Таинственный остров / The Mysterious Island. Уровень 2

Their voyage lasted five days. How did it start?

In February, 1865, the enemies, the Southerners[7 - the Southerners – южане], captured many officers. One of the most famous of them was Cyrus Smith[8 - Cyrus Smith – Сайрес Смит], an engineer, and a scientist. He was thin, bony, and lean. He was about forty-five years old, with moustache. His muscles were very firm. He was educated, and practical, his temperament was superb. Cyrus Smith was also very brave.

The Southerners caught another man – Gideon Spilett[9 - Gideon Spilett – Гидеон Спилет], a well-known reporter.

He was energetic, prompt, full of ideas. He was a soldier and an artist. Gideon Spilett was tall. He was forty years old or more. His eyes were clear and lively.

Cyrus Smith had a black servant. Smith freed his slaves, but this servant did not want to leave his master. He was a man of thirty years, vigorous, agile, adroit, intelligent, quick and honest. His name was Neb.

All these people were in Richmond[10 - Richmond – Ричмонд], and it was very difficult to escape. The Southerners wanted to pass over the lines of the besiegers in a balloon. So the balloon was ready. The departure of the balloon was on the 18th of March. On the morning of the 18th, there was a great storm. The weather was terrible.

Cyrus Smith met a man whom he did not know. It was Pencroff[11 - Pencroff – Пенкроф], a sailor. He was about thirty-five years old.

He was strong. Pencroff came to Richmond on business. He had with him Herbert Brown[12 - Herbert Brown – Герберт Браун], a boy. This boy was fifteen years old, he was the son of Pencroff’s captain, and an orphan. Pencroff loved the boy.

So, Pencroff wanted to get out. He addressed Mr. Smith:

– Mr. Smith?

The engineer looked at the man.

– Mr. Smith, do you want to escape?

– How? – answered the engineer, quickly. – Who are you?

Pencroff told him about himself.

– Well, – replied Smith. – And how will you escape?

– By this balloon!

The sailor explained his project, which was very simple. The storm was terrible, it is true; but a skillful engineer, Smith, knew how to manage a balloon. He saw many storms in his life.

Cyrus Smith listened to the sailor and stayed silent. This was the opportunity! The project was very dangerous, but it was real.