Таинственный остров / The Mysterious Island. Уровень 2

They began to prepare an expedition along the coast. Neb did not believe that Smith was dead. In the morning of the 26th of March, at daybreak, Neb started along the coast northward.

For breakfast that morning they had only eggs and lithodomes, with salt. Herbert found it in the cavities of the rocks. Then the reporter stayed to keep up the fire[16 - keep up the fire – поддерживать огонь], and Herbert and Pencroff went into the forest.

– We will hunt, Herbert, – said the sailor.

At 9 o’clock the breeze blew from the southeast.

When Herbert and Pencroff reached the forest, Pencroff broke two thick branches. He made them into cudgels[17 - cudgel – дубина]. The sailor observed the region. On the left bank the surface was flat. Sometimes it was moist and swampy. The opposite bank was more undulating. The hill was covered with trees. The descent was very steep. Both forest and shore looked wild. They saw fresh traces of animals.

They did not speak. Birds were singing and flying under the trees; but they were afraid of men.

Among fir trees, birds with small bodies and long tails fluttered.

– These are couroucous[18 - couroucous – куруку ( птицаизпородыворон )], – said Herbert. – Their meat is delicious. Besides, I think we can easily get at them with our sticks.

When they killed enough birds for dinner, they found a river and followed it downward. At 6 o’clock, Herbert and Pencroff re-entered the Chimneys.

Chapter VII

Gideon Spilett stood motionless upon the shore.

He was gazing on the sea. The wind, already strong, was freshening, and the sky had an angry look. Pencroff began to prepare dinner. At 7 o’clock Neb was still absent.

The storm began. Furious wind passed over the coast from the southeast. At 8 o’clock Neb did not return. The birds were all they had for supper. Pencroff and Herbert devoured them. Then each one retired to their corners, and Herbert was soon asleep.

It was about 2 o’clock when Pencroff suddenly woke up.

The reporter was shaking him.

– What’s the matter? – Pencroff cried.

– Listen, Pencroff, listen!

– It is the wind, – the sailor said.

– No, – answered Spilett, – listen again! I think I heard…

– What?

– The barking of a dog![19 - The barking of a dog! – Лай собаки!]

– Impossible! – answered the sailor.

– Wait and listen, – said the reporter.