Chapter 52 Fifty-two meet on the island

People never die because they are happy.The father and son turned around before they were taken back to the cruise ship.How can we describe this scene?Our writing is too poor.All the crew members shed tears when they saw their father and son hugging each other tightly in silence. As soon as Captain Grant boarded the deck of the cruise ship, he turned his head to Lady Helen, Sir and his companions, and thanked them for their rescue in a broken and moved voice.It turned out that when the two children returned to the cruise ship from the isolated island, they had simply told him all the process of Duncan's global search for him.

To this gallant woman, to all his companions, what a debt he owed!From the knight to the sailor, isn't it all about how much effort and suffering he has suffered?Harry.Grant's expression of his boundless gratitude was so simple, sincere, and noble, and his buoyant cheek reflected an emotion so genuine and tender, that the whole crew felt that they had been paid, and far from it. More than they have ever suffered.Even the phlegmatic major could not keep tears from welling up in his eyes.As for Paganel, he wept and cried like a child. Harry.Grant looked at his daughter.How beautiful and charming she seemed to him!He told her directly how he felt, and repeated it aloud, and asked Lady Helene to comment, as if to prove that he was not blinded by love for his children.Then, he turned to his son again:

How tall is he!What a grown-up!He cried out with joy. Then he picked up his two children whom he adored infinitely, and gave them all the passionate kisses accumulated in his heart during the two years of parting. Robert introduced all his good friends to his father one by one, and the boy could use different words to introduce different people, although he had only the same thing to say to everyone!That is to say: all of them, every one of them, were too good for these two orphans.Introduced to John.When talking to Menger, the young captain blushed like a girl, and his voice trembled when he answered Mary's father.

By this time Lady Helen related the history of their voyage to Captain Grant, who was proud of having such sons and daughters. Harry.Grant knew all the feats Robert had done, and how the boy had already paid part of his father's debt to Sir Glenarvan.Then, it was John's turn.Menger came to talk about Mary, and he talked so well that Harry.Grant heard Lady Helene's interjection, took his daughter's hand into that of the handsome young captain, and turned to Sir and Lady Glenarvan: Sir, madam, let us bless our child! When all that was said and said a million times, Glenarvan told Harry about Ayrton too.grant.Captain Grant confirmed his confession that the villain had indeed been driven off the coast of Australia.

This man is smart and daring.He added that it was greed that led him in the direction of evil.I hope he can reflect on himself, repent, and be a good man later! But before Ayrton was sent to the island, Harry.Grant was to entertain his many new friends once at his deserted retreat.He invited them to have a look at his cabin, and to have a meal at his Sea Robinson's table.Glenarvan and his traveling companions readily accepted.Robert and Mary, like ants on a hot pan, were eager to see the place where their father had lived, and where Captain Grant had shed so many tears for his children!

Another boat went into the sea, and the three of them, the Greenarvans, the major, Menger and Paganel, landed on the island after a while. In a few hours Captain Grant's territory was covered.The island was really only the top of a great mountain under the sea, and a little level land on top of it, covered with alabaster rocks and volcanic remnants.In the age of crust formation, this mountain rose from the depths of the Pacific Ocean under the influence of burning underground fires.Then regolith was formed.Plants occupy this new territory.The whaling ships in the past brought some livestock such as sheep and pigs to the island, and the pigs and sheep were breeding in a wild state.Since then, nature has created three kingdoms of animals, plants and minerals on this isolated island in the center of the Pacific Ocean.

When the shipwrecked crew of the Britannia escaped here, there was human labor, and the vitality of that piece of nature became regular.In two and a half years, Harry.Grant and his two sailors made a complete difference in their island.Several acres were carefully tilled and produced fine vegetables. The visitors walked to the house, which was under the shade of green gum trees.The sea was in front of the window, and the sun shone brightly.Harry.Grant had the table put out in the shade of those lush trees, and everyone took their seats.A goat's leg, some bread made of nall bean powder, bowls of goat's milk, two or three wild endives, some cool water, these constitute a simple feast, which is truly worthy of the flavor of the paradise.

Paganel was overjoyed.His old Robinson thoughts came back to him. That rascal Ayrton has done him so cheaply!He was shouting enthusiastically, this island is simply paradise! What a paradise, Harry.Grant replied that it was good luck for the three poor victims to be rescued here!But I hate that this island is too small, it is not a vast and fertile island, it only has a small stream, not a big river, and only a small gap where the waves hit, instead of a big harbor. And why hate, Captain?Glenarvan asked. Because if it's a big island, I can build some foundations for Scotland to have a colony in the Pacific!

ah!Have you not given up your idea, Captain?That idea of ​​yours has made you so famous in our country! I didn't give it up, sir, God brought me out by your hand, that's what I wanted to do.My poor countrymen of old Scotland, all wretched, should have a new land to escape their misery!Our dear motherland must have its own colony of colonies on this sea, entirely its own, and let it enjoy an independence and happiness that it cannot enjoy in Europe! ah!How well you speak, Captain Grant, said Lady Helene, it is a very fine plan, beyond the reach of a great mind!but this island No island, ma'am, it's just a piece of rock that can support no more than a few people, and what we want from South Africa is a large land rich in all kinds of primitive resources.

Well, then, Captain, cried Glenarvan, the future is ours, your great land, let us seek together! Harry.Grant and Greenarvan clasped hands warmly, as if in confirmation of the promise. And then, on this island, in this cabin, everyone wanted to hear how the three Britannia wrecks had lived during those two long years.Harry.Grant immediately granted this wish of his new friends. My story is also the story of all the Robinsons who were beaten to the desert island. When we got here, we have no one to rely on, only God, and ourselves. We feel that we have to fight against the nature and fight for survival!

It was the night of June 26-27, 1862, when the Britannia, wrecked by a six-day storm, came and wrecked on the rocks of this island.The island is three kilometers wide and eight kilometers long, and there are about thirty trees in the interior, some pastures and a spring of clear water, which fortunately does not run dry all the year round.I took my two sailors alone, and was not disappointed in this remoteness.My two friends in need, Bob and Qiao Ai, showed their utmost perseverance to help me. We began, like Robinson Crusoe in our model Defoe, by collecting some of the remains of the ship: some tools, a little gunpowder, some guns, a bag of precious seeds.The first few days were difficult, but hunting and fishing soon provided us with a steady supply of food.Because there are a lot of wild sheep in the interior of the island, and the coast is full of aquatic animals. Slowly, our life has become more regular. I salvaged my surveying tools from the boat, so I could get a proper bearing on the isle.As soon as I measured, I found that we were out of any course, and there would be no ship to rescue us.Unless you encounter an unexpected opportunity.While thinking of my dear ones, and not daring to hope to see them again, I bravely accepted this test. At this time we are resolutely engaged in labor.Soon, several acres of ripe land were sown with the vegetables on the Britannia, and potatoes, chicory, sorrel, etc. began to adjust our daily food.There were many other vegetables later.We caught a few more wild sheep, and they were soon domesticated.We have goat's milk and cream again.The natto grown in the dry river ditch provides us with a kind of very nutritious bread, so we don't have to worry about material life from now on. We built another cottage out of the old materials of the Britannia, with a canvas roof and carefully tarred, and under this solid shelter we were fortunate enough to survive the rainy season.We've discussed many plans in this cabin, many dreams, and the best dream is the one that's coming true right now. I originally wanted to build a small boat out of broken ship planks and venture out to sea, but the nearest land, the Paumatu Islands, is 800 kilometers away.Such a long voyage, no boat can afford.So I gave up on this plan and just waited for the opportunity for someone to come and save us. ah!My poor child!I don't know how many times I have stood on the top of the rock on the shore and waited for the passing ships!During the whole time of our downfall, only two or three galleons appeared on the horizon, and then disappeared again!Two and a half years passed like this.We already feel hopeless, but we're not disappointed yet. The last was yesterday, when I was climbing to the highest peak of the island, I suddenly saw a wisp of smoke in the southwest of the island.The smoke gradually increased.After a while, a ship came into my field of vision, and I saw it, as if it was coming towards us. But the island has no place to anchor. Will it avoid the island again? well!What an anxious day it was!My heart nearly burst out of my chest!Our two fellow sufferers lit a fire on another mountain peak on the island.Night came, but the cruise ship hadn't given any signal for an answer!However, there is hope!Are we just watching it miss it? I no longer hesitate.The night shadow gradually deepened.Boats may circle the island at night.I threw myself into the sea and swam to the boat.My strength was fueled by hope.I fight the waves with superhuman strength.I gradually approached the cruise ship, but when the distance was less than 30 meters, the ship turned around! So I let out a cry of disappointment, only my two children heard it, and it was not an illusion of theirs. Then I had to go back to the shore, paralyzed, exhausted by my anxiety and the exhaustion of swimming.Two of my sailors pulled me up, and I was half dead.And what a night we spent this last night on the island!We thought we were abandoned forever, but fortunately at dawn I saw the cruise ship reduce its horsepower and swing along the island.Your boat went to sea and we were saved, and, by God!My two children, my two dear children, are here, stretching out their arms to me! Harry.Grant's narrative ends with Mary and Robert kissing and touching.Only then did the captain realize that he was saved this time because of this document.The document he bottled eight days after his death.But what was Paganel thinking as Captain Grant related his story?The venerable geographer turned over the words on that document a thousand times in his mind!He thought about all the three original explanations, and they were all wrong!How is Maria Theresa Island written on the few pieces of paper corroded by sea water?He couldn't help it anymore, he grabbed Harry.Grant's hand, cried out: Can you tell me now, captain, what is written in your paper? As soon as Paganel asked this question, everyone's curiosity was tense, because the riddle that had been impossible to solve for nine months was about to be solved! How is it, Captain?Do you remember exactly the words on your document?asked Paganel. Remember it exactly, I don't go a day without thinking about it, it's our only hope! What are those words, Captain?Please tell me, because we can't even guess it, and we are really unconvinced.Glenarvan asked too. I will come to your request at once, replied Captain Grant, but you know that in order to increase the chances of getting help, I have put three documents in the bottle, in three languages.Which file do you want to know? Aren't the three files the same?cried Paganel. It's the same, only one place name is different. Well, then, please read the French document, which is the best preserved, and we base every explanation on it.Greenervan said. Sir, this is the wording of the French document, Harry.Grant replied: On June 27, 1862, the three-masted ship Britannia, which belonged to the port of Glasgow, sank in the southern hemisphere sea 800 kilometers away from Bagonia.Desperate to go ashore, two sailors and Captain Grant climbed to Tabor Island. Um!Paganel snorted. Unfortunately, the captain continued to read, and in the long run became a wild and desperate man.Zit dropped this document at latitude 37°11' longitude 153°.Beg to be rescued quickly, or you will die here! Paganel stood up suddenly when he heard the name of Tabo Island, but he couldn't help it, and shouted: "Why is it called Tabo Island?"Not Maria Theresa? Yes, Monsieur Paganel, the island of Maria Theresa is written on English maps, but the island of Tabor is written on French maps! At this moment, suddenly, a fist hit Paganel so hard on the shoulder that his back bowed.It turned out that the major respected him. The major's natural habit is always so solemn, but this time was an exception. What a geographer!said the major contemptuously. But Paganel did not even feel the major's blow.His geographical blows were holding his head down, what was that blow for? It turned out that he had almost guessed the text of the document, as he had said to his trusty Captain Grant!He has almost completely figured out those incomplete and blurred handwriting!Patagonia, Australia, New Zealand, although these names came to his mind one by one, they all seemed to be correct.The other words have almost found their original meanings, leaving only the word abor, which confuses him!He interpreted it as reaching [Note: aborder. ], but in fact it is the French place name Tabor Island [Note: tabor. ], it is the place where the Britannia fled after the disaster!This error was inevitable, since the maps on the Duncan all contained the island of Maria Theresa. Even so, cried Paganel, scratching his hair, I shouldn't forget the fact that there are two people on one island!This is an unforgivable mistake, the mistake of a person who is not worthy to be called the secretary of the Geographical Society!I lost all face! But, Monsieur Paganel, you needn't be so sad!said Mrs. Helen. No, madam, no!I'm such an ass! And it's not as good as a donkey playing acrobatics!The major went on to curse him again, as a consolation. After dinner, Captain Grant arranged the things in the cabin.He took nothing away, because he wanted the wicked man to enjoy the wealth created by the good man. Everyone went back to the ship.Glenarvan intended to sail immediately, and gave orders that the sailor be sent down.Ayrton was brought into the cabin, and stood before Captain Grant. It's me, Ayrton.said the captain. It is you, Captain.Ayrton replied, without expressing the slightest surprise at seeing the captain again, well, I am also glad to see you safe and sound. Ayrton, I seem to have done you a disservice by driving you to an inhabited land. It seems so, Captain. You are going to live on this uninhabited desert island for me, may God call you to repent! I hope so!Ayrton replied, in a very quiet tone. Glenarvan looked at the sailor, and said to him: "Are you still sticking to your decision to throw yourself on a desert island, Ayrton?" Hold on, sir. Do you think Tabo Island is to your liking? very agreeable. Now, Ayrton, listen to my last words, you are here far from any land, and it is impossible for you to have any connection with your men.After all, miracles are rare. The Duncan put you on this isolated island, and you cannot escape.But you will not be what Captain Grant has been for the past two years, and no one rescues and no one knows.Although you are not worthy to be remembered by others, they will still remember you.I know where you are, Ayrton, I know where to find you, and I shall never forget it. God bless you!Ayrton answered simply. These were the last words of Glenarvan and Ayrton's conversation.The boat was ready, and Ayrton disembarked. Meng Geer had already sent several boxes of dry food, some tools, some weapons and some ammunition to the island in advance. Therefore Ayrton can reform himself with labor, he lacks nothing, even books. When it was time to say goodbye, all the crew and passengers stood on the deck, and more than one person felt sad, and neither Mary nor Mrs. Helen could control their emotions. Do you have to do this?The lady asked her husband, must the villain be thrown away? It must be like this, Helen, this is telling him to reform himself! At this time, the boat left the big ship under the command of Menger.Ayrton stood in the boat, still impassive, took off his hat, and saluted solemnly. Glenarvan took off his hat, and the crew followed suit, as is usual for a dying man, while the boat moved away in silence. As soon as Ayrton saw land, he jumped on the sand, and the boat rowed back to the ship. It was four o'clock in the afternoon, and the passengers could still see him on the roof of the cabin, with his arms folded, motionless, like a stone statue standing on a rock, looking at the cruise ship. Shall we go, sir?Menger asked. let's go john.Glenarvan replied hastily, unwilling to show on his face, but deeply moved in his heart. sail!Menger yelled at the mechanic. Steam roared in the steam pipes, propellers beat waves, and at eight o'clock in the evening, the last peaks on Tabor Island disappeared in the night.