The door of the cottage was open. The visitors entered, and saw at a glance that the single room of which it consisted was empty, although it had been recently occupied. Upon the hearth1, which was built of three large stones, lay some extinguished embers upon which the light ashes still lingered, although the lightest breeze would have been sufficient to carry them away. The bed, consisting of a wooden frame, from which was suspended a sailor's hammock, still bore the impress of a human figure.
This hammock, that Erik examined immediately, bore the stamp of the "Vega." On a sort of table formed from the shoulder-blade of some animal and supported by four thigh2 bones, lay some crumbs3 of ship's biscuit, a pewter goblet4, and a wooden spoon of Swedish workmanship.
They could not doubt that they were in the dwelling-place of Patrick O'Donoghan, and according to all appearances he had only left it a short time ago. Had he quitted the island, or had he only gone to take a walk? The only thing they could do was to make a thorough exploration of the island.
Around the habitation excavations5 bore witness to the fact that a great amount of hard work had been done; on a sort of plateau that formed the summit of the hill, a great quantity of ivory had been piled up, and indicated the nature of the work. The voyagers perceived that all the skeletons of elephants and other animals had been despoiled6 of their ivory, and they arrived at the conclusion that the natives of the Siberian coast had been aware, long before the visit of Patrick O'Donoghan, of the treasure which was to be found upon the island, and had come and carried off large quantities of it. The Irishman, therefore, had not found the quantity of ivory upon the surface of the ground which he had expected, and had been compelled to make excavations and exhume7 it. The quality of this ivory, which had been buried probably for a long time, appeared to the travelers to be of a very inferior quality.
Now the young doctor of the "Vega" had told them, as had the proprietor8 of the Red Anchor, in Brooklyn, that laziness was one of the distinguishing characteristics of Patrick O'Donoghan. It therefore seemed to them very improbable that he would be resigned to follow such a laborious9 and unremunerative life. They therefore felt sure that he would embrace the first opportunity to leave the Island of Ljakow. The only hope that still remained of finding him there was that which the examination of his cabin had furnished them.
A path descended11 to the shore, opposite to that by which our explorers had climbed up. They followed it, and soon reached the bottom, where the melting snows had formed a sort of little lake, separated from the sea by a wall of rocks. The path followed the shores of this quiet water, and going around the cliff they found a natural harbor.
They saw a sleigh abandoned on the land, and also traces of a recent fire; Erik examined the shore carefully, but could find no traces of any recent embarkation13. He was returning to his companions, when he perceived at the foot of a shrub14 a red object, which he picked up immediately. It was one of those tin boxes painted outside with carmine15 which had contained that preserved beef commonly called "endaubage," and which all vessels16 carry among their provisions. It was not so great a prize, since the captain of the "Vega" had supplied Patrick O'Donoghan with food. But what struck Erik as significant, was the fact that there was printed on the empty box the name of Martinez Domingo, Valparaiso.
"Tudor Brown has been here," he cried. "They told us on board the 'Vega' that his vessel17 was at Valparaiso when he telegraphed them to wait for him at Vancouver. Besides, this box from Chili18 could not have been brought here by the 'Vega,' for it is evidently quite fresh. It can not be three days, perhaps not twenty-four hours since it has been opened!"
Dr. Schwaryencrona and Mr. Bredejord shook their heads, as if they hesitated to accept Erik's conclusions, when turning the box in his hands, he descried19 written in pencil the word "Albatross," which had doubtless been done by the person who had furnished the vessel with the beef. He pointed20 it out to his friends.
"Tudor Brown has been here," he repeated, "and why should he come except to carry off Patrick O'Donoghan. Let us go, it is evident they embarked21 at this creek22. His men, while they were waiting for him, have taken breakfast around this fire. He has carried off the Irishman, either willingly or unwillingly23. I am as certain of it as if I saw them embark12."
Notwithstanding this firm belief, Erik carefully explored the neighborhood, to assure himself that Patrick O'Donoghan was no longer there. An hour's walk convinced him that the island was uninhabited. There was no trace of a path, nor the least vestige24 of a human being. On all sides valleys extended as far as his sight could reach, without even a bird to animate25 its solitude26. And above all, the gigantic bones which they beheld27 lying around in every direction, gave them a feeling of disgust; it seemed as if an army of animals had taken refuge in this solitary28 island only to die there.
"Let us go!" said Dr. Schwaryencrona. "There is no use in making a more complete search of the island; we have seen sufficient to assure us that Patrick O'Donoghan would not require much urging to induce him to leave this place!"
Four hours later they were again on board of the "Alaska," and continuing their journey.
Erik did not hide the fact that his hopes had received a severe check. Tudor Brown had been ahead of him, he had succeeded in reaching the island first, and doubtless had carried off Patrick O'Donoghan. It was therefore hardly probable that they would succeed in finding him again. A man capable of displaying such ability in his fiendish attack upon the "Alaska," and who could adopt such energetic measures to carry off the Irishman from such a place, would assuredly exert himself to the utmost to prevent them from ever coming in contact with him. The world is large, and its waters were open to the "Albatross." Who could tell to what point of the compass Patrick O'Donoghan and his secret would be carried?
This is what the captain of the "Alaska" said to himself, as he walked the deck of his vessel, after giving orders to steer29 to the westward30. And to these doleful thoughts was added a feeling of remorse31 that he had permitted his friends to share the dangers and fatigue32 of his useless expedition. It was doubly useless, since Tudor Brown had found Nordenskiold before the "Alaska," and also preceded them to the Island of Ljakow. They must then return to Stockholm, if they ever succeeded in reaching it, without having accomplished33 one of the objects of the expedition. It was indeed a great disappointment. But at least their returning in a contrary direction to the "Vega" would prove the feasibility of the northeast passage. At any risk he must reach Cape34 Tchelynskin, and double it from east to west. At any risk he must return to Sweden by way of the Sea of Kara. It was this redoubtable35 Cape Tchelynskin, formerly36 considered impassable, that the "Alaska" crowded on steam to reach. They did not follow the exact route of the "Vega," for Erik had no occasion to descend10 the Siberian coast.
Leaving to starboard the islands of Stolbovvi and Semenoffski, which they sighted on the 4th of August, they sailed due west, following closely the 76th degree of latitude37, and made such good speed that in eight days they had made 35 degrees of longitude38, from the 140th to the 105th degree east of Greenwich. It is true that they had to burn a great deal of coal to accomplish this, for the "Alaska" had had contrary winds almost all the time. But Erik thought rightly that everything was subordinate to the necessity of making their way out of these dangerous passes as speedily as possible. If they could once reach the mouth of the Yenisei, they could always procure39 the necessary fuel.
On the 14th of August, at midday they were unable to make a solar observation on account of a thick fog, which covered the whole sky. But they knew that they were approaching a great Asiatic promontory40, therefore Erik advanced with extreme caution, while at the same time he had the speed of the vessel slackened.
Toward night he gave orders to have the vessel stopped. These precautions were not useless. The following morning at daylight they made soundings and found that they were in only thirty fathoms41 of water, and an hour afterward42 they came in sight of land; and the "Alaska" soon reached a bay in which she could cast anchor. They resolved to wait until the fog dispersed43 before going on land, but as the 15th and 16th of August passed without bringing about this desired result, Erik determined44 to start accompanied by Mr. Bredejord, Mr. Malarius, and the doctor. A short examination showed them that the "Alaska" was at the extreme north of the two points of Cape Tchelynskin; on two sides the land lay low toward the sea, but it rose gradually toward the south, and they perceived that it was about two or three hundred feet in height. No snow or ice was to be seen in any direction, except along the borders of the sea where there was a little band, such as is commonly seen in all arctic regions. The clayey soil was covered with abundant vegetation, consisting of mossy grasses and lichens45. The coast was enlivened by great numbers of wild geese and walruses46. A white bear displayed himself on top of a rock. If it had not been for the fog which cast a gray mantle47 over everything, the general aspect of this famous Cape Tchelynskin was not particularly disagreeable; certainly there was nothing to justify48 the name of Cape Severe, which it had borne for three centuries.
As they advanced to the extreme point at the west of the bay, the travelers perceived a sort of monument that crowned a height, and naturally pressed forward to visit it. They saw, as they approached, that it was a sort of "cairn," or mass of stones supporting a wooden column made out of a post. This column bore two inscriptions49; the first read as follows:
"On the 19th of August, 1878, the 'Vega' left the Atlantic to
double Cape Tchelynskin, _en route_ for Behring's Straits."
The second read:
"On the 12th of August, 1879, the 'Albatross,' coming from
Behring's Straits, doubled Cape Tchelynskin, _en route_
for the Atlantic."
Once again Tudor Brown had preceded the "Alaska." It was now the 16th of August.
He had written this inscription50 only four days previously51.
In Erik's eyes it appeared cruel and ironical52; it seemed to him to say: "I will defeat you at every turn. All your efforts will be useless. Nordenskiold has solved the problem. Tudor Brown, the counter proof."
As for himself he would return humiliated54 and ashamed, without having demonstrated, found or proved anything. He was going without adding a single word to the inscriptions on the column. But Dr. Schwaryencrona would not listen to him, and taking out his knife from his pocket he wrote on the bottom of the post these words:
"On the 16th of August, 1879, the 'Alaska' left Stockholm, and came here across the Atlantic and the Siberian Sea, and has doubled Cape Tchelynskin, _en route_ to accomplish the first circumpolar periplus."
There is a strange power in words. This simple phrase recalled to Erik what a geographical55 feat53 he was in hopes of accomplishing, and without his being conscious of it restored him to good humor. It was true, after all, that the "Alaska" would be the first vessel to accomplish this voyage. Other navigators before him had sailed through the arctic-American seas, and accomplished the northwest passage. Nordenskiold and Tudor Brown had doubled Cape Tchelynskin; but no person had as yet gone from one to the other, completely around the pole, completing the three hundred and sixty degrees.
This prospect56 restored every one's ardor57, and they were eager to depart. Erik thought it best, however, to wait until the next day and see if the fog would lift; but fogs appeared to be the chronic58 malady59 of Cape Tchelynskin, and when next morning the sun rose without dissipating it, he gave orders to hoist60 the anchor.
Leaving to the south the Gulf61 of Taymis--which is also the name of the great Siberian peninsula of which Cape Tchelynskin forms the extreme point--the "Alaska," directing her course westward, sailed uninterruptedly during the day and night of the 17th of August.
On the eighteenth, at day-break, the fog disappeared at last and the atmosphere was pure and enlivened by the sunshine. By midday they had rounded the point, and immediately descried a distant sail to the south-west.
The presence of a sailing-vessel in these unfrequented seas was too extraordinary a phenomenon not to attract special attention. Erik, with his glass in his hand, ascended62 to the lookout63 and examined the vessel carefully for a long time. It appeared to lie low in the water, was rigged like a schooner64 and had a smoke-stack, although he could not perceive any smoke. When he descended from the bridge the young captain said to the doctor:
"It looks exactly like the 'Albatross!'" Then he gave orders to put on all steam possible. In less than a quarter of an hour he saw that they were gaining on the vessel, whose appointments they were now able to discern with the naked eye. They could see that the breeze had slackened, and that her course was at right angles with that of the "Alaska."
But suddenly a change took place in the distant vessel; Clouds of smoke issued from her smoke-stack, and formed behind her a long black cloud. She was now going by steam and in the same direction as the "Alaska."
"There is now no doubt of it. It is the 'Albatross,'" said Erik.
He gave orders to the engineer to increase the speed of the "Alaska," if possible. They were then making fourteen knots, and in a quarter of an hour they were making sixteen knots. The vessel that they were pursuing had not been able to attain65 a like rate of speed, for the "Alaska" continued to gain upon her. In thirty minutes they were near enough to her to distinguish all her men who were maneuvering66 her. At last they could see the moldings and letters forming her name, "Albatross."
Erik gave orders to hoist the Swedish flag. The "Albatross" immediately hoisted67 the stars and stripes of the United States of America.
In a few minutes the two vessels were only separated by a few hundred yards. Then the captain of the "Alaska" took his speaking-trumpet and hailed the vessel in English:
"Ship ahoy! I wish to speak with your captain!"
In a few moments some one made his appearance on the bridge of the "Albatross." It was Tudor Brown.
"I am the proprietor and captain of this yacht," he said. "What do you want?"
"I wish to know whether Patrick O'Donoghan is on board!'"
"Patrick O'Donoghan is on board and can speak for himself," answered Tudor Brown.
He made a sign, and a man joined him on the bridge.
"This is Patrick O'Donoghan," said Tudor Brown. "What do you want with him?"
Erik was desirous of this interview so long, he had come so far in search of this man, that when he found himself unexpectedly in his presence and recognized him by his red hair and broken nose, he was at first taken aback and scarcely knew what to say to him. But gathering68 his ideas together, he at last made an attempt.
"I have been wishing to talk to you confidentially69 for several years," he said. "I have been seeking for you, and it was to find you that I came into these seas. Will you come on board of my vessel?"
"I do not know you, and I am very well satisfied to stay where I am," answered the man.
"But I know you. I have heard through Mr. Bowles that you were on board when the 'Cynthia' was wrecked70, and that you had spoken to him about the infant who was tied to a buoy72. I am that infant, and it is about this matter that I wish you to give me all the information in your power."
"You must question somebody else, for I am not in the humor to give any."
"Do you wish me to suppose that the information is not to your credit?"
"You can think what you like; it is a matter of perfect indifference73 to me," said the man.
Erik resolved to betray no irritation74.
"It would be better for you to tell me what I wish to know of your own free will than to be compelled to do so before a court of justice," he said, coolly.
"A court of justice! They will have to catch me first," answered the other, mockingly.
Here Tudor Brown interposed.
"You see it is not my fault if you have not obtained the information that you desired," said he to Erik. "The best thing is now for us both to resume our course and go where we desire."
"Why should we each go our way?" answered the young captain. "Would it not be better for us to keep together until we reach some civilized75 country where we can settle these matters."
"I have no business with you, and do not want any one's company," answered Tudor Brown, moving as if he was about to leave the bridge.
Erik stopped him by a sign.
"Proprietor of the 'Albatross,'" he said, "I bear a regular commission from my government, and am besides an officer of the maritime76 police. I therefore ask you to show me your papers immediately!"
Tudor Brown did not make the slightest answer, but descended the bridge with the man whom he had called. Erik waited a couple of minutes, and then he spoke71 again:
"Commander of the 'Albatross,' I accuse you of having attempted to shipwreck77 my vessel on the rocks of Sein, and I now summon you to come and answer this accusation78 before a marine79 tribunal. If you refuse to answer this summons it will be my duty to compel you to do so!"
"Try it if you like," cried Tudor Brown, and gave orders to resume his journey.
During this colloquy80 his vessel had insensibly tacked81, and now stood at right angles with the "Alaska." Suddenly the wheel commenced to revolve82 and beat the water which boiled and foamed83 around it. A prolonged whistle was heard, and the "Albatross" carrying all the steam she could raise sped over the waters in the direction of the North Pole.
Two minutes later, the "Alaska" was rushing after her.
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1
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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crumbs
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| int. (表示惊讶)哎呀 n. 碎屑 名词crumb的复数形式 | |
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goblet
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| n.高脚酒杯 | |
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excavations
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| n.挖掘( excavation的名词复数 )；开凿；开凿的洞穴（或山路等）；（发掘出来的）古迹 | |
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despoiled
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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exhume
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| v.掘出，挖掘 | |
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proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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10
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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embarkation
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| n. 乘船, 搭机, 开船 | |
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shrub
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| n.灌木，灌木丛 | |
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carmine
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| n.深红色，洋红色 | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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18
chili
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| n.辣椒 | |
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19
descried
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| adj.被注意到的，被发现的，被看到的 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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21
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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vestige
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animate
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| v.赋于生命，鼓励；adj.有生命的，有生气的 | |
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solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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27
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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28
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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29
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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30
westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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31
remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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latitude
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| n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区 | |
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longitude
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| n.经线，经度 | |
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procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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promontory
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| n.海角；岬 | |
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41
fathoms
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| 英寻( fathom的名词复数 ) | |
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42
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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lichens
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| n.地衣( lichen的名词复数 ) | |
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walruses
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| n.海象( walrus的名词复数 ) | |
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mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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48
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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49
inscriptions
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| （作者）题词( inscription的名词复数 )； 献词； 碑文； 证劵持有人的登记 | |
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50
inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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51
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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ironical
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| adj.讽刺的，冷嘲的 | |
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53
feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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humiliated
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| 感到羞愧的 | |
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55
geographical
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| adj.地理的；地区(性)的 | |
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56
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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58
chronic
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| adj.(疾病)长期未愈的，慢性的；极坏的 | |
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malady
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| n.病，疾病(通常做比喻) | |
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60
hoist
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| n.升高，起重机，推动；v.升起，升高，举起 | |
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61
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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62
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
lookout
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| n.注意，前途，瞭望台 | |
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schooner
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| n.纵帆船 | |
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attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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maneuvering
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| v.移动，用策略( maneuver的现在分词 )；操纵 | |
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hoisted
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| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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buoy
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| n.浮标；救生圈；v.支持，鼓励 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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irritation
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| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
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civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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maritime
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| adj.海的，海事的，航海的，近海的，沿海的 | |
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shipwreck
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| n.船舶失事，海难 | |
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accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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marine
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| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
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colloquy
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| n.谈话，自由讨论 | |
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tacked
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| 用平头钉钉( tack的过去式和过去分词 )； 附加，增补； 帆船抢风行驶，用粗线脚缝 | |
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revolve
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| vi.(使)旋转；循环出现 | |
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foamed
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| 泡沫的 | |
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