Chapter 11

Gideon Spilett took the box and opened it. It contained nearly two

hundred grains of a white powder, a few particles of which he carried to

his lips. The extreme bitterness of the substance precluded all doubt;

it was certainly the precious extract of quinine, that pre-eminent

antifebrile.

This powder must be administered to Herbert without delay. How it came

there might be discussed later.

“Some coffee!” said Spilett.

In a few moments Neb brought a cup of the warm infusion. Gideon Spilett

threw into it about eighteen grains of quinine, and they succeeded in

making Herbert drink the mixture.

There was still time, for the third attack of the malignant fever had

not yet shown itself. How they longed to be able to add that it would

not return!

Besides, it must be remarked, the hopes of all had now revived. The

mysterious influence had been again exerted, and in a critical moment,

when they had despaired of it.

In a few hours Herbert was much calmer. The colonists could now discuss

this incident. The intervention of the stranger was more evident than

ever. But how had he been able to penetrate during the night into

Granite House? It was inexplicable, and, in truth, the proceedings of

the genius of the island were not less mysterious than was that genius

himself. During this day the sulphate of quinine was administered to

Herbert every three hours.

The next day some improvement in Herbert’s condition was apparent.

Certainly, he was not out of danger, intermittent fevers being subject

to frequent and dangerous relapses, but the most assiduous care was

bestowed on him. And besides, the specific was at hand; nor, doubtless,

was he who had brought it far distant! And the hearts of all were

animated by returning hope.

This hope was not disappointed. Ten days after, on the 20th of December,

Herbert’s convalescence commenced.

He was still weak, and strict diet had been imposed upon him, but no

access of fever supervened. And then, the poor boy submitted with such

docility to all the prescriptions ordered him! He longed so to get well!

Pencroft was as a man who has been drawn up from the bottom of an abyss.

Fits of joy approaching delirium seized him. When the time for the third

attack had passed by, he nearly suffocated the reporter in his embrace.

Since then, he always called him Dr. Spilett.

The real doctor, however, remained undiscovered.

“We will find him!” repeated the sailor.

Certainly, this man, whoever he was, might expect a somewhat too

energetic embrace from the worthy Pencroft!

The month of December ended, and with it the year 1867, during which

the colonists of Lincoln Island had of late been so severely tried.

They commenced the year 1868 with magnificent weather, great heat, and

a tropical temperature, delightfully cooled by the sea-breeze. Herbert’s

recovery progressed, and from his bed, placed near one of the windows of

Granite House, he could inhale the fresh air, charged with ozone, which

could not fail to restore his health. His appetite returned, and what

numberless delicate, savory little dishes Neb prepared for him!

“It is enough to make one wish to have a fever oneself!” said Pencroft.

During all this time, the convicts did not once appear in the vicinity

of Granite House. There was no news of Ayrton, and though the engineer

and Herbert still had some hopes of finding him again, their companions

did not doubt but that the unfortunate man had perished. However, this

uncertainty could not last, and when once the lad should have recovered,

the expedition, the result of which must be so important, would be

undertaken. But they would have to wait a month, perhaps, for all

the strength of the colony must be put into requisition to obtain

satisfaction from the convicts.

However, Herbert’s convalescence progressed rapidly. The congestion of

the liver had disappeared, and his wounds might be considered completely

healed.

During the month of January, important work was done on the plateau

of Prospect Heights; but it consisted solely in saving as much as was

possible from the devastated crops, either of corn or vegetables. The

grain and the plants were gathered, so as to provide a new harvest for

the approaching half-season. With regard to rebuilding the poultry-yard,

wall, or stables, Cyrus Harding preferred to wait. While he and his

companions were in pursuit of the convicts, the latter might very

probably pay another visit to the plateau, and it would be useless to

give them an opportunity of recommencing their work of destruction. When

the island should be cleared of these miscreants, they would set about

rebuilding. The young convalescent began to get up in the second week of

January, at first for one hour a day, then two, then three. His strength

visibly returned, so vigorous was his constitution. He was now eighteen

years of age. He was tall, and promised to become a man of noble and

commanding presence. From this time his recovery, while still requiring

care,--and Dr. Spilett was very strict,--made rapid progress. Towards

the end of the month, Herbert was already walking about on Prospect

Heights, and the beach.

He derived, from several sea-baths, which he took in company with

Pencroft and Neb, the greatest possible benefit. Cyrus Harding thought

he might now settle the day for their departure, for which the 15th of

February was fixed. The nights, very clear at this time of year, would

be favorable to the researches they intended to make all over the

island.

The necessary preparations for this exploration were now commenced, and

were important, for the colonists had sworn not to return to Granite

House until their twofold object had been achieved; on the one hand, to

exterminate the convicts, and rescue Ayrton, if he was still living; on

the other, to discover who it was that presided so effectually over the

fortunes of the colony.

Of Lincoln Island, the settlers knew thoroughly all the eastern coast

from Claw Cape to the Mandible Capes, the extensive Tadorn Marsh, the

neighborhood of Lake Grant, Jacamar Wood, between the road to the corral

and the Mercy, the courses of the Mercy and Red Creek, and lastly, the

spurs of Mount Franklin, among which the corral had been established.

They had explored, though only in an imperfect manner, the vast shore

of Washington Bay from Claw Cape to Reptile End, the woody and marshy

border of the west coast, and the interminable downs, ending at the open

mouth of Shark Gulf. But they had in no way surveyed the woods which

covered the Serpentine Peninsula, all to the right of the Mercy, the

left bank of Falls River, and the wilderness of spurs and valleys which

supported three quarters of the base of Mount Franklin, to the east, the

north, and the west, and where doubtless many secret retreats existed.

Consequently, many millions of acres of the island had still escaped

their investigations.

It was, therefore, decided that the expedition should be carried through

the Far West, so as to include all that region situated on the right of

the Mercy.

It might, perhaps, be better worth while to go direct to the corral,

where it might be supposed that the convicts had again taken refuge,

either to pillage or to establish themselves there. But either the

devastation of the corral would have been an accomplished fact by

this time, and it would be too late to prevent it, or it had been the

convicts’ interest to entrench themselves there, and there would be

still time to go and turn them out on their return.

Therefore, after some discussion, the first plan was adhered to, and the

settlers resolved to proceed through the wood to Reptile End. They would

make their way with their hatchets, and thus lay the first draft of a

road which would place Granite House in communication with the end of

the peninsula for a length of from sixteen to seventeen miles.

The cart was in good condition. The onagers, well rested, could go a

long journey. Provisions, camp effects, a portable stove, and various

utensils were packed in the cart, as also weapons and ammunition,

carefully chosen from the now complete arsenal of Granite House. But it

was necessary to remember that the convicts were, perhaps, roaming about

the woods, and that in the midst of these thick forests a shot might

quickly be fired and received. It was therefore resolved that the little

band of settlers should remain together and not separate under any

pretext whatever.

It was also decided that no one should remain at Granite House. Top

and Jup themselves were to accompany the expedition; the inaccessible

dwelling needed no guard. The 14th of February, eve of the departure,

was consecrated entirely to repose, and--thanksgiving addressed by the

colonists to the Creator. A place in the cart was reserved for Herbert,

who, though thoroughly convalescent, was still a little weak. The next

morning, at daybreak, Cyrus Harding took the necessary measures to

protect Granite House from any invasion. The ladders, which were

formerly used for the ascent, were brought to the Chimneys and buried

deep in the sand, so that they might be available on the return of the

colonists, for the machinery of the lift had been taken to pieces, and

nothing of the apparatus remained. Pencroft stayed the last in Granite

House in order to finish this work, and he then lowered himself down

by means of a double rope held below, and which, when once hauled down,

left no communication between the upper landing and the beach.

The weather was magnificent.

“We shall have a warm day of it,” said the reporter, laughing.

“Pooh! Dr. Spilett,” answered Pencroft, “we shall walk under the shade

of the trees and shan’t even see the sun!”

“Forward!” said the engineer.

The cart was waiting on the beach before the Chimneys. The reporter

made Herbert take his place in it during the first hours at least of the

journey, and the lad was obliged to submit to his doctor’s orders.

Neb placed himself at the onagers’ heads. Cyrus Harding, the reporter,

and the sailor, walked in front. Top bounded joyfully along. Herbert

offered a seat in his vehicle to Jup, who accepted it without ceremony.

The moment for departure had arrived, and the little band set out.

The cart first turned the angle of the mouth of the Mercy, then, having

ascended the left bank for a mile, crossed the bridge, at the other side

of which commenced the road to Port Balloon, and there the explorers,

leaving this road on their left, entered the cover of the immense woods

which formed the region of the Far West.

For the first two miles the widely scattered trees allowed the cart to

pass with ease; from time to time it became necessary to cut away a few

creepers and bushes, but no serious obstacle impeded the progress of the

colonists.

The thick foliage of the trees threw a grateful shade on the ground.

Deodars, Douglas firs, casuarinas, banksias, gum-trees, dragon-trees,

and other well-known species, succeeded each other far as the eye could

reach. The feathered tribes of the island were all represented--grouse,

jacamars, pheasants, lories, as well as the chattering cockatoos,

parrots, and paroquets. Agouties, kangaroos, and capybaras fled swiftly

at their approach; and all this reminded the settlers of the first

excursions they had made on their arrival at the island.

“Nevertheless,” observed Cyrus Harding, “I notice that these creatures,

both birds and quadrupeds, are more timid than formerly. These woods

have, therefore, been recently traversed by the convicts, and we shall

certainly find some traces of them.”

And, in fact, in several places they could distinguish traces, more or

less recent, of the passage of a band of men--here branches broken off

the trees, perhaps to mark out the way; there the ashes of a fire, and

footprints in clayey spots; but nothing which appeared to belong to a

settled encampment.

The engineer had recommended his companions to refrain from hunting. The

reports of the firearms might give the alarm to the convicts, who

were, perhaps, roaming through the forest. Moreover, the hunters would

necessarily ramble some distance from the cart, which it was dangerous

to leave unguarded.

In the afterpart of the day, when about six miles from Granite House,

their progress became much more difficult. In order to make their way

through some thickets, they were obliged to cut down trees. Before

entering such places Harding was careful to send in Top and Jup, who

faithfully accomplished their commission, and when the dog and orang

returned without giving any warning, there was evidently nothing to

fear, either from convicts or wild beasts, two varieties of the animal

kingdom, whose ferocious instincts placed them on the same level. On the

evening of the first day the colonists encamped about nine miles from

Granite House, on the border of a little stream falling into the Mercy,

and of the existence of which they had till then been ignorant; it

evidently, however, belonged to the hydiographical system to which the

soil owed its astonishing fertility. The settlers made a hearty meal,

for their appetites were sharpened, and measures were then taken that

the night might be passed in safety. If the engineer had had only to

deal with wild beasts, jaguars or others, he would have simply lighted

fires all around his camp, which would have sufficed for its defense;

but the convicts would be rather attracted than terrified by the flames,

and it was, therefore, better to be surrounded by the profound darkness

of night.

The watch was, however, carefully organized. Two of the settlers were

to watch together, and every two hours it was agreed that they should

be relieved by their comrades. And so, notwithstanding his wish to the

contrary, Herbert was exempted from guard. Pencroft and Gideon Spilett

in one party, the engineer and Neb in another, mounted guard in turns

over the camp.

The night, however, was but of few hours. The darkness was due rather to

the thickness of the foliage than to the disappearance of the sun.

The silence was scarcely disturbed by the howling of jaguars and the

chattering of the monkeys, the latter appearing to particularly irritate

Master Jup. The night passed without incident, and on the next day, the

15th of February, the journey through the forest, tedious rather than

difficult, was continued. This day they could not accomplish more than

six miles, for every moment they were obliged to cut a road with their

hatchets.

Like true settlers, the colonists spared the largest and most beautiful

trees, which would besides have cost immense labor to fell, and the

small ones only were sacrificed, but the result was that the road took a

very winding direction, and lengthened itself by numerous detours.

During the day Herbert discovered several new specimens not before met

with in the island, such as the tree-fern, with its leaves spread out

like the waters of a fountain, locust-trees, on the long pods of

which the onagers browsed greedily, and which supplied a sweet pulp

of excellent flavor. There, too, the colonists again found groups of

magnificent kauries, their cylindrical trunks, crowded with a cone

of verdure, rising to a height of two hundred feet. These were the

tree-kings of New Zealand, as celebrated as the cedars of Lebanon.

As to the fauna, there was no addition to those species already known to

the hunters. Nevertheless, they saw, though unable to get near them, a

couple of those large birds peculiar to Australia, a sort of cassowary,

called emu, five feet in height, and with brown plumage, which belong

to the tribe of waders. Top darted after them as fast as his four legs

could carry him, but the emus distanced him with ease, so prodigious was

their speed.

As to the traces left by the convicts, a few more were discovered. Some

footprints found near an apparently recently extinguished fire were

attentively examined by the settlers. By measuring them one after the

other, according to their length and breadth, the marks of five men’s

feet were easily distinguished. The five convicts had evidently

camped on this spot; but,--and this was the object of so minute an

examination,--a sixth footprint could not be discovered, which in that

case would have been that of Ayrton.

“Ayrton was not with them!” said Herbert.

“No,” answered Pencroft, “and if he was not with them, it was because

the wretches had already murdered him! but then these rascals have not a

den to which they may be tracked like tigers!”

“No,” replied the reporter, “it is more probable that they wander at

random, and it is their interest to rove about until the time when they

will be masters of the island!”

“The masters of the island!” exclaimed the sailor; “the masters of the

island!...” he repeated, and his voice was choked, as if his throat was

seized in an iron grasp. Then in a calmer tone, “Do you know, Captain

Harding,” said he, “what the ball is which I have rammed into my gun?”

“No, Pencroft!”

“It is the ball that went through Herbert’s chest, and I promise you it

won’t miss its mark!”

But this just retaliation would not bring Ayrton back to life, and from

the examination of the footprints left in the ground, they must, alas!

conclude that all hopes of ever seeing him again must be abandoned.

That evening they encamped fourteen miles from Granite House, and Cyrus

Harding calculated that they could not be more than five miles from

Reptile Point.

And indeed, the next day the extremity of the peninsula was reached, and

the whole length of the forest had been traversed; but there was nothing

to indicate the retreat in which the convicts had taken refuge, nor

that, no less secret, which sheltered the mysterious unknown.