Таинственный остров / The Mysterious Island. Уровень 3

One narrow, winding passage was arranged to carry out the smoke and to quicken the draught of the fire. The Chimneys were divided into three or four chambers. They were dry, and they could stand up in them. The floor was covered with sand. Herbert and Pencroff chatted together.

– Perhaps, – said the boy, – our companions found a better place than ours.

– It is possible, – answered the sailor, – but don’t stop. Better have two houses than none at all!

– Oh, – said Herbert, – if they can only find Mr.

Smith, and bring him back with them!

– Yes, – murmured Pencroff. – He was a good man.

– Was! – said Herbert. – Do you think we will not see him again?

– Never! – replied the sailor.

The work was rapidly accomplished, Pencroff was satisfied.

– Now, – said he, – our friends may return, and they will find a good shelter.

It was 5 o’clock when they returned again to the Chimneys. Towards 6 o’clock, Herbert, who was walking upon the shore, announced the return of Neb and of Gideon Spilett.

They came back alone. The sailor was right: they could not find the engineer.

The reporter seated himself upon a rock. He was tired and very hungry, he was unable to utter a word. Neb’s eyes showed that he was weeping and lost all hope.

The reporter told about their search. Neb and he followed the coast for more than eight miles. The shore was deserted. Not a trace upon the sand, not a footprint, was upon the shore.

At that moment Neb raised his head, and exclaimed:

– No, he is not dead! It is impossible!

Herbert ran to him and cried:

– Neb, we will find him; God will give him back to us; but please eat something.

And the lad offered the poor servant some shell-fish. But Neb refused them. He wished no longer to live.

As to Gideon Spilett, he devoured the mollusks, and then laid down upon the sand at the foot of a rock. He was exhausted, but calm. Herbert took his hand.

– Mr.

Spilett, – said he, – we have discovered a shelter where you will be more comfortable. The night is coming on; so come and rest there. Tomorrow we will see.

The reporter rose, and proceeded towards the Chimneys.

Pencroff took the match and made some fire. Herbert brought two dozen eggs and the reporter watched them. Did Cyrus still live? If alive, where was he?

In a few minutes the food was ready, and the sailor invited the reporter to eat.