Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
PART 3. THE SECRET OF THE ISLAND
Chapter 1 It was now two years and a half since the
castaways from the balloon had been thrown on Lincoln Island, and during that period
there had been no communication between them and their fellow-creatures. Once the reporter
had attempted to communicate with the inhabited world by confiding to a bird a letter which
contained the secret of their situation, but that was a chance on which it was impossible
to reckon seriously. Ayrton, alone, under the circumstances which have been related,
had come to join the little colony. Now, suddenly, on this day, the 17th of October, other men
had unexpectedly appeared in sight of the island, on that deserted sea!
There could be no doubt about it! A vessel was there! But would she pass on, or would
she put into port? In a few hours the colonists would definitely know what to expect.
Cyrus Harding and Herbert having immediately called Gideon Spilett, Pencroft, and Neb into
the dining-room of Granite House, told them what had happened. Pencroft, seizing the telescope,
rapidly swept the horizon, and stopping on the indicated point, that is to say, on that
which had made the almost imperceptible spot on the photographic negative,—
"I'm blessed but it is really a vessel!" he exclaimed, in a voice which did not express
any great amount of satisfaction. "Is she coming here?" asked Gideon Spilett.
"Impossible to say anything yet," answered Pencroft, "for her rigging alone is above
the horizon, and not a bit of her hull can be seen."
"What is to be done?" asked the lad. "Wait," replied Harding.
And for a considerable time the settlers remained silent, given up to all the thoughts, and
the emotions, all the fears, all the hopes, which were aroused by this incident—the
most important which had occurred since their arrival in Lincoln Island. Certainly, the
colonists were not in the situation of castaways abandoned on a sterile islet, constantly contending
against a cruel nature for their miserable existence, and incessantly tormented by the
longing to return to inhabited countries. Pencroft and Neb, especially, who felt themselves
at once so happy and so rich, would not have left their island without regret. They were
accustomed, besides, to this new life in the midst of the domain which their intelligence
had as it were civilized. But at any rate this ship brought news from the world, perhaps
even from their native land. It was bringing fellow-creatures to them, and it may be conceived
how deeply their hearts were moved at the sight!
From time to time Pencroft took the glass and rested himself at the window. From thence
he very attentively examined the vessel, which was at a distance of twenty miles to the east.
The colonists had as yet, therefore, no means of signalizing their presence. A flag would
not have been perceived; a gun would not have been heard; a fire would not have been visible.
However, it was certain that the island, overtopped by Mount Franklin, could not escape the notice
of the vessel's lookout. But why was the ship coming there? Was it simple chance which brought
it to that part of the Pacific, where the maps mentioned no land except Tabor Island,
which itself was out of the route usually followed by vessels from the Polynesian Archipelagoes,
from New Zealand, and from the American coast? To this question, which each one asked himself,
a reply was suddenly made by Herbert. "Can it be the 'Duncan'?" he cried.
The "Duncan," as has been said, was Lord Glenarvan's yacht, which had left Ayrton on the islet,
and which was to return there someday to fetch him. Now, the islet was not so far distant
from Lincoln Island, but that a vessel, standing for the one, could pass in sight of the other.
A hundred and fifty miles only separated them in longitude, and seventy in latitude.
"We must tell Ayrton," said Gideon Spilett, "and send for him immediately. He alone can
say if it is the 'Duncan.'" This was the opinion of all, and the reporter,
going to the telegraphic apparatus which placed the corral in communication with Granite House,
sent this telegram:—"Come with all possible speed."
In a few minutes the bell sounded. "I am coming," replied Ayrton.
Then the settlers continued to watch the vessel. "If it is the 'Duncan,'" said Herbert, "Ayrton
will recognize her without difficulty, since he sailed on board her for some time."
"And if he recognizes her," added Pencroft, "it will agitate him exceedingly!"
"Yes," answered Cyrus Harding; "but now Ayrton is worthy to return on board the 'Duncan,'
and pray Heaven that it is indeed Lord Glenarvan's yacht, for I should be suspicious of any other
vessel. These are ill-famed seas, and I have always feared a visit from Malay pirates to
our island." "We could defend it,', cried Herbert.
"No doubt, my boy," answered the engineer smiling, "but it would be better not to have
to defend it." "A useless observation," said Spilett. "Lincoln
Island is unknown to navigators, since it is not marked even on the most recent maps.
Do you think, Cyrus, that that is a sufficient motive for a ship, finding herself unexpectedly
in sight of new land, to try and visit rather than avoid it?"
"Certainly," replied Pencroft. "I think so too," added the engineer. "It
may even be said that it is the duty of a captain to come and survey any land or island
not yet known, and Lincoln Island is in this position."
"Well," said Pencroft, "suppose this vessel comes and anchors there a few cables-lengths
from our island, what shall we do?" This sudden question remained at first without
any reply. But Cyrus Harding, after some moments' thought, replied in the calm tone which was
usual to him,— "What we shall do, my friends? What we ought
to do is this:—we will communicate with the ship, we will take our passage on board
her, and we will leave our island, after having taken possession of it in the name of the
United States. Then we will return with any who may wish to follow us to colonize it definitely,
and endow the American Republic with a useful station in this part of the Pacific Ocean!"
"Hurrah!" exclaimed Pencroft, "and that will be no small present which we shall make to
our country! The colonization is already almost finished; names are given to every part of
the island; there is a natural port, fresh water, roads, a telegraph, a dockyard, and
manufactories; and there will be nothing to be done but to inscribe Lincoln Island on
the maps!" "But if anyone seizes it in our absence?"
observed Gideon Spilett. "Hang it!" cried the sailor. "I would rather
remain all alone to guard it: and trust to Pencroft, they shouldn't steal it from him,
like a watch from the pocket of a swell!" For an hour it was impossible to say with
any certainty whether the vessel was or was not standing towards Lincoln Island. She was
nearer, but in what direction was she sailing? This Pencroft could not determine. However,
as the wind was blowing from the northeast, in all probability the vessel was sailing
on the starboard tack. Besides, the wind was favorable for bringing her towards the island,
and, the sea being calm, she would not be afraid to approach although the shallows were
not marked on the chart. Towards four o'clock—an hour after he had
been sent for—Ayrton arrived at Granite House. He entered the dining-room saying,—
"At your service, gentlemen." Cyrus Harding gave him his hand, as was his
custom to do, and, leading him to the window,— "Ayrton," said he, "we have begged you to
come here for an important reason. A ship is in sight of the island."
Ayrton at first paled slightly, and for a moment his eyes became dim; then, leaning
out the window, he surveyed the horizon, but could see nothing.
"Take this telescope," said Spilett, "and look carefully, Ayrton, for it is possible
that this ship may be the 'Duncan' come to these seas for the purpose of taking you home
again." "The 'Duncan!'" murmured Ayrton. "Already?"
This last word escaped Ayrton's lips as if involuntarily, and his head drooped upon his
hands. Did not twelve years' solitude on a desert
island appear to him a sufficient expiation? Did not the penitent yet feel himself pardoned,
either in his own eyes or in the eyes of others? "No," said he, "no! it cannot be the 'Duncan'!"
"Look, Ayrton," then said the engineer, "for it is necessary that we should know beforehand
what to expect." Ayrton took the glass and pointed it in the
direction indicated. During some minutes he examined the horizon without moving, without
uttering a word. Then,— "It is indeed a vessel," said he, "but I do
not think she is the 'Duncan.'" "Why do you not think so?" asked Gideon Spilett.
"Because the 'Duncan' is a steam-yacht, and I cannot perceive any trace of smoke either
above or near that vessel." "Perhaps she is simply sailing," observed
Pencroft. "The wind is favorable for the direction which she appears to be taking, and she may
be anxious to economize her coal, being so far from land."
"It is possible that you may be right, Mr. Pencroft," answered Ayrton, "and that the
vessel has extinguished her fires. We must wait until she is nearer, and then we shall
soon know what to expect." So saying, Ayrton sat down in a corner of
the room and remained silent. The colonists again discussed the strange ship, but Ayrton
took no part in the conversation. All were in such a mood that they found it impossible
to continue their work. Gideon Spilett and Pencroft were particularly nervous, going,
coming, not able to remain still in one place. Herbert felt more curiosity. Neb alone maintained
his usual calm manner. Was not his country that where his master was? As to the engineer,
he remained plunged in deep thought, and in his heart feared rather than desired the arrival
of the ship. In the meanwhile, the vessel was a little nearer the island. With the aid
of the glass, it was ascertained that she was a brig, and not one of those Malay proas,
which are generally used by the pirates of the Pacific. It was, therefore, reasonable
to believe that the engineer's apprehensions would not be justified, and that the presence
of this vessel in the vicinity of the island was fraught with no danger.
Pencroft, after a minute examination, was able positively to affirm that the vessel
was rigged as a brig, and that she was standing obliquely towards the coast, on the starboard
tack, under her topsails and top-gallant-sails. This was confirmed by Ayrton. But by continuing
in this direction she must soon disappear behind Claw Cape, as the wind was from the
southwest, and to watch her it would be then necessary to ascend the height of Washington
Bay, near Port Balloon—a provoking circumstance, for it was already five o'clock in the evening,
and the twilight would soon make any observation extremely difficult.
"What shall we do when night comes on?" asked Gideon Spilett. "Shall we light a fire, so
as to signal our presence on the coast?" This was a serious question, and yet, although
the engineer still retained some of his presentiments, it was answered in the affirmative. During
the night the ship might disappear and leave for ever, and, this ship gone, would another
ever return to the waters of Lincoln Island? Who could foresee what the future would then
have in store for the colonists? "Yes," said the reporter, "we ought to make
known to that vessel, whoever she may be, that the island is inhabited. To neglect the
opportunity which is offered to us might be to create everlasting regrets."
It was therefore decided that Neb and Pencroft should go to Port Balloon, and that there,
at nightfall, they should light an immense fire, the blaze of which would necessarily
attract the attention of the brig. But at the moment when Neb and the sailor
were preparing to leave Granite House, the vessel suddenly altered her course, and stood
directly for Union Bay. The brig was a good sailer, for she approached rapidly. Neb and
Pencroft put off their departure, therefore, and the glass was put into Ayrton's hands,
that he might ascertain for certain whether the ship was or was not the "Duncan." The
Scotch yacht was also rigged as a brig. The question was, whether a chimney could be discerned
between the two masts of the vessel, which was now at a distance of only five miles.
The horizon was still very clear. The examination was easy, and Ayrton soon let the glass fall
again, saying— "It is not the 'Duncan'! It could not be!"
Pencroft again brought the brig within the range of the telescope, and could see that
she was of between three and four hundred tons burden, wonderfully narrow, well-masted,
admirably built, and must be a very rapid sailer. But to what nation did she belong?
That was difficult to say. "And yet," added the sailor, "a flag is floating
from her peak, but I cannot distinguish the colors of it."
"In half an hour we shall be certain about that," answered the reporter. "Besides, it
is very evident that the intention of the captain of this ship is to land, and, consequently,
if not today, to-morrow at the latest, we shall make his acquaintance."
"Never mind!" said Pencroft. "It is best to know whom we have to deal with, and I shall
not be sorry to recognize that fellow's colors!" And, while thus speaking, the sailor never
left the glass. The day began to fade, and with the day the breeze fell also. The brig's
ensign hung in folds, and it became more and more difficult to observe it.
"It is not the American flag," said Pencroft from time to time, "nor the English, the red
of which could be easily seen, nor the French or German colors, nor the white flag of Russia,
nor the yellow of Spain. One would say it was all one color. Let's see: in these seas,
what do we generally meet with? The Chilean flag?—but that is tri-color. Brazilian?—it
is green. Japanese?—it is yellow and black, while this—"
At that moment the breeze blew out the unknown flag. Ayrton seizing the telescope which the
sailor had put down, put it to his eye, and in a hoarse voice,—
"The black flag!" he exclaimed. And indeed the somber bunting was floating
from the mast of the brig, and they had now good reason for considering her to be a suspicious
vessel! Had the engineer, then, been right in his
presentiments? Was this a pirate vessel? Did she scour the Pacific, competing with the
Malay proas which still infest it? For what had she come to look at the shores of Lincoln
Island? Was it to them an unknown island, ready to become a magazine for stolen cargoes?
Had she come to find on the coast a sheltered port for the winter months? Was the settlers'
honest domain destined to be transformed into an infamous refuge—the headquarters of the
piracy of the Pacific? All these ideas instinctively presented themselves
to the colonists' imaginations. There was no doubt, besides, of the signification which
must be attached to the color of the hoisted flag. It was that of pirates! It was that
which the "Duncan" would have carried, had the convicts succeeded in their criminal design!
No time was lost before discussing it. "My friends," said Cyrus Harding, "perhaps
this vessel only wishes to survey the coast of the island. Perhaps her crew will not land.
There is a chance of it. However that may be, we ought to do everything we can to hide
our presence here. The windmill on Prospect Heights is too easily seen. Let Ayrton and
Neb go and take down the sails. We must also conceal the windows of Granite House with
thick branches. All the fires must be extinguished, so that nothing may betray the presence of
men on the island." "And our vessel?" said Herbert.
"Oh," answered Pencroft, "she is sheltered in Port Balloon, and I defy any of those rascals
there to find her!" The engineer's orders were immediately executed.
Neb and Ayrton ascended the plateau, and took the necessary precautions to conceal any indication
of a settlement. While they were thus occupied, their companions went to the border of Jacamar
Wood, and brought back a large quantity of branches and creepers, which would at some
distance appear as natural foliage, and thus disguise the windows in the granite cliff.
At the same time, the ammunition and guns were placed ready so as to be at hand in case
of an unexpected attack. When all these precautions had been taken,—
"My friends," said Harding, and his voice betrayed some emotion, "if the wretches endeavor
to seize Lincoln Island, we shall defend it—shall we not?"
"Yes, Cyrus," replied the reporter, "and if necessary we will die to defend it!"
The engineer extended his hand to his companions, who pressed it warmly. Ayrton remained in
his corner, not joining the colonists. Perhaps he, the former convict, still felt himself
unworthy to do so! Cyrus Harding understood what was passing
in Ayrton's mind, and going to him— "And you, Ayrton," he asked, "what will you
do?" "My duty," answered Ayrton.
He then took up his station near the window and gazed through the foliage.
It was now half-past seven. The sun had disappeared twenty minutes ago behind Granite House. Consequently
the Eastern horizon was becoming obscured. In the meanwhile the brig continued to advance
towards Union Bay. She was now not more than two miles off, and exactly opposite the plateau
of Prospect Heights, for after having tacked off Claw Cape, she had drifted towards the
north in the current of the rising tide. One might have said that at this distance she
had already entered the vast bay, for a straight line drawn from Claw Cape to Cape Mandible
would have rested on her starboard quarter. Was the brig about to penetrate far into the
bay? That was the first question. When once in the bay, would she anchor there? That was
the second. Would she not content herself with only surveying the coast, and stand out
to sea again without landing her crew? They would know this in an hour. The colonists
could do nothing but wait. Cyrus Harding had not seen the suspected vessel
hoist the black flag without deep anxiety. Was it not a direct menace against the work
which he and his companions had till now conducted so successfully? Had these pirates—for the
sailors of the brig could be nothing else—already visited the island, since on approaching it
they had hoisted their colors. Had they formerly invaded it, so that certain unaccountable
peculiarities might be explained in this way? Did there exist in the as yet unexplored parts
some accomplice ready to enter into communication with them?
To all these questions which he mentally asked himself, Harding knew not what to reply; but
he felt that the safety of the colony could not but be seriously threatened by the arrival
of the brig. However, he and his companions were determined
to fight to the last gasp. It would have been very important to know if the pirates were
numerous and better armed than the colonists. But how was this information to be obtained?
Night fell. The new moon had disappeared. Profound darkness enveloped the island and
the sea. No light could pierce through the heavy piles of clouds on the horizon. The
wind had died away completely with the twilight. Not a leaf rustled on the trees, not a ripple
murmured on the shore. Nothing could be seen of the ship, all her lights being extinguished,
and if she was still in sight of the island, her whereabouts could not be discovered.
"Well! who knows?" said Pencroft. "Perhaps that cursed craft will stand off during the
night, and we shall see nothing of her at daybreak."
As if in reply to the sailor's observation, a bright light flashed in the darkness, and
a cannon-shot was heard. The vessel was still there and had guns on
board. Six seconds elapsed between the flash and
the report. Therefore the brig was about a mile and a
quarter from the coast. At the same time, the chains were heard rattling
through the hawse-holes. The vessel had just anchored in sight of Granite
House!