Читать книгу The Mysterious Island. B2 / Таинственный остров - Жюль Верн, Жуль Верн - Страница 4

Who were those men? They were prisoners, and they succeeded to escape. Their voyage lasted five days. How did it start?

In February, 1865, the enemies, the Southerners, captured many officers. One of the most famous of them was Cyrus Smith, 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, 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, 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 18^th of March. On the morning of the 18^th, there was a great storm. The weather was terrible.

Cyrus Smith met a man whom he did not know. It was Pencroff, a sailor. He was about thirty- five years old. He was strong. Pencroff came to Richmond on business. He had with him Herbert Brown, 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 skilful 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. During the night, they will reach the balloon, and get into the basket!

– I am not alone, – said Smith.

– How many people more? – demanded the sailor.

– Two; my friend Spilett, and my man Neb.

– Three, – replied Pencroff; – and, with Herbert and myself, five. Can the balloon carry us?

– Yes. We will go! – said the engineer.

– Tonight, at ten o’clock, – replied Smith.

Evening arrived. Fog passed over the earth. The weather was cold. The streets of the city were empty. No one cared to guard the balloon in a weather like this.

At half past 9, Cyrus Smith and his companions came together at the basket. Four of them took their places in the basket, while Pencroff unfastened the bundles of ballast. Then the sailor joined his companions. At that moment, a dog jumped into the basket. It was Top, the dog of the engineer.

Then the storm started. It was not until five days later that they saw the sea below them.

So of these five men, four found themselves, four days later, on a desert coast. And their leader, Cyrus Smith, disappeared.

Glossary:

superb – превосходный

the Southerners – южане

companion – товарищ

find themselves – оказаться