the +sails against the mast. A few tremors were felt in the hull, and the +brig seemed on the point of rising. Perhaps a little more power would +suffice to draw her from the sand. + +"Helena! Mary!" cried Glenarvan. + +The two ladies came and joined their efforts to those of their +companions. A final crack was heard, but that was all! The experiment +had failed. The tide was already beginning to ebb, and it was evident +that, even with the aid of wind and tide, this insufficient crew could +not float their ship. + +As their first plan had failed, it was necessary to have recourse to +the second without delay. It was plain that they could not raise the +Macquarie, and that the only way was to abandon her. To wait on board +for the uncertain arrival of assistance would have been folly and +madness. + +The captain therefore proposed to construct a raft strong enough to +convey the passengers and a sufficient quantity of provisions to the +New Zealand coast. It was not a time for discussion, but for action. +The work was accordingly begun, and considerably advanced when night +interrupted them. + +In the evening, after supper, while Lady Helena and Mary Grant were +reposing in their berths, Paganel and his friends conversed seriously +as they paced the deck. The geographer had asked Captain Mangles +whether the raft could not follow the coast as far as Auckland, instead +of landing the passengers at once. The captain replied that it would be +impossible with such a rude craft. + +"And could we have done with the boat what we cannot do with the raft?" + +"Yes, candidly speaking, we could," was the reply; "but with the +necessity of sailing by day and anchoring by night." + +[Sidenote: A FRENCHMAN'S FOIBLE.] + +"Then these wretches, who have abandoned us----" + +"Oh," said Captain Mangles, "they were drunk, and in the profound +darkness I fear they have paid for their cowardly desertion with their +lives." + +"So much the worse for them," continued Paganel; "and for us, too, as +this boat would have been useful." + +"What do you mean, Paganel?" said Glenarvan. "The raft will take us +ashore." + +"That is precisely what I would avoid," replied the geographer. + +"What! can a journey of not more than twenty miles terrify us, after +what has been done on the Pampas and in Australia?" + +"My friends," resumed Paganel, "I do not doubt your courage, nor that +of our fair companions. Twenty miles is nothing in any other country +except New Zealand. Here, however, anything is better than venturing +upon these treacherous shores." + +"Anything is better than exposing yourself to certain death on a +wrecked vessel," returned Captain Mangles. + +"What have we to fear in New Zealand?" asked Glenarvan. + +"The savages!" replied Paganel. + +"The savages?" said Glenarvan. "Can we not avoid them by following the +coast? Besides, an attack from a few wretches cannot intimidate ten +well-armed and determined Europeans." + +"It is not a question of wretches," rejoined Paganel. "The New +Zealanders form terrible tribes that struggle against the English +government, fight with invaders, frequently conquer them, and always +eat them." + +"Cannibals! cannibals!" cried Robert; and then he murmured, as though +afraid to give full utterance to the words, "My sister! Lady Helena!" + +"Never fear, my boy!" said Glenarvan; "our friend Paganel exaggerates." + +[Illustration: The work was accordingly begun, and considerably +advanced when night interrupted them.] + +[Illustration: Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs and hung from the tree.] + +"I do not exaggerate," replied Paganel. "With these New Zealanders war +is what the sports of the chase are to civilized nations; and the game +they hunt for they feast upon." + +"Paganel," said the major, "this may be all very true, but have you +forgotten the introduction of Christianity? has it not destroyed these +anthropophagous habits?" + +"No, it has not," was the prompt reply. "The records are yet fresh of +ministers who have gone out to proclaim Christianity and have fallen +victims to the murderous and cannibal instincts of those to whom they +preached. Not long since, in the year 1864, one of these clergymen +was seized by the chiefs, was hung to the tree, was tantalized and +tortured to his last moments; and then, whilst some tore his body to +pieces, others devoured the various members. No, the Maoris are still +cannibals, and will remain so for some time to come." + +But Paganel was on this point a pessimist, contrary to his usual +characteristic. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII. + +A DREADED COUNTRY. + + +What Paganel had stated was indisputable. The cruelty of the New +Zealanders could not be doubted. There was, therefore, danger in +landing. But if the danger had been a hundred times greater, it must +have been faced. Captain Mangles felt the necessity of leaving this +vessel, which would soon break up. Between two perils, one certain, the +other only probable, there was no possible hesitation. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER CHANGE OF RESIDENCE.] + +As for the chance of being picked up by some passing ship, they could +not reasonably rely upon it, for the Macquarie was out of the course +usually taken in going to New Zealand. The shipwreck had happened on +the desert shores of Ika-Na-Maoui. + +"When shall we start?" asked Glenarvan. + +"To-morrow morning at ten o'clock," replied Captain Mangles. "The tide +will begin to rise then, and will carry us ashore." + +Early the next day the raft was finished. The captain had given +his entire attention to its construction. They needed a steady and +manageable craft, and one capable of resisting the waves for a voyage +of nine miles. The masts of the brig could alone furnish the necessary +materials. + +The raft was at length completed. It could doubtless sustain the shock +of the surges; but could it be steered, and the coast be reached, if +the wind should veer? This was a question only to be decided by trial. + +At nine o'clock the loading began. The provisions were first put on +board in sufficient quantities to last until the arrival at Auckland, +for there could be no reliance upon the products of this dreaded +country. Olbinett furnished some preserved meats, the remains of the +Macquarie's supplies. There was very little, however; and they were +forced to depend upon the coarse fare of the mess, which consisted of +very inferior ship-biscuits and two barrels of salt fish, greatly to +the steward's regret. + +These stores were inclosed in sealed cans and then secured to the foot +of the mast. The arms and ammunition were put in a safe and dry place. +Fortunately, the travelers were well supplied with rifles and revolvers. + +A small anchor was taken on board, in case they should reach the shore +at low tide and be forced to anchor in the offing. Flood-tide soon +began, the breeze blew gently from the northwest, and a slight swell +agitated the surface of the sea. + +"Are we ready?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"All is ready, captain," replied Wilson. + +"Aboard, then!" + +Lady Helena and Mary Grant descended the ship's side by a clumsy +rope-ladder, and took their seats at the foot of the mast near the +cases of provisions, their companions around them. Wilson took the +helm, the captain stationed himself at the sail-tackling, and Mulready +cut the cable that confined the raft to the brig. The sail was spread, +and they began to move towards the shore under the combined influence +of wind and tide. + +The coast was only nine miles distant,--not a difficult voyage for a +well-manned boat; but with the raft it was necessary to advance slowly. +If the wind held out, they might perhaps reach land with this tide; but +if there should be a calm, the ebb would carry them back, or they would +be compelled to anchor and wait for the next tide. + +However, Captain Mangles hoped to succeed. The wind freshened. As it +had been flood now for some hours, they must either reach land soon, or +anchor. + +Fortune favored them. Gradually the black points of the rocks and +the yellow sand of the bars disappeared beneath the waves; but great +attention and extreme skill became necessary, in this dangerous +neighborhood, to guide their unwieldy craft. + +They were still five miles from shore. A clear sky enabled them to +distinguish the principal features of the country. To the northeast +rose a lofty mountain, whose outline was defined against the horizon in +a very singular resemblance to the grinning profile of a monkey. + +Paganel soon observed that all the sand-bars had disappeared. + +"Except one," replied Lady Helena. + +"Where?" asked Paganel. + +"There," said Lady Helena, pointing to a black speck a mile ahead. + +"That is true," answered Paganel. "Let us try to determine its +position, that we may not run upon it when the tide covers it." + +[Illustration: The yawl was drawn alongside.] + +"It is exactly at the northern projection of the mountain," said +Captain Mangles. "Wilson, bear away towards the offing." + +"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, bearing with all his weight upon +the steering oar. + +They approached nearer; but, strange to say, the black point still +rose above the water. The captain gazed at it attentively, and, to see +better, employed Paganel's telescope. + +"It is not a rock," said he, after a moment's examination; "it is a +floating object, that rises and falls with the swell." + +"Is it not a piece of the Macquarie's mast?" asked Lady Helena. + +"No," replied Glenarvan; "no fragment could have drifted so far from +the ship." + +"Wait!" cried Captain Mangles. "I recognize it. It is the boat." + +"The brig's boat?" said Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord, the brig's boat, bottom upwards." + +"The unfortunate sailors!" exclaimed Lady Helena, "they have perished!" + +"Yes, madam," continued the captain; "and they might have foreseen +it; for in the midst of these breakers, on a stormy sea, and in such +profound darkness, they fled to certain death." + +"May Heaven have pity on them!" murmured Mary Grant. + +For a few moments the passengers were silent. They gazed at this frail +bark towards which they drew nearer and nearer. It had evidently +capsized a considerable distance from land, and of those who embarked +in it probably not one had survived. + +"But this boat may be useful," said Glenarvan. + +"Certainly," replied Captain Mangles. "Come about, Wilson." + +[Sidenote: REALITIES AND FANCIES.] + +The direction of the raft was changed, but the wind subsided gradually, +and it cost them much time to reach the boat. Mulready, standing at the +bow, warded off the shock, and the yawl was drawn alongside. + +"Empty?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, captain," replied the sailor, "the boat is empty, and her seams +have started open. She is of no use to us." + +"Can we not save any part?" asked MacNabb. + +"No," answered the captain. "She is only fit to burn." + +"I am sorry," said Paganel, "for the yawl might have taken us to +Auckland." + +"We must be resigned, Mr. Paganel," rejoined the captain. "Moreover, on +such a rough sea, I prefer our raft to that frail conveyance. A slight +shock would dash it in pieces! Therefore, my lord, we have nothing more +to stay here for." + +"As you wish, John," said Glenarvan. + +"Forward, Wilson," continued the young captain, "straight for the +coast!" + +The tide would yet flow for about an hour, and in this time they could +accomplish a considerable distance. But soon the breeze subsided almost +entirely, and the raft was motionless. Soon it even began to drift +towards the open sea under the influence of the ebb. + +The captain did not hesitate a moment. + +"Anchor!" cried he. + +Mulready, who was in an instant ready to execute this order, let fall +the anchor, and the raft drifted till the cable was taut. The sail was +reefed, and arrangements were made for a long detention. Indeed, the +tide would not turn till late in the evening; and, as they did not care +to sail in the dark, they anchored for the night in sight of land. + +Quite a heavy swell agitated the surface of the water, and seemed to +set steadily towards the shore. Glenarvan, therefore, when he learned +that the whole night would be passed on board, asked why they did not +take advantage of this current to approach the coast. + +[Illustration: Night approached. Already the sun's disk was +disappearing beneath the horizon.] + +[Illustration: The ladies were carried in their companions' arms, and +reached the shore without wetting a single fold of their garments.] + +"My lord," replied the young captain, "is deceived by an optical +illusion. The apparent onward movement is only an oscillation of the +water, nothing more. Throw a piece of wood into the water, and you will +see that it will remain stationary, so long as the ebb is not felt. We +must therefore have patience." + +"And dinner," added the major. + +Olbinett took out of a case of provisions some pieces of dried meat and +a dozen biscuits, though reluctant to offer such meagre fare. It was +accepted, however, with good grace, even by the ladies, whose appetites +the fresh sea air greatly improved. + +Night approached. Already the sun's disk, glowing with crimson, was +disappearing beneath the horizon; and the waters glistened and sparkled +like sheets of liquid silver under his last rays. Nothing could be +seen but sky and water, except one sharply-defined object, the hull of +the Macquarie, motionless on the reefs. The short twilight was rapidly +followed by the darkness, and soon the land that bounded the horizon +some miles away was lost in the gloom. In this perplexing situation +these shipwrecked people lapsed into an uneasy and distressing +drowsiness, and as the result at daybreak all were more exhausted than +refreshed. + +With the turn of the tide the wind rose. It was six o'clock in the +morning, and time was precious. Preparations were made for getting +under way, and the order was given to weigh anchor; but the flukes, +by the strain of the cable, were so deeply imbedded in the sand that +without the windlass even the tackling that Wilson arranged could not +draw them out. + +[Sidenote: TERRA-FIRMA ONCE MORE.] + +Half an hour passed in useless efforts. The captain, impatient to set +sail, cut the cable, and thus took away all possibility of anchoring, +in case the tide should not enable them to reach the shore. The sail +was unfurled, and they drifted slowly towards the land that rose in +grayish masses against the background of the sky, illumined by the +rising sun. The reefs were skillfully avoided, but, with the unsteady +breeze, they did not seem to draw nearer the shore. + +At last, however, land was less than a mile distant, craggy with rocks +and very precipitous. It was necessary to find a practicable landing. +The wind now moderated and soon subsided entirely, the sail flapping +idly against the mast. The tide alone moved the raft; but they had to +give up steering, and masses of sea-weed retarded their progress. + +After awhile they gradually became stationary three cable-lengths from +shore. But they had no anchor, and would they not be carried out to +sea again by the ebb? With eager glance and anxious heart the captain +looked towards the inaccessible shore. + +Just at this moment a shock was felt. The raft stopped. They had +stranded on a sand-bar, not far from the coast. Glenarvan, Robert, +Wilson, and Mulready leaped into the water, and moored their bark +firmly with cables on the adjoining reefs. The ladies were carried in +their companions' arms, and reached the shore without wetting a single +fold of their garments; and soon all, with arms and provisions, had set +foot on the inhospitable shores of New Zealand. + +Glenarvan, without losing an hour, would have followed the coast to +Auckland; but since early morning the sky had been heavy with clouds, +which, towards noon, descended in torrents of rain. Hence it was +impossible to start on their journey, and advisable to seek a shelter. + +[Illustration: While the fire served to dry their garments conversation +beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease.] + +Wilson discovered, fortunately, a cavern, hollowed out by the sea in +the basaltic rocks of the shore, and here the travelers took refuge +with their arms and provisions. There was an abundance of dry sea-weed, +lately cast up by the waves. This formed a soft couch, of which they +availed themselves. Several pieces of wood were piled up at the +entrance and then kindled; and while the fire served to dry their +garments conversation beguiled the hours, as they lay or stood at ease. + +[Illustration: Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on +one of them.] + +[Sidenote: SEALS AND SIRENS.] + +Paganel, as usual, upon being appealed to, could tell them of the +rise, extension, and consolidation of the British power upon the +island; he informed them of the beginnings--and, to his belief, of +the causes--of the strife which for years decimated the aborigines, +and was very injurious to the colonists who had emigrated; then, in +reply to Robert's questions, he went on to speak of those who on a +narrower theatre had emulated by their heroism and patience the deeds +of the world's great travelers and scientific explorers. He told them +of Witcombe and Charlton Howitt, men known in their own circles and +in connection with their own branch of the New Zealand government. +At still greater length he detailed the adventures of Jacob Louper, +who was the companion of Witcombe, and had gone as his assistant +to discover a practicable route over the mountains in the north of +the province of Canterbury. In those mountain wilds, which even the +islanders rarely traverse, these two Europeans suffered greatly, but +still worse was their fate when they descended to the water-level and +essayed to cross the Taramakau near its mouth. Jacob Louper at length +found two old and almost useless canoes, and by attaching the one to +the other they hoped to accomplish the passage safely. Before they +had reached the middle of the rapid current, however, both the tubs +capsized. Louper, with difficulty, managed to support himself on one +of them, and by clinging to it was at length carried to the river's +bank, which his companion also reached; but when after a period of +insensibility Louper returned to consciousness and found the body of +Witcombe, it was lifeless. Though terribly bruised and still bleeding +from his wounds, Louper hollowed a grave for the remains, and then, +after many more days of privation and danger, came to the huts of some +of the Maoris, by whose assistance he at length reached the settled +parts of the colony. + +These facts and reminiscences, it must be confessed, were not of the +most inspiriting character; but they were in the same key as most of +Paganel's disquisitions and information concerning these islands, and +they were before a late hour exchanged for peaceful though probably +dreamy slumbers, by his hearers. + +Early the next morning the signal for departure was given. The rain had +ceased during the night, and the sky was covered with grayish clouds, +which intercepted the rays of the sun, so that the temperature thus +moderated enabled them to endure the fatigues of the journey. + +By consulting the map, Paganel had calculated that they would have to +travel eight days. But, instead of following the windings of the coast, +he considered it best to proceed to the village of Ngarnavahia, at the +junction of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. Here the overland mail-road +passed, and it would thence be easy to reach Drury, and rest, after +their hardships, in a comfortable hotel. + +But before they left the shore their attention was drawn to the large +number of seals, of a peculiar appearance and genus, which lay on the +broad sands daily washed by the tidal water. These seals, with their +rounded heads, their upturned look, their expressive eyes, presented an +appearance, almost a physiognomy, that was mild and wellnigh tender, +and served to recall to the traveler's memory the tales about the +sirens of the olden and modern times, who served as the enchantresses +to just such inhospitable shores as that seemed on which they had +themselves been cast. These animals, which are very numerous on the +coast of New Zealand, are hunted and killed for the sake of their +oil and their skins, and Paganel was of course able to tell how much +within the last few years they had been searched for by the traders and +navigators on these seas. + +[Illustration: These seals, with rounded heads, upturned look, +expressive eyes, presented an appearance, almost a physiognomy, that +was mild and wellnigh tender.] + +[Illustration: The New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx.] + +Whilst speaking of these matters, Robert drew Paganel's attention to +some curious amphibious creatures, resembling the seals, but larger, +which were devouring with rapidity the large stones lying on the shore. + +"Look," said he, "here are seals which feed on pebbles." + +Paganel assured them that these sea-elephants were only weighting +themselves preparatory to their descent into the water, and protested +that if they would but wait for a time they might see them descend and +subsequently return when they had unloaded themselves. The first part +of this programme they saw accomplished; but, greatly to Paganel's +grief, Glenarvan would not longer delay the party, and they soon began +to see inland beauties and curiosities of another sort. + +The district through which they had to walk this day and the next was +one very thick with brush and under-wood, and there was no possibility +of horse or vehicle passing or meeting them. They now regretted the +absence of their Australian cart, for the height and frequency of +the large ferns in the neighborhood prevented their making any rapid +progress on foot. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST STAGE OF PERIPATETICS.] + +Here and there, however, Robert and Paganel would rejoice together +over some choice bush or bird that they had met with. Notable among +the latter was the New Zealand "kiwi," known to naturalists as the +apteryx, and which is becoming very scarce, from the pursuit of its +many enemies. Robert discovered in a nest on the ground a couple of +these birds without tails or wings, but with four toes on the foot, and +a long beak or bill like that of a woodcock, and small white feathers +all over its body. Of this bird there was then an entire absence in the +zoological collections of Europe, and Paganel indulged the hope that he +might be able to be the proud contributor of such a valuable specimen +to the "Jardin" of his own city. For the present, at least, the +realization of his hopes had to be deferred; and at length, after some +days of weariness and continued travel, the party reached the banks +of the Waipa. The country was deserted. There was no sign of natives, +no path that would indicate the presence of man in these regions. The +waters of the river flowed between tall bushes, or glided over sandy +shallows, while the range of vision extended to the hills that inclosed +the valley on the east. + +At four o'clock in the afternoon nine miles had been valiantly +accomplished. According to the map, which Paganel continually +consulted, the junction of the Waikato and Waipa could not be more +than five miles distant. The road to Auckland passed this point, and +there they would encamp for the night. As for the fifty miles that +would still separate them from the capital, two or three days would +be sufficient for this, and even eight hours, if they should meet the +mail-coach. + +"Then," said Glenarvan, "we shall be compelled to encamp again +to-night." + +"Yes," replied Paganel; "but, as I hope, for the last time." + +"So much the better; for these are severe hardships for Lady Helena and +Mary Grant." + +"And they endure them heroically," added Captain Mangles. "But, if I am +not mistaken, Mr. Paganel, you have spoken of a village situated at the +junction of the two rivers." + +"Yes," answered the geographer; "here it is on the map. It is +Ngarnavahia, about two miles below the junction." + +"Well, could we not lodge there for the night? Lady Helena and Miss +Grant would not hesitate to go two miles farther, if they could find a +tolerable hotel." + +"A hotel!" cried Paganel. "A hotel in a Maori village! There is not +even a tavern. This village is only a collection of native huts; +and, far from seeking shelter there, my advice is to avoid it most +carefully." + +"Always your fears, Paganel!" said Glenarvan. + +"My dear lord, distrust is better than confidence among the Maoris. I +do not know upon what terms they are with the English. Now, timidity +aside, such as ourselves would be fine prizes, and I dislike to try New +Zealand hospitality. I therefore think it wise to avoid this village, +and likewise any meeting with the natives. Once at Drury, it will be +different, and there our courageous ladies can refresh themselves at +their ease for the fatigues of their journey." + +The geographer's opinion prevailed. Lady Helena preferred to pass +the last night in the open air rather than to expose her companions. +Neither she nor Mary Grant required a halt, and they therefore +continued to follow the banks of the river. + +Two hours after, the first shadows of evening began to descend the +mountains. The sun before disappearing below the western horizon had +glinted a few rays through a rift in the clouds. The eastern peaks were +crimsoned with the last beams of day. + +Glenarvan and his friends hastened their pace. They knew the shortness +of the twilight in this latitude, and how quickly night sets in. It +was important to reach the junction of the two rivers before it became +dark. But a dense fog rose from the earth, and made it very difficult +to distinguish the way. + +Fortunately, hearing availed in place of sight. Soon a distinct murmur +of the waters indicated the union of the two streams in a common bed, +and not long after the little party arrived at the point where the +Waipa mingles with the Waikato in resounding cascades. + +"Here is the Waikato," cried Paganel, "and the road to Auckland runs +along its right bank." + +"We shall see to-morrow," replied the major. "Let us encamp here. It +seems to me as if those deeper shadows yonder proceeded from a little +thicket of trees that has grown here expressly to shelter us. Let us +eat and sleep." + +[Sidenote: A TRANSFORMATION SCENE.] + +"Eat," said Paganel, "but of biscuits and dried meat, without kindling +a fire. We have arrived here unseen; let us try to go away in the same +manner. Fortunately, this fog will render us invisible." + +The group of trees was reached, and each conformed to the geographer's +rigorous regulations. The cold supper was noiselessly eaten, and soon a +profound sleep overcame the weary travelers. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVIII. + +INTRODUCTION TO THE CANNIBALS. + + +The next morning at break of day a dense fog was spreading heavily over +the river, but the rays of the sun were not long in piercing the mist, +which rapidly disappeared under the influence of the radiant orb. The +banks of the stream were released from their shroud, and the course of +the Waikato appeared in all its morning beauty. + +A narrow tongue of land bristling with shrubbery ran out to a point +at the junction of the two rivers. The waters of the Waipa, which +flowed more swiftly, drove back those of the Waikato for a quarter of a +mile before they mingled; but the calm power of the one soon overcame +the boisterous impetuosity of the other, and both glided peacefully +together to the broad bosom of the Pacific. + +As the mist rose, a boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad. The lofty prow resembled +that of a Venetian gondola, and the whole had been fashioned out of the +trunk of a pine. A bed of dry fern covered the bottom. Eight oars at +the bow propelled it up the river, while a man at the stern guided it +by means of a movable paddle. + +This man was a native, of tall form, about forty-five years old, with +broad breast and powerful limbs. His protruding and deeply furrowed +brow, his fierce look and his sinister countenance, showed him to be a +formidable individual. + +He was a Maori chief of high rank, as could be seen by the delicate +and compact tattooing that striped his face and body. Two black +spirals, starting from the nostrils of his aquiline nose, circled his +tawny eyes, met on his forehead, and were lost in his abundant hair. +His mouth, with its shining teeth, and his chin, were hidden beneath +a net-work of varied colors, while graceful lines wound down to his +sinewy breast. + +There was no doubt as to his rank. The sharp albatross bone, used +by Maori tattooers, had furrowed his face five times, in close and +deep lines. That he had reached his fifth promotion was evident from +his haughty bearing. A large flaxen mat, ornamented with dog-skins, +enveloped his person; while a girdle, bloody with his recent conflicts, +encircled his waist. From his ears dangled ear-rings of green jade, and +around his neck hung necklaces of "pounamous," sacred stones to which +the New Zealanders attribute miraculous properties. At his side lay a +gun of English manufacture, and a "patou-patou," a kind of double-edged +hatchet. + +Near him nine warriors, of lower rank, armed and of ferocious aspect, +some still suffering from recent wounds, stood in perfect immobility, +enveloped in their flaxen mantles. Three dogs of wild appearance were +stretched at their feet. The eight rowers seemed to be servants or +slaves of the chief. They worked vigorously, and the boat ascended the +current of the Waikato with remarkable swiftness. + +In the centre of this long canoe, with feet tied, but hands free, were +ten European prisoners clinging closely to each other. They were Lord +Glenarvan and his companions. + +[Sidenote: A TESTING TIME.] + +The evening before, the little party, led astray by the dense fog, had +encamped in the midst of a numerous tribe of natives. About midnight, +the travelers, surprised in their sleep, were made prisoners and +carried on board the canoe. They had not yet been maltreated, but had +tried in vain to resist. Their arms and ammunition were in the hands of +the savages, and their own bullets would have quickly stretched them on +the earth had they attempted to escape. + +They were not long in learning, by the aid of a few English words which +the natives used, that, being driven back by the British troops, they +were returning, vanquished and weakened, to the regions of the upper +Waikato. Their chief, after an obstinate resistance, in which he lost +his principal warriors, was now on his way to rouse again the river +tribes. He was called Kai-Koumou, a terrible name, which signified +in the native language "he who eats the limbs of his enemy." He was +brave and bold, but his cruelty equaled his bravery. No pity could be +expected from him. His name was well known to the English soldiers, and +a price had been set upon his head by the governor of New Zealand. + +This terrible catastrophe had come upon Glenarvan just as he was +about reaching the long-desired harbor of Auckland, whence he would +have returned to his native country. Yet, looking at his calm and +passionless countenance, you could not have divined the depth of his +anguish, for in his present critical situation he did not betray the +extent of his misfortunes. He felt that he ought to set an example of +fortitude to his wife and his companions, as being the husband and +chief. Moreover, he was ready to die first for the common safety, if +circumstances should require it. + +[Sidenote: CHIEFS, CIVILIZED AND UNCIVILIZED.] + +His companions were worthy of him; they shared his noble thoughts, and +their calm and haughty appearance would scarcely have intimated that +they were being carried away to captivity and suffering. By common +consent, at Glenarvan's suggestion, they had resolved to feign a proud +indifference in the presence of the savages. It was the only way of +influencing those fierce natures. + +[Illustration: A boat might have been seen ascending the Waikato. It +was a canoe seventy feet long and five broad.] + +Since leaving the encampment, the natives, taciturn like all savages, +had scarcely spoken to each other. However, from a few words exchanged, +Glenarvan perceived that they were acquainted with the English +language. He therefore resolved to question the chief in regard to the +fate that was in store for them. Addressing Kai-Koumou, he said, in a +fearless tone: + +"Where are you taking us, chief?" + +Kai-Koumou gazed at him coldly without answering. + +"Say, what do you expect to do with us?" continued Glenarvan. + +The chief's eyes blazed with a sudden light, and in a stern voice he +replied: + +"To exchange you, if your friends will ransom you; to kill you, if they +refuse." + +Glenarvan asked no more, but hope returned to his heart. Doubtless, +some chiefs of the Maori tribe had fallen into the hands of the +English, and the natives would attempt to recover them by way of +exchange; their situation, therefore, was not one for despair. + +Meantime the canoe rapidly ascended the river. Paganel, whose +changeable disposition carried him from one extreme to another, had +regained his hopefulness. He believed that the Maoris were sparing them +the fatigue of their journey to the English settlements, and that they +were certain to arrive at their destination. He was, therefore, quite +resigned to his lot, and traced on his map the course of the Waikato +across the plains and valleys of the province. Lady Helena and Mary +Grant, suppressing their terror, conversed in low tones with Glenarvan, +and the most skillful physiognomist could not have detected on their +faces the anxiety of their hearts. + +The Waikato River is worshiped by the natives, as Paganel knew, and +English and German naturalists have never ascended beyond its junction +with the Waipa. Whither did Kai-Koumou intend to take his captives? +The geographer could not have guessed if the word "Taupo," frequently +repeated, had not attracted his attention. By consulting his map, +he saw that this name was applied to a celebrated lake in the most +mountainous part of the island, and that from it the Waikato flows. + +Paganel, addressing Captain Mangles in French, so as not to be +understood by the savages, asked him how fast the canoe was going. The +captain thought about three miles an hour. + +"Then," replied the geographer, "if we do not travel during the night, +our voyage to the lake will last about four days." + +"But whereabouts are the English garrisons?" asked Glenarvan. + +"It is difficult to say," replied Paganel. "At all events, the war +must have reached the province of Taranaki, and probably the troops +are collected beyond the mountains, on the side of the lake where the +habitations of the savages are concentrated." + +"God grant it!" said Lady Helena. + +Glenarvan cast a sorrowful glance at his young wife and Mary Grant, +exposed to the mercy of these fierce natives, and captives in a wild +country, far from all human assistance. But he saw that he was watched +by Kai-Koumou, and, not wishing to show that one of the captives was +his wife, he prudently kept his thoughts to himself, and gazed at the +banks of the river with apparent indifference. + +[Sidenote: ACCESSIONS, AND PROGRESS.] + +The sun was just sinking below the horizon as the canoe ran upon a bank +of pumice-stones, which the Waikato carries with it from its source +in the volcanic mountains. Several trees grew here, as if designed to +shelter an encampment. Kai-Koumou landed his prisoners. + +The men had their hands tied, the ladies were free. All were placed +in the centre of the encampment, around which large fires formed an +impassable barrier. + +Before Kai-Koumou had informed his captives of his intention to +exchange them, Glenarvan and Captain Mangles had discussed various +methods of recovering their liberty. What they could not venture in the +boat they hoped to attempt on land, at the hour for encamping, under +cover of the night. + +But since Glenarvan's conversation with the chief, it seemed wise to +abandon this design. They must be patient. It was the most prudent +plan. The exchange offered chances that neither an open attack nor a +flight across these unknown regions could afford. Many circumstances +might indeed arise that would delay, and even prevent, such a +transaction; but still it was better to await the result. What, +moreover, could ten defenceless men do against thirty well-armed +savages? Besides, Glenarvan thought it likely that Kai-Koumou's tribe +had lost some chief of high rank whom they were particularly anxious to +recover; and he was not mistaken. + +The next day the canoe ascended the river with increased swiftness. +It stopped for a moment at the junction of a small river which wound +across the plains on the right bank. Here another canoe, with ten +natives on board, joined Kai-Koumou. The warriors merely exchanged +salutations, and then continued their course. The new-comers had +recently fought against the English troops, as could be seen by their +tattered garments, their gory weapons, and the wounds that still bled +beneath their rags. They were gloomy and taciturn, and, with the +indifference common to all savage races, paid no attention to the +captives. + +Towards evening Kai-Koumou landed at the foot of the mountains, +whose nearer ridges reached precipitously to the river-bank. Here +twenty natives, who had disembarked from their canoes, were making +preparations for the night. Fires blazed beneath the trees. A chief, +equal in rank to Kai-Koumou, advanced with measured pace, and, rubbing +his nose against that of the latter, saluted him cordially. The +prisoners were stationed in the centre of the encampment, and guarded +with extreme vigilance. + +The next morning the ascent of the Waikato was resumed. Other boats +came from various affluents of the river. Sixty warriors, evidently +fugitives from the last insurrection, had now assembled, and were +returning, more or less wounded in the fray, to the mountain districts. +Sometimes a song arose from the canoes, as they advanced in single +file. One native struck up the patriotic ode of the mysterious "Pihe," +the national hymn that calls the Maoris to battle. The full and +sonorous voice of the singer waked the echoes of the mountains; and +after each stanza his comrades struck their breasts, and sang the +warlike verses in chorus. Then they seized their oars again, and the +canoes were headed up stream. + +During the day a singular sight enlivened the voyage. About four +o'clock the canoe, without lessening its speed, guided by the steady +hand of the chief, dashed through a narrow gorge. Eddies broke +violently against numerous small islands, which rendered navigation +exceeding dangerous. Never could it be more hazardous to capsize, for +the banks afforded no refuge, and whoever had set foot on the porous +crust of the shore would probably have perished. At this point the +river flowed between warm springs, oxide of iron colored the muddy +ground a brilliant red, and not a yard of firm earth could be seen. +The air was heavy with a penetrating sulphureous odor. The natives did +not regard it, but the captives were seriously annoyed by the noxious +vapors exhaled from the fissures of the soil and the bubbles that +burst and discharged their gaseous contents. Yet, however disagreeable +these emanations were, the eye could not but admire this magnificent +spectacle. + +[Illustration: At this point the river flowed between warm springs, and +not a yard of firm earth could be seen.] + +The canoes soon after entered a dense cloud of white smoke, whose +wreaths rose in gradually decreasing circles above the river. On the +shores a hundred geysers, some shooting forth masses of vapor, and +others overflowing in liquid columns, varied their effects, like the +jets and cascades of a fountain. It seemed as though some engineer was +directing at his pleasure the outflowings of these springs, as the +waters and vapor, mingling in the air, formed rainbows in the sunbeams. + +For two miles the canoes glided within this vapory atmosphere, +enveloped in its warm waves that rolled along the surface of the water. +Then the sulphureous smoke disappeared, and a pure swift current of +fresh air refreshed the panting voyagers. The region of the springs was +passed. Before the close of the day two more rapids were ascended, and +at evening Kai-Koumou encamped a hundred miles above the junction of +the two streams. The river now turned towards the east, and then again +flowed southward into Lake Taupo. + +The next morning Jacques Paganel consulted his map and discovered +on the right bank Mount Taubara, which rises to the height of three +thousand feet. At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo, and +the natives hailed with frantic gestures a shred of cloth that waved in +the wind from the roof of a hut. It was the national flag. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIX. + +A MOMENTOUS INTERVIEW. + + +[Sidenote: NEW ZEALAND TOPOGRAPHY.] + +Long before historic times, an abyss, twenty-five miles long and +twenty wide, must at some period have been formed by a subsidence of +subterranean caverns in the volcanic district forming the centre of +the island. The waters of the surrounding country have rushed down and +filled this enormous cavity, and the abyss has become a lake, whose +depth no one has yet been able to measure. + +Such is this strange Lake Taupo, elevated eleven hundred and fifty +feet above the level of the sea, and surrounded by lofty mountains. On +the west of the prisoners towered precipitous rocks of imposing form; +on the north rose several distant ridges, crowned with small forests; +on the east spread a broad plain furrowed by a trail and covered with +pumice-stones that glittered beneath a net-work of bushes; and on +the north, behind a stretch of woodland, volcanic peaks majestically +encircled this vast extent of water, the fury of whose tempests equaled +that of the ocean cyclones. + +But Paganel was scarcely disposed to enlarge his account of these +wonders, nor were his friends in a mood to listen. They gazed in +silence towards the northeast shore of the lake, whither the canoe was +bringing them. + +The mission established at Pukawa, on the western shores, no longer +existed. The missionary had been driven by the war far from the +principal dwellings of the insurrectionists. The prisoners were +helpless, abandoned to the mercy of the vengeful Maoris, and in that +wild part of the island to which Christianity has never penetrated. +Kai-Koumou, leaving the waters of the Waikato, passed through the +little creek which served as an outlet to the river, doubled a sharp +promontory, and landed on the eastern border of the lake, at the base +of the first slopes of Mount Manga. + +A quarter of a mile distant, on a buttress of the mountain, appeared +a "pah," a Maori fortification, situated in an impregnable position. +The prisoners were taken ashore, with their hands and feet free, and +conducted thither by the warriors. After quite a long detour, Glenarvan +and his companions reached the pah. + +[Illustration: At noon the whole fleet of boats entered Lake Taupo.] + +[Illustration: On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed +at sight of the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second +inclosure.] + +This fortress was defended by an outer rampart of strong palisades, +fifteen feet high. A second line of stakes, and then a fence of osiers, +pierced with loop-holes, inclosed the inner space, the court-yard of +the pah, in which stood several Maori tents, and forty huts which were +symmetrically arranged. + +On their arrival, the captives were terribly impressed at sight of +the heads that ornamented the stakes of the second inclosure. Lady +Helena and Mary Grant turned away their eyes with more of disgust than +terror. These heads had most of them belonged to hostile chiefs, fallen +in battle, whose bodies had served as food for the conquerors. The +geographer knew them to be such by their hollow and eyeless sockets! + +In Kai-Koumou's pah only the heads of his enemies formed this frightful +museum; and here, doubtless, more than one English skull had served to +increase the size of the chief's collection. + +His hut, among those belonging to warriors of lower rank, stood at the +rear of the pah, in front of a large open terrace. This structure was +built of stakes, interlaced with branches, and lined inside with flax +matting. + +Only one opening gave access to the dwelling. A thick curtain, made +of a vegetable tissue, served as a door. The roof projected so as to +form a water-shed. Several faces, carved at the ends of the rafters, +adorned the hut, and the curtain was covered with various imitations +of foliage, symbolical figures, monsters, and graceful sculpturing, +a curious piece of work, fashioned by the scissors of the native +decorators. + +[Sidenote: FEMININE ORATORY.] + +Inside of the habitation the floor was made of hard-trodden earth, +and raised six inches above the ground. Several rush screens and some +mattresses, covered with woven matting of long leaves and twigs, +served as beds. In the middle of the room a hole in a stone formed the +fireplace, and another in the roof answered for a chimney. + +The smoke, when it became sufficiently thick, perforce escaped at this +outlet, but it of course blackened the walls of the house. + +On one side of the hut were storehouses, containing the chief's +provisions, his harvest of flax, potatoes, and edible ferns, and +the ovens where the various articles of food were cooked by contact +with heated stones. Farther off, in small pens, pigs and goats were +confined, and dogs ran about seeking their scanty sustenance. They were +rather poorly kept, for animals that formed the Maori daily food. + +Glenarvan and his companions had taken in the whole at a glance. They +awaited beside an empty hut the good pleasure of the chief, exposed to +the insults of a crowd of old women, who surrounded them like harpies, +and threatened them with their fists, crying and howling. Several +English words that passed their lips clearly indicated that they were +demanding immediate vengeance. + +In the midst of these cries and threats, Lady Helena affected a +calmness that she could not feel in her heart. This courageous woman, +in order that her husband's coolness might not forsake him, heroically +controlled her emotions. Poor Mary Grant felt herself growing weak, and +Captain Mangles supported her, ready to die in her defence. The others +endured this torrent of invectives in various ways, either indifferent +like the major, or increasingly annoyed like Paganel. + +Glenarvan, wishing to relieve Lady Helena from the assaults of these +shrews, boldly approached Kai-Koumou, and, pointing to the hideous +throng, said: + +"Drive them away!" + +The Maori chief gazed steadily at his prisoner without replying. Then +with a gesture he silenced the noisy horde. Glenarvan bowed in token of +thanks, and slowly resumed his place among his friends. + +Kai-Koumou, fearing an insurrection of the fanatics of his tribe, now +led his captives to a sacred place, situated at the other end of the +pah, on the edge of a precipice. This hut rested against a rock that +rose a hundred feet above it and was a steep boundary to this side of +the fortification. In this consecrated temple the priests, or "arikis," +instruct the New Zealanders. The building was spacious and tightly +closed, and contained the holy and chosen food of the god. + +Here the prisoners, temporarily sheltered from the fury of the natives, +stretched themselves on the flax mats. Lady Helena, her strength +exhausted and her energy overcome, sank into her husband's arms. +Glenarvan pressed her to his breast, and said: + +"Courage, my dear Helena; Heaven will not forsake us!" + +Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed on Wilson's +shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an opening +between the roof and the wall, where strings of pipes were hanging. +From this point his view commanded the whole extent of the pah, as far +as Kai-Koumou's hut. + +"They have gathered around the chief," said he, in a low voice. "They +are waving their arms, and howling. Kai-Koumou is going to speak." + +The boy was silent for a few moments, then continued: + +"Kai-Koumou is speaking. The savages grow calm; they listen." + +"This chief," said the major, "has evidently a personal interest in +protecting us. He wishes to exchange his prisoners for some chiefs of +his tribe. But will his warriors consent?" + +"Yes, they are listening to him," continued Robert. "They are +dispersing; some return to their huts,--others leave the fortification." + +"Is it really so?" cried the major. + +"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Robert. "Kai-Koumou remains alone with the +warriors that were in the canoe. Ha! one of them is coming towards us!" + +[Illustration: Robert was scarcely within the hut before he climbed +on Wilson's shoulders, and succeeded in thrusting his head through an +opening.] + +"Get down, Robert," said Glenarvan. + +At this moment Lady Helena, who had risen, seized her husband's arm. + +"Edward," said she, in a firm voice, "neither Mary Grant nor I shall +fall alive into the hands of those savages!" + +And, so saying, she presented to her husband a loaded revolver. + +"A weapon!" exclaimed Glenarvan, whose eyes suddenly brightened. + +"Yes. The Maoris do not search their female prisoners; but this weapon +is for us, Edward, not for them." + +"Glenarvan," said MacNabb quickly, "hide the revolver. It is not time +yet." + +The weapon was immediately concealed in his clothes. The mat that +closed the entrance of the hut was raised. A native appeared. He made a +sign to the captives to follow him. Glenarvan and his companions passed +through the pah, and stopped before Kai-Koumou. + +Around him were assembled the principal warriors of his tribe, among +whom was seen the chief whose canoe had first joined Kai-Koumou on the +river. He was a man of about forty, robust, and of fierce and cruel +aspect. His name was Kara-Tete, which means in the native language +"The Irascible." Kai-Koumou treated him with some respect, and from +the delicacy of his tattooing it was evident that he occupied a high +rank in his tribe. An observer, however, would have detected a rivalry +between the two chiefs. The major, indeed, perceived that Kara-Tete's +influence surpassed that of Kai-Koumou. They both ruled the powerful +tribes of the Waikato with equal rank; and, during this interview, +although Kai-Koumou smiled, his eyes betrayed a deep hostility. + +He now questioned Glenarvan. + +"You are English?" said he. + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, without hesitation, for this nationality +would probably facilitate an exchange. + +[Sidenote: THE RATE OF BARTER.] + +"And your companions?" asked Kai-Koumou. + +"My companions are also English. We are shipwrecked travelers, and, if +you care to know, we have taken no part in the war." + +"No matter," replied Kara-Tete, brutally. "Every Englishman is our +enemy. Your people have invaded our island. They have stolen away our +fields; they have burned our villages." + +"They have done wrong," said Glenarvan, in a grave tone. "I say so +because I think so, and not because I am in your power." + +"Listen," continued Kai-Koumou. "Tohonga, the high-priest of +Noui-Atoua, has fallen into the hands of your brothers. He is prisoner +of the Pakekas (Europeans). Our god commands us to ransom his life. +I would have torn out your heart, I would have hung your companions' +heads and yours forever to the stakes of this palisade. But Noui-Atoua +has spoken." + +So saying, Kai-Koumou, who had hitherto controlled himself, trembled +with rage, and his countenance was flushed with a fierce exultation. +Then, after a few moments, he resumed, more coolly: + +"Do you think the English will give us our Tohonga in exchange for you?" + +Glenarvan hesitated, and watched the Maori chief very attentively. + +"I do not know," said he, after a moment's silence. + +"Speak," continued Kai-Koumou. "Is your life worth that of our Tohonga?" + +"No," answered Glenarvan. "I am neither a chief nor a priest among my +people." + +Paganel was astounded at this reply, and gazed at Glenarvan in profound +wonder. Kai-Koumou seemed equally surprised. + +"Then you doubt it?" said he. + +"I do not know," repeated Glenarvan. + +"Will not your people accept you in exchange for our Tohonga?" + +"Not me alone," replied Glenarvan; "but perhaps all of us." + +"Among the Maoris," said Kai-Koumou, "it is one for one." + +"Offer these ladies first in exchange for your priest," answered +Glenarvan, pointing to Lady Helena and Mary Grant. Lady Helena would +have rushed towards her husband, but the major restrained her. + +"These two ladies," continued Glenarvan, turning respectfully towards +them, "hold a high rank in their country." + +The warrior glanced coldly at his prisoner. A malicious smile passed +over his face; but he almost instantly repressed it, and replied, in a +voice which he could scarcely control: + +"Do you hope, then, to deceive Kai-Koumou by false words, cursed +European? Do you think that Kai-Koumou's eyes cannot read your heart?" + +Then, pointing to Lady Helena, he said: + +"That is your wife!" + +"No, mine!" cried Kara-Tete. + +Then, pushing back the prisoners, the chief laid his hand on Lady +Helena's shoulder, who grew pale at the touch. + +"Edward!" cried the unfortunate woman, in terror. + +Glenarvan, without uttering a word, raised his arm. A report resounded. +Kara-Tete fell dead. + +At this sound a crowd of natives issued from the huts. The pah was +filled in an instant. A hundred arms were raised against the captives. +Glenarvan's revolver was snatched from his hand. + +Kai-Koumou cast a strange look at Glenarvan, and then, guarding with +one hand the person of him who had fired, he controlled with the other +the throng that was rushing upon the Europeans. + +[Illustration: At last his voice rose above the tumult. "Taboo! taboo!" +cried he.] + +At last his voice rose above the tumult. + +"Taboo! taboo!" cried he. + +At this word the crowd fell back before Glenarvan and his companions, +thus temporarily preserved by a supernatural power. A few moments after +they were led back to the temple that served as their prison; but +Robert Grant and Paganel were no longer with them. + + + + +CHAPTER L. + +THE CHIEF'S FUNERAL. + + +Kai-Koumou, according to a custom quite ordinary in New Zealand, joined +the rank of priest to that of chief, and could, therefore, extend to +persons or objects the superstitious protection of the taboo. + +The taboo, which is common to the tribes of Polynesia, has the power +to prohibit at once all connection with the object or person tabooed. +According to the Maori religion, whoever should lay his sacrilegious +hand on what is declared taboo would be punished with death by the +offended god; and in case the divinity should delay to avenge his own +insult, the priests would not fail to excite his anger. + +As for the prisoners confined in the temple, the taboo had rescued +them from the fury of the tribe. Some of the natives, the friends and +partisans of Kai-Koumou, had stopped suddenly at the command of their +chief, and had protected the captives. + +[Sidenote: THE TORTURES OF SUSPENSE.] + +Glenarvan, however, was not blind to the fate that was reserved for +him. Only his death could atone for the murder of a chief. Among savage +races death is always preceded by a protracted torture. He therefore +expected to cruelly expiate the righteous indignation that had nerved +his arm, but hoped that Kai-Koumou's rage would fall only on himself. + +What a night he and his companions passed! Who could depict their +anguish, or measure their sufferings? Neither poor Robert nor brave +Paganel had reappeared. But how could they doubt their fate? Were they +not the first victims of the natives' vengeance? All hope had vanished +even from the heart of the major, who did not easily despair. John +Mangles felt himself growing mad at sight of the sad dejection of Mary +Grant, thus separated from her brother. Glenarvan thought of that +terrible request of Lady Helena, who, rather than yield to torture or +slavery, preferred to die by his hand. Could he summon this fearful +courage? As for an escape, that was plainly impossible. Ten warriors, +armed to the teeth, guarded the entrance of the temple. + +Morning came at last. There had been no communication between the +natives and the prisoners. The hut contained a considerable quantity +of food, which the unfortunates scarcely touched. Hunger gave place to +grief. The day passed without bringing a change or a hope. Doubtless +the hour for the dead chief's funeral and their torture would be the +same. + +However, although Glenarvan concluded that Kai-Koumou must have +abandoned all idea of exchange, the major on this point retained a +gleam of hope. + +"Who knows," said he, reminding Glenarvan of the effect produced upon +the chief by the death of Kara-Tete,--"who knows but that Kai-Koumou in +reality feels obliged to you?" + +But, in spite of these observations, Glenarvan would no longer hope. +The next day also passed away without the preparations for torture +being made. The reason of the delay was this. + +The Maoris believe that the soul, for three days after death, inhabits +the body of the deceased, and therefore during this time the corpse +remains unburied. This custom was rigorously observed, and for two days +the pah was deserted. Captain Mangles frequently stood on Wilson's +shoulders and surveyed the fortification. No native was seen; only the +sentinels guarded in turn at the door of their prison. + +But on the third day the huts were opened. The savages, men, women, +and children, to the number of several hundreds, assembled in the pah, +silent and calm. Kai-Koumou came out of his house, and, surrounded by +the principal warriors of his tribe, took his place on a mound several +feet high in the centre of the fortification. The crowd of natives +formed a semicircle around him, and the whole assembly preserved +absolute silence. + +At a sign from the chief, a warrior advanced towards the temple. + +"Remember!" said Lady Helena to her husband. + +Glenarvan clasped his wife to his heart. At this moment Mary Grant +approached John Mangles. + +"Lord and Lady Glenarvan," said she, "I think that, if a wife can die +by the hand of her husband to escape a degrading existence, a maiden +can likewise die by the hand of her lover. John (for I may tell you +at this critical moment), have I not long been your betrothed in the +depths of your heart? May I rely upon you, dear John, as Lady Helena +does upon Lord Glenarvan?" + +"Mary!" cried the young captain, in terror. "Ah! dear Mary----" + +He could not finish: the mat was raised, and the captives were dragged +towards Kai-Koumou. The two women were resigned to their fate, while +the men concealed their anguish beneath a calmness that showed +superhuman self-control. They came before the chief, who did not delay +sentence. + +"You killed Kara-Tete!" said he to Glenarvan. + +"I did." + +[Sidenote: THE BEGINNING OF THE END.] + +"You shall die to-morrow at sunrise." + +"Alone?" inquired Glenarvan, whose heart beat quickly. + +"What! as if our Tohonga's life were not more precious than yours!" +cried Kai-Koumou, whose eyes expressed a fierce regret. + +At this moment a commotion took place among the natives. Glenarvan cast +a rapid glance around him. The crowd opened, and a warrior, dripping +with sweat and overcome with fatigue, appeared. + +As soon as Kai-Koumou perceived him, he said in English, evidently that +he might be understood by the captives: + +"You come from the camp of the pale-faces?" + +"Yes," replied the Maori. + +"You saw the prisoner, our Tohonga?" + +"I did." + +"Is he living?" + +"He is dead! The English have shot him." + +The fate of Glenarvan and his companions was settled. + +"You shall all die to-morrow at daybreak!" cried Kai-Koumou. + +The unfortunates were therefore to suffer a common death. Lady Helena +and Mary Grant raised towards heaven a look of thankfulness. + +The captives were not taken back to the temple. They were to attend +that day the funeral of the dead chief, and the bloody ceremonies +connected therewith. A party of natives conducted them to the foot of +an enormous koudi, where these guardians remained without losing sight +of their prisoners. The rest of the tribe, absorbed in their official +mourning, seemed to have forgotten them. + +The customary three days had elapsed since the death of Kara-Tete. The +soul of the deceased had therefore forever abandoned its mortal abode. +The sacred rites began. + +The body was carried to a small mound in the centre of the +fortification, clothed in splendid costume, and enveloped in a +magnificent flaxen mat. The head was adorned with plumes, and wore a +crown of green leaves. The face, arms, and breast had been rubbed with +oil, and therefore showed no mortification. + +The parents and friends of the deceased came to the foot of the +mound, and all at once, as if some director were beating time to a +funeral dirge, a great concert of cries, groans, and sobs arose on the +air. They mourned the dead in plaintive and modulated cadences. His +relations struck their heads together; his kinswomen lacerated their +faces with their nails, and showed themselves more lavish of blood than +of tears. These unfortunate females conscientiously fulfilled their +barbarous duty. + +But these demonstrations were not enough to appease the soul of the +deceased, whose wrath would doubtless have smitten the survivors of his +tribe; and his warriors, as they could not recall him to life, wished +that he should have no cause to regret in the other world the happiness +of this. + +Kara-Tete's wife was not to forsake her husband in the tomb. Moreover, +the unfortunate woman would not have been allowed to survive him; +it was the custom, in accordance with duty, and examples of such +sacrifices are not wanting in New Zealand history. The woman appeared. +She was still young. Her hair floated in disorder over her shoulders. +Vague words, lamentations, and broken phrases, in which she celebrated +the virtues of the dead, interrupted her groans; and, in a final +paroxysm of grief, she stretched herself at the foot of the mound, +beating the ground with her head. + +At this moment Kai-Koumou approached her. Suddenly the unfortunate +victim rose; but a violent blow with the "mere," a formidable club, +wielded by the hand of the chief, struck her lifeless to the earth. + +[Sidenote: POOR HUMANITY!] + +Frightful cries at once broke forth. A hundred arms threatened the +captives, who trembled at the horrible sight. But no one stirred, for +the funeral ceremonies were not ended. + +Kara-Tete's wife had joined her husband in the other world. Both bodies +lay side by side. But for the eternal life his faithful spouse could +not alone suffice the deceased. Who would serve them in presence of +Noui-Atoua, if their slaves did not follow them? + +Six unfortunates were brought before the corpse of their master and +mistress. They were servants, whom the pitiless laws of war had reduced +to slavery. During the life of the chief they had undergone the +severest privations, suffered a thousand abuses, had been scantily fed, +and compelled constantly to labor like beasts; and now, according to +the Maori belief, they were to continue their existence of servitude +for eternity. + +They appeared to be resigned to their fate, and were not astonished +at a sacrifice they had long anticipated. Their freedom from all +bonds showed that they would meet death unresistingly. Moreover, this +death was rapid, protracted sufferings were spared them. These were +reserved for the captives who stood trembling not twenty paces distant. +Six blows of the mere, given by six stalwart warriors, stretched the +victims on the ground in a pool of blood. It was the signal for a +terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all its horrible +details. + +Glenarvan and his companions, breathless with fright, strove to hide +this awful scene from the eyes of the two unhappy ladies. They now +understood what awaited them at sunrise the next day, and what cruel +tortures would doubtless precede such a death. They were dumb with +horror. + +The funeral dance now began. Strong spirits, extracted from an +indigenous plant, maddened the savages till they seemed no longer +human. Would they not forget the taboo of the chief, and throw +themselves in their final outbreaks upon the prisoners who trembled at +their frenzy? + +[Illustration: A terrible scene of cannibalism, which followed in all +its horrible details.] + +[Illustration: The corpses, folded together, in a sitting posture, +and tied in their clothes by a girdle of withes, were placed on this +primitive bier.] + +But Kai-Koumou had preserved his reason in the midst of the general +intoxication. He allowed this bloody orgy an hour to reach its utmost +intensity. The last act of the funeral was played with the usual rites. + +The bodies of Kara-Tete and his wife were taken up, and their limbs +bent and gathered against the stomach, according to the New Zealand +custom. The place for the tomb had been chosen outside of the +fortification, about two miles distant, on the summit of a small +mountain, called Maunganamu, situated on the right shore of the lake. + +Thither the bodies were to be carried. Two very rude palanquins, or +rather litters, were brought to the foot of the mound. The corpses, +folded together, in a sitting posture, and tied in their clothes by a +girdle of withes, were placed on this primitive bier. Four warriors +bore it between them, and the entire tribe, chanting the funeral hymn, +followed them in procession to the place of burial. + +The captives, who were always watched, saw them leave the inner +inclosure of the pah, and then the songs and cries gradually died away. +For about half an hour this funeral escort continued in sight, in the +depths of the valley. Finally they perceived it again winding along +the mountain paths. The distance gave a fantastic appearance to the +undulating movements of the long, sinuous column. + +The tribe stopped at the summit of the mountain, which was eight +hundred feet high, at the place prepared for Kara-Tete's interment. +A common Maori would have had only a hole and a heap of stones for a +grave; but for a powerful and dreaded chief, destined doubtless for a +speedy deification, a tomb worthy of his exploits was reserved. + +[Sidenote: THE LAST NIGHT.] + +The sepulchre had been surrounded by palisades, while stakes, +ornamented with faces reddened with ochre, stood beside the grave +where the bodies were to lie. The relatives had not forgotten that the +"waidoua" (the spirit of the dead) feeds on substantial nourishment +like the body during this perishable life. Food had therefore been +deposited in the inclosure, together with the weapons and clothes of +the deceased. + +Nothing was wanting for the comfort of the tomb. Husband and wife were +laid side by side, and then covered with earth and grass after a series +of renewed lamentations. Then the procession silently descended the +mountain, and now no one could ascend it under penalty of death, for it +was tabooed. + + + + +CHAPTER LI. + +STRANGELY LIBERATED. + + +Just as the sun was disappearing behind Lake Taupo, the captives were +led back to their prison. They were not to leave it again until the +summit of the Wahiti mountains should kindle with the first beams of +the day. One night remained to prepare for death. In spite of the +faintness, in spite of the horror with which they were seized, they +shared their repast in common. + +"We shall need all the strength possible to face death," said +Glenarvan. "We must show these barbarians how Europeans and Christians +can die." + +The meal being finished, Lady Helena repeated the evening prayer aloud, +while all her companions, with uncovered heads, joined her. Having +fulfilled this duty, and enjoyed this privilege, the prisoners embraced +each other. Lady Helena and Mary Grant then retired to one corner of +the hut, and stretched themselves upon a mat. Sleep, which soothes all +woes, soon closed their eyes, and they slumbered in each other's arms, +overcome by fatigue and long wakefulness. + +Glenarvan, taking his friends aside, said: + +"My dear companions, our lives and those of these poor ladies are in +God's hands. If Heaven has decreed that we shall die to-morrow, we can, +I am sure, die like brave people, like Christians, ready to appear +fearlessly before the final Judge. God, who does read the secrets of +the soul, knows that we are fulfilling a noble mission. If death awaits +us instead of success, it is his will. However severe his decree may +be, I shall not murmur against it. But this is not death alone; it is +torture, disgrace; and here are two women----" + +Glenarvan's voice, hitherto firm, now faltered. He paused to control +his emotion. After a moment's silence, he said to the young captain: + +"John, you have promised Mary Grant what I have promised Lady Helena. +What have you resolved?" + +"This promise," replied John Mangles, "I believe I have the right in +the sight of God to fulfill." + +"Yes, John; but we have no weapons." + +"Here is one," answered John, displaying a poniard. "I snatched it from +Kara-Tete's hands when he fell at your feet. My lord, he of us who +survives the other shall fulfill this vow." + +At these words a profound silence reigned in the hut. At last the major +interrupted it by saying: + +"My friends, reserve this extreme measure till the last moment. I am no +advocate of what is irremediable." + +"I do not speak for ourselves," replied Glenarvan. "We can brave +death, whatever it may be. Ah, if we were alone! Twenty times already +would I have urged you to make a sally and attack those wretches. But +_they_----" + +[Sidenote: THE APPROACH OF DAY.] + +At this moment Captain Mangles raised the mat and counted twenty-five +natives, who were watching at the door of their prison. A great fire +had been kindled, which cast a dismal light over the irregular outlines +of the pah. Some of these savages were stretched around the fire; and +others, standing and motionless, were darkly defined against the bright +curtain of flame. + +It is said that, between the jailer who watches and the prisoner who +wishes to escape, the chances are on the side of the latter. Indeed, +the design of one is stronger than that of the other, for the first +may forget that he is guarding, but the second cannot forget that he +is guarded; the captive thinks oftener of escaping than his guardian +thinks of preventing his escape. But here it was hate and vengeance +that watched the prisoners, and not an indifferent jailer. They had not +been bound, for bonds were useless where twenty-five men guarded the +only outlet of the prison. + +This hut was built against the rock that terminated the fortification, +and was only accessible by a narrow passage that connected it with the +front of the pah. The other two sides of the building were flanked +by towering precipices, and stood on the verge of an abyss a hundred +feet deep. A descent this way was therefore impossible. There was no +chance of escaping in the rear, which was guarded by the enormous rock. +The only exit was the door of the temple, and the Maoris defended the +narrow passage that connected it with the pah. All escape was therefore +out of the question; and Glenarvan, after examining the walls of his +prison, was forced to acknowledge this disheartening fact. + +Meantime, the hours of this night of anguish were passing away. Dense +darkness had covered the mountain. Neither moon nor stars illumined +the deep shades. A few gusts of wind swept along the side of the +pah. The stakes of the hut groaned, the fire of the natives suddenly +revived at this passing draught, and the flames cast rapid flashes +into the temple, illumining for a moment the group of prisoners. These +poor people were absorbed with their last thoughts; a deathly silence +reigned in the hut. + +It must have been about four o'clock in the morning, when the major's +attention was attracted by a slight sound that seemed to come from +behind the rear stakes, in the back wall that lay towards the rock. At +first he was indifferent to the noise, but finding that it continued, +he listened. At last, puzzled by its persistence, he put his ear close +to the ground to hear better. It seemed as if some one was scraping and +digging outside. + +When he was certain of this fact, he passed quietly towards Glenarvan +and the captain, and led them to the rear of the hut. + +"Listen," said he, in a low voice, motioning to them to bend down. + +The scrapings became more and more audible. They could hear the little +stones grate under the pressure of a sharp instrument and fall down +outside. + +"Some creature in its burrow," said Captain Mangles. + +Glenarvan, with bewildered gaze, stood astonished. + +"Who knows," said he, "but that it is a man?" + +"Man or animal," replied the major, "I will know what is going on." + +Wilson and Olbinett joined their companions, and all began to dig in +the wall, the captain with his poniard, the others with stones pulled +out of the ground, or with their nails, while Mulready, stretched on +the earth, watched the group of natives through the loop-hole of the +mat. But they were motionless around the fire, and did not suspect what +was transpiring twenty paces from them. + +The soil was loose and crumbling, and lay upon a bed of clay, so that, +in spite of the want of tools, the hole rapidly enlarged. It was soon +evident that somebody, clinging to the sides of the pah, was making a +passage in its outer wall. What could be the object? Did he know of the +existence of the prisoners, or could a mere chance attempt at escape +explain the work that seemed nearly completed? + +[Sidenote: HEAVENLY HELP FROM AN EARTHLY HAND.] + +The captives redoubled their efforts. Their lacerated fingers bled, +but still they dug on. After half an hour's labor, the hole they were +drilling had reached a depth of three feet. They could perceive by the +sounds, which were now more distinct, that only a thin layer of earth +prevented immediate communication. + +A few moments more elapsed, when suddenly the major drew back his hand, +which was cut by a sharp blade. He suppressed a cry that was about to +escape him. Captain Mangles, holding out his poniard, avoided the knife +that was moving out of the ground, but seized the hand that held it. +It was the hand of a woman or a youth, a European hand. Not a word had +been uttered on either side. There was plainly an object in keeping +silent. + +"Is it Robert?" murmured Glenarvan. + +But, though only whispering this name, Mary Grant, awakened by the +movement that was taking place in the hut, glided towards Glenarvan, +and, seizing this hand all soiled with mud, covered it with kisses. + +"It is you! it is you!" cried the young girl, who could not be +mistaken, "you, my Robert!" + +"Yes, little sister," replied Robert, "I am here to save you all! But +silence!" + +"Brave lad!" repeated Glenarvan. + +"Keep watch of the savages outside," continued Robert. + +Mulready, whose attention had been diverted for a moment by the +appearance of the hand, resumed his post of observation. + +"All is well," said he. "Only four warriors are watching now. The +others have fallen asleep." + +"Courage!" replied Wilson. + +In an instant the hole was widened, and Robert passed from the arms of +his sister into those of Lady Helena. Around his body was wound a rope +of flax. + +"My boy! my boy!" murmured Lady Helena; "these savages did not kill +you?" + +"No, madam," replied Robert. "Somehow, during the uproar, I succeeded +in escaping their vigilance. I crossed the yard. For two days I kept +hidden behind the bushes. At night I wandered about, longing to see you +again. While the tribe were occupied with the funeral of the chief, +I came and examined this side of the fortification, where the prison +stands, and saw that I could reach you. I stole this knife and rope +in a deserted hut. The tufts of grass and the bushes helped me to +climb. By chance I found a kind of grotto hollowed out in the very rock +against which this hut rests. I had only a few feet to dig in the soft +earth, and here I am." + +Twenty silent kisses were his only answer. + +"Let us start," said he, in a decided tone. + +"Is Paganel below?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"Mr. Paganel?" repeated the boy, surprised apparently at the question. + +"Yes; is he waiting for us?" + +"No, my lord. What! is he not here?" + +"He is not, Robert," replied Mary Grant. + +"What! have you not seen him?" exclaimed Glenarvan. "Did you not meet +each other in the confusion? Did you not escape together?" + +"No, my lord," answered Robert, at a loss to understand the +disappearance of his friend Paganel. + +"Let us start," said the major; "there is not a moment to lose. +Wherever Paganel may be, his situation cannot be worse than ours here. +Let us go." + +Indeed, the moments were precious. It was high time to start. +The escape presented no great difficulties, but for the almost +perpendicular wall of rock outside of the grotto, twenty feet high. The +declivity then sloped quite gently to the base of the mountain, from +which point the captives could quickly gain the lower valleys, while +the Maoris, if they chanced to discover their flight, would be forced +to make a very long detour, since they were not aware of the passage +that had been dug in the mountain. + +[Illustration: First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to +the point where the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope.] + +They now prepared to escape, and every precaution was taken to insure +their success. The captives crawled one by one through the narrow +passage, and found themselves in the grotto. Captain Mangles, before +leaving the hut, concealed all traces of their work, and glided in his +turn through the opening, which he closed with the mats. Their outlet +was therefore entirely hidden. + +The object now was to descend the perpendicular wall of rock, which +would have been impossible if Robert had not brought the flax rope. It +was unwound, fastened to a point of rock, and thrown over the declivity. + +Before allowing his friends to trust their weight to these flaxen +fibres, Captain Mangles tested them. They seemed to be quite strong, +but it would not answer to venture rashly, for a fall might be fatal. + +"This rope," said he, "can only bear the weight of two bodies, and we +must therefore act accordingly. Let Lord and Lady Glenarvan slide down +first. When they have reached the bottom, three shakes at the rope will +be the signal to follow them." + +"I will go first," replied Robert. "I have discovered at the base of +the slope a sort of deep excavation, where those who descend first can +wait for the others in safety." + +"Go then, my boy," said Glenarvan, clasping the boy's hand. + +Robert disappeared through the opening of the grotto. A moment after, +three shakes of the rope informed them that he had accomplished his +descent successfully. + +Glenarvan and Lady Helena now ventured out of the grotto. The +darkness below was still profound, but the gray light of dawn was +already tinging the top of the mountain. The keen cold of the morning +reanimated the young wife; she felt stronger, and commenced her +perilous escape. + +[Sidenote: A PRECIPITATE DESCENT.] + +First her husband, and then she, slid down the rope to the point where +the perpendicular wall met the summit of the slope. Then Glenarvan, +going before his wife and assisting her, began to descend the +declivity of the mountain backwards. He sought for tufts of grass and +bushes that offered a point of support, and tried them before placing +Lady Helena's feet upon them. Several birds, suddenly awakened, flew +away with shrill cries, and the fugitives shuddered when a large stone +rolled noisily to the base of the mountain. + +They had accomplished half the distance when a voice was heard at the +opening of the grotto. + +"Stop!" whispered Captain Mangles. + +Glenarvan, clinging with one hand to a tuft of grass and holding his +wife with the other, waited, scarcely breathing. + +Wilson had taken alarm. Hearing some noise outside, he had returned to +the hut, and, raising the mat, watched the Maoris. At a sign from him +the captain had stopped Glenarvan. + +In truth, one of the warriors, startled by some unaccustomed sound, +had risen and approached the prison. Standing two paces from the +hut, he listened with lowered head. He remained in this attitude +for a moment, that seemed an hour, with ear intent and eye on the +alert. Then, shaking his head as a man who is mistaken, he returned +to his companions, took an armful of dead wood and threw it on the +half-extinct fire, whose flames revived. His face, brightly illumined +by the blaze, betrayed no more anxiety, and, after gazing at the first +glimmers of dawn that tinged the horizon, he stretched himself beside +the fire to warm his cold limbs. + +"All right!" said Wilson. + +The captain made a sign to Glenarvan to continue his descent. The +latter, accordingly, slid gently down the slope, and soon Lady Helena +and he stood on the narrow path where Robert was waiting for them. The +rope was shaken three times, and next Captain Mangles, followed by Mary +Grant, took the same perilous course. They were successful, and joined +Lord and Lady Glenarvan. + +Five minutes later all the fugitives, after their fortunate escape +from the hut, left this temporary retreat, and, avoiding the inhabited +shores of the lake, made their way by narrow paths farther down the +mountain. They advanced rapidly, seeking to avoid all points where they +might be seen. They did not speak, but glided like shadows through the +bushes. Where were they going? At random, it is true, but they were +free. + +About five o'clock day began to break. Purple tints colored the lofty +banks of clouds. The mountain peaks emerged from the mists of the +morning. The orb of day would not be long in appearing, and instead of +being the signal for torture, was to betray the flight of the condemned. + +Before this dreaded moment arrived it was important that the fugitives +should be beyond the reach of the savages. But they could not advance +quickly, for the paths were steep. Lady Helena scaled the declivities, +supported and even carried by Glenarvan, while Mary Grant leaned upon +the arm of her betrothed. Robert, happy and triumphant, whose heart was +full of joy at his success, took the lead, followed by the two sailors. + +For half an hour the fugitives wandered at a venture. Paganel was not +there to guide them,--Paganel, the object of their fears, whose absence +cast a dark shadow over their happiness. However, they proceeded +towards the east as well as possible, in the face of a magnificent +dawn. They had soon reached an elevation of five hundred feet above +Lake Taupo, and the morning air at this altitude was keen and cold. +Hills and mountains rose one above another in indistinct outlines; but +Glenarvan only wished to conceal himself and his companions. Afterwards +they would see about issuing from this winding labyrinth. + +[Illustration: They saw, but were also seen.] + +At last the sun appeared and flashed his first rays into the faces of +the fugitives. Suddenly a terrible yelling, the concentrated union of a +hundred voices, broke forth upon the air. It rose from the pah, whose +exact position Glenarvan did not now know. Moreover, a thick curtain of +mist stretched at their feet, and prevented them from distinguishing +the valleys below. + +But the fugitives could not doubt that their escape had been +discovered. Could they elude the pursuit of the natives? Had they been +perceived? Would their tracks betray them? + +At this moment the lower strata of vapor rose, enveloping them for an +instant in a moist cloud, and they discerned, three hundred feet below +them, the frantic crowd of savages. + +They saw, but were also seen. Renewed yells resounded, mingled with +barks; and the whole tribe, after vainly endeavoring to climb the rock, +rushed out of the inclosure and hastened by the shortest paths in +pursuit of the prisoners, who fled in terror from their vengeance. + + + + +CHAPTER LII. + +THE SACRED MOUNTAIN. + + +The summit of the mountain was a hundred feet higher. It was important +for the fugitives to reach it, that they might conceal themselves from +the sight of the Maoris, on the opposite slope. They hoped that some +practicable ridge would then enable them to gain the neighboring peaks. +The ascent was, therefore, hastened, as the threatening cries came +nearer and nearer. The pursuers had reached the foot of the mountain. + +"Courage, courage, my friends!" cried Glenarvan, urging his companions +with word and gesture. + +[Sidenote: A SCENE OF ENCHANTMENT.] + +In less than five minutes they reached the top of the mountain. Here +they turned around to consider their situation, and take some route by +which they might evade the Maoris. + +From this height the prospect commanded Lake Taupo, which extended +towards the west in its picturesque frame of hills. To the north rose +the peaks of Pirongia; to the south the flaming crater of Tongariro. +But towards the east the view was limited by a barrier of peaks and +ridges. + +Glenarvan cast an anxious glance around him. The mist had dissolved +under the rays of the sun, and his eye could clearly distinguish the +least depressions of the earth. No movement of the Maoris could escape +his sight. + +The natives were not five hundred feet distant, when they reached the +plateau upon which the solitary peak rested. Glenarvan could not, for +ever so short a time, delay longer. At all hazards they must fly, at +the risk of being hemmed in on all sides. + +"Let us go down," cried he, "before our only way of escape is blocked +up." + +But just as the ladies rose by a final effort, MacNabb stopped them, +and said: + +"It is useless, Glenarvan. Look!" + +And all saw, indeed, that an inexplicable change had taken place in the +movements of the Maoris. Their pursuit had been suddenly interrupted. +Their ascent of the mountain had ceased, as if by an imperious +interdict. The crowd of natives had checked their swiftness, and +halted, like the waves of the sea before an impassable rock. + +All the savages, thirsting for blood, were now ranged along the foot +of the mountain, yelling, gesticulating, and brandishing guns and +hatchets; but they did not advance a single foot. Their dogs, like +themselves, as though chained to earth, howled with rage. + +What was the difficulty? What invisible power restrained the natives? +The fugitives gazed without comprehending, fearing that the charm that +enchained Kai-Koumou's tribe would dissolve. + +Suddenly Captain Mangles uttered a cry that caused his companions to +turn. He pointed to a little fortress at the summit of the peak. + +"The tomb of the chief Kara-Tete!" cried Robert. + +"Are you in earnest?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord, it is the tomb; I recognize it." + +Robert was right. Fifty feet above, at the extreme point of the +mountain, stood a small palisaded inclosure of freshly-painted stakes. +Glenarvan, likewise, recognized the sepulchre of the Maori chief. In +their wanderings they had come to the top of the Maunganamu, where +Kara-Tete had been buried. + +Followed by his companions, he climbed the sides of the peak, to the +very foot of the tomb. A large opening, covered with mats, formed the +entrance. Glenarvan was about to enter, when, all at once, he started +back suddenly. + +"A savage!" said he. + +"A savage in this tomb?" inquired the major. + +"Yes, MacNabb." + +"What matter? Let us enter." + +Glenarvan, the major, Robert, and Captain Mangles passed into the +inclosure. A Maori was there, clad in a great flax mantle. The darkness +of the sepulchre did not permit them to distinguish his features. He +appeared very calm, and was eating his breakfast with the most perfect +indifference. + +Glenarvan was about to address him, when the native, anticipating him, +said, in an amiable tone, and in excellent English: + +"Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you." + +It was Paganel. At his voice all rushed into the tomb, and gazed with +wonder at the worthy geographer. Paganel was found! The common safety +was represented in him. They were going to question him: they wished +to know how and why he was on the top of the mountain; but Glenarvan +checked this unseasonable curiosity. + +[Illustration: "Be seated, my dear lord; breakfast is awaiting you."] + +"The savages!" said he. + +"The savages," replied Paganel, shrugging his shoulders, "are +individuals whom I supremely despise." + +"But can they not----?" + +"They! the imbeciles! Come and see them." + +Each followed Paganel, who issued from the tomb. The Maoris were in the +same place, surrounding the foot of the peak, and uttering terrible +cries. + +"Cry and howl till you are tired, miserable creatures!" said Paganel. +"I defy you to climb this mountain!" + +"And why?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Because the chief is buried here; this tomb protects us, and the +mountain is tabooed." + +"Tabooed?" + +"Yes, my friends; and that is why I took refuge here, as in one of +those asylums of the Middle Ages, open to unfortunates." + +Indeed, the mountain was tabooed, and by this consecration had become +inaccessible by the superstitious savages. + +The safety of the fugitives was not yet certain, but there was a +salutary respite, of which they strove to take advantage. Glenarvan, a +prey to unspeakable emotion, did not venture a word; while the major +nodded his head with an air of genuine satisfaction. + +"And now, my friends," said Paganel, "if these brutes expect us to test +their patience they are mistaken. In two days we shall be beyond the +reach of these rascals." + +"We will escape!" said Glenarvan; "but how?" + +"I do not know," replied Paganel, "but we will do so all the same." + +All now wished to hear the geographer's adventures. Strangely enough, +in the case of a man loquacious usually, it was necessary to draw, +as it were, the words from his mouth. He, who was so fond of telling +stories, replied only in an evasive way to the questions of his friends. + +"Paganel has changed," thought MacNabb. + +[Sidenote: THE WORTH OF SPECTACLES.] + +Indeed, the countenance of the geographer was no longer the same. He +wrapped himself gloomily in his great flaxen mantle, and seemed to shun +too inquisitive looks. However, when they were all seated around him at +the foot of the tomb, he related his experiences. + +After the death of Kara-Tete, Paganel had taken advantage, like Robert, +of the confusion of the natives, and escaped from the pah. But less +fortunate than young Grant, he had fallen upon an encampment of Maoris, +who were commanded by a chief of fine form and intelligent appearance, +who was evidently superior to all the warriors of his tribe. This chief +spoke English accurately, and bade him welcome by rubbing his nose +against that of the geographer. Paganel wondered whether he should +consider himself a prisoner; but seeing that he could not take a step +without being graciously accompanied by the chief, he soon knew how +matters stood on this point. + +The chief, whose name was "Hihy" (sunbeam), was not a bad man. The +spectacles and telescope gave him a high opinion of Paganel, whom he +attached carefully to his person, not only by his benefits, but by +strong flaxen ropes, especially at night. + +This novel situation lasted three long days. Was he well or badly +treated? Both, as he stated without further explanation. In short, he +was a prisoner, and, except for the prospect of immediate torture, +his condition did not seem more enviable than that of his unfortunate +friends. + +Fortunately, last night he succeeded in biting asunder his ropes and +escaping. He had witnessed at a distance the burial of the chief, +knew that he had been interred on the summit of Maunganamu mountain, +and that it was tabooed in consequence. He therefore resolved to take +refuge there, not wishing to leave the place where his companions were +held captives. He succeeded in his undertaking, arrived at Kara-Tete's +tomb, and waited in hope that Providence would in some way deliver his +friends. + +Such was Paganel's story. Did he omit designedly any circumstance +of his stay among the natives? More than once his embarrassment led +them to suspect so. However that might be, he received unanimous +congratulations; and as the past was now known, they returned to the +present. + +Their situation was still exceedingly critical. The natives, if they +did not venture to climb the mountain, expected that hunger and thirst +would force their prisoners to surrender. It was only a matter of time, +and the savages had great patience. Glenarvan did not disregard the +difficulties of his position, but waited for the favorable issue which +Providence seemed to promise. + +And first he wished to examine this improvised fortress; not to defend +it, for an attack was not to be feared, but that he might find a way of +escaping. The major and the captain, Robert, Paganel, and himself, took +the exact bearings of the mountain. They observed the direction of the +paths, their branches and declivities. A ridge a mile in length united +the Maunganamu to the Wahiti range, and then declined to the plain. Its +narrow and winding summit presented the only practicable route, in case +escape should become possible. If the fugitives could pass this point +unperceived, under cover of the night, perhaps they might succeed in +reaching the deep valleys and outwitting the Maoris. + +But this course offered more than one danger, as they would have to +pass below within gun-shot. The bullets of the natives on the lower +ramparts of the pah might intercept them, and form a barrier that no +one could safely cross. + +Glenarvan and his friends, as soon as they ventured on the dangerous +part of the ridge, were saluted with a volley of shots; but only a +few wads, borne by the wind, reached them. They were made of printed +paper. Paganel picked them up out of curiosity, but it was difficult to +decipher them. + +[Sidenote: A STRANGE COLPORTEUR.] + +"Why!" said he, "do you know, my friends, what these creatures use for +wads in their guns?" + +"No," replied Glenarvan. + +"Leaves of the Bible! If this is the use they make of the sacred +writings, I pity the missionaries. They will have difficulty in +founding Maori libraries." + +"And what passage of the Scriptures have these natives fired at us?" +asked Glenarvan. + +"A mighty promise of God," replied Captain Mangles, who had also read +the paper. "It bids us hope in Him," added the young captain, with the +unshaken conviction of his Scottish faith. + +"Read, John," said Glenarvan. + +He read this line, which had so strangely reached them: + +"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him:" +Psalm xci. I. + +"My friends," said Glenarvan, "we must make known the words of hope to +our brave and dear ladies. Here is something to reanimate their hearts." + +Glenarvan and his companions ascended the steep paths of the peak, and +proceeded towards the tomb, which they wished to examine. On the way +they were astonished to feel, at short intervals, a certain trembling +of the ground. It was not an irregular agitation, but that continued +vibration which the sides of a boiler undergo when it is fully charged. +Steam, in large quantities, generated by the action of subterranean +fires, seemed to be working beneath the crust of the mountain. + +This peculiarity could not astonish people who had passed between the +warm springs of the Waikato. They knew that this region of Ika-Na-Maoui +is volcanic. It is like a sieve, from the holes of which ever issue the +vapors of subterranean laboratories. + +Paganel, who had already observed this, called the attention of his +friends to the circumstance. The Maunganamu is only one of those +numerous cones that cover the central portion of the island. The least +mechanical action could provoke the formation of a crater in the clayey +soil. + +"And yet," said Glenarvan, "we seem to be in no more danger here than +beside the boiler of the Duncan. This crust is firm." + +"Certainly," replied the major; "but a boiler, however strong it may +be, will always burst at last after too long use." + +"MacNabb," said Paganel, "I do not desire to remain on this peak. Let +Heaven show me a way of escape, and I will leave it instantly." + +Lady Helena, who perceived Lord Glenarvan, now approached. + +"My dear Edward," said she, "you have considered our position! Are we +to hope or fear?" + +"Hope, my dear Helena," replied Glenarvan. "The natives will never come +to the top of the mountain, and we shall have abundant time to form a +plan of escape." + +"Moreover, madam," said Captain Mangles, "God himself encourages us to +hope." + +So saying, he gave her the text of the Bible which had been sent to +them. She and Mary Grant, whose confiding soul was always open to +the ministrations of Heaven, saw, in the words of the Holy Book, an +infallible pledge of safety. + +"Now to the tomb!" cried Paganel, gayly. "This is our fortress, our +castle, our dining-room, and our workshop. No one is to disarrange it. +Ladies, permit me to do the honors of this charming dwelling." + +All followed the good-natured Paganel. When the savages saw the +fugitives desecrate anew this tabooed sepulchre, they fired numerous +volleys, and uttered yells no less terrible. But fortunately their +bullets could not reach as far as their cries, for they only came +half-way, while their vociferations were lost in empty air. + +[Sidenote: BOARD AND LODGING.] + +Lady Helena, Mary Grant, and their companions, quite reassured at +seeing that the superstition of the Maoris was still stronger than +their rage, entered the tomb. It was a palisade of red painted stakes. +Symbolical faces, a real tattooing on wood, described the nobleness +and exploits of the deceased. Strings of pipes, shells, and carved +stones extended from one stake to another. Inside, the earth was hidden +beneath a carpet of green leaves. In the centre a slight protuberance +marked the freshly-made grave. Here reposed the weapons of the chief, +his guns loaded and primed, his lance, his splendid hatchet of green +jade, with a supply of powder and balls sufficient for the hunts of the +other world. + +"Here is a whole arsenal," said Paganel, "of which we will make a +better use than the deceased. It is a good idea of these savages to +carry their weapons to heaven with them." + +"But these are English guns!" said the major. + +"Doubtless," replied Glenarvan; "it is a very foolish custom to make +presents of fire-arms to the savages, who then use them against the +invaders, and with reason. At all events, these guns will be useful to +us." + +"But still more useful," said Paganel, "will be the provisions and +water intended for Kara-Tete." + +The parents and friends of the dead had, indeed, faithfully fulfilled +their duties. The amount of food testified their esteem for the virtues +of the chief. There were provisions enough to last ten persons fifteen +days, or rather the deceased for eternity. They consisted of ferns, +sweet yams, and potatoes, which were introduced some time before by the +Europeans. Tall vases of fresh water stood near, and a dozen baskets, +artistically woven, contained numerous tablets of green gum. + +The fugitives were, therefore, fortified for several days against +hunger and thirst, and they needed no urging to take their first meal +at the chief's expense. Glenarvan directed Mr. Olbinett's attention +to the food necessary for his companions; but he, with his usual +exactness, even in critical situations, thought the bill of fare rather +scanty. Moreover, he did not know how to prepare the roots, and there +was no fire. + +But Paganel solved the difficulty, and advised him to simply bury his +ferns and potatoes in the ground itself, for the heat of the upper +strata was very great. Olbinett, however, narrowly escaped a serious +scalding, for, just as he had dug a hole to put his roots in, a stream +of watery vapor burst forth, and rose to the height of several feet. +The steward started back in terror. + +"Close the hole!" cried the major, who, with the aid of the two +sailors, covered the orifice with fragments of pumice-stone, while +Paganel murmured these words: + +"Well! well! ha! ha! very natural!" + +"You are not scalded?" inquired MacNabb of Olbinett. + +"No, Mr. MacNabb," replied the steward; "but I scarcely expected----" + +"So many blessings," added Paganel, in a mirthful tone. "Consider +Kara-Tete's water and provisions, and the fire of the earth! This +mountain is a paradise! I propose that we found a colony here, +cultivate the soil, and settle for the rest of our days. We will +be Robinson Crusoes of Maunganamu. Indeed, I look in vain for any +deficiency on this comfortable peak." + +"Nothing is wanting if the earth is firm," replied Captain Mangles. + +"Well, it was not created yesterday," said Paganel. "It has long +resisted the action of internal fires, and will easily hold out till +our departure." + +"Breakfast is ready," announced Mr. Olbinett, as gravely as if he had +been performing his duties at Malcolm Castle. + +The fugitives at once sat down near the palisade, and enjoyed the +repast that Providence had so opportunely furnished to them in this +critical situation. No one appeared particular about the choice of +food, but there was a diversity of opinion concerning the edible +ferns. Some found them sweet and pleasant, and others mucilaginous, +insipid, and acrid. The sweet potatoes, cooked in the hot earth, were +excellent. + +[Illustration: The steward started back in terror.] + +Their hunger being satiated, Glenarvan proposed that they should, +without delay, arrange a plan of escape. + +"So soon!" said Paganel, in a truly piteous tone. "What! are you +thinking already of leaving this delightful place?" + +"I think, first of all," replied Glenarvan, "that we ought to attempt +an escape before we are forced to it by hunger. We have strength enough +yet, and must take advantage of it. To-night let us try to gain the +eastern valleys, and cross the circle of natives under cover of the +darkness." + +"Exactly," answered Paganel; "if the Maoris will let us pass." + +"And if they prevent us?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Then we will employ the great expedients," said Paganel. + +"You have great expedients, then?" inquired the major. + +"More than I know what to do with," rejoined Paganel, without further +explanation. + +They could now do nothing but wait for night to attempt crossing +the line of savages, who had not left their position. Their ranks +even seemed increased by stragglers from the tribe. Here and there +freshly-kindled fires formed a flaming girdle around the base of the +peak. When darkness had invaded the surrounding valleys, the Maunganamu +seemed to rise from a vast conflagration, while its summit was lost in +a dense shade. Six hundred feet below were heard the tumult and cries +of the enemy's camp. + +At nine o'clock it was very dark, and Glenarvan and Captain Mangles +resolved to make an exploration before taking their companions on +this perilous journey. They noiselessly descended the declivity some +distance, and reached the narrow ridge that crossed the line of natives +fifty feet above the encampment. + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER SUNRISE.] + +All went well so far. The Maoris, stretched beside their fires, did not +seem to perceive the two fugitives, who advanced a few paces farther. +But suddenly, to the left and right of the ridge, a double volley +resounded. + +"Back!" cried Glenarvan; "these bandits have eyes like a cat, and the +guns of riflemen!" + +Captain Mangles and he reascended at once the precipitous slopes of the +mountain, and speedily assured their terrified friends of their safety. +Glenarvan's hat had been pierced by two bullets. It was, therefore, +dangerous to venture on the ridge between these two lines of marksmen. + +"Wait till to-morrow," said Paganel; "and since we cannot deceive the +vigilance of these natives, permit me to give them a dose in my own +way." + +The temperature was quite cold. Fortunately, Kara-Tete wore in the tomb +his best night-robes, warm, flaxen coverings, in which each one wrapped +himself without hesitation; and soon the fugitives, protected by the +native superstition, slept peacefully in the shelter of the palisades, +on the earth that seemed to quake with the internal commotion. + + + + +CHAPTER LIII. + +A BOLD STRATAGEM. + + +The rising sun awakened with his first rays the sleepers on the +Maunganamu. The Maoris for some time had been moving to and fro at the +foot of the peak without wandering from their post of observation. +Furious cries saluted the appearance of the Europeans as they issued +from the desecrated tomb. + +Each cast a longing glance towards the surrounding mountains, the deep +valleys, still veiled in mist, and the surface of Lake Taupo, gently +rippling beneath the morning wind. Then all, eager to know Paganel's +new project, gathered around him with questioning looks; while the +geographer at once satisfied the restless curiosity of his companions. + +"My friends," said he, "my project has this advantage, that if it does +not produce the result that I expect, or even fails, our situation will +not be impaired. But it ought to and will succeed." + +"And this project?" asked the major. + +"This is it," replied Paganel. "The superstition of the natives has +made this mountain a place of refuge, and this superstition must help +us to escape. If I succeed in convincing Kai-Koumou that we have become +the victims of our sacrilege, that the wrath of Heaven has fallen upon +us, in short, that we have met a terrible death, do you think that he +will abandon the mountain and return to his village?" + +"Probably," said Glenarvan. + +"And with what horrible death do you threaten us?" inquired Lady Helena. + +"The death of the sacrilegious, my friends," continued Paganel. "The +avenging flames are under our feet. Let us open a way for them." + +"What! you would make a volcano?" cried Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, a factitious, an improvised one, whose fury we will control. +There is quite a supply of vapors and subterranean fires that only +ask for an outlet. Let us arrange an artificial eruption for our own +advantage." + +"The idea is good," said the major, "and well conceived, Paganel." + +"You understand," resumed the geographer, "that we are to feign being +consumed by the flames of Pluto, and shall disappear spiritually in the +tomb of Kara-Tete." + +[Sidenote: A VOLCANO IN MINIATURE.] + +"Where we shall remain three, four, or five days, if necessary, till +the savages are convinced of our death, and abandon the siege." + +"But if they think of making sure of our destruction," said Miss Grant, +"and climb the mountain?" + +"No, my dear Mary," replied Paganel, "they will not do that. The +mountain is tabooed, and if it shall itself devour its profaners the +taboo will be still more rigorous." + +"This plan is really well conceived," remarked Glenarvan. "There is +only one chance against it, and that is, that the savages may persist +in remaining at the foot of the mountain till the provisions fail +us. But this is scarcely probable, especially if we play our part +skillfully." + +"And when shall we make this last venture?" asked Lady Helena. + +"This very evening," answered Paganel, "at the hour of the greatest +darkness." + +"Agreed," said MacNabb. "Paganel, you are a man of genius; and although +from habit I am scarcely ever enthusiastic, I will answer for your +success. Ha! these rascals! we shall perform a little miracle for them +that will delay their conversion a good century. May the missionaries +pardon us!" + +Paganel's plan was therefore adopted, and really, with the +superstitious notions of the Maoris, it might and ought to succeed. +It only remained to execute it. The idea was good, but in practice +difficult. Might not this volcano consume the audacious ones who should +dig the crater? Could they control and direct this eruption when the +vapors, flames, and lava should be let loose? Would it not engulf +the entire peak in a flood of fire? They were tampering with those +phenomena whose absolute control is reserved for forces higher than +theirs. + +Paganel had foreseen these difficulties, but he expected to act +prudently, and not to venture to extremes. An illusion was enough to +deceive the Maoris, without the awful reality of a large eruption. + +How long that day seemed! Each one counted the interminable hours. +Everything was prepared for flight. The provisions of the tomb had +been divided, and made into convenient bundles. Several mats, and the +fire-arms, which had been found in the tomb of the chief, formed light +baggage. Of course these preparations were made within the palisaded +inclosure and unknown to the savages. + +At six o'clock the steward served a farewell feast. Where and when they +should eat in the valleys no one could foretell. + +Twilight came on. The sun disappeared behind a bank of dense clouds of +threatening aspect. A few flashes illumined the horizon, and a distant +peal of thunder rumbled along the vault of the sky. Paganel welcomed +the storm that came to the aid of his design. + +At eight o'clock the summit of the mountain was hidden by a foreboding +darkness, while the sky looked terribly black, as if for a background +to the flaming outbreak that Paganel was about to inaugurate. The +Maoris could no longer see their prisoners. The time for action had +come. Rapidity was necessary, and Glenarvan, Paganel, MacNabb, Robert, +the steward, and the two sailors at once set to work vigorously. + +The place for the crater was chosen thirty paces from Kara-Tete's tomb. +It was important that this structure should be spared by the eruption, +for otherwise the taboo would become ineffective. Paganel had observed +an enormous block of stone, around which the vapors seemed to pour +forth with considerable force. This rocky mass covered a small natural +crater in the peak, and only by its weight prevented the escape of the +subterranean flames. If they could succeed in overturning it, the smoke +and lava would immediately issue through the unobstructed opening. + +[Sidenote: VULCANS AT WORK.] + +The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes of the tomb, and +with these they vigorously attacked the ponderous mass. Under their +united efforts the rock was not long in moving. They dug a sort of +groove for it down the side of the mountain, that it might slide on an +inclined plane. + +As their action increased, the trembling of the earth became more +violent. Hollow rumblings and hissings sounded under the thin +crust. But the bold experimenters, like real Vulcans, governing the +underground fires, worked on in silence. Several cracks and a few gusts +of hot smoke warned them that their position was becoming dangerous. +But a final effort detached the block, which glided down the slope of +the mountain and disappeared. + +The thin covering at once yielded. An incandescent column poured forth +towards the sky with loud explosions, while streams of boiling water +and lava rolled towards the encampment of the natives and the valleys +below. The whole peak trembled, and you might almost have thought that +it was disappearing in a general conflagration. + +Glenarvan and his companions had scarcely time to escape the shock of +the eruption. They fled to the inclosure of the tomb, but not without +receiving a few scalding drops of the water, which bubbled and exhaled +a strong sulphureous odor. + +Then mud, lava, and volcanic fragments mingled in the scene of +devastation. Torrents of flame furrowed the sides of the Maunganamu. +The adjoining mountains glowed in the light of the eruption, and the +deep valleys were illumined with a vivid brightness. + +The savages were soon aroused, both by the noise and the heat +of the lava that flowed in a scalding tide through the midst of +their encampment. Those whom the fiery flood had not reached fled, +and ascended the surrounding hills, turning and gazing back at +this terrific phenomenon, with which their god, in his wrath, had +overwhelmed the desecrators of the sacred mountain; while at certain +moments they were heard howling their consecratory cry: + +"Taboo! taboo! taboo!" + +[Illustration: The fugitives made themselves levers out of the stakes +of the tomb.] + +[Illustration: An incandescent column poured forth towards the sky with +loud explosions, while streams of boiling water and lava rolled towards +the encampment of the natives.] + +Meantime an enormous quantity of vapor, melted stones, and lava had +escaped from the crater. It was no longer a simple geyser. All this +volcanic effervescence had hitherto been confined beneath the crust of +the peak, since the outlets of Tangariro sufficed for its expansion; +but as a new opening had been made, it had rushed forth with extreme +violence. + +All night long, during the storm that raged above and below, the peak +was shaken with a commotion that could not but alarm Glenarvan. The +prisoners, concealed behind the palisade of the tomb, watched the +fearful progress of the outbreak. + +Morning came. The fury of the volcano had not moderated. Thick, +yellowish vapors mingled with the flames, and torrents of lava poured +in every direction. Glenarvan, with eye alert and beating heart, +glanced between the interstices of the inclosure, and surveyed the camp +of the Maoris. + +The natives had fled to the neighboring plateaus, beyond the reach of +the volcano. Several corpses, lying at the foot of the peak, had been +charred by the fire. Farther on, towards the pah, the lava had consumed +a number of huts, that were still smoking. The savages, in scattered +groups, were gazing at the vapory summit of Maunganamu with religious +awe. + +Kai-Koumou came into the midst of his warriors, and Glenarvan +recognized him. The chief advanced to the base of the peak, on the side +spared by the eruption, but did not cross the first slopes. Here, with +outstretched arms, like a sorcerer exorcising, he made a few grimaces, +the meaning of which did not escape the prisoners. As Paganel had +foreseen, Kai-Koumou was invoking upon the mountain a more rigorous +taboo. + +Soon after, the natives descended, in single file, the winding paths +that led towards the pah. + +[Sidenote: A WEARY WAITING.] + +"They are going!" cried Glenarvan. "They are abandoning their post! +God be thanked! Our scheme has succeeded! My dear Helena, my brave +companions, we are now dead and buried; but this evening we will +revive, we will leave our tomb, and flee from these barbarous tribes!" + +It would be difficult to describe the joy that reigned within the +palisade. Hope had reanimated all hearts. These courageous travelers +forgot their past trials, dreaded not the future, and only rejoiced in +their present deliverance; although very little reflection would show +how difficult was the task of reaching an European settlement from +their present position. But if Kai-Koumou was outwitted, they believed +themselves safe from all the savages of New Zealand. + +A whole day must pass before the decisive attempt could be made, and +they employed their time in arranging a plan of escape. Paganel had +preserved his map of New Zealand, and could therefore search out the +safest routes. + +After some discussion, the fugitives resolved to proceed eastward +towards the Bay of Plenty. This course would lead them through +districts that were very rarely visited. The travelers, who were +already accustomed to overcoming natural difficulties, only feared +meeting the Maoris. They therefore determined to avoid them at all +hazards, and gain the eastern coast, where the missionaries have +founded several establishments. Moreover, this portion of the island +had hitherto escaped the ravages of the war and the depredations of the +natives. As for the distance that separated Lake Taupo from the Bay of +Plenty, it could not be more than one hundred miles. Ten days would +suffice for the journey. The missions once reached, they could rest +there, and wait for some favorable opportunity of gaining Auckland, +their destination. + +These points being settled, they continued to watch the savages till +evening. Not one of them remained at the foot of the mountain, and +when darkness invaded the valleys of the lake, no fire betokened the +presence of the Maoris at the base of the peak. The coast was clear. + +At nine o'clock it was dark night, and Glenarvan gave the signal for +departure. His companions and he, armed and equipped at Kara-Tete's +expense, began to cautiously descend the slopes of the Maunganamu. +Captain Mangles and Wilson led the way, with eyes and ears on the +alert. They stopped at the least sound,--they examined the faintest +light; each slid down the declivity, the better to elude detection. + +Two hundred feet below the summit, Captain Mangles and his sailor +reached the dangerous ridge that had been so obstinately guarded by the +natives. If, unfortunately, the Maoris, more crafty than the fugitives, +had feigned a retreat to entice them within reach, if they had not +been deceived by the eruption, their presence would be discovered +at this point. Glenarvan, in spite of his confidence and Paganel's +pleasantries, could not help trembling. The safety of his friends was +at stake during the few moments necessary to cross the ridge. He felt +Lady Helena's heart beat as she clung to his arm. + +But neither he nor Captain Mangles thought of retreating. The young +captain, followed by the others, and favored by the dense obscurity, +crawled along the narrow path, only stopping when some detached stone +rolled to the base of the mountain. If the savages were still in +ambush, these unusual sounds would provoke from each side a formidable +volley. + +However, in gliding like serpents along this inclined crest, the +fugitives could not advance rapidly. When Captain Mangles had gained +the lowest part, scarcely twenty-five feet separated him from the +plain where the natives had encamped the night before. Here the ridge +ascended quite steeply towards a coppice about a quarter of a mile +distant. + +[Sidenote: TABOOED NO LONGER.] + +The travelers crossed this place without accident, and began the +ascent in silence. The thicket was invisible, but they knew where it +was, and, provided no ambuscade was laid there, Glenarvan hoped to +find a secure refuge. However, he remembered that they were now no +longer protected by the taboo. The ascending ridge did not belong to +the sacred mountain, but to a chain that ran along the eastern shores +of Lake Taupo. Therefore not only the shots of the savages, but also a +hand-to-hand conflict, were to be feared. + +For a short time the little party slowly mounted towards the upper +elevations. The captain could not yet discern the dark coppice, but it +could not be more than two hundred feet distant. + +Suddenly he stopped, and almost recoiled. He thought he heard some +sound in the darkness. His hesitation arrested the advance of his +companions. + +He stood motionless long enough to alarm those who followed him. With +what agonizing suspense they waited could not be described. Would they +be forced to return to the summit of the mountain? + +But, finding that the noise was not repeated, their leader continued +his ascent along the narrow path. The coppice was soon dimly defined +in the gloom. In a few moments it was reached, and the fugitives were +crouching beneath the thick foliage of the trees. + + + + +CHAPTER LIV. + +FROM PERIL TO SAFETY. + + +Darkness favored the escape; and making the greatest possible progress, +they left the fatal regions of Lake Taupo. Paganel assumed the guidance +of the little party, and his marvelous instinct as a traveler was +displayed anew during this perilous journey. He managed with surprising +dexterity in the thick gloom, chose unhesitatingly the almost invisible +paths, and kept constantly an undeviating course. + +At nine o'clock in the morning they had accomplished a considerable +distance, and could not reasonably require more of the courageous +ladies. Besides, the place seemed suitable for an encampment. The +fugitives had reached the ravine that separates the Kaimanawa and +Wahiti ranges. The road on the right ran southward to Oberland. +Paganel, with his map in his hand, made a turn to the northeast, and +at ten o'clock the little party had reached a sort of steep buttress, +formed by a spur of the mountain. + +The provisions were taken from the sacks, and all did ample justice to +them. Mary Grant and the major, who had not hitherto been very well +satisfied with the edible ferns, made this time a hearty meal of them. +They rested here till two o'clock in the afternoon, then the journey +towards the east was resumed, and at evening the travelers encamped +eight miles from the mountains. They needed no urging to sleep in the +open air. + +The next day very serious difficulties were encountered. They were +forced to pass through a curious region of volcanic lakes and geysers +that extends eastward from the Wahiti ranges. It was pleasing to the +eye, but fatiguing to the limbs. Every quarter of a mile there were +obstacles, turns, and windings, far too many for rapid progress; but +what strange appearances and what infinite variety does nature give to +her grand scenes! + +[Sidenote: ALMOST TIRED OUT!] + +Over this expanse of twenty square miles the overflow of subterranean +forces was displayed in every form. Salt springs, of a singular +transparency, teeming with myriads of insects, issued from the porous +ground. They exhaled a penetrating odor, and deposited on the earth a +white coating like dazzling snow. Their waters, though clear, were +at the boiling-point, while other neighboring springs poured forth +ice-cold streams. On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of +vapor, spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain, some +continuous, others intermittent, as if controlled by some capricious +sprite. They rose like an amphitheatre, in natural terraces one above +another, their vapors gradually mingling in wreaths of white smoke; and +flowing down the semi-transparent steps of these gigantic staircases, +they fed the lakes with their boiling cascades. + +It will be needless to dilate upon the incidents of the journey, which +were neither numerous nor important. Their way led through forests and +over plains. The captain took his bearings by the sun and stars. The +sky, which was quite clear, was sparing of heat and rain. Still, an +increasing weariness delayed the travelers, already so cruelly tried, +and they had to make great efforts to reach their destination. + +However, they still conversed together, but no longer in common. The +little party was divided into groups, not by any narrow prejudice or +ill feeling, but to some extent from sadness. Often Glenarvan was +alone, thinking, as he approached the coast, of the Duncan and her +crew. He forgot the dangers that still threatened him, in his grief for +his lost sailors and the terrible visions that continually haunted his +mind. + +They no longer spoke of Harry Grant. And why should they, since they +could do nothing for him? If the captain's name was ever pronounced, it +was in the conversations of his daughter and her betrothed. The young +captain had not reminded her of what she had said to him on the last +night of their captivity on the mountain. His magnanimity would not +take advantage of words uttered in a moment of supreme despair. + +[Sidenote: ACCOMPLISHING THE LAST STAGE.] + +When he did speak of Captain Grant, he began to lay plans for a further +search. He declared to Mary that Lord Glenarvan would resume this +undertaking, hitherto so unsuccessful. + +[Illustration: On every side water-spouts, with spiral rings of vapor, +spirted from the ground like the jets of a fountain.] + +He maintained that the authenticity of the document could not be +doubted. Her father must, therefore, be somewhere; and though it were +necessary to search the whole world, they were sure to find him. The +young girl was cheered by these words; and both, bound by the same +thoughts, now sympathized in the same hope. Lady Helena often took part +in the conversation, and was very careful not to discourage the young +people with any sad forebodings. + +Glenarvan and his companions, after many vicissitudes, reached the foot +of Mount Ikirangi, whose peak towered five thousand feet aloft. They +had now traveled almost one hundred miles since leaving the Maunganamu, +and the coast was still thirty miles distant. Captain Mangles had +hoped to make the journey in ten days, but he was ignorant then of +the difficulties of the way. There were still two good days of travel +before they could gain the ocean, and renewed activity and extreme +vigilance became necessary, for they were entering a region frequented +by the natives. However, each conquered the fatigue, and the little +party continued their course. + +Between Mount Ikirangi, some distance on their right, and Mount Hardy, +whose summit rose to the left, was a large plain, thickly overspread +with twining plants and underbrush. Progress here was tedious and +difficult in the extreme; for the pliant tendrils wound a score of +folds about their bodies like serpents. Hunting was impossible; the +provisions were nearly exhausted, and could not be renewed, and water +failed, so that they could not allay their thirst, rendered doubly +acute by their fatigue. The sufferings of Glenarvan and his friends +were terrible, and for the first time their moral energy now almost +forsook them. + +At last, dragging themselves along, wearied to the utmost degree in +body, almost despairing in mind, they reached Lottin Point, on the +shores of the Pacific. + +At this place several deserted huts were seen, the ruins of a village +recently devastated by the war; around them were abandoned fields, and +everywhere the traces of plunder and conflagration. But here fate had +reserved a new and fearful test for the unfortunate travelers. + +They were walking along the coast, when, at no great distance, a number +of natives appeared, who rushed towards the little party, brandishing +their weapons. Glenarvan, shut in by the sea, saw that escape was +impossible, and, summoning all his strength, was about to make +preparations for battle, when Captain Mangles cried: + +"A canoe! a canoe!" + +And truly, twenty paces distant, a canoe, with six oars, was lying on +the beach. To rush to it, set it afloat, and fly from this dangerous +place was the work of an instant; the whole party seemed to receive at +once a fresh accession of bodily strength and mental vigor. + +In ten minutes the boat was at a considerable distance. The sea was +calm. The captain, however, not wishing to wander too far from the +coast, was about to give the order to cruise along the shore, when he +suddenly ceased rowing. He had observed three canoes starting from +Lottin Point, with the evident intention of overtaking and capturing +the unfortunate fugitives. + +"To sea! to sea!" cried he; "better perish in the waves than be +captured!" + +The canoe, under the strokes of its four oarsmen, at once put to sea, +and for some time kept its distance. But the strength of the weakened +fugitives soon grew less, and their pursuers gradually gained upon +them. The boats were now scarcely a mile apart. There was therefore +no possibility of avoiding the attack of the natives, who, armed with +their long guns, were already preparing to fire. + +[Sidenote: DEATH ON EVERY HAND.] + +What was Glenarvan doing? Standing at the stern of the canoe, he looked +around as if for some expected aid. What did he expect? What did he +wish? Had he a presentiment? + +All at once his face brightened, his hand was stretched towards an +indistinct object. + +"A ship!" cried he; "my friends, a ship! Row, row!" + +Not one of the four oarsmen turned to see this unexpected vessel, +for they must not lose a stroke. Only Paganel, rising, directed his +telescope towards the place indicated. + +"Yes," said he, "a ship, a steamer, under full headway, coming towards +us! Courage, captain!" + +The fugitives displayed new energy, and for several moments longer they +kept their distance. The steamer grew more and more distinct. They +could clearly discern her masts, and the thick clouds of black smoke +that issued from her smoke-stack. Glenarvan, giving the helm to Robert, +had seized the geographer's glass, and did not lose a single movement +of the vessel. + +But what were Captain Mangles and his companions to think when they +saw the expression of his features change, his face grow pale, and the +instrument fall from his hands. A single word explained this sudden +emotion. + +"The Duncan!" cried Glenarvan,--"the Duncan and the convicts!" + +"The Duncan?" repeated the captain, dropping his oar and rising. + +"Yes, death on all sides!" moaned Glenarvan, overcome by so many +calamities. + +It was indeed the yacht--without a doubt,--the yacht, with her crew of +bandits! The major could not repress a malediction. This was too much. + +Meantime the canoe was floating at random. Whither should they guide +it, whither flee? Was it possible to choose between the savages and the +convicts? + +[Illustration: A second ball whistled over their heads, and demolished +the nearest of the three canoes.] + +[Sidenote: A MYSTERIOUS PRESERVATION.] + +Just then a shot came from the native boat, that had approached nearer. +The bullet struck Wilson's oar; but his companions still propelled +the canoe towards the Duncan. The yacht was advancing at full speed, +and was only half a mile distant. Captain Mangles, beset on all sides, +no longer knew how to act, or in what direction to escape. The two poor +ladies were on their knees, praying in their despair. + +The savages were now firing a continued volley, and the bullets rained +around the canoe. Just then a sharp report sounded, and a ball from the +yacht's cannon passed over the heads of the fugitives, who remained +motionless between the fire of the Duncan and the natives. + +Captain Mangles, frantic with despair, seized his hatchet. He was on +the point of sinking their own canoe, with his unfortunate companions, +when a cry from Robert stopped him. + +"Tom Austin! Tom Austin!" said the child. "He is on board! I see him! +He has recognized us! He is waving his hat!" + +The hatchet was suspended in mid-air. A second ball whistled over +their heads, and demolished the nearest of the three canoes, while a +loud hurrah was heard on board the Duncan. The savages fled in terror +towards the coast. + +"Help, help, Tom!" cried Captain Mangles, in a piercing voice. And +a few moments afterwards the ten fugitives, without knowing how, or +scarcely comprehending this unexpected good fortune, were all in safety +on board the Duncan. + + + + +CHAPTER LV. + +WHY THE DUNCAN WENT TO NEW ZEALAND. + + +The feelings of Glenarvan and his friends, when the songs of old +Scotland resounded in their ears, it is impossible to describe. As soon +as they set foot on deck the bagpiper struck up a well remembered air, +while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return on board. Glenarvan, +John Mangles, Paganel, Robert, and even the major, wept and embraced +each other. Their emotions rose from joy to ecstasy. The geographer was +fairly wild, skipping about and watching with his inseparable telescope +the canoes returning to shore. + +But at sight of Glenarvan and his companions, with tattered garments, +emaciated features, and the traces of extreme suffering, the crew +ceased their lively demonstrations. These were spectres, not the bold +and dashing travelers whom, three months before, hope had stimulated to +a search for the shipwrecked captain. Chance alone had led them back to +this vessel that they had ceased to regard as theirs, and in what a sad +state of exhaustion and feebleness! + +However, before thinking of fatigue, or the imperative calls of hunger +and thirst, Glenarvan questioned Tom Austin concerning his presence in +these waters. Why was the Duncan on the eastern coast of New Zealand? +Why was she not in the hands of Ben Joyce? By what providential working +had God restored her to the fugitives? These were the questions that +were hurriedly addressed to Tom Austin. The old sailor did not know +which to answer first. He therefore concluded to listen only to Lord +Glenarvan, and reply to him. + +"But the convicts?" inquired Glenarvan. "What have you done with the +convicts?" + +"The convicts!" replied Tom Austin, like a man who is at a loss to +understand a question. + +"Yes; the wretches who attacked the yacht." + +"What yacht, my lord? The Duncan?" + +"Of course. Did not Ben Joyce come on board?" + +"I do not know Ben Joyce; I have never seen him." + +"Never?" cried Glenarvan, amazed at the answers of the old sailor. +"Then will you tell me why the Duncan is now on the shores of New +Zealand?" + +[Sidenote: MYSTERY MORE MYSTERIOUS!] + +Although Glenarvan and his friends did not at all understand Austin's +astonishment, what was their surprise when he replied, in a calm voice: + +"The Duncan is here by your lordship's orders." + +"By my orders?" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord. I only conformed to the instructions contained in your +letter." + +"My letter?" exclaimed Glenarvan. + +The ten travelers at once surrounded Tom Austin, and gazed at him in +eager curiosity. The letter written at the Snowy River had reached the +Duncan. + +"Well," continued Glenarvan, "let us have an explanation; for I almost +think I am dreaming. You received a letter, Tom?" + +"Yes; a letter from your lordship." + +"At Melbourne?" + +"At Melbourne; just as I had finished the repair of the ship." + +"And this letter?" + +"It was not written by you; but it was signed by you, my lord." + +"Exactly; it was sent by a convict, Ben Joyce." + +"No; by the sailor called Ayrton, quartermaster of the Britannia." + +"Yes, Ayrton or Ben Joyce; it is the same person. Well, what did the +letter say?" + +"It ordered me to leave Melbourne without delay, and come to the +eastern shores of----" + +"Australia!" cried Glenarvan, with an impetuosity that disconcerted the +old sailor. + +"Australia?" repeated Tom, opening his eyes. "No, indeed; New Zealand!" + +"Australia, Tom! Australia!" replied Glenarvan's companions, with one +voice. + +[Illustration: As soon as they set foot on deck the bagpiper struck up +a well remembered air, while hearty hurrahs welcomed the owner's return +on board.] + +Austin was now bewildered. Glenarvan spoke with such assurance, that +he feared he had made a mistake in reading the letter. Could he, +faithful and accurate sailor that he was, have committed such a +blunder? He began to feel troubled. + +[Illustration: This sally finished the poor geographer.] + + +"Be easy, Tom," said Lady Helena. "Providence has decreed----" + +"No, madam, pardon me," returned the sailor; "no, it is not possible! I +am not mistaken. Ayrton also read the letter, and he, on the contrary, +wished to go to Australia." + +"Ayrton?" cried Glenarvan. + +"The very one. He maintained that it was a mistake, and that you had +appointed Twofold Bay as the place of meeting." + +"Have you the letter, Tom?" asked the major, greatly puzzled. + +"Yes, Mr. MacNabb," replied Austin. "I will soon bring it." + +He accordingly repaired to his own cabin. While he was gone, they gazed +at each other in silence, except the major, who, with his eye fixed +upon Paganel, said, as he folded his arms: + +"Indeed, I must confess, Paganel, that this is a little too much." + +At this moment Austin returned. He held in his hand the letter written +by Paganel, and signed by Glenarvan. + +"Read it, my lord," said the old sailor. + +Glenarvan took the letter, and read: + +"Order for Tom Austin to put to sea, and bring the Duncan to the +eastern coast of New Zealand." + +"New Zealand?" cried Paganel, starting. + +He snatched the letter from Glenarvan's hands, rubbed his eyes, +adjusted his spectacles to his nose, and read in his turn. + +"New Zealand!" repeated he, in an indescribable tone, while the letter +slipped from his fingers. + +Just then he felt a hand fall upon his shoulder. He turned, and found +himself face to face with the major. + +[Sidenote: PAGANEL IN THE WITNESS-BOX.] + +"Well, my good Paganel," said MacNabb, in a grave tone, "it is +fortunate that you did not send the Duncan to Cochin-China." + +This sally finished the poor geographer. A fit of laughter seized the +whole crew. Paganel, as if mad, ran to and fro, holding his head in his +hands, and tearing his hair. However, when he had recovered from his +frenzy, there was still another unavoidable question to answer. + +"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "be candid. I acknowledge that your +absent-mindedness has been providential. To be sure, without you the +Duncan would have fallen into the hands of the convicts; without you we +should have been recaptured by the Maoris. But do tell me, what strange +association of ideas, what unnatural aberration, induced you to write +New Zealand instead of Australia?" + +"Very well," said Paganel. "It was----" + +But at that moment his eyes fell upon Robert and Mary Grant, and he +stopped short, finally replying: + +"Never mind, my dear Glenarvan. I am a madman, a fool, an incorrigible +being, and shall die a most famous blunderer!" + +The affair was no longer discussed. The mystery of the Duncan's +presence there was solved; and the travelers, so miraculously saved, +thought only of revisiting their comfortable cabins and partaking of a +good breakfast. + +However, leaving Lady Helena, Mary Grant, the major, Paganel, and +Robert to enter the saloon, Glenarvan and Captain Mangles retained Tom +Austin with them. They wished to question him further. + +"Now, Tom," said Glenarvan, "let me know: did not this order to sail +for the coast of New Zealand seem strange to you?" + +"Yes, my lord," replied Austin. "I was very much surprised; but, as I +am not in the habit of discussing the orders I receive, I obeyed. Could +I act otherwise? If any accident had happened from not following your +instructions, should I not have been to blame? Would you have done +differently, captain?" + +"No, Tom," answered Captain Mangles. + +"But what did you think?" asked Glenarvan. + +"I thought, my lord, that, in the cause of Captain Grant, it was +necessary to go wherever you directed me; that by some combination of +circumstances another vessel would take you to New Zealand, and that +I was to wait for you on the eastern coast of the island. Moreover, +on leaving Melbourne, I kept my destination secret, and the crew did +not know it till we were out at sea and the shores of Australia had +disappeared from sight. But then an incident occurred that perplexed me +very much." + +"What do you mean, Tom?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"I mean," he replied, "that when the quartermaster, Ayrton, learned, +the day after our departure, the Duncan's destination----" + +"Ayrton!" cried Glenarvan. "Is he on board?" + +"Yes, my lord." + +"Ayrton here!" repeated Glenarvan, glancing at Captain Mangles. + +"Wonderful indeed!" said the young captain. + +In an instant, with the swiftness of lightning, Ayrton's conduct, his +long-contrived treachery, Glenarvan's wound, the attack upon Mulready, +their sufferings in the marshes of the Snowy, all the wretch's deeds, +flashed upon the minds of the two men. And now, by a strange fatality, +the convict was in their power. + +"Where is he?" asked Glenarvan quickly. + +"In a cabin in the forecastle," replied Tom Austin, "closely guarded." + +"Why this confinement?" + +[Sidenote: AN UNOFFICIAL TRIBUNAL.] + +"Because, when Ayrton saw that the yacht was sailing for New Zealand, +he flew into a passion; because he attempted to force me to change the +ship's course; because he threatened me; and, finally, because he urged +my men to a mutiny. I saw that he was a dangerous person, and was +compelled, therefore, to take precautions against him." + +"And since that time?" + +"Since that time he has been in his cabin, without offering to come +out." + +"Good!" + +At this moment Glenarvan and Captain Mangles were summoned to the +saloon. Breakfast, which they so much needed, was ready. They took +seats at the table, but did not speak of Ayrton. + +However, when the meal was ended, and the passengers had assembled on +deck, Glenarvan informed them of the quartermaster's presence on board. +At the same time he declared his intention of sending for him. + +"Can I be released from attending this tribunal?" asked Lady Helena. +"I confess to you, my dear Edward, that the sight of this unfortunate +would be very painful to me." + +"It is only to confront him, Helena," replied Glenarvan. "Remain, +if you can. Ben Joyce should see himself face to face with all his +intended victims." + +Lady Helena yielded to this request, and Mary Grant and she took their +places beside him, while around them stood the major, Paganel, Captain +Mangles, Robert, Wilson, Mulready, and Olbinett, all who had suffered +so severely by the convict's treason. The crew of the yacht, who did +not yet understand the seriousness of these proceedings, maintained a +profound silence. + +"Call Ayrton!" said Glenarvan. + + + + +CHAPTER LVI. + +AYRTON'S OBSTINACY. + + +Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck with a confident +step, and ascended the poop-stairs. His eyes had a sullen look, his +teeth were set, and his fists clinched convulsively. His bearing +displayed neither exultation nor humility. As soon as he was in Lord +Glenarvan's presence, he folded his arms, and calmly and silently +waited to be questioned: + +"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, "here we all are, as you see, on board the +Duncan, that you would have surrendered to Ben Joyce's accomplices." + +At these words the lips of the quartermaster slightly trembled. A quick +blush colored his hard features,--not the sign of remorse, but the +shame of defeat. He was prisoner on this yacht that he had meant to +command as master, and his fate was soon to be decided. + +However, he made no reply. Glenarvan waited patiently, but Ayrton still +persisted in maintaining an obstinate silence. + +"Speak, Ayrton; what have you to say?" continued Glenarvan. + +The convict hesitated, and the lines of his forehead were strongly +contracted. At last he said, in a calm voice: + +"I have nothing to say, my lord. I was foolish enough to let myself be +taken. Do what you please." + +[Sidenote: A DUMB PRISONER.] + +Having given his answer, the quartermaster turned his eyes toward +the coast that extended along the west, and affected a profound +indifference for all that was passing around him. You would have +thought, to look at him, that he was a stranger to this serious affair. + +But Glenarvan had resolved to be patient. A powerful motive urged +him to ascertain certain circumstances of Ayrton's mysterious life, +especially as regarded Harry Grant and the Britannia. He therefore +resumed his inquiries, speaking with extreme mildness, and imposing the +most perfect calmness upon the violent agitation of his heart. + +"I hope, Ayrton," continued he, "that you will not refuse to answer +certain questions that I desire to ask you. And, first, am I to call +you Ayrton or Ben Joyce? Are you the quartermaster of the Britannia?" + +Ayrton remained unmoved, watching the coast, deaf to every question. +Glenarvan, whose eye flashed with some inward emotion, continued to +question him. + +"Will you tell me how you left the Britannia, and why you were in +Australia?" + +There was the same silence, the same obstinacy. + +"Listen to me, Ayrton," resumed Glenarvan. "It is for your interest to +speak. We may reward a frank confession, which is your only resort. For +the last time, will you answer my questions?" + +Ayrton turned his head towards Glenarvan, and looked him full in the +face. + +"My lord," said he, "I have nothing to answer. It is for justice to +prove against me." + +"The proofs will be easy," replied Glenarvan. + +[Sidenote: USELESS APPEALS.] + +"Easy, my lord?" continued the quartermaster, in a sneering tone. +"Your lordship seems to me very hasty. I declare that the best judge +in Westminster Hall would be puzzled to establish my identity. Who can +say why I came to Australia, since Captain Grant is no longer here to +inform you? Who can prove that I am that Ben Joyce described by the +police, since they have never laid hands upon me, and my companions are +at liberty? Who, except you, can charge me, not to say with a crime, +but even with a culpable action?" + +[Illustration: Ayrton soon made his appearance. He crossed the deck +with a confident step, and ascended the poop-stairs.] + +Ayrton had grown animated while speaking, but soon relapsed into his +former indifference. He doubtless imagined that this declaration would +end the examination: but Glenarvan resumed, and said: + +"Ayrton, I am not a judge charged with trying you. This is not my +business. It is important that our respective positions should be +clearly defined. I ask nothing that can implicate you, for that is the +part of justice. But you know what search I am pursuing, and, with a +word, you can put me on the track I have lost. Will you speak?" + +Ayrton shook his head, like a man determined to keep silent. + +"Will you tell me where Captain Grant is?" asked Glenarvan. + +"No, my lord." + +"Will you point out where the Britannia was wrecked?" + +"Certainly not." + +"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, in almost a suppliant tone, "will you, at +least, if you know where Captain Grant is, tell his poor children, who +are only waiting for a word from your lips?" + +The quartermaster hesitated; his features quivered; but, in a low +voice, he muttered: + +"I cannot, my lord." + +Then, as if he reproached himself for a moment's weakness, he added, +angrily: + +"No, I will not speak! Hang me if you will!" + +"Hang, then!" cried Glenarvan, overcome by a sudden feeling of +indignation. + +But finally controlling himself, he said, in a grave voice: + +"There are neither judges nor hangmen here. At the first landing-place +you shall be put into the hands of the English authorities." + +"Just what I desire," replied the quartermaster. + +Thereupon he was taken back to the cabin that served as his prison, and +two sailors were stationed at the door, with orders to watch all his +movements. The witnesses of this scene retired indignant and in despair. + +Since Glenarvan had failed to overcome Ayrton's obstinacy, what was +to be done? Evidently to follow the plan formed at Eden, of returning +to England, and resuming hereafter this unsuccessful enterprise, for +all traces of the Britannia now seemed irrevocably lost. The document +admitted of no new interpretation. There was no other country on the +line of the thirty-seventh parallel, and the only way was to sail for +home. + +He consulted his friends, and more especially Captain Mangles, on the +subject of return. The captain examined his store-rooms. The supply +of coal would not last more than fifteen days. It was, therefore, +necessary to replenish the fuel at the first port. He accordingly +proposed to Glenarvan to sail for Talcahuana Bay, where the Duncan had +already procured supplies before undertaking her voyage. This was a +direct passage. Then the yacht, with ample provisions, could double +Cape Horn, and reach Scotland by way of the Atlantic. + +This plan being adopted, the engineer was ordered to force on steam. +Half an hour afterwards the yacht was headed towards Talcahuana, and at +six o'clock in the evening the mountains of New Zealand had disappeared +beneath the mists of the horizon. + +[Sidenote: WOMANLY INFLUENCE.] + +It was a sad return for these brave searchers, who had left the shores +of Scotland with such hope and confidence. To the joyous cries that +had saluted Glenarvan on his return succeeded profound dejection. Each +confined himself to the solitude of his cabin, and rarely appeared on +deck. All, even the loquacious Paganel, were mournful and silent. If +Glenarvan spoke of beginning his search again, the geographer shook +his head like a man who has no more hope, for he seemed convinced as +to the fate of the shipwrecked sailors. Yet there was one man on board +who could have informed them about this catastrophe, but whose silence +was still prolonged. There was no doubt that the rascally Ayrton knew, +if not the actual situation of the captain, at least the place of the +shipwreck. Probably Harry Grant, if found, would be a witness against +him; hence he persisted in his silence, and was greatly enraged, +especially towards the sailors who would accuse him of an evil design. + +Several times Glenarvan renewed his attempts with the quartermaster. +Promises and threats were useless. Ayrton's obstinacy was carried +so far, and was so inexplicable, that the major came to the belief +that he knew nothing; which opinion was shared by the geographer and +corroborated his own ideas in regard to Captain Grant. + +But if Ayrton knew nothing, why did he not plead his ignorance? It +could not turn against him, while his silence increased the difficulty +of forming a new plan. Ought they to infer the presence of Harry Grant +in Australia from meeting the quartermaster on that continent? At all +events, they must induce Ayrton to explain on this subject. + +Lady Helena, seeing her husband's failures, now suggested an attempt, +in her turn, to persuade the quartermaster. Where a man had failed, +perhaps a woman could succeed by her gentle entreaty. Glenarvan, +knowing the tact of his young wife, gave his hearty approval. Ayrton +was, accordingly, brought to Lady Helena's boudoir. Mary Grant was to +be present at the interview, for the young girl's influence might also +be great, and Lady Helena would not neglect any chance of success. + +[Illustration: For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the +quartermaster, but nothing resulted from this conference.] + +For an hour the two ladies were closeted with the quartermaster, but +nothing resulted from this conference. What they said, the arguments +they used to draw out the convict's secret, all the details of this +examination, remained unknown. Moreover, when Ayrton left them they did +not appear to have succeeded, and their faces betokened real despair. + +[Illustration: He contented himself with shrugging his shoulders, +which so increased the rage of the crew, that nothing less than the +intervention of the captain and his lordship could restrain them.] + + +When the quartermaster was taken back to his cabin, therefore, the +sailors saluted his appearance with violent threats. But he contented +himself with shrugging his shoulders, which so increased the rage of +the crew, that nothing less than the intervention of the captain and +his lordship could restrain them. + +But Lady Helena did not consider herself defeated. She wished to +struggle to the last with this heartless man, and the next day she went +herself to Ayrton's cabin, to avoid the scene that his appearance on +deck occasioned. + +For two long hours this kind and gentle Scotch lady remained alone face +to face with the chief of the convicts. Glenarvan, a prey to nervous +agitation, lingered near the cabin, now determined to thoroughly +exhaust the chances of success, and now upon the point of drawing his +wife away from this painful and prolonged interview. + +But this time, when Lady Helena reappeared, her features inspired +confidence. Had she, then, brought this secret to light, and stirred +the dormant feeling of pity in the heart of this poor creature? + +MacNabb, who saw her first, could not repress a very natural feeling +of incredulity. However, the rumor soon spread among the crew that the +quartermaster had at length yielded to Lady Helena's entreaties. All +the sailors assembled on deck more quickly than if Tom Austin's whistle +had summoned them. + +"Has he spoken?" asked Lord Glenarvan of his wife. + +"No," replied Lady Helena; "but in compliance with my entreaties he +desires to see you." + +"Ah, dear Helena, you have succeeded!" + +"I hope so, Edward." + +"Have you made any promise that I am to sanction?" + +"Only one: that you will use all your influence to moderate the fate in +store for him." [Sidenote: VERY BUSINESS-LIKE.] + +"Certainly, my dear Helena. Let him come to me immediately." + +Lady Helena retired to her cabin, accompanied by Mary Grant, and the +quartermaster was taken to the saloon where Glenarvan awaited him. + + + + +CHAPTER LVII. + +A DISCOURAGING CONFESSION. + + +As soon as the quartermaster was in Lord Glenarvan's presence his +custodians retired. + +"You desired to speak to me, Ayrton?" said Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord," replied he. + +"To me alone?" + +"Yes; but I think that if Major MacNabb and Mr. Paganel were present at +the interview it would be better." + +"For whom?" + +"For me." + +Ayrton spoke calmly. Glenarvan gazed at him steadily, and then sent +word to MacNabb and Paganel, who at once obeyed his summons. + +"We are ready for you," said Glenarvan, as soon as his two friends were +seated at the cabin-table. + +Ayrton reflected for a few moments, and then said: + +"My lord, it is customary for witnesses to be present at every contract +or negotiation between two parties. That is why I requested the +presence of Mr. Paganel and Major MacNabb; for, properly speaking, this +is a matter of business that I am going to propose to you." + +Glenarvan, who was accustomed to Ayrton's manners, betrayed no +surprise, although a matter of business between this man and himself +seemed strange. + +[Illustration: "Do you agree or not?"] + +[Sidenote: BARGAINING FOR TERMS.] + +"What is this business?" said he. + +"This is it," replied Ayrton. "You desire to know from me certain +circumstances which may be useful to you. I desire to obtain from you +certain advantages which will be valuable to me. Now, I will make an +exchange, my lord. Do you agree or not?" + +"What are these circumstances?" asked Paganel, quickly. + +"No," corrected Glenarvan: "what are these advantages?" + +Ayrton bowed, showing that he understood the distinction. + +"These," said he, "are the advantages for which I petition. You +still intend, my lord, to deliver me into the hands of the English +authorities?" + +"Yes, Ayrton; it is only justice." + +"I do not deny it," replied the quartermaster. "You would not consent, +then, to set me at liberty?" + +Glenarvan hesitated before answering a question so plainly asked. +Perhaps the fate of Harry Grant depended upon what he was about to say. +However, the feeling of duty towards humanity prevailed, and he said: + +"No, Ayrton, I cannot set you at liberty." + +"I do not ask it," replied the quartermaster, proudly. + +"What do you wish, then?" + +"An intermediate fate, my lord, between that which you think awaits me +and the liberty that you cannot grant me." + +"And that is----?" + +"To abandon me on one of the desert islands of the Pacific, with the +principal necessaries of life. I will manage as I can, and repent, if I +have time." + +Glenarvan, who was little prepared for this proposal, glanced at his +two friends, who remained silent. After a few moments of reflection, he +replied: + +"Ayrton, if I grant your request, will you tell me all that it is for +my interest to know?" + +"Yes, my lord; that is to say, all that I know concerning Captain Grant +and the Britannia." + +"The whole truth?" + +"The whole." + +"But who will warrant----?" + +"Oh, I see what troubles you, my lord. You do not like to trust to +me,--to the word of a malefactor! That is right. But what can you do? +The situation is thus. You have only to accept or refuse." + +"I will trust you, Ayrton," said Glenarvan, simply. + +"And you will be right, my lord. Moreover, if I deceive you, you will +always have the power to revenge yourself." + +"How?" + +"By recapturing me on this island, from which I shall not be able to +escape." + +Ayrton had a reply for everything. He met all difficulties, and +produced unanswerable arguments against himself. As was seen, he +strove to treat in his business with good faith. It was impossible for +a person to surrender with more perfect confidence, and yet he found +means to advance still further in this disinterested course. + +"My lord and gentlemen," added he, "I desire that you should be +convinced that I am honorable. I do not seek to deceive you, but am +going to give you a new proof of my sincerity in this affair. I act +frankly, because I rely upon your loyalty." + +"Go on, Ayrton," replied Glenarvan. + +"My lord, I have not yet your promise to agree to my proposition, and +still I do not hesitate to tell you that I know little concerning Harry +Grant." + +"Little!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes, my lord; the circumstances that I am able to communicate to +you are relative to myself. They are personal experiences, and will +scarcely tend to put you on the track you have lost." + +[Sidenote: REVELATIONS AND DISCLOSURES.] + +A keen disappointment was manifest on the features of Glenarvan and +the major. They had believed the quartermaster to possess an important +secret, and yet he now confessed that his disclosures would be almost +useless. + +However that may be, this avowal of Ayrton, who surrendered himself +without security, singularly affected his hearers, especially when he +added, in conclusion: + +"Thus you are forewarned, my lord, that the business will be less +advantageous for you than for me." + +"No matter," replied Glenarvan; "I accept your proposal, Ayrton. You +have my word that you shall be landed at one of the islands of the +Pacific." + +"Very well, my lord," said he. + +Was this strange man pleased with this decision? You might have doubted +it, for his impassive countenance betrayed no emotion. He seemed as if +acting for another more than for himself. + +"I am ready to answer," continued he. + +"We have no questions to ask you," rejoined Glenarvan. "Tell us what +you know, Ayrton, and, in the first place, who you are." + +"Gentlemen," replied he, "I am really Tom Ayrton, quartermaster of the +Britannia. I left Glasgow in Captain Grant's ship on the 12th of March, +1861. For fourteen months we traversed together the Pacific, seeking +some favorable place to found a Scottish colony. Harry Grant was a man +capable of performing great deeds, but frequently serious disputes +arose between us. His character did not harmonize with mine. I could +not yield; but with Harry Grant, when his resolution is taken, all +resistance is impossible. He is like iron towards himself and others. +However, I dared to mutiny, and attempted to involve the crew and gain +possession of the vessel. Whether I did right or wrong is of little +importance. However it may be, Captain Grant did not hesitate to land +me, April 8, 1862, on the west coast of Australia." + +"Australia!" exclaimed the major, interrupting Ayrton's story. "Then +you left the Britannia before her arrival at Callao, where the last +news of her was dated?" + +"Yes," replied the quartermaster; "for the Britannia never stopped at +Callao while I was on board. If I spoke of Callao at O'Moore's farm, it +was your story that gave me this information." + +"Go on, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. + +[Sidenote: MORE BLANKS THAN PRIZES.] + +"I found myself, therefore, abandoned on an almost desert coast, but +only twenty miles from the penitentiary of Perth, the capital of +Western Australia. Wandering along the shore, I met a band of convicts +who had just escaped. I joined them. You will spare me, my lord, the +account of my life for two years and a half. It is enough to know that +I became chief of the runaways, under the name of Ben Joyce. In the +month of September, 1864, I made my appearance at the Irishman's farm, +and was received as a servant under my true name of Ayrton. Here I +waited till an opportunity should be offered to gain possession of a +vessel. This was my great object. Two months later the Duncan arrived. +During your visit at the farm you related, my lord, the whole story of +Captain Grant. I then learned what I had not known, the Britannia's +stoppage at Callao, the last news of her, dated June, 1862, two months +after my abandonment, the finding of the document, the shipwreck of the +vessel, and finally the important reasons you had for seeking Captain +Grant in Australia. I did not hesitate, but resolved to appropriate +the Duncan,--a marvelous ship, that would have distanced the best of +the British navy. However, there were serious injuries to be repaired. +I therefore let her start for Melbourne, and offered myself to you in +my real character of quartermaster, volunteering to guide you to the +scene of the shipwreck, which I falsely located on the eastern coast +of Australia. Thus followed at a distance and sometimes preceded by +my band of convicts, I conducted your party across the province of +Victoria. My companions committed a useless crime at Camden Bridge, +since the Duncan, once at Twofold Bay, could not have escaped me, and +with it I should have been master of the ocean. I brought you thus +unsuspectingly as far as the Snowy River. The horses and oxen fell dead +one by one, poisoned by the gastrolobium. I entangled the cart in the +marshes. At my suggestion----but you know the rest, my lord, and can +be certain that, except for Mr. Paganel's absent-mindedness, I should +now be commander on board the Duncan. Such is my story, gentlemen. My +disclosures, unfortunately, cannot set you on the track of Captain +Grant, and you see that in dealing with me you have made a bad bargain." + +The quartermaster ceased, crossed his arms, according to his custom, +and waited. Glenarvan and his friends were silent. They felt that this +strange criminal had told the entire truth. The capture of the Duncan +had only failed through a cause altogether beyond his control. His +accomplices had reached Twofold Bay, as the convict's blouse, found by +Glenarvan, proved. There, faithful to the orders of their chief, they +had lain in wait for the yacht, and at last, tired of watching, they +had doubtless resumed their occupation of plunder and burning in the +fields of New South Wales. + +The major was the first to resume the examination, in order to +determine the dates relative to the Britannia. + +"It was the 8th of April, 1862, then, that you were landed on the west +coast of Australia?" he asked of the quartermaster. + +"Exactly," replied Ayrton. + +"And do you know what Captain Grant's plans were then?" + +"Vaguely." + +"Continue, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "The least sign may set us on the +track." + +"What I can say is this, my lord. Captain Grant intended to visit New +Zealand. But this part of his programme was not carried out while I was +on board. The Britannia might, therefore, after leaving Callao, have +gained the shores of New Zealand. This would agree with the date, June +27, 1862, given in the document as the time of the shipwreck." + +"Evidently," remarked Paganel. + +"But," added Glenarvan, "there is nothing in these half-obliterated +portions of the document which can apply to New Zealand." + +"That I cannot answer," said the quartermaster. + +"Well, Ayrton," continued Glenarvan, "you have kept your word, and I +will keep mine. We will decide on what island of the Pacific you shall +be abandoned." + +"Oh, it matters little to me," answered Ayrton. + +"Return to your cabin now, and await our decision." + +The quartermaster retired, under guard of the two sailors. + +"This villain might have been a great man," observed the major. + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan. "He has a strong and self-reliant character. +Why must his abilities be devoted to crime?" + +"But Harry Grant?" + +"I fear that he is forever lost! Poor children! who could tell them +where their father is?" + +"I!" cried Paganel. + +As we have remarked, the geographer, although so loquacious and +excitable usually, had scarcely spoken during Ayrton's examination. He +had listened in total silence. But this last word that he had uttered +was worth more than all the others, and startled Glenarvan at once. + +"You, Paganel!" he exclaimed; "do you know where Captain Grant is?" + +"As well as can be known," answered the geographer. + +"And how do you know?" + +"By that everlasting document." + +[Sidenote: A GEOGRAPHER'S REMINISCENCES.] + +"Ah!" said the major, in a tone of the most thorough incredulity. + +"Listen first, MacNabb, and shrug your shoulders afterwards. I did +not speak before, because you would not have believed me. Besides, it +was useless. But if I speak to-day, it is because Ayrton's opinion +corroborates mine." + +"Then New Zealand----?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Hear and judge," replied Paganel. "I did not commit the blunder +that saved us, without reason. Just as I was writing that letter +at Glenarvan's dictation, the word Zealand was troubling my brain. +You remember that we were in the cart. MacNabb had just told Lady +Helena the story of the convicts, and had handed her the copy of the +_Australian and New Zealand Gazette_ that gave an account of the +accident at Camden Bridge. As I was writing, the paper lay on the +ground, folded so that only two syllables of its title could be seen, +and these were _aland_. What a light broke in upon my mind! 'Aland' +was one of the very words in the English document,--a word that we had +hitherto translated _ashore_, but which was the termination of the +proper name Zealand." + +"Ha!" cried Glenarvan. + +"Yes," continued Paganel, with profound conviction, "this +interpretation had escaped me, and do you know why? Because my +examinations were naturally confined more particularly to the French +document, where this important word was wanting." + +"Ho! ho!" laughed the major, "that is too much imagination, Paganel. +You forget your previous conclusions rather easily." + +"Well, major, I am ready to answer you." + +"Then what becomes of your word _austral_?" + +"It is what it was at first. It simply means the southern (_australes_) +countries." + +"Very well. But that word _indi_, that was first the root of Indians +(_indiens_), and then of natives (_indigenes_)?" + +"The third and last time, it shall be the first two syllables of the +word _indigence_ (destitution)." + +"And _contin_!" cried MacNabb; "does it still signify _continent_?" + +"No, since New Zealand is only an island." + +"Then?" inquired Glenarvan. + +"My dear lord," replied Paganel, "I will translate the document for +you, according to my third interpretation, and you shall judge. I only +make two suggestions. First, forget as far as possible the previous +interpretations; and next, although certain passages will seem to you +forced, and I may translate them wrongly, still, remember that they +have no special importance. Moreover, the French document serves as the +basis of my interpretation, and you must consider that it was written +by an Englishman who could not have been perfectly familiar with the +idioms of our language." + +So saying, Paganel, slowly pronouncing each syllable, read the +following: + +"On the 27th of June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, foundered, +after a long struggle (_agonie_), in the South (_australes_) Seas, on +the coasts of New Ze_aland_. Two sailors and Captain Grant succeeded +in landing (_abor_der). Here, continually (_contin_uellement) a prey +(_pr_oie) to a cruel (_cruel_le) destitution (_indi_gence), they cast +this document into the sea, at longitude ---- and latitude 37 deg. 11'. +Come to their assistance, or they are lost." + +Paganel stopped. His interpretation was admissible. But, although +it appeared as probable as the other, still it might be as false. +Glenarvan and the major therefore no longer attempted to dispute it. +However, since the traces of the Britannia had not been encountered on +the coasts of Patagonia or Australia, the chances were in favor of New +Zealand. + +"Now, Paganel," said Glenarvan, "will you tell me why, for about two +months, you kept this interpretation secret?" + +[Sidenote: UNANIMITY IN DESPAIR.] + +"Because I did not wish to give you vain hopes. Besides, we were going +to Auckland, which is on the very latitude of the document." + +"But afterwards, when we were taken out of our course, why did you not +speak?" + +"Because, however just this interpretation may be, it cannot contribute +to the captain's rescue." + +"Why, Paganel?" + +"Because, admitting that Captain Grant was wrecked on the coast of New +Zealand, as long as he has not made his appearance for two years since +the disaster, he must have fallen a victim to the sea or the savages." + +"Then your opinion is----?" asked Glenarvan. + +"That we might perhaps find some traces of the shipwreck, but that the +seamen of the Britannia have perished." + +"Keep all this silent, my friends," replied Glenarvan, "and leave me to +choose the time for telling this sad news to the children of Captain +Grant." + + + + +CHAPTER LVIII. + +A CRY IN THE NIGHT. + + +The crew soon learned that Ayrton's disclosures had not thrown light +upon the situation of Captain Grant. The despair on board was profound, +for they had relied on the quartermaster, who, however, knew nothing +that could put the Duncan on the track of the Britannia. The yacht +therefore continued on the same course, and the only question now was +to choose the island on which to leave Ayrton. + +Paganel and Captain Mangles consulted the maps on board. Exactly on +the thirty-seventh parallel was an island, generally known by the +name of Maria Theresa, a lone rock in the midst of the Pacific, three +thousand five hundred miles from the American coast, and one thousand +five hundred miles from New Zealand. No ship ever came within hail of +this solitary isle; no tidings from the world ever reached it. Only the +storm-birds rested here during their long flights, and many maps do not +even indicate its position. + +If anywhere absolute isolation was to be found on earth, it was here, +afar from the ocean's traveled highways. Its situation was made known +to Ayrton, who consented to live there; and the vessel was accordingly +headed towards the island. Two days later the lookout hailed land on +the horizon. It was Maria Theresa, low, long, and scarcely emerging +from the waves, appearing like some enormous sea-monster. Thirty miles +still lay between it and the yacht, whose prow cut the waves with +such speed that soon the island grew distinct. The sun, now sinking +towards the west, defined its outlines in glowing light. Several slight +elevations were tinged with the last rays of the day. + +At five o'clock Captain Mangles thought he distinguished a faint smoke +rising towards the sky. + +"Is that a volcano?" he inquired of Paganel, who, with his telescope, +was examining the land. + +"I do not know what to think," replied the geographer. "Maria Theresa +is a point little known. However, I should not be surprised if its +origin was due to some volcanic upheaval." + +"But then," said Glenarvan, "if an eruption created it, may we not fear +that the same agency will destroy it?" + +"That is scarcely probable," answered Paganel. "Its existence has +been known for several centuries; and this seems a guarantee for its +continuance." + +"Well," continued Glenarvan, "do you think, captain, that we can land +before night?" + +[Sidenote: ANOTHER ARTIFICIAL VOLCANO.] + +"No, certainly not. I ought not to endanger the Duncan in the darkness, +on a coast that is not familiar to me. I will keep a short distance +from land, and to-morrow at daybreak we will send a boat ashore." + +At eight o'clock Maria Theresa, although only five miles to windward, +appeared like a lengthened shadow, scarcely visible. An hour later, +quite a bright light, like a fire, blazed in the darkness. It was +motionless and stationary. + +"That would seem to indicate a volcano," said Paganel, watching it +attentively. + +"However," replied Captain Mangles, "at this distance we ought to hear +the commotion that always accompanies an eruption, and yet the wind +brings no sound to our ears." + +"Indeed," observed Paganel, "this volcano glows, but does not +speak. You might say that it throws out intermittent flashes like a +lighthouse." + +"You are right," continued Captain Mangles; "and yet we are not on the +illuminated side. Ha!" cried he, "another fire! On the shore this time! +See! it moves, it changes its place!" + +He was not mistaken. A new light had appeared, that sometimes seemed to +go out, and then all at once flash forth again. + +"Is the island inhabited?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Evidently, by savages," replied Paganel. + +"Then we cannot abandon the quartermaster here." + +"No," said the major; "that would be giving even savages too dangerous +a present." + +"We will seek some other deserted island," resumed Glenarvan, who could +not help smiling at MacNabb's delicacy. "I promised Ayrton his life, +and I will keep my promise." + +"At all events, let us beware," added Paganel. "The New Zealanders have +the barbarous custom of misleading ships by moving fires. The natives +of Maria Theresa may understand this deception." + +"Bear away a point," cried the captain to the sailor at the helm. +"To-morrow, at sunrise, we shall know what is to be done." + +At eleven o'clock the passengers and the captain retired to their +cabins. At the bow the first watch was pacing the deck, while at the +stern the helmsman was alone at his post. + +In the stillness Mary and Robert Grant came on deck. The two children, +leaning upon the railing, gazed sadly at the phosphorescent sea and the +luminous wake of the yacht. Mary thought of Robert's future; Robert +thought of his sister's; both thought of their father. Was that beloved +parent still living? Yet must they give him up? But no, what would life +be without him? What would become of them without his protection? What +would have become of them already, except for the magnanimity of Lord +and Lady Glenarvan? + +The boy, taught by misfortune, divined the thoughts that were agitating +his sister. He took her hand in his. + +"Mary," said he, "we must never despair. Remember the lessons our +father taught us. 'Courage compensates for everything in this world,' +he said. Let us have that indomitable courage that overcomes all +obstacles. Hitherto you have labored for me, my sister, but now I shall +labor for you." + +"Dear Robert!" replied the young girl. + +"I must tell you one thing," continued he. "You will not be sorry, +Mary?" + +"Why should I be sorry, my child?" + +"And you will let me do as I wish?" + +"What do you mean?" asked she, anxiously. + +"My sister, I shall be a sailor----!" + +"And leave me?" cried the young girl, clasping her brother's hand. + +[Sidenote: EULOGY AND THRENODY.] + +"Yes, sister, I shall be a sailor, like my father, and like Captain +John. Mary, my dear Mary, he has not lost all hope! You will have, like +me, confidence in his devotion. He has promised that he will make me a +thorough and efficient sailor, and we shall seek our father together. +Say that you are willing, sister. What our father would have done for +us it is our duty, or mine at least, to do for him. My life has but one +object, to which it is wholly devoted,--to search always for him who +would never have abandoned either of us. Dear Mary, how good our father +was!" + +"And so noble, so generous!" added Mary. "Do you know, Robert, that he +was already one of the glories of our country, and would have ranked +among its great men if fate had not arrested his course?" + +"How well I know it!" answered Robert. + +Mary pressed her brother to her heart, and the child felt tears +dropping upon his forehead. + +"Mary! Mary!" cried he, "it is in vain for them to speak, or to keep +silent. I hope still, and shall always do so. A man like our father +does not die till he has accomplished his purpose!" + +Mary Grant could not reply; sobs choked her utterance. A thousand +emotions agitated her soul at the thought that new attempts would be +made to find her father, and that the young captain's devotion was +boundless. + +"Does Mr. John still hope?" asked she. + +"Yes," replied Robert. "He is a brother who will never forsake us. I +shall be a sailor, shall I not, sister,--a sailor to seek my father +with him? Are you willing?" + +"Yes," said Mary. "But must we be separated?" + +"You will not be alone, Mary, I know. John has told me so. Lady Helena +will not permit you to leave her. You are a woman, and can and ought to +accept her benefits. To refuse them would be ungrateful. But a man, as +my father has told me a hundred times, ought to make his own fortune." + +"But what will become of our house at Dundee, so full of associations?" + +"We will keep it, my sister. All that has been well arranged by our +friend John and Lord Glenarvan, who will keep you at Malcolm Castle +like a daughter. He said so to John, who told me. You will be at home +there, and wait till John and I bring back our father. Ah, what a +joyful day that will be!" cried Robert, whose face was radiant with +enthusiasm. + +"My brother, my child!" exclaimed Mary, "how happy our father would be +if he could hear you! How much you resemble him, dear Robert! When you +are a man you will be quite like him!" + +"God grant it, Mary!" said Robert, glowing with holy and filial pride. + +"But how shall we pay our debt to Lord and Lady Glenarvan?" continued +Mary. + +"Oh, that will not be difficult," answered Robert, with his boyish +impulsiveness. "We will tell them how much we love and respect them, +and we will show it to them by our actions." + +"That is all we can do!" added the young girl, covering her brother's +face with kisses; "and all that they will like, too!" + +Then, relapsing into reveries, the two children of the captain gazed +silently into the shadowy obscurity of the night. However, in fancy +they still conversed, questioned, and answered each other. The sea +rocked the ship in silence, and the phosphorescent waters glistened in +the darkness. + +But now a strange, a seemingly supernatural event took place. The +brother and sister, by one of those magnetic attractions that +mysteriously draw the souls of friends together, experienced at the +same instant the same curious hallucination. + +[Sidenote: "METHOUGHT, THE BILLOWS SPOKE!"] + +From the midst of these alternately brightening and darkening waves, +they thought they heard a voice issue, whose depth of sadness stirred +every fibre of their hearts. + +"Help! help!" cried the voice. + +"Mary," said Robert, "did you hear?" + +And, raising their heads above the bulwarks, they both gazed +searchingly into the misty shadows of the night. Yet there was nothing +but the darkness stretching blankly before them. + +"Robert," said Mary, pale with emotion, "I thought--yes, I thought like +you." + +At this moment another cry reached them, and this time the illusion was +such that these words broke simultaneously from both their hearts: + +"My father! my father!" + +This was too much for Mary Grant. Overcome by emotion, she sank +senseless into her brother's arms. + +"Help!" cried Robert. "My sister! my father! help!" + +The man at the helm hastened to Miss Grant's assistance, and after +him the sailors of the watch, Captain Mangles, Lady Helena, and Lord +Glenarvan, who had been suddenly awakened. + +"My sister is dying, and my father is yonder!" exclaimed Robert, +pointing to the waves. + +No one understood his words. + +"Yes," repeated he, "my father is yonder! I heard his voice, and Mary +did too!" + +Just then Mary Grant recovered consciousness, and, looking wildly +around, cried: + +"My father, my father is yonder!" + +The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the bulwark, would have +thrown herself into the sea. + +"My lord! Madam!" repeated she, clasping her hands, "I tell you my +father is there! I declare to you that I heard his voice issue from the +waves like a despairing wail, like a last adieu!" + +[Sidenote: THE POSITIVENESS OF DISBELIEF.] + +Then her feelings overcame the poor girl, and she became insensible. +They carried her to her cabin, and Lady Helena followed, to minister to +her wants, while Robert kept repeating: + +[Illustration: The unfortunate girl arose, and, leaning over the +bulwark, would have thrown herself into the sea.] + +"My father! my father is there! I am sure of it, my lord!" + +The witnesses of this sorrowful scene perceived at last that the two +children had been the sport of an hallucination. But how undeceive +their senses, which had been so strongly impressed? Glenarvan, however, +attempted it, and taking Robert by the hand, said: + +"You heard your father's voice, my dear boy?" + +"Yes, my lord. Yonder, in the midst of the waves, he cried, 'Help! +help!'" + +"And you recognized the voice?" + +"Did I recognize it? Oh, yes, I assure you! My sister heard and +recognized it, too. How could both of us be deceived? My lord, let us +go to his rescue. A boat! a boat!" + +Glenarvan saw plainly that he could not undeceive the poor child. +Still, he made a last attempt, and called the helmsman. + +"Hawkins," asked he, "you were at the wheel when Miss Grant was so +singularly affected?" + +"Yes, my lord," replied Hawkins. + +"And you did not see or hear anything?" + +"Nothing." + +"You see how it is, Robert." + +"If it had been _his_ father," answered the lad, with irrepressible +energy, "he would not say so. It was _my_ father, my lord! my father, +my father----!" + +Robert's voice was choked by a sob. Pale and speechless, he, too, like +his sister, lost consciousness. Glenarvan had him carried to his bed, +and the child, overcome by emotion, sank into a profound slumber. + +"Poor orphans!" said Captain Mangles; "God tries them in a terrible +way!" + +"Yes," replied Glenarvan, "excessive grief has produced upon both at +the same moment a similar effect." + +"Upon both!" murmured Paganel. "That is strange!" + +Then, leaning forward, after making a sign to keep still, he listened +attentively. The silence was profound everywhere. Paganel called in a +loud voice, but there was no answer. + +"It is strange!" repeated the geographer, returning to his cabin; "an +intimate sympathy of thought and grief does not suffice to explain this +mystery." + +Early the next morning the passengers (and among them were Robert +and Mary, for it was impossible to restrain them) were assembled +on deck. All wished to examine this land, which had been scarcely +distinguishable the night before. The principal points of the island +were eagerly scanned. The yacht coasted along about a mile from the +shore, and the unassisted eye could easily discern the larger objects. + +Suddenly Robert uttered a cry. He maintained that he saw two men +running and gesticulating, while a third was waving a flag. + +"Yes: the flag of England!" cried Captain Mangles, when he had used his +glass. + +"It is true!" said Paganel, turning quickly towards Robert. + +"My lord!" exclaimed the boy, trembling with excitement,--"my lord, if +you do not wish me to swim to the island, you will lower a boat! Ah, my +lord, if you please, I do wish to be the first to land!" + +[Sidenote: A COMPENSATION FOR ALL.] + +No one knew what to say. Were there three men, shipwrecked sailors, +Englishmen, on that island? All recalled the events of the night +before, and thought of the voice heard by Robert and Mary. Perhaps, +after all, they were not mistaken. A voice might have reached them. +But could this voice be that of their father? No, alas, no! And each, +thinking of the terrible disappointment that was probably in store, +trembled lest this new trial would exceed their strength. But how +restrain them? Lord Glenarvan had not the courage. + +"Lower the boat!" cried he. + +In a moment this was done; the two children, Glenarvan, Captain +Mangles, and Paganel stepped into it, and six earnest and skilled +oarsmen sped away towards the shore. + +At ten yards therefrom, Mary uttered again the heart-rending cry: + +"My father!" + +A man was standing on the beach between two others. His form was tall +and stout, while his weather-beaten yet pleasant countenance betrayed +a strong resemblance to the features of Mary and Robert Grant. It was, +indeed, the man whom the children had so often described. Their hearts +had not deceived them. It was their father, it was Captain Grant! + +He heard his daughter's cry, he opened his arms, and supported her +fainting form. + + + + +CHAPTER LIX. + +CAPTAIN GRANT'S STORY. + + +Joy does not kill, for the long lost father and his recovered children +were soon rejoicing together and preparing to return to the yacht. But +how can we depict that scene, so little looked for by any? Words are +powerless. + +[Sidenote: THE JOYS OF REUNION.] + +As soon as he gained the deck, Harry Grant sank upon his knees. The +pious Scotchman, on touching what was to him the soil of his country, +wished, first of all, to thank God for his deliverance. Then, turning +towards Lady Helena; Lord Glenarvan, and their companions, he thanked +them in a voice broken by emotion. While on their way to the yacht, his +children had briefly told him the story of the Duncan. + +[Illustration: A man was standing on the beach between two others. His +form was tall and stout.] + +How great a debt of gratitude did he feel that he owed this noble woman +and her companions! From Lord Glenarvan down to the lowest sailor, +had not all struggled and suffered for him? Harry Grant expressed +the feelings of thankfulness that overflowed his heart with so much +simplicity and nobleness, and his manly countenance was illumined by so +pure and sincere a sentiment, that all felt themselves repaid for the +trials they had undergone. Even the imperturbable major's eye was wet +with a tear that he could not repress. As for Paganel, he wept like a +child who does not think of hiding his emotion. + +Captain Grant could not cease gazing at his daughter. He found her +beautiful and charming, and told her so again and again, appealing +to Lady Helena as if to be assured that his fatherly love was not +mistaken. Then, turning to his son, he cried rapturously: + +"How he has grown! He is a man!" + +He lavished upon these two beings, so dearly loved, the thousand +expressions of love that had been unuttered during long years of +absence. Robert introduced him successively to all his friends. All had +alike proved their kindness and good wishes towards the two orphans. +When Captain Mangles came to be introduced, he blushed like a young +girl, and his voice trembled as he saluted Mary's father. + +Lady Helena then told the story of the voyage, and made the captain +proud of his son and daughter. He learned the exploits of the young +hero, and how the boy had already repaid part of his obligation to Lord +Glenarvan at the peril of his life. Captain Mangles' language to Mary +and concerning her was so truly loving, that Harry Grant, who had been +already informed on this point by Lady Helena, placed the hand of his +daughter in that of the noble young captain, and, turning towards Lord +and Lady Glenarvan, said: + +"My lord and lady, join with me to bless our children!" + +It was not long before Glenarvan related Ayrton's story to the captain, +who confirmed the quartermaster's declaration in regard to his having +been abandoned on the Australian coast. + +"He is a shrewd and courageous man," added he; "but his passions have +ruined him. May meditation and repentance lead him to better feelings!" + +But before Ayrton was transferred to Tabor Island, Harry Grant wished +to show his new friends the bounds of his habitation. He invited them +to visit his house, and sit for once at his table. Glenarvan and his +companions cordially accepted the invitation, and Robert and Mary +were not a little desirous to see those haunts where their father had +doubtless at times bewailed his fate. A boat was manned, and the whole +party soon disembarked on the shores of the island. + +A few hours sufficed to traverse Captain Grant's domain. It was in +reality the summit of a submarine mountain, covered with basaltic rocks +and volcanic fragments. When the shipwrecked seamen of the Britannia +took refuge here, the hand of man began to control the development of +nature's resources, and in two years and a half the captain and his +companions had completely metamorphosed their island home. + +The visitors at last reached the house, shaded by verdant gum-trees, +while before its windows stretched the glorious sea, glittering in +the rays of the sun. Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all +took seats around it. Some cold roast meat, some of the produce of the +breadfruit-tree, several bowls of milk, two or three bunches of wild +chicory, and pure, fresh water, formed the elements of the simple but +healthful repast. Paganel was in ecstasies. It recalled his old idea of +Robinson Crusoe. + +[Sidenote: THE RULING PASSION STILL STRONG.] + +"That rascal Ayrton will have no cause to complain," cried he in his +enthusiasm. "The island is a paradise!" + +"Yes," replied Harry Grant, "a paradise for three poor sailors whom +Heaven sheltered here. But I regret that Maria Theresa is not a large +and fertile island, with a river instead of a rivulet, and a harbor +instead of a coast so exposed to the force of the waves." + +"And why, captain?" asked Glenarvan. + +"Because I would have laid here the foundation of that colony that I +wish to present to Scotland." + +"Ah!" said Glenarvan. "Then you have not abandoned the idea that has +made you so popular in your native land?" + +"No, my lord; and God has saved me, through your instrumentality, only +to permit me to accomplish it. Our poor brothers of old Caledonia shall +yet have another Scotland in the New World. Our dear country must +possess in these seas a colony of her own, where she can find that +independence and prosperity that are wanting in many European empires." + +"That is well said, captain," replied Lady Helena. "It is a noble +project, and worthy of a great heart. But this island----?" + +"No, madam, it is a rock, only large enough to support a few colonists; +while we need a vast territory, rich in all primitive treasures." + +"Well, captain," cried Glenarvan, "the future is before us! Let us seek +this land together!" + +The hands of both men met in a warm clasp, as if to ratify this +promise. All now wished to hear the story of the shipwrecked sailors +of the Britannia during those two long years of solitude. Harry Grant +accordingly hastened to satisfy the desires of his new friends, and +began as follows: + +[Illustration: Harry Grant set his table in the shade, and all took +seats around it.] + +[Sidenote: A TALE OF INDUSTRY.] + +"It was on the night of the 26th of June, 1862, that the Britannia, +disabled by a six days' tempest, was wrecked on the rock of Maria +Theresa. The sea was so high that to save anything was impossible, +and all the crew perished except my two sailors, Bob Learce and Joe +Bell, and myself; and we succeeded in reaching the coast after many +struggles. The land that we thus reached was only a desert island, two +miles wide and five long, with a few trees in the interior, some meadow +land, and a spring of fresh water that, fortunately, has never ceased +to flow. Alone with my two sailors, in this quarter of the globe, I did +not despair, but, placing my confidence in God, engaged in a resolute +struggle. Bob and Joe, my companions and friends in misfortune, +energetically aided my efforts. We began, like Robinson Crusoe, by +collecting the fragments of the vessel, some tools, a little powder, +several weapons, and a bag of precious seeds. The first weeks were very +toilsome, but soon hunting and fishing furnished us subsistence, for +wild goats swarmed in the interior of the island, and marine animals +abounded on its coast. Gradually our daily routine was regularly +organized. I determined our exact situation by my instruments, which +I had saved from the shipwreck. We were out of the regular course of +ships, and could not be rescued except by a providential interposition. +Although thinking of those who were dear to me, and whom I never +expected to see again, still I accepted this trial with fortitude, and +my most earnest prayers were for my two children. Meantime we labored +resolutely. Much of the land was sown with the seeds taken from the +Britannia; and potatoes, chicory, sorrel, and other vegetables improved +and varied our daily food. We caught several goats, which were easily +kept, and had milk and butter. The breadfruit-tree, which grew in the +dry creeks, furnished us with a sort of nourishing bread, and the +wants of life no longer gave us any alarm. We built a house out of the +fragments of the Britannia, covered it with sails, carefully tarred, +and under this shelter the rainy season was comfortably passed. Here +many plans were discussed, and many dreams enjoyed, the best of which +has just been realized! At first I thought of braving the sea in a +boat made of the wreck of the vessel; but a vast distance separated us +from the nearest land. No boat could have endured so long a voyage. +I therefore abandoned my design, and no longer expected deliverance, +except through a Divine interposition. Ah, my poor children, how many +times, on the rocks of the coast, have we waited for ships at sea! +During the entire period of our exile only two or three sails appeared +on the horizon, and these soon to disappear again. Two years and a half +passed thus. We no longer hoped, but still did not wholly despair. At +last, yesterday afternoon, I had mounted the highest summit of the +island, when I perceived a faint smoke in the west, which grew clearer, +and I soon distinctly discerned a vessel that seemed to be coming +towards us. But would she not avoid this island, which offered no +landing-place? Ah, what a day of anguish, and how my heart throbbed! My +companions kindled a fire on one of the peaks. Night came, but the ship +gave no signal for approach. Deliverance was there, and should we see +it vanish? I hesitated no longer. The darkness increased. The vessel +might double the island during the night. I threw myself into the sea, +to swim to her. Hope increased my strength. I beat the waves with +almost superhuman energy, and approached the yacht. Scarcely thirty +yards separated me, when she tacked. Then I uttered those despairing +cries which my two children alone heard, for they were no illusion. I +returned to the shore, exhausted and overcome by fatigue and emotion. +It was a terrible night, this last one on the island. We believed +ourselves forever abandoned, when, at daybreak, I perceived the yacht +slowly coasting along the shores. Your boat was then lowered,--we were +saved, and, thanks to the Divine goodness of Heaven, my dear children +were there to stretch out their arms to me!" [Sidenote: THE DOCUMENT +ONCE MORE!] + +Harry Grant's story was finished amid a fresh shower of kisses and +caresses from Robert and Mary. The captain learned now, for the first +time, that he owed his deliverance to that hieroglyphic document +that, eight days after his shipwreck, he had inclosed in a bottle and +confided to the mercy of the waves. + +But what did Jacques Paganel think during this recital? The worthy +geographer revolved the words of the document a thousand ways in his +brain. He reviewed his three interpretations, which were all false. How +had this island been indicated in these damaged papers? He could no +longer restrain himself, but, seizing Harry Grant's hand, cried: + +"Captain, will you tell me what your undecipherable document contained?" + +At this request curiosity was general, for the long-sought clew to the +mystery would now be given. + +"Well, captain," said Paganel, "do you remember the exact words of the +document?" + +"Perfectly," replied Harry Grant; "and scarcely a day has passed but +memory has recalled those words upon which our only hope hung." + +"And what are they, captain?" inquired Glenarvan. "Tell us, for our +curiosity is great." + +"I am ready to satisfy you," continued Harry Grant; "but you know that, +to increase the chances of success, I inclosed in the bottle three +documents, written in three languages. Which one do you wish to hear?" + +"They are not identical, then?" cried Paganel. + +"Yes, almost to a word." + +"Well, give us the French document," said Glenarvan. "This one was +spared the most by the waves, and has served as the principal basis for +our search." + +"This is it, my lord, word for word," answered Harry Grant. + +"'On the 27th June, 1862, the brig Britannia, of Glasgow, was lost +1500 leagues from Patagonia, in the southern hemisphere. Carried by the +waves, two sailors and Captain Grant reached Tabor Island----'" + +"Ha!" interrupted Paganel. + +"'Here,'" resumed Harry Grant, "'continually a prey to a cruel +destitution, they cast this document into the sea at longitude 153 deg. +and latitude 37 deg. 11'. Come to their aid, or they are lost.'" + +At the word "Tabor," Paganel had suddenly risen, and then, controlling +himself no longer, he cried: + +"How Tabor Island? It is Maria Theresa." + +"Certainly, Mr. Paganel," replied Harry Grant; "Maria Theresa on the +English and German, but Tabor on the French maps." + +At this moment a vigorous blow descended upon Paganel's shoulder. Truth +compels us to say that it was from the major, who now failed in his +strict habits of propriety. + +"A fine geographer you are!" said MacNabb, in a tone of badinage. "But +no matter, since we have succeeded." + +"No matter?" cried Paganel; "I ought never to have forgotten that +twofold appellation! It is an unpardonable mistake, unworthy of the +secretary of a Geographical Society. I am disgraced!" + +When the meal was finished, Harry Grant put everything in order in his +house. He took nothing away, for he was willing that the guilty convict +should inherit his possessions. + +They returned to the vessel; and, as he expected to sail the same day, +Glenarvan gave orders for the quartermaster's landing. Ayrton was +brought on deck, and found himself in the presence of Harry Grant. + +"It is I, Ayrton," said he. + +"Yes, captain," replied Ayrton, without betraying any astonishment at +Harry Grant's appearance. "Well, I am not sorry to see you again in +good health." + +[Illustration: The passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded +arms, standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the +vessel.] + +"It seems, Ayrton, that I made a mistake in landing you on an inhabited +coast." + +"It seems so, captain." + +"You will take my place on this desert island. May Heaven lead you to +repentance!" + +"May it be so," rejoined Ayrton, in a calm tone. + +Then Glenarvan, addressing the quartermaster, said: + +"Do you still adhere, Ayrton, to this determination to be abandoned?" + +"Yes, my lord." + +"Does Tabor Island suit you?" + +"Perfectly." + +"Now listen to my last words. You will be far removed from every land, +and deprived of all communication with your fellow-men. Miracles are +rare, and you will not probably remove from this island, where we leave +you. You will be alone, under the eye of God, who reads the uttermost +depths of all hearts; but you will not be lost, as was Captain Grant. +However unworthy you may be of the remembrance of men, still they will +remember you. I know where you are, and will never forget you." + +"Thank you, my lord!" replied Ayrton, simply. + +Such were the last words exchanged between Glenarvan and the +quartermaster. The boat was ready, and Ayrton embarked. Captain Mangles +had previously sent to the island several cases of preserved food, some +clothes, tools, weapons, and a supply of powder and shot. The abandoned +man could therefore employ his time to advantage. Nothing was wanting, +not even books, foremost among which was a Bible. + +The hour for separation had come. The crew and passengers stood on +deck. More than one felt the heart strangely moved. Lady Helena and +Mary Grant could not repress their emotion. + +"Must it then be so?" inquired the young wife of her husband. "Must +this unfortunate be abandoned?" + +[Sidenote: "FAREWELL! A LONG FAREWELL!"] + +"He must, Helena," answered Glenarvan. "It is his punishment." + +At this moment the boat, commanded by Captain Mangles, started. Ayrton +raised his hat and gave a grave salute. Glenarvan and the crew returned +this last farewell, as if to a man about to die, as he departed, in a +profound silence. + +On reaching the shore, Ayrton leaped upon the sand, and the boat +returned. It was then four o'clock in the afternoon, and from the upper +deck the passengers could see the quartermaster, with folded arms, +standing motionless as a statue, on a rock, and gazing at the vessel. + +"Shall we start, my lord?" asked Captain Mangles. + +"Yes, John," replied Glenarvan, quickly, with more emotion than he +wished to manifest. + +"All right!" cried the captain to the engineer. + +The steam hissed, the screw beat the waves, and at eight o'clock the +last summits of Tabor Island disappeared in the shadows of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER LX. + +PAGANEL'S LAST ENTANGLEMENT. + + +Eleven days after leaving Tabor Island the Duncan came in sight of the +American coast, and anchored in Talcahuana Bay. Five months had elapsed +since her departure from this port, during which time the travelers +had made the circuit of the world on this thirty-seventh parallel. +Their efforts had not been in vain, for they had found the shipwrecked +survivors of the Britannia. + +The Duncan, having taken in her necessary stores, skirted the coasts +of Patagonia, doubled Cape Horn, and steamed across the Atlantic. The +voyage was very uneventful. The yacht carried a full complement of +happy people; there seemed to be no secrets on board. + +A mystery, however, still perplexed MacNabb. Why did Paganel always +keep hermetically incased in his clothes, and wear a comforter over +his ears? The major longed to know the motive for this singular fancy. +But in spite of his questions, hints, and suspicions, Paganel did not +unbutton his coat. + +At last, fifty-three days after leaving Talcahuana, Captain Mangles +descried the lighthouse of Cape Clear. The vessel entered St. George's +Channel, crossed the Irish Sea, and passed into the Frith of Clyde. At +eleven o'clock they anchored at Dumbarton, and early in the afternoon +the travelers reached Malcolm Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their +tenantry and friends. + +Thus it was that Harry Grant and his two companions were rescued, and +that John Mangles married Mary Grant in the old cathedral of St. Mungo, +where the Rev. Mr. Morton, who nine months before had prayed for the +rescue of the father, now blessed the union of the daughter with one +of his deliverers. It was arranged that Robert should be a sailor, +like his father and brother-in-law, and that he should continue the +contemplated project of the former, under the munificent patronage of +Lord Glenarvan. + +But was Jacques Paganel to die a bachelor? Certainly not; for, after +his heroic exploits, the worthy geographer could not escape celebrity. +His eccentricities (and his abilities) made him much talked of in +Scotland. People seemed as though they could not show him enough +attention. + +Just at this time an amiable lady of thirty, none other than the +major's cousin, a little eccentric herself, but still agreeable and +charming, fell in love with the geographer's peculiarities. Paganel was +far from being insensible to Miss Arabella's attractions, yet did not +dare to declare his sentiments. The major accordingly undertook the +part of Cupid's messenger between these two congenial hearts, and even +told Paganel that marriage was "the last blunder" that he could commit. +But the geographer was very much embarrassed, and, strangely enough, +could not summon courage to speak for himself. + +[Illustration: Early in the afternoon the travelers reached Malcolm +Castle, amidst the hurrahs of their tenantry and friends.] + +"Does not Miss Arabella please you?" MacNabb would say to him. + +"Oh, major, she is charming!" cried Paganel,--"a thousand times too +charming for me; and, if I must tell you, would please me better if she +were less so. I should like to find a defect." + +"Be easy," answered the major; "she has more than one. The most perfect +woman always has her share. Well, then, Paganel, are you decided?" + +"I do not dare." + +"But, my learned friend, why do you hesitate?" + +"I am unworthy of her!" was the geographer's invariable reply. + +At last, one day, driven desperate by the irrepressible major, Paganel +confessed to him, under the pledge of secrecy, a peculiarity that would +facilitate his identification, if the police should ever be on his +track! + +"Bah!" exclaimed the major. + +"It is as I tell you," persisted Paganel. + +"What matter, my worthy friend?" + +"Is that your opinion?" + +"On the contrary, you are only more remarkable. This adds to your +personal advantages. It makes you the inimitable individual of whom +Arabella has dreamed." + +And the major, preserving an imperturbable gravity, left Paganel a prey +to the most acute anxiety. + +A short interview took place between MacNabb and the lady, and fifteen +weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great pomp in the chapel of +Malcolm Castle. + +[Illustration: Fifteen weeks after a marriage was celebrated with great +pomp in the chapel of Malcolm Castle.] + +The geographer's secret would doubtless have remained forever +buried in the abysses of the unknown if the major had not told it to +Glenarvan, who did not conceal it from Lady Helena, who communicated +it to Mrs. Mangles. In short, it reached the ear of Mrs. Olbinett, and +spread. + +Jacques Paganel, during his three days' captivity among the Maoris, had +been tattooed from head to foot, and bore on his breast the picture of +an heraldic kiwi with outstretched wings, in the act of biting at his +heart. + +This was the only adventure of his great voyage for which Paganel +could never be consoled or pardon the New Zealanders. In spite of the +representations of his friends, he dared not go back to France, for +fear of exposing the whole Geographical Society in his person to the +jests and railleries of the caricaturists. + +The return of Captain Grant to Scotland was welcomed as a cause for +national rejoicing, and he became the popular man of old Caledonia. His +son Robert has become a sailor like himself, and, under the patronage +of Lord Glenarvan, has undertaken the plan of founding a Scottish +colony on the shores washed by the Pacific Ocean. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS*** + + +******* This file should be named 46597.txt or 46597.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/6/5/9/46597 + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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