Chapter 32 The traitor in the thirty-two caravan

The sky was unpredictable, at two o'clock in the night, dark clouds rolled in the sky, lightning flashed and thunder thundered, and it rained heavily.The tents couldn't keep out the rain, so the gentlemen had to hide in the ox carts.No one could sleep, so they had to talk casually about trivial matters, except the major, who was silent and listened quietly.The rain never ceased, and this storm might cause the Snowy River to flood.The ground was soft, the wheels had sunk deeply in the mud, and it would be even worse if the river flooded again.So Mudira, Ayrton, and the captain ran to check the water level frequently, and when they came back, their clothes were soaked.

The rain stopped at dawn, but the sun did not peek out of the clouds.The muddy yellow water of the big beach is everywhere, like a rotten pond.Hot mist billowed from the damp ground, and the humidity in the air had reached its saturation point, making it uncomfortably damp. Jazz's main concern was the car, and getting the car out of the mud was a top priority.They went to look at the heavy vehicle, half of the wheels were stuck to the mud, it was not easy to get it out, even if all the strength of cattle, horses and people were concentrated on it, it might not be possible to get it out.

In any case, we must act quickly, this kind of mud pit is getting deeper and deeper.Mengel said. Then do it.said Ayrton. So Sir, his two sailors, the captain, and Ayrton all went into the woods, to lead the horses and oxen which had been tethered the night before. It was a desolate gum forest.There are towering dead trees in the forest, and there is one tree far away. It seems that the bark has peeled off for nearly a hundred years, just like the European cork tree peels off its bark during the harvest season.They are about twenty meters high, with bare branches stretching sparsely into the air.Not a bird will nest on this airy skeleton, nor a leaf swing on this tinkling dry bone.The whole forest seemed to have died of the plague. This is not uncommon in Australia. As for the reason, no one can say.The oldest natives, not even their buried ancestors, have seen the woods green.

As Jazz walked, he looked at the gray sky, against which the twigs of the gum trees were clearly silhouetted.Ayrton ran to the place where the cows and horses had been grazing yesterday, and was startled by the disappearance of the cows and horses.These animals are all tied and cannot run very far. So, everyone went to look for it separately, but found nothing.Ayrton came hurriedly back from the banks of the Snowy River, where the woody mimosas grew.He uttered the call that cows are used to, but no cow answered him.The bosun was very disturbed, and the traveling companions looked at each other with disappointment.

An hour passed, Jazz was going back from a place one kilometer away from the car, when he suddenly heard a horse neighing, and at the same time, he heard a cow braying. The cattle are here!cried the captain, and burrowed straight for the stomach-pea bushes, which were so thick that a herd of horses and cows were hidden in them so they would not be seen. After a while, everyone ran over, dumbfounded.It turned out that two cows and three horses were lying on the ground, out of breath, and their bodies were already frozen.A group of black crows croaked in the trees, watching for the delicious meal that was about to arrive.The Jazz and his traveling companions were relatively silent, except for Wilson who couldn't help but curse.

What's the use of scolding, Wilson!Sir said, actually, he himself couldn't hold back anymore, so now, he had to take the remaining cow and horse back, and depend on them for the rest of the day. If only the bullock cart didn't get stuck in the mud!Anyway, the captain said, let's get that nasty car out first. Let's go back, it's been too long since we've been out, the ladies must be waiting impatiently. Ayrton unhooked the ox, Moura untied the horse, and they all walked back along the winding river bank.Half an hour later, the female guests also knew the unfortunate thing.

Ayrton, it's a pity, if only we could put our cattle on black-spot horseshoes when we cross the Vimera.said McNabbs to the boatswain. Why, sir major? Because among all the horses, only the one with the triangular horseshoe nailed did not die, and all the rest died. Yes, said the captain, what a coincidence! It was just a coincidence.replied the bosun, casting a glance at the major. The major bit his lip, as if he wanted to say something, but swallowed it again.They waited for the major to speak, but instead he stopped talking and walked towards Ayrton.At this time, Ayrton was overhauling the car.

What did he mean by that?Sir asked Munger. Who knows?The young captain replied, however, the major seldom speaks without grounds. It is possible that the Major was a little suspicious of Ayrton.Mrs. Helen guessed. Suspect?asked the geographer, shrugging. Doubt what?asked the sir, could it be that Ayrton poisoned the cattle and the horses?Why did he do this?He is not of one mind with us? Maybe, my words are wrong.Ayrton has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey.Mrs. Helen corrected. However, since this is the case, the major must have his reasons for saying that, and I must ask.said the captain.

Did he think the boatswain and the convict wore a pair of trousers?Said the straightforward geographer. What exile?Miss Mary asked. Paganel was wrong, and the captain hastened to add that it is well known that there are no convicts in Victoria! ah!By the way, why am I confused, whoever heard that there are exiles in Victoria.If anything, the hygienic climate here will reform them The poor scholar uttered a wrong sentence and desperately tried to take it back, but the result was just the opposite, trying to hide it, sinking deeper and deeper like that bullock cart.Mrs. Helen looked at him, and he was terrified.In order not to make him too nervous, the lady took Miss Mary to the other side of the tent.Mr. O'Bierr was getting ready for breakfast step by step.

I should have sent myself off the border as a convict.said the geographer regrettably. I think so too!Sir replied. Jazz's words seemed to be spoken in a serious manner.This troubled the venerable geographer all the more.But as soon as the sergeant had finished speaking, he and the captain went to the ox cart. Meanwhile Ayrton and the two sailors were trying to figure out how to get the cart out of the mud.The ox and the horse were harnessed together, and the thong was almost broken when they were pulled with all their strength; Wilson and Mullardi pushed the wheel beside them, but no matter how hard they tried, it was of no avail.The slime was drying and biting the wheels, making it harder to pull.

In vain the captain ordered water to be thrown under the wheel to reduce its stickiness.The man, the cow and the horse pulled hard for a while, and gradually became tired, so they had to stop.Unless the components of the car are removed bit by bit, there is no hope.However, there is no tool for dismantling the car, and there is no way to dismantle it. At this moment, Ayrton was determined to drag the ox cart out of the mud pit, and spurred the ox and horse to try again.The Jazz stopped him. That's enough, don't pull, he said, these are the only two animals we have, and if we continue on our way, one of them will be useful for carrying two women and the other for luggage. That's fine too!Reluctantly, Ayrton untied the weary animal. Now, friends, let's all go back to the tent, study and discuss, what to do next!Sir said. After a while, the traveling companions finished their breakfast, refreshed themselves, and began to discuss. First of all, it is necessary to determine the exact orientation of the camping site.This task is naturally none other than Paganel.He made careful calculations, and reported that the caravan was now at latitude 37° south, longitude 147° 53' east, on the banks of the Snowy River. What is the exact longitude of the coast of Tufu Bay?Sir asked. One hundred and fifty degrees. There, the difference between the two places is two degrees and seven minutes, how many kilometers together? A total of one hundred and twenty kilometers. How far from Melbourne? At least three hundred and twenty kilometers. Well, now that the location and distance are clear, what should we do? It was unanimously advocated to set off for the coast immediately.Mrs. Helen and Miss Mary promised to walk eight kilometers a day, and they were not timid in the face of reality. Helen, you are worthy of being a hero among travellers, sir said to his lady, but are we sure we will find everything we need as soon as we get to Tuff Bay? There is no doubt that it is very convenient along the way, the geographer replied, Eden is a city with a long history, and there is a good communication with Melbourne.Also, we will walk another 50 kilometers to the city of Delegit on the border of Victoria, where we can buy food and find transportation. Sir, what about the Duncan?asked Ayrton, is it not the right time to order her to Tuff Bay? What do you think, Mengele?Glenarvan asked. I don't think there should be a rush to get the Duncan to set sail. Menger thought for a while and replied that he would have time to inform the mate Austin in the future. Yes, obviously in time.The geographer adds another word. And, don't forget, in four or five days we'll be in Eden City.said the captain again. Four to five days!Don't regret your slip of the tongue in the future, if you can arrive in fifteen or twenty days, it's not bad.Ayrton shook his head at his words. Does it take fifteen or twenty days to walk one hundred and twenty kilometers?Jazz asked. At least that’s how it is. The most difficult road in Victoria is ahead. It’s a wilderness. According to the locals, there’s nothing but thorns all over it. It’s impossible to build a pasture station there.If you want to go there, you have to use an ax or a torch to open the way. Please believe me, you can't get there in four or five days. Ayrton spoke logically and decisively.All looked to the geographer, who seemed to agree with the boatswain. Even if there are so many difficulties, the captain said, it will not be too late for us to issue orders to the Duncan after fifteen days! And I'll add: the main obstacle is not the road, but the crossing of the Snowy River, which will probably still have to go down.Ayrton added. Do you have to wait for the water to go down?Can't we find a ford?cried the captain. It's hard to find, Mr. Captain, replied Ayrton. I was looking for a place to cross the river this morning, but I couldn't find it.In this period, it is rare to encounter such a rapid river. In short, there is no way, and our luck is bad. Is this Snow River very wide?Lady Helene asked. Wide and deep, Madame, answered Ayrton, about sixteen kilometers wide, and the current is swift.Not even the best swimmer can cross the river safely. Let's cut down a tree, dig a hole, and make a boat to float over it, isn't it all done?Little Robert said without doubting that there was something wrong. You are worthy of being Grant's son!Paganel praised a few words. Robert Jr. is right, that's the last of our housekeeping skills.I feel that there is no need to waste any more time on pointless discussions.The captain expressed his opinion again. how do you feel?Sir asked Ayrton. If no one comes to help, we will still be at the river in a month. So, is there no better way?Meng Geer asked, his face flushed with anger. Yes, only the Duncan left Melbourne for the East Coast! You're always telling the Duncan to set sail, and don't we have no trouble when she gets to Tuff Bay? Ayrton didn't answer right away. After thinking for a while, he hesitated and said: I am not insisting on my opinion, but my opinion is beneficial to everyone.If Your Excellency orders to go, I am always ready to go. He crossed his arms to see how everyone reacted. Why are you talking like that?Jazz said, if you have any opinions, you can just mention them and we can discuss them.What do you propose? Ayrton said the following in a tone of calm confidence: Since there is nothing we can do now, and we don't want to venture beyond the Snowy River, we should wait for help, and the only person who can help us is to find someone on the Duncan.We, therefore, stayed here for a while, and luckily we had plenty of food, and sent a message to Austin, the mate, to bring the boat to Tuff Bay. Everyone was very surprised by this sudden suggestion.The captain obviously disagreed. When sending for the message, the bosun went on to say that we could find a ford in case the Snowy River should be reduced, and that we had time for wooden boats in case we had to go by boat.The above are my suggestions, please consider them. Well, your opinion is indeed worthy of careful consideration. Sir said that the biggest drawback of this plan is that it will delay our trip, but it can allow us to recuperate and avoid some possible dangers.What do you think? Tell me too, Mr. Major, Lady Helene interrupted, how you have become so silent. Since I was called, replied MacNabbs, I confess that I find Ayrton to be a very wise and prudent man, and I fully agree with his suggestion. No one expected the major's ease, for he had always been opposed to Ayrton's plans.Even Ayrton felt a little strange at this moment.Originally, the others were ready to support the bosun's suggestion, but after the major said, they naturally agreed without hesitation.Therefore, the Jazz adopted Ayrton's suggestion in principle. To be on the safe side, should we stop for a while and wait for someone to bring the transportation?Jazz added. I think this is safer, the captain replied, if we can't cross the river, neither can the messenger! They all looked again at Ayrton, who smiled with absolute certainty. Naturally there will be a way!Ayrton said. Is there any way?asked the captain. Wouldn't it be enough to just go back to the road from Lucknow to Melbourne? ! Walk 400 kilometers?Menger cried out. Of course not, there is still a healthy horse.The journey took only two days, plus it took four days for the Duncan to travel from Melbourne to Tuff Bay, and twenty-four hours later it would arrive here from Tuff Bay. In a total of one week, we could be saved. MacNabbs kept nodding his head in agreement with Ayrton's words, which surprised the captain.But since everyone feels that this method is effective, they can only do so. The task now, the Jazz said, was who would be the best to send.The errand was of great responsibility, extremely laborious, and dangerous.Who is willing to take on this task? Wilson, Murady, Menger, Paganel and even Robert Jr. all stepped forward immediately.Meng Geer asked very firmly and was willing to go.Ayrton had been silent, and now at last he spoke: Your Excellency, if you trust me, let me go.I am used to running in this area, and I am familiar with the roads. I have run in places that are more difficult than this, and I can manage to pass where others are difficult.Therefore, I can take on this role.If only a letter is given to the mate to make him trust me, I promise to sail the Duncan to Tuff Bay in six days' time. As expected of Captain Grant's subordinate, I believe you will be able to complete the task. Evidently, there was no one more fit for this difficult task than the bosun, so there was no dispute.But Mengel raised one final objection, saying that Ayrton's staying here might help to find Captain Grant's clues.But the major said that in such a situation it was impossible to make any inquiries, so it would be all right to go away for a while. Go, then, Ayrton, said sir, as soon as possible, and don't keep us waiting. The bosun's face showed a smug look, and he turned his head quickly, but no matter how fast he turned, the captain still caught sight of him.Therefore, Captain Mengel's distrust of him was even greater. Ayrton was actively preparing to go, and two sailors helped him with his horse and provisions.At this time, Jazz was busy writing letters to Austin. He ordered the first mate to set sail for Tuff Bay as soon as possible, and told the first mate that Ayrton was a reliable man.He told Austin to send a team of sailors to the rescue as soon as he reached the east coast. The major watched Sir write the letter, and when he signed Ayrton's name, he suddenly asked Ayrton how to write his name. Write it in pinyin.Sir replied. You are mistaken, McNabbs replied calmly, the pronunciation is Ayrton, but it is written as Peng.feel!