Classic Audiobook Collection - An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne ~ Full Audiobook [adventure]

Starting point is 00:00:00 An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 1. The Curgoulan Islands No doubt the following narrative will be received with entire incredulity, but I think it well that the public should be put in possession of the facts narrated in an Antarctic mystery. The public is free to believe them or not, as its good pleasure. No more appropriate scene for the wonderful and terrible adventures which I am about to relate could be imagined than the desolation islands, so called in 1779, by Captain Cook. I lived there for several weeks, and I can affirm on the evidence of my own eyes and my own experience that the famous explorer and navigator was happily inspired when he gave the islands that significant name.

Starting point is 00:00:50 Geographical nomenclature, however, insists on the name of Kerguelen, which is generally adopted for the group which lies in. 49 degrees, 45 minutes south latitude, and 69 degrees six minutes east longitude. This is just because in 1772 Baron Kyrgylund, a Frenchman, was the first to discover those islands in the southern part of the Indian Ocean. Indeed, the commander of the squadron on that voyage believed he had found a new continent on the limit of the Antarctic seas. But in the course of a second expedition, he recognized his error. There was only an archipelago. I may be believed when I assert that Desolation Islands is the only suitable name for this group of 300 aisles or islets in the midst

Starting point is 00:01:41 of the vast expanse of ocean, which is constantly disturbed by astral storms. Nevertheless, the group is inhabited, and the number of Europeans and Americans who formed the nucleus of the Kyrgyzlan population, at the date of the 2nd of August 1839 had been augmented for two months past by a unit in my person. Just then I was waiting for an opportunity of leaving the place, having completed the geological and mineralogical studies which had brought me to the group in general and to Christmas Harbor in particular. Christmas Harbor belongs to the most important islet of the archipelago, one that is about half as large as quixenal.

Starting point is 00:02:26 Corsica. It is safe and easy and free of access. Your ship may ride securely at single anchor in its waters, while the bay remains free from ice. The Kyrgyllans possess hundreds of other fjords. Their coasts are notched and ragged, especially in the parts between the north and the southeast, where the little islets abound. The soil of volcanic origin is composed of quartz, mixed with a bluish stone. In summer it is covered with green mosses, gray lichens, various hardy plants, especially wild saxifrage. Only one edible plant grows there, a kind of cabbage, not found anywhere else, and very bitter of flavor. Great flocks of royal and other penguins people these islets, finding good lodging on their rocky and mossy surface. These stupid birds in their yellow and white feathers,

Starting point is 00:03:23 with their heads thrown back, and their wings, like the sleeves, of a monastic habit, look at a distance, like monks in single file, walking in procession along the beach. The islands afford refuge to numbers of sea calves, seals, and sea elephants. The taking of those amphibious animals, either on land or from the sea, is profitable, and may lead to a trade which will bring a large number of vessels into these waters. On the day already mentioned, I was accosted while strolling on the port by mine host of Mine Inn. Unless I am much mistaken, time is beginning to seem very long to you, Mr. Jorling. The speaker was a tall American, who kept the only inn on the port.

Starting point is 00:04:09 If you will not be offended, Mr. Atkins, I will acknowledge that I do find it long. Of course I won't be offended. Am I not well used to answers of that kind, as the rocks of the river? the cape, to the rollers? And you resist them equally well. Of course, from the day of your arrival at Christmas Harbor, when you came to the green cormorant, I said to myself that in a fortnight, if not in a week, you would have enough of it, and would be sorry you had landed in the Kyrgyzulans. No, indeed, Mr. Atkins, I never regret anything I have done. That's a good habit, sir. Besides, I have gained knowledge by observing curious things here. I have

Starting point is 00:04:50 cross the rolling plains, covered with hearty stringy mosses, and I shall take away curious, mineralogical and geological specimens with me. I have gone sealing, and taken sea-caves with your people. I have visited the rookeries where the penguins and the albatross live together in good fellowship. And that was well worth my while. You have given me now and again a dish of petrol, seasoned by your own hand, and very acceptable, when one has a fine, healthy appet. And, and one has a fine, I have found a friendly welcome at the Green Cormorant, and I am very much obliged to you. But if I am right in my reckoning, it is two months since the Chilean Two-master Pennis set me down at Christmas Harbour in midwinter. And you want to get back to your own country, which is mine, Mr. Jorling, to return to Connecticut, to Providence, our capital.

Starting point is 00:05:45 Doubtless, Mr. Atkins, for I have been a globetrotter for close upon three years. one must come to a stop and take root at some time. Yes, and when one has taken root, one puts out branches. Just so, Mr. Atkins. However, I have no relations living. It is likely that I shall be the last of my line. I am not likely to take a fancy for marrying at forty. Well, well, that is a matter of taste.

Starting point is 00:06:12 Fifteen years ago I settled down comfortably at Christmas Harbour with my Betsy. She has presented me with ten children, who in their turn will present me with grandchildren. Will you not return to the old country? What should I do there, Mr. Jorlings, and what could I ever have done there? There was nothing before me but poverty. Here, on the contrary, in these islands of desolation,

Starting point is 00:06:37 where I have no reason to feel desolate, ease and competence have come to me and mine. No doubt, and I congratulate you, Mr. Atkins, for you are a happy man. Nevertheless, it is not impossible that the fancy may take you someday. Mr. Atkins answered by a vigorous, unconvincing shake of the head. It was very pleasant to hear this worthy American talk. He was completely acclimatized on his archipelago and to the conditions of life there.

Starting point is 00:07:08 He lived with his family, as the penguins lived in their workeries. His wife was a valiant woman of the scriptural type. His sons were strong, hardy fellows. who did not know what sickness meant his business was prosperous the green cormorant had the custom of all the ships whalers and others that put in at curgoulin atkins supplied them with everything they required and no second inn existed at christmas harbor his sons were carpenters sail-makers and fishers and they hunted the amphibians in all the creeks during the hot season in short this was a family of honest folk who fulfilled their destiny without much difficulty once more mr atkins let me assure you i resumed i am delighted to have come to kurgulin i shall always remember the islands kindly nevertheless i should not be sorry to find myself at sea again come mr jorlings you must have a little patience said the philosopher you must not forget that the fine days will soon be here in five or six weeks yes and in the meantime the hills and the plains the rocks and the shores will be covered thick with snow and the sun will not have strength to dispel the mists on the horizon now there you are again mr jorling why the wild grass is already peeping through the white sheet just look

Starting point is 00:08:35 yes with a magnifying glass between ourselves atkins could you venture to pretend that your bays are not still ice-locked in this month of august which is the february of our northern hemisphere i acknowledge that mr jorling but again i say have patience the winter has been mild this year the ships will soon show up in the east or in the west for the fishing season is near May heaven hear you, Atkins, and guide the halbrain safely into port. Captain Len Guy? Ah, he's a good sailor. Although he's English. They are good people everywhere, and he takes his supplies at the green cormorant. You think the halbrain? You will be signalled before a week, Mr. Jorling. Or if not, it will be because there is no longer a Captain Len Guy. And if there is no longer a Captain Len Guy, it is because the halbrain has sunk in full sail between the Kerguelans and the Cape of Good Hope. Thereupon Mr. Atkins walked away with a scornful gesture, indicating that such an eventuality

Starting point is 00:09:41 was out of all probability. My intention was to take my passage on board the halbrain so soon as she could come to her moorings in Christmas Harbor. After the rest of six or seven days, she would set sail again for Tristan Dachuna. where she was to discharge her cargo of tin and copper. I meant to stay in the island for a few weeks of the fine season, and from thence set out for Connecticut. Nevertheless, I did not fail to take into due account the share that belongs to chance in human affairs,

Starting point is 00:10:14 for it is wise, as Edgar Poe has said, always to reckon with the unforeseen, the unexpected, the inconceivable, which have a very large share in those affairs, and chance ought to always to be a matter of strict calculation. Each day I walked about the port and its neighborhood. The sun was growing strong. The rocks were emerging by degrees from their winter clothing of snow. Moss of a wine-like color was springing up on the basalt cliffs.

Starting point is 00:10:46 Strips of seaweed, fifty yards long, were floating on the sea. And on the plain Lila, which is of Andean origin, was pushing its little points and the only legumous plant of the region. That gigantic cabbage already mentioned, valuable for its antiscarbutic properties, was making its appearance. I had not come across a single land mammal. Sea mammals swarm in these waters,

Starting point is 00:11:15 not even of the batrachean or reptilian kinds. A few insects only, butterflies or others, and even these did not fly, for before they could use their wings, the atmospheric currents carried the tiny bodies away to the surface of the rolling waves. And the hell-brain? I used to say to Atkins each morning. The halbrain, Mr. Jorling, he would reply with complacent assurance. We'll surely come into port today, or if not today, tomorrow. In my rambles on the shore, I frequently rooted a crowd of amphibians, sending them plunging into the newly released waters. The penguins, heavy and impassive creatures, did not disappear at my approach.

Starting point is 00:11:59 They took no notice. But the black petrels, the puffins, black and white, the grebes and others, spread their wings at the sight of me. One day I witnessed the departure of an albatross, saluted by the very best croaks of the penguins, no doubt as a friend whom they were to see no more. Those powerful birds can fly for two hundred leagues. without resting for a moment, and with such rapidity that they sweep through vast spaces in a few hours. The departing albatross sat motionless upon a high rock at the end of the bay of Christmas Harbor, looking at the waves as they dashed violently against the beach.

Starting point is 00:12:43 Suddenly the bird rose with a great sweep into the air, its claws folded beneath it, its head stretched out like the prow of a ship, uttering its shrill crows. a few moments later it was reduced to a black speck in the vast height and disappeared behind the misty curtains of the south end of chapter one chapter two of an antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the icefields this is a libervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox dot org An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne Chapter 2 The schooner Halbrain The Halbrain was a schooner of 300 tons and a fast sailor. On board there was a captain, a mate, or lieutenant, a bow son, a cook, and eight sailors,

Starting point is 00:13:48 in all twelve men, a sufficient number to work the ship. Solidly built, copper-bottomed, very manageable, well-suited for navigation between the 40th and 60th parallel of South latitude. The Halbrain was a credit to the shipyards of Birkenhead. All this I learned from Atkins, who adorned his narrative with praise and admiration of its theme. Captain Lengai of Liverpool was three-fifth owner of the vessel, which he had commanded for nearly six years. He traded in the southern seas of Africa and America, going from one group of islands to another and from continent to continent. His ship's company was but a dozen men, it is true, but she was used for the purposes of trade only. He would have required a more numerous crew,

Starting point is 00:14:37 and all the implements, for taking seals or other amphibia. The halbrain was not defenseless, however. On the contrary, she was heavily armed, and this was well, for those southern seas were not too safe. They were frequented at that period by pirates, and on approaching the aisles, The halbrain was put into a condition to resist attack. Besides, the men always slept with one eye open. One morning, it was the 27th of August. I was roused out of my bed by the rough voice of the innkeeper, and the tremendous thumps he gave my door.

Starting point is 00:15:14 Mr. Jorling, are you awake? Of course I am, Atkins. How should I be otherwise, with all that noise going on? What's up? A ship six miles in the offing, to the north-east, steering for Christmas. Will it be the howl-brain? We shall know that in a short time, Mr. Jorling. At any rate it is the first boat of the year, and we must give it a welcome. I dressed hurriedly and joined Atkins on the key, where I found him in the midst of a group, engaged in eager discussion.

Starting point is 00:15:46 Atkins was indisputably the most considerable and considered man in the archipelago. Consequently, he secured the best listeners. The matter in dispensual, he was indisputably the most, and The dispute was whether the schooner in sight was or was not the halbrain. The majority maintained that she was not, but Atkins was positive she was, although on this occasion he had only two backers. The dispute was carried on with warmth, the host of the Green Cormorant defending his view, and the dissidents, maintaining that the fast-approaching schooner was either English or American,

Starting point is 00:16:21 until she was near enough to hoist her flag, and the Union Jack went fluttering up into the sky. Shortly after, the Halbrain lay at anchor in the middle of Christmas Harbour. The captain of the Halbrain, who received the demonstrative greeting of Atkins, very coolly, it seemed to me, was about forty-five, red-faced and solidly built, like his schooner. His head was large, his hair was already turning grey. His black eyes shone like coals of fire under his thick eyebrows, and his strong white teeth were set like rocks in his powerful jaws. His chin was lengthened by a coarse red beard, and his arms and legs were strong and firm. Such was Captain Len Guy, and he impressed me with the notion that he was rather impassive than hard,

Starting point is 00:17:13 a shut-up sort of person, whose secrets it would not be easy to get at. I was told the very same day that my impression was correct, by a person who was bitter informed than atkins although the latter pretended to great intimacy with the captain the truth was that nobody had penetrated that reserved nature i may as well say at once that the person to whom i have alluded was the bosun of the halbrain a man named hurley-gurly who came from the isle of white this person was about forty-four short stout strong and bow-legged his arms stuck out from his body his head was set like a ball on a bull-neck his chest was broad enough to hold two pairs of lungs and he seemed to want a double supply for he was always puffing blowing and talking He had droll, roguish eyes, with a network of wrinkles under them. A noteworthy detail was an earing, one only, which hung from the lobe of his left ear. What a contrast to the captain of the schooner, and how did two such dissimilar beings contrived to get on together? They had contrived

Starting point is 00:18:25 it somehow, for they had been at sea in each other's company for fifteen years, first in the brig power, which had been replaced by the schooner Halbrain, six years before the beginning of this story. Atkins had told Hurley-Gurly on his arrival that I would take passage on the Halbrain if Captain Len Guy consented to my doing so, and the boatswain presented himself on the following morning without any notice or introduction. He already knew my name, and he accosted me as follows. "'Mr. Zorling, I salute you.' "'I salute you in turn, my friend. What do you want?' "'To offer you my services.'

Starting point is 00:19:07 "'On what account? On account of your intention to embark on the halbrain.' "'Who are you?' "'I am Hurley-Gurly, the bo-son of the halbrain, "'and besides I am the faithful companion of Captain Len Guy, "'who will listen to me willingly, "'although he has the reputation of not listening to anybody. "'Well, my friend, let us talk. if you are not required on board just now.

Starting point is 00:19:31 I have two hours before me, Mr. Jorling. Besides, there's very little to be done today. If you are free as I am. He waved his hand towards the port. Cannot we talk very well here? I observed. Talk, Mr. Jorling, standing up, and our throats dry, when it is so easy to sit down in a corner of the green cormorant in front of two glasses of whiskey.

Starting point is 00:19:54 I don't drink. Well, then I shall drink for both of us. Oh, don't imagine you are dealing with a sot, no, never more than is good for me, but always as much. I followed the man to the tavern, and while Atkins was busy on the deck of the ship, discussing the prices of his purchases and sales, we took our place in the eating-room of his inn. And first I said to Hurley-Gurly, it was on Atkins that I reckoned to introduce me to Captain Lengai, for he knows him very intimately, if I am not mistaken. "'Poe! Atkins is a good sort, and the captain has an esteem for him. "'But he can't do what I can. Let me ask for you, Mr. Jorling.'

Starting point is 00:20:36 "'Is it so difficult a matter to arrange, Bousson? And is there not a cabin on board the Hellbrain? "'The smallest would do for me, and I will pay.' "'All right, Mr. Jorling, there is a cabin which has never been used, "'and since you don't mind putting your hand in your pocket if you required, however, between ourselves. It will take somebody sharper than you think, and who isn't good old Atkins, to induce Captain Lend Guy to take a passenger. Yes, indeed, it will take all the smartness of a good fellow who now drinks to your health, regretting that you don't return the compliment. What a wink it was that accompanied this sentiment. And then the man took a short black pipe

Starting point is 00:21:18 out of the pocket of his jacket, and smoked like a steamer in full blast. "'Mr. Hurley, said I. "'Mr. Jorling, why does your captain object to taking me on his ship? "'Because he does not intend to take anybody on board his ship. "'He never has taken a passenger. "'But for what reason I ask you? "'Oh, because he wants to go where he likes, "'to turn about if he pleases,

Starting point is 00:21:45 "'and to go the other way without accounting for his motives to anybody. "'He never leaves these southern seas, Mr. Jorling. We have been going these many years between Australia on the east and America on the west, from Hobart town to the Kerguelans, to Tristan Dakuna, to the Falklands, only taking time anywhere to sell our cargo, and sometimes dipping down into the Antarctic Sea. Under these circumstances you understand, a passenger might be troublesome, and besides, who would care to embark on the howlbrain? She does not like to flout the breezes, and goes wherever the wind drives her.

Starting point is 00:22:22 The Halbrain positively leaves for the Kyrgyllans in four days? Certainly. And this time she will sail westward for Tristan to Coona? Probably. Well, then, that probability will be enough for me, and since you offer me your services, get Captain Len Guy to accept me as a passenger. It is as good as done.

Starting point is 00:22:46 All right, Hurley-Gurly, and you shall have no reason to repent of it. Ah, Mr. Jorling, replied, this singular mariner, shaking his head as though he had just come out of the sea. I have never repented of anything, and I know well that I should not repent of doing you a service. Now, if you will allow me, I shall take leave of you, without waiting for Atkins to return and get on board. With this, Hurley-Gurly swallowed his last glass of whiskey at a gulp. I thought the glass would have gone down with the liquor, bestowed a patronizing smile on me, and departed. An hour later I met the innkeeper on the port, and told him what had occurred.

Starting point is 00:23:27 Ah, that hurly-gurly, said he, always the old story. If you were to believe him, Captain Lengai wouldn't blow his nose without consulting him. He's a queer fellow, Mr. Jorling, not bad, not stupid, but a great hand at getting hold of dollars or guineas. If you fall into his hands, mind your purse, button up your pocket, and don't let yourself be done. Thanks for the advice, Atkins. me, you have been talking with Captain Len Guy. Have you spoken about me? Not yet, Mr. Jorling. There's plenty of time. The hall-brain only just arrived, and—' Yes, yes, I know. But you understand that I want to be certain as soon as possible. There's nothing to fare. The matter will be all right.

Starting point is 00:24:12 Besides, you would not be at a loss, in any case. When the fishing season comes, there will be more ships in Christmas Harbour, than there are houses around at the Green Comerant. "'Rely on me, I undertake. You're getting a passage.' "'Now these were fair words, but, just as in the case of Hurley-Gurly, there was nothing in them. So, notwithstanding the fine promises of the two, I resolved to address myself personally to Len Guy, hard to get at, though he might be, so soon as I should meet him alone. The next day in the afternoon I saw him on the key, and approached him. It was plain that he would have preferred to avoid me.

Starting point is 00:24:54 It was impossible that Captain Len Guy, who knew every dweller in the place, should not have known that I was a stranger, even supposing that neither of my would-be patrons had mentioned me to him. His attitude could only signify one of two things. Either my proposal had been communicated to him, and that he did not intend to accede to it, or neither Hurley-Gurley nor Atkins had spoken to him since the previous day. In the latter case, if he held aloof from me, it was because of his morose nature.

Starting point is 00:25:29 It was because he did not choose to enter into conversation with a stranger. At the moment I was about to accost him, the Halbrain's lieutenant rejoined his captain, and the latter availed himself of the opportunity to avoid me. He made a sign to the officer to follow him, and the two walked away at a rapid pace. This is serious, said I to myself. It looks as though I shall find it difficult to gain my point. But, after all, it only means delay. Tomorrow morning I will go on board the howl-brain, whether he likes it or whether he doesn't. This lengai will have to hear what I've got to say, and to give me an answer yes or no.

Starting point is 00:26:14 Besides, the captain of the Halbrain might come at dinner-time to the Green Commerant, where the ship's people usually took their meals when ashore. So I waited and did not go to dinner until late. I was disappointed, however, for neither the captain, nor anyone belonging to the ship, patronized the Green Cormorant that day. I had to dine alone, exactly as I had been doing every day for two months. After dinner, about half-past seven, when it was done, dark, I went out to walk on the port, keeping on the side of the houses. The key was quite deserted,

Starting point is 00:26:51 not a man of the Halbrain crew was ashore. The ship's boats were alongside, rocking gently on the rising tide. I remained there until nine, walking up and down the edge in full view of the halbrain. Gradually the mass of the ship became indistinct. There is no movement and no light. I returned to the inn where I found Atkins smoking his pipe near the door. Atkins, said I. It seems that Captain Len Guy does not care to come to your inn very often. He sometimes comes on Sunday, and this is Saturday, Mr. Jorling. You have not spoken to him?

Starting point is 00:27:31 Yes, I have. Atkins was visibly embarrassed. You have informed him that a person of your acquaintance wished to take passage on the Howl Brain. "'Yes. What was his answer?' "'Not what either you or I would have wished, Mr. Jorling.' "'He refuses?' "'Well, yes. I suppose it was refusing. What he said was, "'My ship is not intended to carry passengers. I never have taken any, and I never intend to do so.'

Starting point is 00:28:02 "'End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of an Antarctic mystery. "'Or the Sphinx of the Icefields.' This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 3. Captain Len Guy I slept ill. Again and again I dreamed that I was dreaming. Now this is an observation made by Edgar Poe. When one suspects that one is dreaming, the waking. comes almost instantly. I woke then, and every time in a very bad humor with Captain Len Guy. The idea of leaving the Kyrgylans on the Halbrain had full possession of me, and I grew more and more angry with her disobliging captain. In fact, I passed the night in a fever of indignation,

Starting point is 00:29:05 and only recovered my temper with daylight. Nevertheless, I was determined to have an explanation with Captain Len Guy about his detestable conscience. conduct. Perhaps I should fail to get anything out of that human hedgehog, but at least I should have given him a peace of my mind. I went out at eight o'clock in the morning. The weather was abominable, rain mixed with snow, a storm coming over the mountains at the back of the bay from the west, clouds scurrying down from the lower zones, an avalanche of wind and water. It was like that Captain Langei had come ashore merely to enjoy. such a wedding and blowing.

Starting point is 00:29:47 No one on the key, of course not, as for getting on board the halbrain, that could not be done without hailing one of her boats, and the boatswson would not venture to send it for me. Besides, I reflected, on his quarter-deck the captain is at home, and neutral ground is better, for what I want to say to him. If he persists in his unjustifiable refusal, I will watch him this time,

Starting point is 00:30:12 and if his boat touches the key, he shall not succeed in avoiding me. I returned to the green cormorant and took up my post behind the window-panes, which were dimmed by the hissing rain. There I waited, nervous, impatient, and in a state of growing irritation. Two hours wore away thus.

Starting point is 00:30:35 Then, with the instability of the winds and the curgulans, the weather became calm before I did. I opened my window, and at the same moment a sailor stepped into one of the boats of the halbrain and laid hold of a pair of oars, while a second man seated himself in the back, but without taking the tiller ropes. The boat touched the landing place, and Captain Lengai stepped on shore. In a few seconds I was out of the inn and confronted him. Sir, said I in a cold, hard tone.

Starting point is 00:31:08 Captain Lengai looked at me steadily, and I was struck by the sadness of his eyes. which were as black as ink. Then, in a very low voice, he asked, "'You are a stranger?' A stranger at the Kyrgyllans, yes? Of English nationality? No, American.' He saluted me, and I returned the curt gesture. Sir, I resumed, I believe Mr. Atkins of the Green Cormorant has spoken to you, respecting a proposal of mine. That proposal, it seems to me, deserved a favourable reception on the part of a—the proposal to take passage on my ship? Interposed, Captain Lengai.

Starting point is 00:31:50 Precisely. I regret, sir, I regret that I cannot agree to your request. Will you tell me why? Because I am not in the habit of taking passengers. That is the first reason. And the second, Captain? Because the root of the halve-brain is never settled beforehand. She starts for one port and goes to her.

Starting point is 00:32:13 another, just as I find it to my advantage. You must know that I am not in the service of a ship-owner. My share in the schooner is considerable, and I have no one but myself to consult in respect to her. Then it entirely depends on you to give me a passage. That is so, but I can only answer you by a refusal to my extreme regret. Perhaps you will change your mind, Captain, when you know that I care very little what the destination of your schooner may be. It is not unreasonable to suppose that she will go somewhere. Somewhere, indeed. I fancied that Captain Len Guy threw a long look towards a southern horizon.

Starting point is 00:32:57 To go here or to go there is almost a matter of indifference to me. What I desired, above all, was to get away from the Kyrgylun, at the first opportunity that should offer. Captain Len Guy made me no answer. He remained in silent thought, but did not endeavor to slip away from me. You are doing me the honor to listen to me? I asked him sharply. Yes, sir.

Starting point is 00:33:21 I will then add that, if I am not mistaken, and if the root of your ship has not been altered, it was your intention to leave Christmas harbor for Tristan de Chuna. Perhaps for Tristan de Chuna, perhaps for the Cape. Perhaps for the Falklands, perhaps for somewhere else. "'Well, then, Captain Guy, it is precisely elsewhere that I want to go,' I replied ironically, and tried hard to control my irritation. Then a singular change took place in the demeanor of Captain Len Guy. His voice became more sharp and harsh.

Starting point is 00:33:59 In very plain words he made me understand that it was quite useless to insist, that our interview had already lasted too long, that time pressed, and he had other business at the port, in short, that we had said all that we could have to say to each other. I had put out my arm to detain him, to seize him would be a more correct term, and the conversation ill begun seemed likely to end still more ill, when this odd person turned towards me and said in a milder tone, "'Pray understand, sir, that I am very sorry to be unable to do what you ask.' and to appear disobliging to an American, but I could not act otherwise. In the course of the voyage of the howl-brain,

Starting point is 00:34:46 some unforeseen incident might occur to make the presence of a passenger inconvenient, even one so accommodating as yourself. Thus, I might expose myself to the risk of being unable to profit by the chances which I seek. I have told you, Captain, and I repeat it, that although my intention is to return, turn to America and to Connecticut. I don't care whether I get there in three months or in six, or by what route. It is all the same to me. And even were your schooner to take me to the Antarctic seas? The Antarctic Seas! exclaimed Captain Len Guy with a question in his tone, and his look searched my thoughts with the keenness of a dagger. Why do you speak of the Antarctic Seas? he asked, taking my hand.

Starting point is 00:35:35 well just as i might have spoken of the hyperboreansies from whence an irish poet has made sebastian cabot address some lovely verses to his lady i spoke of the south pole as i might have spoken of the north captain lengai did not answer and i thought i saw tears glisten in his eyes then as he thought he would escape from some harrowing recollection which my words had evoked he said who would venture to seek the South Pole. It would be difficult to reach, and the experiment would be of no practical use, I replied. Nevertheless, there are men sufficiently adventurous to embark in such an enterprise. Yes, adventurous is the word, muttered the captain.

Starting point is 00:36:23 And now, I resumed, the United States is again making an attempt with Wilkes fleet, the Vancouver, the peacock, the flying fish, and others. "'The United States, Mr. Jorling. "'Do you mean to say that an expedition has been sent "'by the federal government to the Antarctic seas?' "'The fact is certain, and last year, before I left America,

Starting point is 00:36:46 "'I learned that the vessels had sailed. "'That was a year ago, "'and it is very possible that Wilkes has gone further "'than any of the preceding explorers.' "'Captain Lengai had relapsed into silence "'and came out of his inexplicable musing, "'only to say abruptly, You come from Connecticut, sir?

Starting point is 00:37:06 From Connecticut. And more specifically? From Providence. Do you know Nantucket Island? I have visited it several times. You know, I think, said the captain, looking straight into my eyes, that Nantucket Island was the birthplace of Arthur Gordon Pym,

Starting point is 00:37:24 the hero of your famous romance writer Edgar Poe. Yes, I remember that Poe's romance starts from Nantucket. Romance, you said? That was the word you used? Undoubtedly, Captain. Yes, and that is what everybody says, but pardon me, I cannot stay any longer. I regret that I cannot alter my mind with respect to your proposal. But at any rate, you will only have a few days to wait.

Starting point is 00:37:52 The season is about to open. Trading ships and whalers will put in at Christmas Harbour, and you will be able to make a choice, with the certainty of going to the port you want to. reach. I am very sorry, sir, and I salute you. With these words, Captain Lengai walked quickly away, and the interview ended differently from what I had expected, that is to say, in formal, although polite fashion. And there is no use in contending with the impossible. I gave up the hope of a passage on the halbrain, but continued to feel angry with her intractable captain. And why should I not confess

Starting point is 00:38:32 that my curiosity was aroused. I felt that there was something mysterious about this sullen mariner, and I should have liked to find out what it was. That day, Atkins wanted to know whether Captain Len Guy had made himself less disagreeable. I had to acknowledge that I had been no more fortunate in my negotiations

Starting point is 00:38:54 than my host himself, and the avowal surprised him not a little. He could not understand the captain's obstinate, and, a fact which touched him more nearly, the green cormorant had not been visited by either Lengai or his crew since the arrival of the halbrain. The men were evidently acting upon orders, so far as Hurley-Gurley was concerned, it was easy to understand that after his imprudent advance he did not care to keep up, useless relations with me. I knew not whether he had attempted to shake the resolution of his

Starting point is 00:39:31 chief, but I was certain of one thing, if he had made any such effort, it had failed. During the three following days the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth of August, the work of repairing and re-victualing the schooner went on briskly. But all this was done with regularity, and without such noise and quarreling as seamen at anchor usually indulge in. The halbrain was evidently well commanded. Her crew well-kept-he. in hand, discipline strictly maintained. The schooner was to sail on the 15th of August, and on the eve of that day I had no reason to think that Captain Lenkeye had repented him of his categorical refusal. Indeed, I had made up my mind

Starting point is 00:40:20 to the disappointment, and had no longer any angry feeling about it. When Captain Lenkeye and myself met on the key, we took no notice of each other. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, I fancied, there was some hesitation in his manner, as though he would have liked to speak to me. He did not do so, however, and I was not disposed to seek a further explanation. At seven o'clock in the evening of the fourteenth, the island already being wrapped in darkness, I was walking on the port after I had dined, walking briskly too, for it was cold, although dry weather. The sky was studded with stars, and the air was, very keen. I could not stay out long and was returning to mine inn when a man crossed my path,

Starting point is 00:41:09 paused, came back, and stopped in front of me. It was the captain of the howl-brain. Mr. Dorling, he began, the howl brain sales to-morrow, with the ebb-tide. What is the good of telling me that, I replied, since you refuse. Sir, I have thought it over, and if you have not changed your mind, come on board. at seven o'clock. Really, Captain? I replied. I did not expect this relenting on your part. I repeat that I have thought it over, and I add that the howl-brain shall proceed directly to Tristan da Chuna. That will suit you, I suppose. To perfection, Captain,

Starting point is 00:41:50 tomorrow morning at seven o'clock I shall be on board. Your cabin is prepared. The cost of the voyage? We can settle that another time, answered the captain. and to your satisfaction until tomorrow then, until tomorrow. I stretched out my arm to shake hands with him upon our bargain. Perhaps he did not perceive my movement in the darkness. At all events he made no response to it, but walked rapidly away and got into his boat. I was greatly surprised, and so was Atkins,

Starting point is 00:42:24 when I found him in the eating room of the great cormorant, and told him what had occurred. his comment upon it was characteristic this queer captain he said is as full of whims as a spoilt child it is to be hoped he will not change his mind again at the last moment the next morning at daybreak i bade adieu to the green cormorant and went down to the port with my kind-hearted host who insisted on accompanying me to the ship partly in order to make his mind easy respecting the sincerity of the captain's repentance and partly that he might take leave of him, and also of Hurley-Gurly. A boat was waiting at the key, and we reached the ship in a few minutes. The first person whom I met on the deck was Hurley-Gurly. He gave me a look of triumph, which said as plainly as speech,

Starting point is 00:43:19 Ha, you see now, one hard-to-manage, captain has given in at last, and to whom do you owe this but to the good bosun, who did his best for you, and did not boast over much of his in. influence. Was this the truth? I had strong reasons for doubting it, after all, what did it matter? Captain Len Guy came on deck immediately after my arrival. This was not surprising, except for the fact that he did not appear to remark my presence. Atkins then approached the captain and said in a pleasant tone, We shall meet next year. If it please God, Atkins. They shook hands, the bosun took a hearty leave of the innkeeper and was rode back to the key. Before dark the white

Starting point is 00:44:07 summits of Table Mount and Havergall, which rise, the former to two, the other to three thousand feet above the level of the sea, had disappeared from our view. End of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording, All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 4. From the Kyrgylund Islands to Prince Edward Island. Never did a voyage begin more preposterously, or a passenger, start in better spirits.

Starting point is 00:44:59 The interior of the howl-brain corresponded with its exterior. Nothing could exceed the perfect order, the Dutch cleanliness of the vessel. The captain's cabin and that of the lieutenant, one on the port, the other on the starboard side, were fitted up with a narrow berth, a cupboard, anything but capacious, an armchair, a fixed table, a lamp hung from the ceiling, various nautical instruments, a barometer, a thermometer, a chronometer, and a sextant in its oaken box. One of the two other cabins was prepared to receive me. It was eight feet in length, five in breadth.

Starting point is 00:45:41 I was accustomed to the exigencies of sea life and could do with its narrow proportions, also with its furniture, a table, a cupboard, a cane-bottomed armchair, a washing-stand on an iron pedestal, and a berth to which a less accommodating passenger would doubtless have objected.

Starting point is 00:46:02 The passage would be a short one, however, so I took possession of that cabin which I was to occupy for only four or at the worst five weeks, with entire content. The eight men who composed the crew were named respectively Martin Holt, Sailing Master, Hardy, Rogers, Drap, Francis, Gratien, Berg and Stern, sailors, all between twenty-five and thirty-five years old, all Englishmen, well-trained, and remarkably well disciplined by a hand of iron. Let me set it down here at the beginning. The exceptionally able man, whom they all obeyed at a word, a gesture, was not the captain of

Starting point is 00:46:44 the halbrain. That man was the second officer, James West, who was then 32 years of age. James West was born on the sea, and had passed his childhood on board a lighter, belonging to his father, and on which the whole family lived. all his life he had breathed the salt air of the english channel the atlantic or the pacific he never went ashore except for the needs of his service whether of the state or of trade if he had to leave one ship for another he merely shifted his canvas bag to the ladder from which he stirred no more when he was not sailing in reality he was sailing in his imagination after having been ship's boy novice sailor he became quartermaster master and finally lieutenant of the halbrain and he had already served for ten years as second-in-command under captain len guy james west was not even ambitious of a higher rise he did not want to make a fortune he did not concern himself with the buying or selling of cargoes but everything connected with that admirable instrument a safe

Starting point is 00:47:59 sailing ship james west understood to perfection the personal appearance of the lieutenant was as follows middle height slightly built all nerves and muscles strong limbs as agile as those of a gymnast the true sailors look but of very unusual far-sightedness and surprising penetration sunburnt face hair thick and short beardless cheeks and chin regular features the whole expression denoting energy courage and physical strength of their utmost tension james west spoke but rarely only when he was questioned he gave his orders in a clear voice not repeating them but so as to be heard at once and he was understood i call attention to this typical officer of the merchant marine who was devoted body and soul to captain len guy as to the schooner halbrain he seemed to be one of the essential organs of his ship and if the howlbrain had a heart it was in james west's breast that it beat there is but one more person to be mentioned the ship's cook a negro from the african coast named endicott thirty years of age who had held that post for eight years the beau's son and he were great friends and indulged in frequent talks life on board was very regular very simple and its monotony was not without a certain charm sailing is repose in movement a rocking in a dream and i did not dislike my isolation of course i should have liked to find out why captain len guy had changed his mind with respect to me but how was this to be done to question the lieutenant would have been loss of time besides was he in possession of the secrets of his chief

Starting point is 00:49:57 it was no part of his business to be so and i observed that he did not occupy himself with anything outside of it not ten words were exchanged between him and me during the two meals which we took in common daily I must acknowledge, however, that I frequently caught the captain's eyes fixed upon me, as though he longed to question me, as though he had something to learn from me, whereas it was, I, on the contrary, who had something to learn from him, but we were both silent. Had I felt the need of talking to somebody very strongly, I might have resorted to the bosun, who was always disposed to chatter. But what had he to say that could interest me? He never failed to bid me good morning and good evening in most prolix fashion. But beyond these courtesies, I did not feel disposed to go.

Starting point is 00:50:53 The good weather lasted, and on the 18th of August, in the afternoon, the lookout discerned the mountains of the Crozette group. The next day we passed Possession Island, which was inhabited only in the fishing season. At this period the only dwellers there are flocks of penguins, and the next day we passed Possession Island, and the birds which whalers call white pigeons. The approach to land is always interesting at sea. It occurred to me that Captain Len Guy might take this opportunity of speaking to his passenger, but he did not.

Starting point is 00:51:28 We should see land, that is to say, the peaks of Marion and Prince Edward Islands before arriving at Tristan D'Archuna. But it was there the halbrain was to take in a fresh supply of water. i concluded therefore that the monotony of our voyage would continue unbroken to the end but on the morning of the twentieth of august to my extreme surprise captain lengai came on deck approached me and said speaking very low sir i have something to say to you i am ready to hear you captain i have not spoken until to-day for i am naturally taciturn here he hesitated again but after a pause continued with an effort. Mr. Jorling, have you tried to discover my reason for changing my mind on the subject of your passage? I have tried, but have not succeeded, Captain.

Starting point is 00:52:23 Perhaps I am not a compatriot of yours, you. It is precisely because you are an American that I decided in the end to offer you a passage on the howl-brain. Because I am an American? Also, because you came from Connecticut. I don't understand. You will understand if I add that I thought it possible, since you belong to Connecticut, since you have visited Nantucket Island, that you might have known the family of Arthur Gordon Pim. The hero of Edgar Poe's romance? The same. His narrative was founded upon the manuscript, in which the details of that extraordinary and disastrous voyage across the Antarctic Sea was related.

Starting point is 00:53:06 I thought I must be dreaming when I heard Captain Len Guy's words. Edgar Poe's romance was nothing but a fiction, a work of imagination, by the most brilliant of our American writers, and here was a sane man treating that fiction as a reality. I could not answer him. I was asking myself what manner of man was this one with whom I had to deal. You have heard my question? persisted the captain.

Starting point is 00:53:34 Yes, yes, Captain, certainly. but I am not sure that I quite understand. I will put it you more plainly. I asked you whether in Connecticut you personally knew the Pim family who lived in Nantucket Island. Arthur Pim's father was one of the principal merchants there.

Starting point is 00:53:53 He was a Navy contractor. It was his son who embarked in the adventures which he related with his own lips to Edgar Poe. Captain, why, that story is due to the powerful imagination of our great poet. It is a pure invention. So then, you don't believe it, Mr. Jorling? said the captain, shrugging his shoulders three times.

Starting point is 00:54:17 Neither I nor any other person believes it, Captain Guy, and you are the first that I have heard maintained that it was anything but a mere romance. Listen to me, then, Mr. Jorling, for although this romance, as you call it, appeared only last year, it is nonetheless a reality. Although eleven years have he last, since the facts occurred. They are none the less true, and we still await the word, J, of an enigma, which will perhaps never be solved. Yes, he was mad. But by good fortune,

Starting point is 00:54:51 West was there to take his place as commander of the schooner. I had only to listen to him, and as I had read Poe's romance over and over again, I was curious to hear what the captain had to say about it. And now, he resumed, in a little bit of a man. And now, he resumed, in a little bit of a game, and a sharper tone, and with a shake in his voice, which denoted a certain amount of nervous irritation. It is possible that you did not know the Pim family, that you have never met them, either at Providence or at Nantucket, or elsewhere. Just so, but don't commit yourself by asserting that the Pim family never existed, that Arthur Gordon is only a fictitious person, and his voyage an imaginary one. Do you think any man,

Starting point is 00:55:36 Even your Edgar Poe could have been capable of inventing, of creating. The increasing vehemence of Captain Lengai warned me of the necessity of treating his monomania with respect and accepting all he said without discussion. Now, he proceeded, please keep to the facts which I am about to state clearly in your mind. There is no disputing about facts. You may deduce any results from them you like. I hope you will not make me regret that I consented to give you a passage on the halbrain.

Starting point is 00:56:12 This was an effectual warning, so I made a sign of acquiescence. The matter promised to be curious, he went on. When Edgar Poe's narrative appeared in 1838, I was at New York. I immediately started for Baltimore, where the writer's family lived. The grandfather had served as a quartermaster general, during the war of independence. You must admit, I suppose, the existence of the Poe family, although you deny that of the Pim family. I said nothing, and the captain continued, with a dark glance at me. I inquired into certain matters relating to Edgar Poe. His abode was

Starting point is 00:56:56 pointed out to me, and I called at the house. At first disappointment he had left America, and I could not see him. Unfortunately, being unable to see Edgar Poe, I was unable to refer to Arthur Gordon Pim in the case. That bold pioneer of the Antarctic regions was dead. As the American poet had stated at the close of the narrative of his adventures, Gordon's death had already been made known to the public by the daily press. What Captain Lengai said was true, but in common with all the readers of the romance I had taken this declaration. for an artifice of the novelist. My notion was that, as he either could not or dared not,

Starting point is 00:57:41 wind up so extraordinary a work of imagination, Poe had given it to be understood that he had not received the last three chapters from Arthur Pim, whose life had ended, under sudden and deplorable circumstances, which Poe did not make known. Then, continued the captain, Edgar Poe being absent, Arthur Pim, being dead, I had only one thing to do, to find the man who had been the fellow-traveller of Arthur Pem,

Starting point is 00:58:09 that Dirk Peters, who had followed him to the very verge of the high latitudes, and whence they had both returned. How? This is not known. Did they come back in company? The narrative does not say, and there are obscure points in that part of it, as in many other places. However, Edgar Poe stated explicitly that Dirk Peter, would be able to furnish information relating to the non-communicated chapters,

Starting point is 00:58:40 and that he lived at Illinois. I set out at once for Illinois. I arrived at Springfield. I inquired for this man, a half-breed Indian. He lived in the hamlet of Vandalia. I went there and met with a second disappointment he was not there, or rather, Mr. Jorling, he was no longer there. Some years before, this Dirk Peters,

Starting point is 00:59:03 had left Illinois, and even the United States. To go, nobody knows where. But I have talked, at Vandalia with people who had known him, with whom he had lived, to whom he related his adventures, but did not explain the final issue, of that he alone holds the secret. What? This Dirk-Peter had really existed? He still lived? I was on the point of letting myself be carried away by the statements of the captain of the halbrain. Yes, another moment, and in my turn I should have been made a fool of myself. This poor mad fellow imagined that he had gone to Illinois and seen people at Vandalia who had known Dirk Peters, and that the latter had disappeared. No wonder, since he had never existed, save in the brain of the novelist. Nevertheless, I did not want to vex

Starting point is 00:59:59 Lengai, and perhaps drive him still more mad. Accordingly, I appeared entirely convinced that he was speaking words of sober seriousness, even when he added. You were aware that in the narrative, mention is made by the captain of the schooner on which Arthur Pim had embarked of a bottle containing a sealed letter, which was deposited at the foot of one of the Kyrgylun peaks? Yes, I recalled the incident. Well, then. In one of my latest voyages I sought for the place where that bottle ought to be. I found it, and the letter also. That letter stated that the captain and Arthur Pim intended to make every effort

Starting point is 01:00:42 to reach the uttermost limits of the Antarctic Sea. You found that bottle? Yes, and the letter? Yes. I looked at Captain Lengai. Like certain monomaniacs he had come to believe in his own inventions. I was on the point of saying to him, show me that letter, but I thought better of it.

Starting point is 01:01:03 Was he not capable of having written the letter himself? And then I answered. It is much to be regretted, Captain, that you were unable to come across Dirk Peters at Vendalia. He would at least have informed you under what conditions he and Arthur Pim returned from so far. Recollect now, in the last chapter but one they are both there. their boat is in front of the thick curtain of white mist. It dashes into the gulf of the cataract,

Starting point is 01:01:33 just at the moment when a veiled human form rises. Then there is nothing more, nothing but two blank lines. Decidedly, sir, it is much to be regretted that I could not lay my hand on Dirk Peters. It would have been interesting to learn what was the outcome of these adventures. But to my mind, it would have been still more interesting to have ascertained the fate of the others. The others, I exclaimed most involuntary, of whom do you speak? Of the captain and crew of the English schooner which picked up Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters after the frightful shipwreck of the Grampus, and brought them across the polar sea to Zalalai land. Captain, said I, just as though I entertained no doubt of the authenticity of Edgar Poe's romance.

Starting point is 01:02:23 Is it not the case that all these men perished, some in the attack on the schooner, the others, by the infernal device of the natives at Salal? Who can tell? replied the captain, in a voice hoarse from emotion. Who can say but that some of the unfortunate creatures survived, and contrived to escape from the natives? In any case, I replied, it would be difficult to admit that those who had survived could still be living. And why? Because the facts we are discussing are eleven years old.

Starting point is 01:02:58 Sir, replied the captain, since Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters were able to advance beyond Salau Island further than the 83rd parallel, since they found means of living in the midst of those Antarctic lands. Why should not their companions, if they were not all killed by the natives? If they were so fortunate as to reach the neighboring islands, cited during the voyage. Why not those unfortunate countrymen of mine have contrived to live there? Why should they not still be there, awaiting their deliverance? Your pity leads you astray, Captain, I replied. It would be impossible. Impossible, sir, and in a fact, on indisputable evidence, appealed to the whole civilized world, if a material proof of the existence of these unhappy men, imprisoned at the ends of the

Starting point is 01:03:50 earth were furnished who would venture to meet those who would fain go to their aid with the cry of impossible. Was it a sentiment of humanity, exaggerated to the point of madness that had roused the interest of this strange man in those shipwrecked folk, who never had suffered shipwrecked for the good reason that they had never existed? Captain Lengai approached me anew, laid his hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, No, sir, no. The last word has not been said concerning the crew of the Jane. Then he promptly withdrew. The Jane was, in Edgar Poe's romance, the name of the ship which had rescued Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters from the wreck of the Grampus, and Captain Len Guy had now

Starting point is 01:04:38 uttered it for the first time. It occurred to me that Guy was the name of the captain of the Jane, an English ship. But what of that? The captain of the Jane. The captain of the Jane, the English ship. The captain of the Jane, never lived, but in the imagination of the novelist, he and the skipper of the howl-brain having nothing in common, except a name which is frequently to be found in England. But, on thinking of the similarity, it struck me that the poor captain's brain had been turned by this very thing. He had conceived the notion that he was of kin to the unfortunate captain of the Jane, and this had brought him to his present state. This was the source of his passionate pity for the fate of the imaginary shipwrecked mariners.

Starting point is 01:05:23 It would have been interesting to discover whether James West was aware of this state of the case, whether his chief had ever talked to him of the follies he had revealed to me. But this was a delicate question, since it involved the mental condition of Captain Leng Guy, and besides any conversation with the lieutenant was difficult. On the whole I thought it's safer to restrain my curiosity. In a few days the schooner would reach Tristan Darchuna, and I should part with her and her captain for good and all. Never, however, could I lose the recollection that I had actually met and sailed with a man who took the fictions of Edgar Poe's romance for sober fact. Never could I have looked for such an experience.

Starting point is 01:06:11 On the 22nd of August the outline of Prince Edward's Island was cited. south latitude, 46 degrees 55 minutes, and 37 degrees 46 minutes east longitude. We were inside of the island for 12 hours, and then it was lost in the evening mists. On the following day the halbrain headed in the direction of northwest, towards the most northern parallel of the southern hemisphere, which she had to attain in the course of that voyage. End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of an Antarctic mystery

Starting point is 01:06:53 or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 5 Edgar Poe's Romance In this chapter, I have a chapter

Starting point is 01:07:16 I have to give a brief summary of Edgar Poe's romance, which was published at Richmond under the title of The Adventures of Arthur Gordon Pim. We shall see whether there was any room for doubt that the adventures of this hero of romance were imaginary. But indeed, among the multitude of Poe's readers, was there ever one, with the sole exception of Lengai, who believed them to be real? The story is told by the principal personage. Pym states in the preface that on his return from his voyage to the Antarctic seas he met among the Virginian gentleman who took an interest in geographical discoveries Edgar Poe, who was then editor of the Southern literary messenger at Richmond, and that he authored the latter to publish

Starting point is 01:08:06 the first part of his adventures in that journal under the cloak of fiction. That portion haven't been favorably received, a volume containing the complete name. narrative was issued with the signature of Edgar Poe. Arthur Gordon Pim was born at Nantucket, where he attended the Bedford School until he was 16 years old. Having left that school for Mr. Ronald's, he formed a friendship with one Augustus Barnard, the son of a ship's captain. This youth, whose 18, had already accompanied his father on a whaling expedition in the southern seas, and his yarns concerning that maritime adventure fired the imagination of Arthur Pim. Thus it was the association of these youths gave rise to Pim's irresistible vocation

Starting point is 01:08:54 to adventurous voyaging and to the instinct that especially attracted him towards the high zones of the Antarctic regions. The first exploit of Augustus Bernard and Arthur Pim was an excursion on board a little sloop, the Ariel, a two-decked boat, which belonged to the Pims. One evening the two youth, both being very tipsy, embarked secretly in cold October weather and boldly set sail in a strong breeze from the southwest. The Ariel, aided by the ebb tide, had already lost sight of land when a violent storm arose. The imprudent young fellows were still intoxicated. No one was at the helm, not a reef was in the sail. The masts were carried away by the furious gusts, and the wreck was driven before the wind. Then came a great ship which passed over

Starting point is 01:09:50 the Ariel, as the Ariel would have passed a floating feather. Arthur Pim gives the fullest details of the rescue of his companion and himself after this collision, under conditions of extreme difficulty. At length, thanks to the second officer of the penguin, from New London, which arrived on the scene of the catastrophe, the comrades were picked with life all but extinct, and taken back to Nantucket. This adventure, to which I cannot deny an appearance of veracity, was an ingenious preparation for the chapters that were to follow, and indeed up to the day on which Pym penetrates into the polar circle, the narrative might conceivably be regarded as authentic. But beyond the polar circle, above the austral icebergs,

Starting point is 01:10:40 it is quite another thing. And if the author's work be not one of pure imagination, I am, well, of any other nationality than my own. Let us get on. Their first adventure had not cooled the two youths, and eight months after the affair of the Ariel, June 1827, the brig grampus, was fitted out by the house of Lloyd and Vradenburg for whaling in the southern seas. This brig was an old, ill-repaired craft, and Mr. Barnard, the father of Augustus, was its skipper. His son, who was to accompany him on the voyage, strongly urged Arthur to go with him, and the latter would have asked nothing better, but he knew that his family, and especially his mother, would never consent to let him go.

Starting point is 01:11:29 This obstacle, however, could not stop a youth, not much given, to submit to the wishes of his parents. His head was full of the entreaties and persuasions of his companion, and he determined to embark secretly on the grampus, for Mr. Bernard would not have authorized him to defy the prohibition of his family. He announced that he had been invited to pass a few days with a friend at New Bedford, took leave of his parents, and left his home. forty-eight hours before the brig was to sail he slipped on board unperceived and got into a hiding-place which had been prepared for him unknown alike to mr bernard and the crew the cabin occupied by augustus communicated by a trap-door with the hold of the grampus which was crowded with barrels bales and the innumerable components of a cargo Through the trap-door, Arthur Pim reached his hiding-place, which was a huge wooden chest with a sliding side to it.

Starting point is 01:12:33 This chest contained a mattress, blankets, a jar of water, ship's biscuit, smoke sausage, a roast quarter of mutton, a few bottles of cordials and liquors, and also writing materials. Arthur Pim, supplied with a lantern, candles, and tinder, remained three days and nights in his retreat. Augustus Barnard had not been able to visit him until just before the grandpa's set sail. An hour later, Arthur Pim began to feel the rolling and pitching of the brig. He was very uncomfortable in the chest, so he got out of it, and in the dark, while holding on by a rope which was stretched across the hold to the trap of his friend's cabin, he was violently seasick in the midst of the chaos. Then he crept back into his chest, ate and fell out.

Starting point is 01:13:23 asleep. Several days elapsed without the reappearance of Augustus Barnard. Either he had not been able to get down into the hold again, or he had not ventured to do so, fearing to betray the presence of Arthur Pim, and thinking the moment for confessing everything to his father had not yet come. Arthur Pim, meanwhile, was beginning to suffer from the hot and vitiated atmosphere of the hold. Terrible nightmares troubled his sleep. He was conscious of raving, and in vain sought some place amid the mass of cargo where he might breathe a little more easily. In one of these fits of delirium, he imagined that he was gripped in the claws of an African lion, and in a paroxysm of terror he was about to betray himself by screaming when he lost consciousness. The fact is that he was not dreaming at all,

Starting point is 01:14:17 It was not a lion that Arthur Pim felt crouching upon his chest. It was his own dog, tiger, a young Newfoundland. The animal had been smuggled on board by Augustus Bernard, unperceived by anybody. This at least is an unlikely occurrence. At the moment of Arthur's coming out of his swoon, the faithful tiger was licking his face and hands with lavish affection. Now the prisoner had a companion. Unfortunately, the said companion had drunk the contents of the water-jar while Arthur was unconscious.

Starting point is 01:14:53 And when Arthur Pim felt thirsty, he discovered that there was not a drop to drink. His lantern had gone out during his prolonged faint. He could not find the candles and the tinder-box, and then he resolved to rejoin Augustus Barnard at all hazards. He came out of the chest, and although faint from enunciation, and trembling with weakness, He felt his way in the direction of the trap-door by means of the rope. But while he was approaching, one of the bales of cargo, shifted by the rolling of the ship, fell down and blocked up the passage.

Starting point is 01:15:28 With immense but quite useless exertion, he contrived to get over this obstacle. But when he reached the trap-door, under Augustus Barnard's cabin, he failed to raise it. And on slipping the blade of his knife through one of the joints he found that a heavy mass of iron was placed. placed upon the trap, as though it were intended to condemn him beyond hope. He had to renounce his attempt and drag himself back towards the chest, on which he fell, exhausted, while Tiger covered him with caresses. The master and the dog were desperately thirsty, and when Arthur stretched out his hand, he found Tiger lying on his back with his paws up and his hair on end.

Starting point is 01:16:10 He then felt Tiger all over, and his hand encountered a string, passed along the dog's body. A strip of paper was fastened to the string under his left shoulder. Arthur Pim had reached the last stage of weakness. Intelligence was almost extinct. However, after several fruitless attempts to procure light, he succeeded in rubbing the paper with a little phosphorus. The details given in Edgar Poe's narrative are curiously minute at this point. And then by the glimmer that lasted less than a second, he discerned just seven words at the end of a sentence. Terrifying words these were. Blood. Remain hidden. Life depends upon it. What did these words mean? Let us consider the situation of Arthur Pim at the bottom of the ship's

Starting point is 01:17:01 hold, between the boards of a chest, without light, without water, with only ardent liquor to quench his thirst. and this warning to remain hidden preceded by the word blood? That supreme word, king of words, so full of mystery, of suffering of terror, had there been strife on board the grampus, had the brig been attacked by pirates, had the crew mutinied, how long had this state of things lasted? It might be thought that the marvellous poet had exhausted the resources of his imagination in the terror of such a situation, but, it was not so, there is more to come.

Starting point is 01:17:42 Arthur Pim lay stretched upon his mattress, incapable of thought, in a sort of lethargy. Suddenly he became aware of a singular sound, a kind of continuous whistling breathing. It was Tiger panting, tiger with

Starting point is 01:17:57 the eyes that glared in the midst of the darkness. Tiger with gnashing teeth, Tiger gone mad. Another moment and the dog had sprung upon Arthur Pim, who, when wound up to the highest pitch of horror, recovered sufficient strength to ward off his fangs, and wrapping around him a blanket which Tiger had torn with his white teeth, he slipped out of the chest,

Starting point is 01:18:21 and shut the sliding side upon the snapping and struggling brute. Arthur Pim contrived to slip through the stowage of the hold, but his head swam, and falling against a bail, he let his knife drop from his hand. Just as he felt himself, breathing his hand, his last sigh. He heard his name pronounced, and a bottle of water was held to his lips. He swallowed the whole of its contents, and experienced the most exquisite of pleasures. A few minutes later, Augustus Barnard, seated with his comrade in a corner of the hold, told him all that had occurred on board the brig. Up to this point, I repeat, the story is admissible, but we have not yet come to the events which surpass all probability by their marvelousness.

Starting point is 01:19:11 The crew of the Grampus numbered thirty-six men, including the Barnard's, father and son. After the brig had put to sea on the 20th of June, Augustus Barnard had made several attempts to rejoin Arthur Pim in his hiding place, but in vain. On the third day a mutiny broke out on board, headed by the ship's cook, a negro, like our Indicotov, but he, let me say at once, would never have thought of heading a mutiny. Numerous incidents are related in the romance. The massacre of most of the sailors who remained faithful to Captain Bernard, then the turning adrift of the captain, and four of those men in a small whaler's boat

Starting point is 01:19:54 when the ship was abreast of the Bermudas. These unfortunate persons were never heard of again. Augustus Bernard would not have been spared, but for the intervention of the sailing master of the Grampus. This sailing master was a half-breed named Jerk Peters, and was the person whom Captain Len Guy had gone to look for in Illinois. The Grampus then took a southeast course under the command of the mate, who intended to pursue the occupation of piracy in the southern seas.

Starting point is 01:20:29 These events having taken place, Augustus Bernard would have again joined Arthur Pim, but he had been shut up in the forecastle in irons and told by the ship's cook that he would not be allowed to come out until the brig should no longer be a brig nevertheless a few days afterwards augustus contrived to get rid of his fetters to cut through the thin partition between him and the hold and followed by tiger he tried to reach his friend's hiding-place he could not succeed but the dog had sent it arthur pym and this suggested to augustus the idea of fastening a note to tiger's neck bearing the words i scraw this with blood remain hidden your life depends upon it this note as we have already learned arthur pym had received just as he had arrived at the last extremity of distress his friend reached him augustus added that discord reigned among the mutineers some wanted to take the grampas towards the grandpas towards the grandpas towards the man. the Cape Faird Islands, others, and Dirk Peter was one of this number, were bent on sailing to the Pacific Isles. Tiger was not mad, he was only suffering from terrible thirst, and soon recovered when it was relieved. The cargo of the Grampus was so badly stowed away that Arthur

Starting point is 01:21:52 Pim was in constant danger from the shifting of the bales, and Augustus, at all risks, helped him to remove to a corner of the twain decks. The half-breed continued to be very friendly with the son of Captain Bernard, so that the latter began to consider whether the sailing master might not be counted on in an attempt to regain possession of the ship. They were just thirty days out from Antucket when, on the 4th of July, an angry dispute arose among the mutinaires about a little brig signalled in the offing,

Starting point is 01:22:26 which some of them wanted to take and others would have allowed to escape. In this quarrel a sailor, belonging to the Cook's party, to which Turk Peter had attached himself, was mortally injured. There was now only thirteen men on board, counting Arthur Pem. Under these circumstances a terrible storm arose, and the Grampus was mercilessly knocked about. This storm raged until the 9th of July, and on that day, Dirk Peters having manifested an intention of getting rid of the mate, Augustus Bernard readily assured him of his assistance, without, however, revealing the fact of Arthur Pim's presence on board.

Starting point is 01:23:09 Next day, one of the Cook's adherents, a man named Rogers, died in convulsions, and, beyond all doubt, of poison. Only four of the Cook's party then remained. Of these, Dirk Peters was one. The mate had five, and would probably end by carrying the day over the cook's party there was not an hour to lose the half-breed having informed augustus barnard that the moment for action had arrived the latter told him the truth about arthur while the two were in consultation upon the means to be employed for regaining possession of the ship a tempest was raging and presently a gust of irresistible force struck the grampus and flung her upon her on her side, so that on writing herself she shipped a tremendous sea, and there was considerable confusion on board. This offered a favorable opportunity for beginning this struggle, although the mutineers had made peace amongst themselves. The latter numbered nine men, while the half-breeds party consisted only of himself, Augustus Bernard and Arthur Pim. The ship's master

Starting point is 01:24:21 possessed only two pistols and a hangar. It was therefore necessary to act with prudence. Then did Arthur Pim, whose presence on board the mutiners did not suspect, conceived the idea of a trick which had some chance of succeeding. The body of the poisoned sailor was still lying on the deck. He thought it likely, if he were to put on the dead man's clothes, and appear suddenly in the midst of those superstitious sailors, that their terror would play.

Starting point is 01:24:51 them at the mercy of Dirk Peters. It was still dark when the half-breed went softly towards the ship's stern, and, exerting his prodigious strength, to the utmost, threw himself upon the man at the wheel, and flung him over the poop. Augustus Bernard and Arthur Pim joined him instantly, each armed with a belaying pin, leaving Dirk Peters in the place of the steersman, Arthur Pim, so disguised as to present himself, the appearance of the appearance of the appearance of the airing-in, the of the dead man, and his comrade posted themselves close to the head of the Folksoe gangway. The mate, the ship's cook, and all the others were there. Some sleeping, the others drinking or talking.

Starting point is 01:25:34 Guns and pistols were within reach of their hands. The tempest raged furiously. It was almost impossible to stand on the deck. At that moment the mate gave the order for Augustus Bernard and Turk Peters to be brought to the forecastle. This order was transmitted to the man at the helm, no other than Dirk Peters, who went down, accompanied by Augustus Barnard,

Starting point is 01:26:01 and almost simultaneously Arthur Pim made his appearance. The effect of the apparition was prodigious. The mate terrified, on beholding the resurrected sailors sprang up, beat the air with his hands, and fell down dead. Then Dirk Peters rushed upon the, the others, seconded by Augustus Bernard, Arthur Pim, and the Dog Tiger. In a few moments all

Starting point is 01:26:26 were strangled or knocked on the head, save Richard Parker, the sailor, whose life was spared. And now, while the tempest was still in full force, only four men were left to work the brig, which was laboring terribly with seven feet of water in her hold. They had to cut down the main mast, and when morning came, the mizzen. That day was truly awful, the night was more awful still. If Dirk Peters and his companions had not lashed themselves securely to the remains of the rigging, they must have been carried away by a tremendous sea, which drove in the hatches of the grampus. Then follows in the romance a minute record of the series of incidents ensuing upon this situation, from the 14th of July to the 7th of August, the fishing for victuals in the submerged hold,

Starting point is 01:27:21 the coming of a mysterious brig, laden with corpses, which poisoned the atmosphere and passed on like a huge coffin, the sport of a wind of death, the torments of hunger and thirst, the impossibility of reaching the provision store, the drawing of lots by straws, the shortest gave Richard Parker to be sacrificed for the life, of the other three. The death of that unhappy man who was killed by Turk Peters and devoured. Lastly, the finding in the hold of a jar of olives and a small turtle. Owing to the displacement of her cargo, the Grampus rolled and pitched more and more. The frightful heat caused the torture of thirst to reach the extreme limit of human endurance. And on the 1st of August, Augustus Bernard died.

Starting point is 01:28:12 On the third the brig foundered in the night, and Arthur Pim and the half-breed, crouching upon the upturned keel, were reduced to feed upon the barnacles, with which the bottom was covered, in the midst of a crowd of waiting, watching sharks. Finally, after the shipwrecked mariners of the Grampus had drifted no less than twenty-five degrees towards the south, they were picked up by the schooner Jane of Liverpool, Captain William Guy. evidently reason is not outraged by an admission of the reality of these facts although the situations are strained to the utmost limits of possibility but that does not surprise us for the writer is the american magician poet edgar poe but from this moment onwards we shall see that no semblance of reality exists in the succession of incidents arthur pym and dirk peters were well treated on board the english schooner jane In a fortnight, having recovered from the effects of their sufferings, they remembered them no more.

Starting point is 01:29:19 With alternations of fine and bad weather, the Jane sighted Prince Edward's Island on the 13th of October, then the Crozette Islands, and afterwards the Kerguelans, which I had left 11 days ago. Three weeks were employed in chasing sea calves. These furnished the Jane with a goodly cargo. It was during this time that the Captain of the Jane buried the bottle in which his namesake of the Halbrain claims to have found a letter containing William Guy's announcement of his intention to visit the Austral Seas.

Starting point is 01:29:55 On the 12th of November, the schooner left the Kerguelans, and after a brief stay at Tristan Darchuna, she sailed to reconnoiter the auroras in 35 degrees, 15 minutes of south latitude, and 37 degrees, 38 minutes of west longitude. But these islands were not to be found, and she did not find them. On the 12th of December, the Jane headed towards the Antarctic Pole. On the 26th, the first icebergs came in sight beyond the 73rd degree.

Starting point is 01:30:28 From the first to the 14th of January, 1828, the movements were difficult. The polar circle was passed in the midst of ice flows. the iceberg's point was doubled and the ship sailed on the surface of an open sea the famous open sea where the temperature is forty seven degrees fahrenheit and the water is thirty four degrees edgar poe every one will allow gives free rein to his fancy at this point no navigator had ever reached latitudes so high not even james weddell of the british navy who did not get beyond the seventy-fourth parallel in eight But the achievement of the Jane, although difficult of belief, is trifling in comparison with the succeeding incidents which Arthur Pim, or rather Edgar Poe, relates with simple earnestness. In fact, he entertained no doubt of reaching the pole itself.

Starting point is 01:31:27 In the first place, not a single iceberg is to be seen on this fantastic sea. Innumerable flocks of birds skim its surface. Among them is a pelican which is shot. on a floating piece of ice is a bear of the Arctic species and of gigantic size. At last, land is signalled. It is an island of a league in circumference, to which the name of Bennett Islet was given, in honour of the captain's partner in the ownership of the Jane. Naturally, in proportion as the schooner sailed southward,

Starting point is 01:32:01 the variation of the compass became less, while the temperature became milder, with the sky always clear and a uniform northerly breeze. Needless to add that in that latitude and in the month of January, there was no darkness. The Jane pursued her adventurous course until, on the 18th of January, land was cited, in latitude 83 degrees, 20 minutes, and longitude 43 degrees, 5 minutes. This proved to be an island belonging to a numerous group, scattered about in a westerly direction. The schooner approached and anchored off the shore. Arms were placed in the

Starting point is 01:32:43 boats, and Arthur Pim got into one of the ladder with Dirk Peters. The men rode shorewards, but were stopped by four canoes, carrying armed men. New men, the narrative calls them. These men showed no hostile intentions, but cried out continuously, Anamu, and Lama Lama. When the canoes were alongside the schooner, the chief, to wit, was permitted to go on board with twenty of his companions. There was profound astonishment on their part then, for they took the ship for a living creature, and lavished caresses on the rigging, the mass, and the bulwarks, steering between the reefs by these natives. She crossed a bay with a bottom of black sand, and cast anchor within a mile of the beach. Then William Guy, leaving the hostages on board, stepped ashore amid the rocks.

Starting point is 01:33:38 If Arthur Pim is to believe, this was Salel Island. Its trees resembled none of the species in any other zone of our planet. The composition of the rocks revealed a stratification unknown to modern mineralogists. Over the bed of the streams ran a liquid substance without any appearance of limpidity. streaked with distinct veins which did not reunite by immediate cohesion when they were parted by the blade of a knife clock clock which we are obliged to describe as the chief town of the island consisted of wretched huts entirely formed of black skins it possessed domestic animals resembling the common pig a sort of sheep with a black fleece twenty kinds of fowls tame albatross ducks and large turtles in great numbers arriving at clock clock captain william guy and his companions found a population which arthur pym estimated at ten thousand souls men women and children if not to be feared at least to be kept at a distance so noisy and demonstrative they were finally after a long halt at the hut of to wit the strangers returned to the shore where the beche de mer the favorite fruit of the chinese would provide enormous cargoes for the succulent mollusk is more abundant there than in any other part of the austral regions

Starting point is 01:35:10 captain william guy immediately endeavoured to come to an understanding with to wit on this matter requesting him to authorize the construction of sheds in which some of the men of the jane might prepare the beche de mare while the schooner should hold on her course towards the pole to wit accepted this proposal willingly and made a bargain by which the natives were to give their labour in the gathering-in of the precious mollusk At the end of the month, the sheds being finished, three men were told off to remain at Salal. The natives had not given the strangers cause to entertain the slightest suspicion of them. Before leaving the place, Captain William Guy wished to return once more to the village of Clock Clock, having from prudent motives left six men on board, the guns charged, the bulwark nettings in their place, and the anchor hanging at the forepeak. In a word, all in ready-night. to oppose an approach of the natives. To wit, escorted by a hundred warriors, came out to meet the

Starting point is 01:36:15 visitors. Captain William Guy and his men, although the place was propitious to an ambuscade, walked in close order, each pressing upon each other. On the right, a little in advance, were Arthur Pem and Jirk Peters, and a sailor named Alan. Having reached a spot where a fisher traversed the hillside, Arthur Pim turned into it in order to gather, some hazelnuts, which hung in clusters upon stunted bushes. Having done this, he was returning to the path, when he perceived that Alan and the half-breed had accompanied him. They were all three approaching the mouth of the fissure, when they were thrown down by a sudden and violent shock. At the same moment, the crumbling masses of the hill slid down upon them, and they instantly concluded

Starting point is 01:37:03 that they were doomed to be buried alive. Alive? All three, no. allan had been so deeply covered by the sliding soil that he was already smothered but arthur pym and dirk peters contrived to drag themselves on their knees and opening away with their bowie knives to a projecting mass of harder clay which had resisted the movement from above and from thence they climbed to a natural platform at the extremity of a wooded ravine above them they could see the blue sky roof and from their position were enabled to survey the surrounding country an artificial landslip cunningly contrived by the natives had taken place captain william guy and his twenty-eight companions had disappeared they were crushed beneath more than a million tons of earth and stones the plain was swarming with natives who had come no doubt from the neighbouring islets attracted by the prospect of pillaging the jane seventy boats were being paddled towards the ship the six men on board fired on them but their aim was uncertain in the first volley a second in which mitreel and grooved bullets were used produced a terrible effect nevertheless the jane being boarded by the swarming islanders her defenders were massacred and the menace were massacred and the jane being boarded by the swarming islanders her defenders were massacred. and she was set on fire. Finally a terrific explosion took place.

Starting point is 01:38:31 The fire had reached the powder store, killing a thousand natives and mutilating as many more, while the others fled, uttering the cry of Ticolili, Ticka-lili! During the following week, Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters, living on nuts and bittern's flesh, escaped discovery by the natives who did not suspect their presence. They found themselves

Starting point is 01:38:55 at the bottom of a sort of dark abyss, including several plains. But without issue, hollowed out from the hillside, and of great extent. The two men could not live in the midst of these successive abysses, and after several attempts they let themselves slide on one of the slopes of the hill. Instantly, six savages rushed upon them, but thanks to their pistols and the extraordinary strength of the half-breed, four of the assailants were killed. The fifth was dragged away by the fugitives, who reached a boat which had been pulled up on the beach,

Starting point is 01:39:30 and was laden with three huge turtles. A score of natives pursued and vainly tried to stop them. The former were driven off, and the boat was launched successfully and steered for the south. Arthur Pim was then navigating beyond the 84th degree of south latitude. It was the beginning of March, that is to say, the Antwerp. Antarctic winter was approaching. Five or six islands, which it was prudent to avoid, were visible towards the west. Arthur Pim's opinion was that the temperature would become more mild by degrees as they approached the pole. They tied together two white shirts which they had been wearing and hoisted them to do duty as a sail. A sight of these shirts, the native, who answered to the

Starting point is 01:40:19 name of Nunu was terrified. For eight days this strange voyage continued, favored by a mild wind from the north, in permanent daylight, on a sea without a fragment of ice, indeed owing to the high and even temperature of the water, no ice had been seen since the parallel of Bennett Island. Then it was that Arthur Pim and Jerk Peters entered upon a region of novelty in winter. Above the horizon line rose a broad bar of light gray vapor, striped with long luminous rays, such as are projected by the polar aurora. A very strong current came to aid the breeze. The boat sailed rapidly upon a liquid surface of milky aspect, exceedingly hot and apparently agitated from beneath. A fine white ash dust began to fall, and this increased the terror of Nunu, whose lips

Starting point is 01:41:18 trembled over his two rows of black ivory. On the 9th of March, this rain of ashes fell in redoubled volume, and the temperature of the water rose so high that the hand could no longer bear it. The immense curtain of vapor spread over the distant perimeter of the southern horizon resembled a boundless cataract, falling noiselessly from the height of some huge rampart lost in the height of the heavens. Twelve days later, it was darkness that hung over these waters, darkness furrowed by luminous streaks,

Starting point is 01:41:55 darting from the milky depths of the Antarctic Ocean, while the incessant shower of ash dust fell and melted in its waters. The boat approached the cataract with an impetuous velocity, whose cause is not explained in the narrative of Arthur Pemm. In the midst of this frightful darkness, a flock of gigantic birds of livid white plumage swept by, uttering their eternal, Ticka Li, and then the savage in the supreme throes of terror gave up the ghost. Suddenly, in a mad whirl of speed, the boat rushed into the grasp of the cataract,

Starting point is 01:42:37 where a vast gulf seemed ready to swallow it up. But before the mouth of this gulf there stood a veiled human figure of greater size, than any inhabitant of this earth, and the color of the man's skin was the perfect whiteness of snow. Such is the strange romance, conceived by the more than human genius, of the greatest poet of the new world. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 01:43:19 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 6. An Ocean Waf The navigation of the howl brain went on prosperously, with the help of the sea and the wind. In 15 days, if this state of things lasted, she might reach Tristan de Chuna. Captain Lenkeye left the working of the ship to James West, and well might he do so. nothing to fear with such a seaman as he. "'Our lieutenant has not his match afloat,' said Hurley-Girley to me one day. "'He ought to be in command of a flagship.'

Starting point is 01:44:00 "'Indeed,' I replied, "'he seems to be a true son of the sea.' "'And then, our hell-brain, what a craft! "'Congratulate yourself, Mr. Jorling, "'and congratulate yourself also "'that I succeeded in bringing the captain "'to change his mind about you. "'If it was you who obtained that result,

Starting point is 01:44:19 "'Bosan, I thank you heartily.' "'And so you ought, for he was plaguy against it,' was our captain, "'in spite of all old men Atkins could say. "'But I managed to make him here reason. "'I shan't forget it, bosun. "'I shan't forget it, since, thanks to your intervention, "'instead of moping at Kyrgylun, I hope shortly to get within sight of Tristan de Chuna. "'And a few days, Mr. Shorling.

Starting point is 01:44:45 "'Only think, sir, according to what I hear tell, they are making ships in England and America, with machines in their insides and wheels which they use as a duck uses its paddles. All right, we shall know what's the good of them, when they come into use. My notion is, however, that those ships will never be able to fight with a fine frigate sailing with a fresh breeze. It was the third of September. If nothing occurred to delay us, our schooner would be in sight of port in three days. The chief island of the group is visible on clear days at a great distance. That day, between ten and eleven o'clock in the morning, I was walking backwards and forwards on the deck, on the windward side. We were sliding smoothly over the surface of an undulating sea.

Starting point is 01:45:32 The halbrain resembled an enormous bird, one of the gigantic albatross kind described by Arthur Pim, which had spread its sail-like wings, and was carrying a whole ship's crew towards space. James West was looking out through his glasses to starboard, at an object floating two or three miles away, and several sailors hanging over the side were also curiously observing it. I went forward and looked attentively at the object. It was an irregularly formed mass about twelve yards in length, and in the middle of it there appeared a shining lump. That is no well, said Merton Holt, the sailing master. It would have blown once or twice since we have been looking at it. certainly assented hardy perhaps it is the carcass of some deserted ship made the devil send it to the bottom cried roger it would be a bad job to come up against it in the dark it might send us down before we could know what had happened

Starting point is 01:46:30 i believe you added drap and these derelicts are more dangerous than a rock for they are now here and again there and there is no avoiding them hurley-gearly came up at this moment and planted his elbows on the bulwark along the alongside of mine. What do you think of it, Bosan? I asked. It is my opinion, Mr. Jorling, replied the Bosan, that what we see there is neither a blower nor a wreck, but merely a lump of ice. Early-gurly is right, said James West. It is a lump of ice, a piece of an iceberg,

Starting point is 01:47:03 which the currents have carried hither. What, said I, to the 45th parallel? Yes, sir, answered West. That has occurred, and the ice sometimes gets up as high as the cape. if we are to take the word of a french navigator captain blowsville who met one at this height in eighteen twenty eight then this mass will melt before long i observed feeling not a little surprise that west had honoured me by so lengthy a reply "'It must indeed be dissolved in great part already,' he continued, "'and what we see is the remains of a mountain of ice, "'which must have weighed millions of tons.'

Starting point is 01:47:40 "'Captain Lengai now appeared, "'and perceiving the group of sailors around west, he came forward. "'A few words were exchanged in a low tone between the captain and the lieutenant, "'and the latter passed his glass to the former, "'who turned it upon the floating object, "'now at least a mile nearer to us.' "'It is ice,' said he, "'and it is lucky it.

Starting point is 01:48:01 is dissolving. The howl-brain might have come to serious grief by collision with it in the night. I was struck by the fixity of his gaze upon the object, whose nature he had so promptly declared. He continued to contemplate it for several minutes, and I guessed what was passing in the mind of the man under the obsession of a fixed idea. This fragment of ice, torn from the southern icebergs, came from those waters wherein his thoughts continually ranged. He wanted to see it more near, perhaps at close quarters. It might be to take away some bits of it. At an order from west the schooner was directed towards the floating mass. Presently we were within two cable links and I could examine it. The mound in the centre was melting rapidly. Before the end of the day, nothing would remain of the

Starting point is 01:48:50 fragment of ice which had been carried by the currents so high up as the 45th parallel. Captain Lengai gazed at it steadily, but he now needed to be. no glass, and presently we all began to distinguish a second object which little by little detached itself from the mass, according, as the melting process went on, a black shape, stretched on the white ice. What was our surprise mingled with horror when we first saw an arm, then a leg, then a trunk, then a head appear, forming a human body, not in a state of nakedness, but closed in dark garments. For a moment, I even thought that the limbs moved, that the hands were stretched towards us.

Starting point is 01:49:36 The crew uttered a simultaneous cry. No, this body was not moving, but it was slowly slipping off the icy surface. I looked at Captain Lengai. His face was as livid as that of the corpse, that had drifted down from the far latitudes of the austral zone. What could be done was done to recover the body of the unfortunate man, and who can tell whether a faint breath of life did not answer. animated even then. In any case, his pockets might perhaps contain some document that would enable his identity to be established. Then, accompanied by a last prayer, those human remains

Starting point is 01:50:13 should be committed to the depth of the ocean, the cemetery of sailors who die at sea. A boat was let down. I followed it with my eyes as it neared the side of the ice fragment, eaten by the waves. Herli eagerly set foot upon a spot which still offered, some resistance. Grotchen. Grachin got out after him, while Francis kept the boat fast by the chain. The two crept along the ice until they reached the corpse, then drew it to them by the arms and legs, and so got it to the boat. A few strokes of the oars and the bosun had rejoined the schooner. The corpse, completely frozen, having been laid at the foot of the mizzen mast, Captain Lengai approached and examined it long and closely, as though he's,

Starting point is 01:51:00 sought to recognize it. It was the corpse of a sailor, dressed in coarse stuff, woolen trousers, and a patch jersey, a belt encircled his waist twice. His death had evidently occurred some months previously, perhaps very soon after the unfortunate man had been carried away by the drift. He was about forty, with slightly grizzled hair, a mere skeleton covered with skin. He must have suffered agonies of hunger. Captain Lenguey lifted up the hair, which had been preserved by the cold, raised the head, gazed upon the scaled eyelids, and finally said with a sort of sob, Patterson, Patterson, I exclaimed. The name, common as it was, touched some cord in my memory. When had I heard it uttered? Had I read it anywhere? At this moment, James West, on a hint

Starting point is 01:51:58 from the bosun, searched the pockets of the dead man, and took out of them a knife, some string, an empty tobacco box, and lastly, a leather pocket-book, furnished with a metallic pencil. Give me that, said the captain. Some of the leaves were covered with writing, almost entirely effaced by the damp. He found, however, some words on the last page, which were still legible, and my emotion may be imagined when I heard him read aloud in a trembling voice. The Jane, Salal Island, by 83, there, eleven years, Captain, five sailors surviving, hastened to bring the maid. And under these lines was a name, a signature, the name of Patterson. Then I remembered, Patterson was the second officer of the Jane, the mate of that schooner which had picked up Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters on the wreck of the Grampus.

Starting point is 01:52:55 the Jane having reached Salal Island, the Jane, which was attacked by natives and blown up in the midst of those waters. So then it was all true? Edgar Poe's work, that of a historian, not writer of romance? Arthur Gordon Pim's journal had actually been confided to him. Direct relations had been established between them. Arthur Pim existed, or rather he had existed. He was a real being, and he was a real being. he had died by a sudden and deplorable death, under circumstances not revealed before he had completed the narrative of his extraordinary voyage. And what parallel had he reached on leaving

Starting point is 01:53:37 Selol Island with his companion, Dirk Peters, and how had both of them been restored to their native land, America? I thought my head was turning, that I was going mad. I, who accused Captain Guy of being insane. No, I had not heard right. I had misunderstood. This was a mere phantom of my fancy. And yet, how was I to reject the evidence found on the body of the mate of the Jane, that Patterson, whose words were supported by ascertained dates? And above all, how could I retain a doubt after James West, who was the most self-possessed among us, had succeeded in deciphering the following fragments of sentences?

Starting point is 01:54:20 Drifting since the 3rd of June north of Salo Island. Still there. Captain William Guy and five of the men of the Jane. The piece of ice I am on is drifting across the iceberg. Food will soon fail me. Since the 13th of June, my last resource is exhausted. Today, 16th of June, I am going to die. So then, for nearly three months, Patterson's body, had lain on the surface of this ice-wave, which we had met on our way from the Kyrgyllans to Tristan

Starting point is 01:54:54 de Chuna. Ah, why had we not saved the mate of the Jane? I had to yield to evidence, Captain Lengai, who knew Patterson, had recognized him in this frozen corpse. It was indeed he who accompanied the captain of the Jane, when he had interred that bottle, containing the letter which I had refused to believe authentic, at the Kyrgylans. Yes, for eleven years the survivors of the English schooner had been cast away there without any hope of succour. Lengai turned to me and said, Do you believe me now? I believe, said I falteringly, but Captain William Guy of the Jane, and Captain Lengai of the Halbrain, our brothers, he cried in a loud voice, which was heard by all the crew. Then we turned our eyes once more to the place where the lump of ice had been

Starting point is 01:55:48 floating. But the double influence of the solar rays and the waters in this latitude had produced its effect. No trace of the dead man's last refuge remained on the surface of the sea. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. this is a libervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox dot org an antarctic mystery by jules verne chapter seven tristan dachuna four days later the halbrain neared that curious island of tristan dachuna which may be described as the big boiler of the african seas by that time i had come to realize that the hallucin of Captain Langei was a truth, and that he and the Captain of the Jane, also a reality, were connected with each other by this ocean waif from the authentic expedition of Arthur Pim. My last doubts were buried in the depths of the ocean with the body of Patterson.

Starting point is 01:57:01 And now what was Captain Lengai going to do? There was not a shadow of doubt on that point. He would take the halberine to Zalalal, as marked upon Patterson's notebook. his lieutenant james west would go whithersoever he was ordered to go his crew would not hesitate to follow him and would not be stopped by any fear of passing the limits assigned to human power for the soul of their captain and the strength of their lieutenant would be in them this then was the reason why captain lengai refused to take passengers on board his ship and why he had told me that his roots never were certain he was always hoping that an opportunity for venturing into the sea of ice might arise who could tell indeed whether he would not have sailed for the south at once without putting in at tristan de chuna if he had not wanted water after what i had said before i went on board the halbrain i should have had no right to insist on his proceeding to the island for the sole purpose of putting me ashore but a supply of water was indispensable and besides it might be possible there to put the schooner in a condition to contend with the icebergs and gain the open sea since open it was indispensable and besides it might be possible there to put the schooner in a condition to contend with the icebergs and gain the open sea since open it was beyond the eighty-second parallel in fact to attempt what lieutenant wilkes of the american navy was then attempting the navigators knew at this period that from the middle of november to the beginning of march was the limit during which some success might be looked for

Starting point is 01:58:32 the temperature is more bearable then storms are less frequent the icebergs break loose from the mass the ice-wall has holes in it and perpetual day rains in that distant region. Tristan Dachuna lies to the south of the zone of the regular southwest winds. Its climate is mild and moist. The prevailing winds are west and northwest, and during the winter, August and September, south. The island was inhabited from 1811 by American whalefishers. After them, English soldiers were installed there to watch the St. Helena seas, and these remained until after the death of Napoleon in 1821. Several years later, the group of islands populated by Americans and Dutchmen from the Cape acknowledged the suzerainity of Great Britain, but this was not so in 1839. My personal observation at that date convinced me that the possession of Tristan de Chuna was not worth disputing.

Starting point is 01:59:35 In the 16th century the islands were called the Land of Life. On the 5th of September in the morning, the towering volcano of the chief island was signalled, a huge snow-covered mass, whose crater formed the basin of a small lake. Next day on our approach, we could distinguish a vast, heaped up lava-field. At this distance, the surface of the water was striped with gigantic seaweeds, vegetable ropes, varying in length from 600 to 1,200 feet, and as thick as a wine barrel. Here I should mention that for three days subsequent to the finding of the fragment of ice,

Starting point is 02:00:15 Captain Lengai came on deck for strictly nautical purposes only, and I had no opportunity of seeing him except at meals when he maintained silence, that not even James West could have enticed him to break. I made no attempt to do this, being convinced that the hour would come when Lengai would again speak to me of his brother, and of the efforts which he intended to make to save him and his companions. Now I repeat, the season being considered, that hour had not come, when the schooner cast anchor on the 6th of September at Anne Seedling,

Starting point is 02:00:50 in Falmouth Bay, precisely in the place indicated in Arthur Pim's narrative, as the moorings of the Jane. At that period of the arrival of the Jane, an ex-corporal of the English artillery named Glass reigned over a little colony of 26 individuals, who traded with the Cape and whose only vessel was a small schooner. At our arrival, this glass had more than 50 subjects, and was, as Arthur Pim remarked, quite independent of the British government. Relations with the ex-corporal were established on the arrival of the Howe-brain, and he proved very friendly and obliging.

Starting point is 02:01:30 West, to whom the captain left the business of refilling the water tanks and taking in supplies of fresh meat and vegetables, had every reason to be satisfied with Glass, who, no doubt, expected to be paid and was paid handsomely. The day after our arrival, I met Ex-Corpel Glass, a vigorous, well-preserved man, whose sixty years had not impaired his intelligent vivacity. Independently of his trade with the Cape and the Falklands, he did an important business in seal skins and the oil of marine animals, and his affairs were prosperous. As he appeared, very willing to talk, I entered briskly into conversation with this self-appointed governor of a contented little colony by asking him, do many ships put in to Trisendar Chuna?

Starting point is 02:02:21 As many as we require, he replied, rubbing his hands together behind his back, according to his invariable custom. In the fine season? Yes, in the fine season. if indeed we can be said to have any other in these latitudes i congratulate you mr glass but it is to be regretted that tristan de chuna has not a single port if you possessed a landing-stage now for which purpose sir when nature has provided us with such a bay as this where there is shelter from gales and it is easier to lie snug right up against the rocks no tristan has no port and tristan can do without one why should i have contradicted this good man he was proud of his island just as the prince of monaco is justly proud of his tiny principality i did not persist and we talked of various things he offered to arrange for me an excursion to the depths of the thick forests which clothed the volcano up to the middle of the central cove i thanked him but declined his offer preferring to employ my leisure on land in some mineralogical studies

Starting point is 02:03:30 Besides, the halbrain was to set sail so soon as she had taken in her provisions. Your captain is in a remarkable hurry, said Governor Glass. You think so? He is in such haste that his lieutenant does not even talk of buying skins or oil from me. We require only fresh victuals and fresh water, Mr. Glass. Very well, replied the governor, who was rather annoyed. What the hallbrain will not take, other vessels will. Then he resumed. and where is your schooner bound for on leaving us for the falklands no doubt where she can be repaired you sir are only a passenger i suppose as you say mr glass and i had even intended to remain at tristin de chuna for some weeks but i have had to relinquish that project

Starting point is 02:04:18 i am sorry to hear it sir we would have been happy to offer you hospitality while awaiting the arrival of another ship such hospitality would have been most valuable to me i replied but unfortunately I cannot avail myself of it. In fact, I had finally resolved not to quit the schooner, but to embark for America from the Falkland Islands, without much delay. I felt sure that Captain Lengai would not refuse to take me to the islands. I informed Mr. Glass of my intention, and he remarked still in a tone of annoyance. As for your captain, I have not even seen the colour of his hair.

Starting point is 02:04:57 I don't think he has any intention of coming ashore. Is he ill? Not to my knowledge, but it does not concern you, since he has sent his lieutenant to represent him. Oh, he is a cheerful person. One may extract two words from him occasionally. Fortunately, it is easier to get coin out of his pocket than speech out of his lips. That's the important thing, Mr. Glass. You are right, sir, Mr. Jorling of Connecticut, I believe. I assented. So I know your name, while I have yet to learn that of the Captain of the Hellb. brain. His name is Guy, Len Guy. An Englishman? Yes, an Englishman. He might have taken the trouble to pay a visit to a countryman of his, Mr. Jorling. But stay, I had some dealings formerly with a captain of that

Starting point is 02:05:43 name. Guy, Guy, William Guy, I asked quickly. Precisely, William Guy, who commanded the Jane? The Jane, yes, the same man. An English schooner which put in at Tristan de Chuna eleven years ago? Eleven years, Mr. Jorling. I had been settled in the island where Captain Geoffrey of the barrack of London found me in the year 1824 for full seven years.

Starting point is 02:06:10 I perfectly recall this William Guy as if he were before me. He was a fine, open-hearted fellow, and I sold him a cargo of sealskins. He had the air of a gentleman, rather proud, but good-natured. And the Jane? I can see her now at her mooring

Starting point is 02:06:27 in the same place as the halber. brain she was a handsome vessel of one hundred and eighty tons very slender fords she belonged to the port of liverpool yes that is true all that is true and is this jane still afloat mr jorling no mr glass was she lost the fact is only too true and the greater part of her crew with her will you tell me how this happened willingly on leaving tristan de chuna the jane headed for the bearings of the aurora and other island which William Guy hoped to recognize from information. That came from me, interrupted the ex-corporal, and those other islands, may I learn whether the Jane discovered them? No, nor the auroras either, although William Guy remained several weeks in these waters,

Starting point is 02:07:15 running from east to west, with a lookout always at the masthead. He must have lost his bearings, Mr. Shoreling. For, if several whalers, who were well deserving of credit, are to be believed, These islands do exist, and it was even proposed to give them my name. That would have been but just, I replied politely. It will be very vexatious if they are not discovered some day, added the governor, in a tone which indicated that he was not devoid of vanity.

Starting point is 02:07:46 It was then, I resumed, that Captain Guy resolved to carry out a project. He had long cherished, and in which he was encouraged by a certain passenger, who was on board the Jane. Arthur Gordon Pim, exclaimed Glass, and his companion won, Dirk Peters. The two had been picked up at sea by the schooner. You knew them, Mr. Glass? I asked eagerly. Knew them, Mr. Jorling, I should think I did indeed.

Starting point is 02:08:11 That Arthur Pim was a strange person, always wanting to rush into adventures, a real rash American, quite capable of starting off to the moon. Has he gone there at last? No, not quite, Mr. Glass, but during her voyage the schooner, it seems, did clear the polar circle and pass the ice wall. She got further than any ship had ever done before.

Starting point is 02:08:34 What a wonderful feat! Yes, unfortunately the Jane did not return. Arthur Pim and William Guy escaped the doom of the Jane, and the most of her crew. They even got back to America. How, I do not know. Afterwards Arthur Pim died, but under what circumstances I am ignorant. As for the half-breed, after having retired to Illinois, he went off one day without a word, to anyone, and no trace of him has been found. And William Guy? asked Mr. Glass. I related the finding of the body of Patterson, the mate of the Jane, and I added that everything led to the belief that the captain of the Jane and five of his companions were still living on an island in the austral regions, at less than six degrees from the pole.

Starting point is 02:09:20 "'Ah, Mr. Jorling!' cried Glass, if some day William Guy and his sailors might be saved. They seemed to me to be such fine fellows. This is what the Halbrain is certainly going to attempt, so soon as she is ready, for her captain, Len Guy, is William Guy's own brother. "'Is it possible?' "'Well, although I do not know Captain Len Guy, I venture to assert that the brothers do not resemble each other, at least in their behavior, to the governor of Tristan de Chuna. It was plain that the governor was profoundly mortified, but no doubt he consoled himself

Starting point is 02:09:57 by the prospect of selling his goods at 25% above their value. One thing was certain. Captain Lengai had no intention of coming ashore. This was the more singular inasmuch as he could not be unaware that the Jane had put in at Tristan de Chuna before proceeding to the southern seas. surely he might have been expected

Starting point is 02:10:19 to put himself in communication with the last European who had shaken hands with his brother. Nevertheless, Captain Lengai remained persistently on board his ship without even going on deck and, looking through the glass skylight of his cabin, I saw him perpetually stooping over the table

Starting point is 02:10:38 which was covered with open books and outspread charts. No doubt the charts were those of the austral latitudes and the books were the narratives of the precursors of the Jane in those mysterious regions of the South. On the table lay also a volume which had been read and re-read a hundred times. Most of its pages were dogs-eared and their margins were filled with pencilled notes.

Starting point is 02:11:04 And on the cover shone the title in brightly gilded letters. The Adventures of Arthur Gordon Pim. End of Chapter 7. 8 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Fern, Chapter 8. Bound for the Falklands

Starting point is 02:11:41 On the 8th of September, in the evening, I had taken leave of His Excellency, the Governor General of the Archipelago of Tristan de Chuna. For such is the official title bestowed upon himself by that excellent fellow, Glass, ex-corpul of artillery in the British Army. On the following day before dawn, the Halbrain sailed. After we had rounded Harold Point, the few houses of Anseldlung disappeared behind the extremity of Falmouth Bay. A fine breeze from the east carried us along gaily. During the morning we left behind us in succession, Elephant Bay, Hardy Rock, West Point, Cotton Bay, and Dally's promontory. But it took the entire day to lose sight of the volcano of Tristan de Chuna, which is 8,000 feet high. Its snow-clad bulk was at last veiled by the shades of evening.

Starting point is 02:12:40 During that week our voyage proceeded under the most favorable conditions. If these remains, the end of the month of September, ought to bring us within sight of the first peaks of the Falkland Group, and so very sensibly towards the south, the schooner having descended from the 38th parallel to the 55th degree of latitude. The most daring, or perhaps I ought to say, the most lucky, of those discoverers who had preceded the halberain under the command of Captain Len Guy in the Arctic seas had not gone beyond. Kemp, the 66th parallel, Balerie the 67th, Bisco the 68th, Bellinghausen and Moral, the 70th, the 70th, Weddell, the 74th, and it was beyond the 83rd, nearly 550 miles further,

Starting point is 02:13:32 that we must go to the sucker of the survivors of the Jane. I confess that for a practical man of unimaginative temperament, I felt strangely excited. A nervous restlessness had taken possession of me. I was haunted by the figures of Arthur Pim and his companions, lost in Antarctic ice deserts. I began to feel a desire to take part in the proposed undertaking of Captain Langei. I thought about it incessantly. As a fact, there was nothing to recall me to America. It is true that whether I should get the consent of the commander of the Halbrain remained to be seen. But, after all, why should he refuse to keep me as a passenger? Would it not be a very human satisfaction to him to give me material proof that he was in the right,

Starting point is 02:14:21 by taking me to the very scene of a catastrophe that I had regarded as fictitious, showing me the remains of the Jane at Salal, and landing me on that self-same island, which I had declared to be a myth? Nevertheless, I resolved to wait, before I came to any definite determination, until an opportunity of speaking to the captain should arise after an interval of unfavourable weather during which the howlbrain made but slow progress on the fourth of october in the morning the aspect of the sky and the sea underwent a marked change

Starting point is 02:14:58 the wind became calm the waves abated and the next day the breeze veered to the northwest this was very favourable to us and in ten days with a continuance of such fortunate conditions we might hope to reach the falklands it was on the eleventh that the opportunity of an explanation with captain len guy was presented to me and by himself for he came out of his cabin advanced to the side of the ship where i was seated and took his place at my side evidently he wished to talk to me and of what if not the subject which entirely absorbed him he began saying i have not yet had the pleasure of a chat with you mr shoreling since our departure from tristan dachuna to my regret captain i replied but with reserve for i wanted him to make the running i beg you to excuse me he resumed i have so many things to occupy me and make me anxious a plan of campaign to organize in which nothing must be unforeseen or unprovided for I beg you not to be displeased with me. I am not, I assure you. That is all right, Mr. Jorling, and now that I know you, that I am able to appreciate you,

Starting point is 02:16:15 I congratulate myself upon having you for a passenger until arrival at the Falklands. I am very grateful, Captain, for what you have done for me, and I feel encouraged to— The moment seemed propitious to making my proposal when Captain Langei interrupted me. Well, Mr. Jorling, he asked,

Starting point is 02:16:35 Are you now convinced of the reality of the voyage of the Jane, or do you still regard Edgar Poe's book as a work of pure imagination? I do not so regard it, Captain. You no longer doubt that Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters have really existed, or that my brother, William Guy, and five of his companions, are living? I should be the most incredulous of men, Captain, to doubt either fact, and my earnest desire is that the favour of heaven may attend you and secure the safety of the shipwreck mariners of the Jane. I will do all in my power, Mr. Jorling, and by the blessing of God I shall succeed.

Starting point is 02:17:16 I hope so, Captain. Indeed, I am certain it will be so, and if you consent, is it not the case that you talked of this matter with one glass, an English ex-corporal who sets up to be governor of Tristan de Chuna, inquired the captain, without allowing me to finish my sentence. That is so, I replied. And what I learned from glass has contributed not a little to change my doubts into certainty. Ah, he has satisfied you? Yes, he perfectly remembers to have seen the Jane eleven years ago, when she had put in at Tristan Duchuna.

Starting point is 02:17:53 The Jane, and my brother? He told me that he had personal dealings with Captain William Guy, and he traded with the Jane? Yes, as he has just been trading with the halbrain. She was moored in this bay? In the same place as your schooner. And Arthur Pim? Dirk Peters?

Starting point is 02:18:13 He was with them frequently. Did he ask what had become of them? Oh, yes, and I informed him of the death of Arthur Pim, whom he regarded as a foolhardy adventurer, capable of any daring folly. Say a madman, and a dangerous, madman, Mr. Jorling. Was it not he who led my

Starting point is 02:18:33 unfortunate brother into that fatal enterprise? There is indeed reason to believe so from his narrative. And never to forget it, added the captain in a tone of agitation. This man, Glass, I resumed, also knew Patterson, the mate of the Jane. He was a fine, brave, faithful fellow, Mr. Jorling, and devoted body and soul to my brother.

Starting point is 02:18:57 as west is to you captain does glass know where the shipwreck men from the jane are now i told him captain and also all that you have resolved to do to save them i did not think it proper to add that glass had been much surprised at captain guise abstaining from visiting him as in his absurd vanity he held the commander of the halbrain bound to do nor that he did not consider the governor of tristan de chuna bound to take the initiative. I wish to ask you, Mr. Jorling, whether you think everything in Arthur Pim's journal, which has been published by Edgar Poe, is exactly true. I think there is some need for doubt, I answered, the singular character of the hero of those adventures being taken into consideration, at least concerning the phenomenon of the island of Salal, and we know that Arthur Pim was mistaken in asserting that Captain William

Starting point is 02:19:56 Guy, and several of his companions perished in the landslip of the hill at Clock Clock. Ah, but he does not assert this, Mr. Jorling. He says only, that when he and Dirk Peters had reached the opening, through which they could discern the surrounding country, the seat of the artificial earthquake was revealed to them. Now, as the whole face of the hill was rushing into the ravine, the fate of my brother and twenty-nine of his men, could not be doubtful to his mind. He was, most naturally, led to believe that Dirk Peterson himself were the only white men remaining alive on the island. He said nothing but this, nothing more. They were only suppositions. Very reasonable, are they not? I admit that fully, Captain. But now, thanks to Patterson's notebook,

Starting point is 02:20:45 we are certain that my brother and five of his companions escaped from the landslip contrived by the natives. That is quite clear, Captain, but as to what became of the survivors of the Jane, whether they were taken by the natives of Salal and kept in captivity or remained free, Patterson's notebook says nothing, nor does it relate under what circumstances he himself was carried far away from them. All that we shall learn, Mr. Jorling, yes, we shall know all. The main point is that we are quite sure my brother, and five of his sailors, were living less than four months ago on some part of Salal Island. There is no question of a romance signed Edgar Poe,

Starting point is 02:21:30 but of a voracious narrative signed Patterson. Captain, said I, will you let me be one of your company until the end of the campaign of the Halbrain in the Antarctic seas? Captain Lengai looked at me with a glance, as penetrating as a keen blade. Otherwise, he did not appear surprised by the proposal I had made, perhaps he had been expecting it, and he uttered only the single word willingly.

Starting point is 02:22:00 End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 9 Fitting Out the Halbrain On the 15th of October, our schooner cast anchor at Port Egmont on the north of West Falkland. The group is composed of two islands, one the above named the other Soldad or East Falkland. Captain Lengai gave twelve hours leave to the whole crew. The next day the proceedings were to begin.

Starting point is 02:22:52 by a careful and minute inspection of the vessels hull and keel, in view of the contemplated, prolonged navigation of the Antarctic seas. That day, Captain Len Guy went ashore to confer with the governor of the group on the subject of the immediate re-victualing of the schooner. He did not intend to make expense a consideration, because the whole adventure might be wrecked by an unwise economy. Besides, I was ready to aid with my purse as I told him, and I intended that we should be partners in the cost of this expedition. James West remained on board all day, according to his custom, in the absence of the captain, and was engaged until evening in the inspection of the hold. I did not wish to go ashore until the next day. I should have ample time, while we remained in port, to explore Port Egmont, and its surrounding.

Starting point is 02:23:48 and to study the geology and mineralogy of the island. Hurley-Gurly regarded the opportunity as highly favorable for the renewal of talk with me, and availed himself of it accordingly. He accosted me as follows. Except my sincere compliments, Mr. Jarling! And where for, Bosan? On account of what I have just heard,

Starting point is 02:24:11 that you are to come with us to the far end of the Antarctic seas. Oh, not so far I imagine, and if it is not a matter of going beyond the 84th parallel. "'Who can tell?' replied the bosun. "'At all events, the hall-brain will make more degrees of latitude than any other ship before her. "'We shall see.' "'And does that not alarm you, Mr. Jorling?' "'Not in the very least.'

Starting point is 02:24:36 "'Noras, rest assured. No, no. You see, Mr. Jarling, our captain is a good one, although he is no talker. You only need to take him the right way. first he gives you the passage to tristan de chuna that he refused you at first now he extends it to the pole the pole is not the question bo son ah it will be reached at last some day the thing has not yet been done and besides i don't take much interest in the pole and have no ambition to conquer it in any case it is only to salel island sallow island of course nevertheless you will acknowledge that our captain has been very accommodating to you and and therefore i am much obliged to him both son and i hastened to add to you also for since it is to your influence i owe my passage Hurley-gurly, a good fellow at bottom, as afterwards I learned, discerned a little touch of irony in my tone, but he did not appear to do so. He was resolved to persevere in his patronage of me, and indeed his conversation could not be otherwise than profitable to me, for he was thoroughly acquainted with the Falkland Islands.

Starting point is 02:25:49 The result was that on the following day I went ashore, adequately prepared to begin my perquisitions. At that period the Falklands were not utilized as they have been since. It was at a later date that Port Stanley, described by Ilysee Recluse, the French geographer, as ideal, was discovered. Port Stanley is sheltered at every point of the compass, and could contain all the fleets of Great Britain. If I had been sailing for the last two months with bandaged eyes, and without knowing whither the howl brain was bound, and had been asked, during the first, few hours at our moorings. Are you in the Falkland Islands or in Norway? I should have puzzled how to answer the question. For here were coasts forming deep cracks, the steep hills with

Starting point is 02:26:38 peaked sides, and the coast ledges faced with grey rock. Even the seaside climate, exempt from great extremes of cold and heat, is common to the two countries. Besides the frequent rains of Scandinavia visit Magdalene's region in like abundance. Both have dense fogs, and in spring and autumn, winds so fierce that the very vegetables in the fields are frequently rooted up. A few walks inland would, however, have sufficed to make me recognize that I was still separated by the equator from the waters of northern Europe. What had I found to observe in the neighborhood of Port Egmont after my explorations of the first few days, nothing but the signs of sickly vegetation,

Starting point is 02:27:27 nowhere arborescent. Here and there a few shrubs grew, in place of the flourishing firs of the Norwegian mountains, and the surface of the spongy soil, which sinks and rises under the foot, is carpeted with mosses, fungi, and lichens. No, this was not the enticing country

Starting point is 02:27:45 where the echoes of the sagas resound. This was not the poetic, realm of wooden and the Valkyries. On the deep waters of the Falcon Strait, which separates the two principal aisles, great masses of extraordinary aquatic vegetation floated, and the bays of the archipelago, where whales were already becoming scarce, were frequented by other marine mammals of enormous size, seals 25 feet long by 20 in circumference, and great numbers of sea elephants, and lions of proportion no less gigantic. The uproar made by these animals, by the females and their young especially, surpasses description.

Starting point is 02:28:30 One would think that herds of cattle were bellowing on the beach. Neither difficulty nor danger attends the capture, or at least the slaughter of the marine beasts. The sealers kill them with a blow of a club when they are lying in the sands on the strand. These have the special features that differentiate Scandinavia. from the Falklands, not to speak of the infinite number of birds, which rose on my approach, grebe, cormorants, black-headed swans, and above all tribes of penguins, of which hundreds of thousands are massacred each year. One day, when the air was filled with a sound of braying, sufficient to deafen one, I asked an old sailor belonging to Port Egmont,

Starting point is 02:29:16 Are there asses about here? Sir, he replied, Those are not asses that you hear, but penguins. The asses themselves, had any been there, would have been deceived by the braying of these stupid birds. I pursued my investigations some way to the west of the bay. West Falkland is more extensive than its neighbour, less oldad, and possesses another fort at the southern point of Byron's sound,

Starting point is 02:29:45 too far off for me to go there. I could not estimate the population of the archipelago, even approximately. Probably it did not then exceed from two to three hundred souls, mostly English, with some Indians, Portuguese, Spaniards, gosh from the Argentine Pompas, and natives from Tier del Fuel. On the other hand, the representatives of the Ovine and bovine races were to be counted by tens of thousands, More than 500,000 sheep yield over $400,000 worth of wool yearly.

Starting point is 02:30:21 There are also horned cattle bred on the islands. These seem to have increased in size, while the other quadrupeds, for instance, horses, pigs, and rabbits have decreased. All these live in a wild state, and the only beast of prey is a dog fox, a species peculiar to the fauna of the Falklands. Not without reason has this island been called a cattle farm. What inexhaustible pastures! What an abundance of that savoury grass, the tussock, does nature lavish on animals there.

Starting point is 02:30:56 Australia, though so rich in this respect, does not set a better spread table before her ovine and bovine pensioners. The Falklands ought to be resorted to for the revictualing of ships. The groups are of real importance to navigators making for the strait of Magellan, as well as to those who come to fish in the vicinity of the polar regions. When the work on the hull was done, West occupied himself with the masts and the rigging, with the assistance of Martin Holt, our sailing master, who was very clever at this kind of industry.

Starting point is 02:31:33 On the 21st of October, Captain Len Guy said to me, You shall see, Mr. Jorling, that nothing will be neglected to ensure the security. of our enterprise. Everything that can be foreseen has been foreseen, and if the howl brain is to perish in some catastrophe, it will be because it is not permitted to human beings to go against the designs of God. I have good hopes, Captain, as I have already said, your vessel and a crew are worthy of confidence, but supposing the expedition should be much prolonged, perhaps the supply of provisions? We shall carry sufficient for two years. and those shall be of good quality. Port Egmont has proved capable of supplying us with everything we require.

Starting point is 02:32:21 Another question, if you will allow me? Put it, Mr. Jorling put it. Shall you not need a more numerous crew for the Howl Brain? Though you have men enough for the working of the ship, suppose you find you have to attack or defend in the Antarctic waters. Let us not forget that, according to Arthur Pim's narrative, there were thousands. of natives on Salal Island, and if your brother, his companions, are prisoners. I hope, Mr. Jorling, our artillery, will protect the halbrain, better than the Jane was protected by her guns. To tell the truth, the crew we have would not be sufficient for an

Starting point is 02:33:01 expedition of this kind. I have been arranging for recruiting our forces. Will it be difficult? Yes and no, for the governor has promised to help me. I surmise, Captain. I surmise Captain. Captain, that recruits will have to be attracted by larger pay. Double pay, Mr. Jorling, and the whole crew must have the same. You know, Captain, I am disposed and indeed desirous to contribute to the expenses of the expedition. Will you kindly consider me as your partner? All that shall be arranged, Mr. Jorling, and I am grateful to you. The main point is to complete our armament with the least possible delay.

Starting point is 02:33:40 We must be ready to clear out in a week. The news that the schooner was bound for the Antarctic seas had produced some sensation in the Falklands, at Port Egmont, and in the ports of Las Old Dad. At that season a number of unoccupied sailors were there, awaiting the passage of the whaling ships to offer their services, for which they were very well paid in general. If it had been only for a fishing campaign on the borders,

Starting point is 02:34:10 of the polar circle between the sandwich islands and new georgia captain land guy would have merely had to make a selection but the projected voyage was a very different thing and only the old sailors of the halbrain were entirely indifferent to the dangers of such an enterprise and ready to follow their chief whithersoever it might please him to go in reality it was necessary to treble the crew of the schooner counting the captain the mate the boatswain the cook and myself we were thirteen on board. Now, 32 or 34 men would not be too many for us, and it must be remembered that there were 38 on board the Jane. In this emergency, the governor exerted himself to the utmost, and thanks to the largely extra pay that was offered, Captain Lengai procured his full tail of seamen. Nine recruits signed articles for the duration of the campaign, which could not be fixed beforehand, but was not to extend beyond Salal Island. The crew, counting every man on board except myself, numbered 31, and a 32nd for whom I bespeak special attention.

Starting point is 02:35:23 On the eve of our departure, Captain Lengai was accosted at the angle of the port by an individual whom he recognized as a sailor by his clothes, his walk, and his speech. This individual said, in a rough and hardly intelligible voice, "'Captain, I have a proposal to make to you.' "'What is it? Have you still a place?' "'For a sailor?' "'For a sailor.' "'Yes, and no.'

Starting point is 02:35:52 "'Is it yes?' "'It is yes if the man suits me.' "'Will you take me?' "'You are a seaman?' "'I have served the sea for twenty-five years.' "'Where?' "'In the southern seas?' "'Far?'

Starting point is 02:36:06 "'Yes, far, far.' "'Your age?' "'44 years.' "'And are you at Port Egmond?' "'I shall have been there three years come Christmas.' "'Did you expect to get on a passing whale ship?' "'No.' "'Then what are you doing here?'

Starting point is 02:36:23 "'Nothing. I did not think of going to see again.' "'Then why do you seek a berth?' "'Just an idea. "'The news of the expedition of your schooner is going on with spread. "'I desire. "'Yes, I desire to take a part in it with your leave, of course. You are known at Port Hedgmond?

Starting point is 02:36:44 Very well known, and I have incurred no reproach since I came here. Very well, said the captain. I will make an inquiry, respecting you. Inquire, Captain, and if you say yes, my bag shall be on board this evening. What is your name? Hunt. And you are an American. This hunt was a man of short stature.

Starting point is 02:37:09 His weather-beaten face was brick-red. His skin was of a yellowish-brown, like an Indian's. His body clumsy, his head very large. His legs were bowed. His whole frame denoted exceptional strength, especially at the arms, which terminated in huge hands. His grizzled hair resembled a kind of fur. A particular, and anything but prepossessing character was imparted to the physiognomy of this individual by the extortion. keenness of his small eyes, his almost lipless mouth, which stretched from ear to ear, and his long teeth, which were dazzlingly white, their enamel being intact, for he had never been attacked by scurvy, the common scourge of seamen in high latitudes. Hunt had been living in the Falklands for three years. He lived alone on a pension. No one knew from whence this was derived. He was singularly uncommunicated. He was singularly uncommunicated. and passed his time in fishing by which he might have lived,

Starting point is 02:38:13 not only as a matter of sustenance, but as an article of commerce. The information gained by Captain Len Guy was necessarily incomplete, as it was confined to Hunt's conduct during his residence at Port Egmont. The man did not fight, he did not drink, and he had given many proofs of his Herkulean strength. Concerning his past nothing was known, but undoubtedly he had been a sailor. He had said more to Len Guy than he had ever said to anybody,

Starting point is 02:38:44 but he kept silence respecting the family to which he belonged and the place of his birth. This was of no importance that he should prove to be a good sailor was all that we had to think about. Hunt obtained a favorable reply and came on board that same evening. On the 27th in the morning, in the presence of the authorities of the archipelago,

Starting point is 02:39:07 the Howbrain's anchor was lifted. The last good wishes and the final adjus were exchanged, and the schooner took the sea. The same evening, Cape's Dolphin and Pembroke disappeared in the mists of the horizon. Thus began the astonishing adventure undertaken by these brave men who were driven by a sentiment of humanity towards the most terrible regions of the Antarctic realm. End of Chapter 9.

Starting point is 02:39:37 Chapter 10 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is the Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 10, the outset of the Enterprise. Here I was, then, launched into an adventure which seemed likely to surprise. all my former experiences. Who would have believed such a thing of me? But I was under a spell which drew me towards the unknown, that unknown of the polar world, whose secret so many

Starting point is 02:40:24 daring pioneers had in vain essayed to penetrate, and this time who could tell but that the sphinx of the Antarctic regions would speak for the first time to human ears. The new crew had, firstly, to apply themselves to learning their several duties, and the old, all fine fellows, aided them in the task. Although Captain Lengai had not much choice, he seemed to have been in luck. These sailors of various nationalities displayed zeal and goodwill. They were aware also that the mate was a man with whom it would not do to vex, for Hurley-Gurly had given them to understand that West would break any man's head who did not go straight. His chief allowed him full latitude in this respect. A latitude, he added, which is obtained by taking the altitude

Starting point is 02:41:18 of the eye with a shut fist. I recognized my friend the bosun in the manner of this warning to all whom it might concern. The new hands took the admonition seriously, and there was no occasion to punish any of them. As for Hunt, while he observed the docility of a true sailor in all his duties, he always kept himself apart, speaking to none, and even slept on the deck in a corner rather than occupy a bunk in the forecastle with the others. Captain Lundgey's intention was to take the sandwich aisles for his point of departure towards the south, after having made acquaintance with New Georgia distant 800 miles from the Falklands. Thus the schooner would be in long as, on the root of the jane.

Starting point is 02:42:05 On the 2nd of November, this course brought us to the bearings which certain navigators have assigned to the Aurora Islands, 30 degrees 15 minutes of latitude, and 47 degrees 33 minutes of east longitude. Well then, notwithstanding the affirmations, which are regarded with suspicion of the captains of the Aurora in 1762, of the Saint Miguel in 1769, of the Pearl in 1779, of the Prinicus and the Dolores in 1790, of the Atrevida in 1794,

Starting point is 02:42:41 which gave the bearings of these three islands of the group. We did not perceive a single indication of land in the whole of the space traversed by us. It was the same with regard to the alleged islands of the conceited glass. Not a single little islet was to be seen in the position he had indicated, although the lookout was most carefully kept. It is to be feared that His Excellency, the Governor of Tristan de Chuna, will never see his name figuring in geographical nomenclature. It was now the 6th of November.

Starting point is 02:43:14 Our passage promised to be shorter than that of the Jane. We had no need to hurry, however. Our schooner would arrive before the gates of the iceberg wall would be open. For three days the weather caused the working of the ship to be unusually laborious. and the new crew behaved very well. Thereupon the boatswain congratulated them. Hurley-Gurly bore witness that hunt for all his awkward and clumsy build was in himself worth three men.

Starting point is 02:43:44 A famous recruit, said he. Yes, indeed, I replied, and gained just at the last moment. Very true, Mr. Jarling, but what a face and head he has that hunt. I have often met Americans like him in the regions of the first, "'I answered, and I should not be surprised if this man had Indian blood in his veins. "'Do you ever talk with Hunt?' "'Very seldom, Mr. Jarling. He keeps to himself, and away from everybody. "'And yet it is not for want of mouth. I never saw anything like his, and his hands?

Starting point is 02:44:18 "'Have you seen his hands? Beyond your guard, Mr. Jorling, for if he ever wants to shake hands with you?' "'Fortunately, Bo, Bo, son, Hunt does not seem to be quarrelsome. He apparently, he appears to be a quiet man who does not abuse his strength. No, except when he is setting a hall yard. Then I am always afraid the pulley will come down in the yard with it. Hunt certainly was a strange being, and I could not resist observing him with curiosity, especially as it struck me that he regarded me at times with a curious intentness. On the 10th of November at about two in the afternoon, the lookout shouted, Land ahead! Starboard!

Starting point is 02:45:01 An observation had just given 57 degrees 7 minutes latitude and 41 degrees 13 minutes longitude. This land could only be the Isle de Saint-Pourri. Its British names are South Georgia, New Georgia, and King George's Islands, and it belongs to the circumpolar regions. It was discovered by the Frenchman Barb in 1675 before Cook, but although he came in second the celebrated navigator gave it the series of names which it still bears the schooner took the direction of this island whose snow-clad heights formidable masses of ancient rock rise to an immense altitude through the yellow fogs of the surrounding space new georgia situated within five hundred leagues of magdalen straits belongs to the administrative domains of the falklands the british administration is not represented there by any one the island is not inhabited although it is habitable at least in the summer season

Starting point is 02:46:06 On the following day, while the men were gone in search of water, I walked about in the vicinity of the bay. The place was an utter desert, for the period at which sealing is pursued there had not arrived. New Georgia, being exposed to the direct action of the Antarctic polar current, is freely frequented by marine mammals. I saw several droves of these creatures on the rocks, the strand, and within the rock grottos of the coast. Whole smala's of penguins, standing motionless and interminable rows, brayed their protest against the invasion of an intruder, I allude to myself. Innumerable larks flew over the surface of the waters and the sands. Their song awoke my memory of lands more favored by nature.

Starting point is 02:46:55 It is fortunate that these birds do not want branches to perch on, for there does not exist a tree in New Georgia. Here and there I found a few. few fanograms, some pale-colored mosses, and especially tussock grass in such abundance, that numerous herds of cattle might be fed upon the island. On the 12th November, the halbrain sailed once more, and having doubled Charlotte Point at the extremity of Royal Bay, she headed in the direction of the sandwich islands four hundred miles from thence. So far we had not encountered floating ice, the reason was that the summer's

Starting point is 02:47:34 had not detached any, either from the icebergs or the southern lands. Later on the current would draw them to the height of the 50th parallel, which in the southern hemisphere is that of Paris or Quebec. But we were much impeded by huge banks of fog, which frequently shut out the horizon. Nevertheless, as these waters presented no danger, and there was nothing to fear from ice-packs or drifting icebergs, the howbrain was able to pursue her route towards the Sandwich Islands comfortably enough. Great flocks of clangorous birds, breasting the wind, and hardly moving their wings, past us in the midst of fogs, petrels, divers, halikins, and albatross bound landwards, as though to show us the way. Owing no doubt to these myths, we were unable to discern Traversy Island,

Starting point is 02:48:28 Captain Lengue, however, thought some vague streaks of intermittent light, which were perceived in the night between the 14th and the 15th, probably proceeded from a volcano, which might be that of traversy, as the crater frequently emits flames. On the 17th November, the schooner reached the archipelago, to which Cook gave the name of Southern Toole, in the first instance, as it was the most southern land that had been discovered at that period. He afterward baptized it Sandwich Isles.

Starting point is 02:49:02 James West repaired T'Hul in the large boat in order to explore the approachable points, while Captain Lengai and I descended on the Bristol Strand. We found absolutely desolate country. The only inhabitants were melancholy birds of Antarctic species. Mosses and lichens cover the nakedness of an unproductive soil. Behind the beach a few firs rise to a considerable height, on the bare hillsides, from whence great masses occasionally come crashing down with a thundering sound. Awful solitude rains everywhere.

Starting point is 02:49:38 There was nothing to attest the passage of any human being, or the presence of any shipwrecked persons on Bristol Island. West's explorations at Toll produce a precisely similar result. A few shots fired from our schooner had no effect but to drive away the crowd of petrels and divers, and to startle the rows of stupid penguins on the beach. While Captain Lengai and I were walking, I said to him, you know, of course, what Cook's opinion on the subject of the sandwich group was when he discovered it. At first he believed he had set foot upon a continent. According to him, the mountains of ice carried out of the Antarctic Sea by the drift

Starting point is 02:50:19 were detached from that continent. He recognized afterwards that the sandwiches only formed an archipelago, but nevertheless his belief that a polar continent further south exists remained firm and unchanged i know that is so mr jorling replied the captain but if such a continent exists we must conclude that there is a great gap in its coast and that weddell and my brother each got in by that gap at six years interval that our great navigator had not the luck to discover this passage is easy to explain he stopped at the same time 71st parallel. But others found it after Captain Cook, and others will find it again. And we shall be of the number, Captain. Yes, with the help of God. Cook did not hesitate to assert that no one would ever venture further than he had gone, and that the Antarctic lands, if any such existed, would never be seen. But the future will prove that he was mistaken.

Starting point is 02:51:22 They have been seen so far as the 84th degree of latitude. "'And who knows?' said I, perhaps beyond that, by Arthur Pim. "'Perhaps, Mr. Jorling, it is true that we have not to trouble ourselves about Arthur Pim, since he at least in Dirk Peters also returned to America. But, supposing he did not return, I consider that we have not to face that eventuality,' replied Captain Lengay. End of Chapter 10. Chapter 11 of an Antarctic mystery or the Sphinx of the Icefields.

Starting point is 02:52:05 This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 11, from the Sandwich Islands to the Polar Circle. The Halbrain, singularly favored by the weather, cited the New South Organizing, group in six days after she had sailed from the Sandwich Islands. This archipelago was discovered by Palmer, an American, and Bothwell, an Englishman, jointly in 1821 to 22, crossed by the 61st parallel. It is comprehended between the 44th and the 47th meridian. On approaching we were able to observe

Starting point is 02:52:51 contorted masses and steep cliffs on the north side, which became less rugged as they neared the coast, at whose edge lay enormous ice-flows, heaped together in formidable confusion. These, before two months, should have expired, should be drifted towards the temperate waters. At that season, the whaling ships would appear to carry on the taking of the great blowing creatures, while some of their crews would remain on the island to capture seals and sea elephants. In order to avoid the strait which was encumbered with islets and ice-flows, Captain Lennel, Guy first cast anchor at the southeastern extremity of Lorry Island, where he passed the day on the 24th. Then, having rounded to Cape Dundas, he sailed along the southern coast of Coronation Island,

Starting point is 02:53:42 where the schooner anchored on the 25th. Our close and careful researches produced no result as regarded the sailors of the Jane. The islands and islets were peopled by multitudes of birds, Without taking the penguins into account, those guano-covered rocks were crowded with white pigeons, a species of which I had already seen some specimens. These birds have rather short, conical beaks, and red-rimmed eyelids. They can be knocked over with little difficulty. As for the vegetable kingdom in the New South Orkneys, it is represented only by grey lichen and some scanty seaweeds. Muscles are found in great abundance along the rocks.

Starting point is 02:54:25 of these we procured an ample supply. The Bosan and his men did not lose the opportunity of killing several dozens of penguins with their sticks, not from a ruthless instinct of destruction, but from the legitimate desire to procure fresh food. Their flesh is just as good as chicken, Mr. Jorling, said Hurley-gurly. Did you not eat penguin at the Kyrgylans? Yes, Bosan, but it was cooked by Arkins. Very well, then, it will be cooked by Endicott here, and you will not know the difference. And in fact, we in the saloon, like the men in the Folksel, were regaled with Penguin and acknowledged

Starting point is 02:55:06 the merits of our excellent sea-cook. The Halbrain sailed on the 26th of November at six o'clock in the morning, heading south. She re-ascended the 43rd Meridian. This we were able to ascertain very exactly by a good observation. This route it was that Weddell and then William Guy had followed, and, provided the schooner did not deflect either to the east or the west, she must inevitably come to Salau Island. The difficulties of navigation had to be taken into account, of course.

Starting point is 02:55:38 The wind, continuing to blow steadily from the west, was in our favor, and if the present speed of the halbering could be maintained, as I ventured to suggest to Captain Len Guy, the voyage from the south Orkneys to the west to the river, the polar circle would be a short one. Beyond, as I knew, we should have to force the gate of the thick barrier of icebergs, or to discover a breach in that ice fortress. So that, in less than a month, Captain, I suggested tentatively. In less than a month I hope to have found the iceless sea which Weddell and Arthur Pim described so fully, beyond the ice wall, and thenceforth,

Starting point is 02:56:17 we need only sail under ordinary conditions to Bennett Island in the first place, and afterwards to Salal Island. Once on that wide open sea, what obstacle could arrest or even retard our progress? I can foresee none, Captain, so soon as we shall get to the back of the ice wall. The passage through is the difficult point. It must be our chief source of anxieties, and if only the wind holds. It will hold, Mr. Jorling. All the navigators have been. the Austral seas have been able to ascertain, as I myself have done, the permanence of this wind. That is true, and I rejoice in the assurance, Captain, besides I acknowledge, without shrinking from the admission, that I am beginning to be superstitious. And why not, Mr. Jorling? What is there

Starting point is 02:57:07 unreasonable in admitting the intervention of a supernatural power in the most ordinary circumstances of life. And we, who sail the how-brain, should we venture to doubt it? Recall to your mind our meeting with the unfortunate Patterson on our ship's course. The fragment of ice carried into the waters where we were, and dissolved immediately afterwards. Were not these facts providential? Nay, I go further still, and am sure that, after having done so much to guide us towards our compatriots, God will not abandon us. I think as you think, Captain, no, his intervention is not to be denied, and I do not believe that chance plays the part assigned to it by superficial minds

Starting point is 02:57:52 upon this stage of human life. All the facts are united by a mysterious chain. A chain, Mr. Jorling, whose first link, so far as we are concerned, is Patterson's ice-block, and whose last will be Salal Island. Ah, my brother, my poor brother, left there for eleven years with his companions in misery, without being able to entertain the hope that sucker ever could reach them. And Patterson carried far away from them, under we know not what conditions. They not knowing what had become of him, if my heart is sick when I think of these catastrophes, Mr. Jorling, at least it will not fail me, unless it be at the moment when my brother throws himself into my arms. So then, we too were agreed in our trust in Providence.

Starting point is 02:58:41 It had been made plain to us in a manifest fashion that God had entrusted us with a mission, and we would do all that might be humanly possible to accomplish it. The schooner's crew, I ought to mention, were animated by like sentiments, and shared the same hopes. I alluded to the original seamen, who were so devoted to their captain. As for the new ones, they were probably indifferent to the result of the enterprise, provided it should secure the prophets promised to them, by their engagement.

Starting point is 02:59:14 At least I was assured by the Bo-son that such was the case, but with the exception of Hunt. This man had apparently not been induced to take service by the bribe of high wages or prize-money. He was absolutely silent on that and every other subject. If he does not speak to you, Bo-son, I said. Neither does he speak to me. Do you know, Mr. Jorling? What it is my notion that man has already done? Tell me, Hurley, girlie.

Starting point is 02:59:43 Well, then, I believe he has gone far, far into the southern seas. Let him be as dumb as a fish about it. Why he is dumb is his own affair. But if that sea-hog of a man has not been inside the Antarctic Circle, and even the ice-wall by a good dozen degrees, may the first sea we ship carry me overboard. From what do you judge, Bousson? From his eyes, Mr. Jorling, from his eyes,

Starting point is 03:00:09 No matter at what moment, let the ship's head be as it may, those eyes of his are always on the south, open, unwinking, fixed like guns in position. Herly did not exaggerate, and I had already remarked this. To employ an expression of Edgar Poe's, Hunt had eyes like a falcons. When he is not on the watch, resumed the bosun, that savage leans all the time with his elbows on the side, as motionless as he is mute. His right place would be at the end of our bow, where he would do for a figurehead to the halbrain, and a very ugly one at that. And then, when he is at the helm,

Starting point is 03:00:49 Mr. Jorling, just observe him. His enormous hands clutched the handles as though they were fastened to the wheel. He gazes at the binnacle, as though the magnet of the compass were drawing his eyes. I pride myself on being a good steersman, but as for being the equal of hunt, I am not. with him not for an instant does the needle vary from the sailing line however rough a lurch she may give i am sure that if the binnacle lamp were to go out in the night hunt would not require to relight it the fire in his eyes would light up the dial and keep him right for several days our navigation went on in unbroken monotony without a single incident and under favorable conditions the spring season was advancing and whales began to make their appearance in large numbers in these waters a week would suffice for ships of heavy tonnage to fill their casks with the precious oil thus the new men of the crew and especially the americans did not conceal their regret for the captain's indifference in the presence of so many animals worth their weight and gold and more abundant than they had ever seen whales at that period of the year. The leading malcontent was Hearn, a sealing-master, to whom his companions were ready to listen.

Starting point is 03:02:07 He had found it easy to get the upper hand of the other sailors by his rough manner and the surly audacity that was expressed by his whole personality. Hearn was an American and forty-five years of age. He was an active, vigorous man, and I could see him in my mind's eye, standing up in his double-bowed whaling boat, brandishing the harpoon, darting it into the flank of a whale, and paying out the rope. He must have been fine to see. Granted his passion for this business, I could not be surprised,

Starting point is 03:02:38 that his discontent showed itself upon occasion. In any case, however, our schooner was not fitted out for fishing, and the implements of whaling were not on board. One day, about three o'clock in the afternoon, I had gone forward to watch the gambols of a school of the huge sea mammals. Hearn was pointing them out to his companions and muttering in disjointed phrases. There, look, there's a fin back, there's another, and another three of them with their dorsal fins five or six feet high.

Starting point is 03:03:10 Just see them swimming between two waves, quietly, making no jumps. Ah, if I had a harpoon, I'd bet my head that I could send it into one of those four yellow spots they have on their bellies. "'But there's nothing to be done in this traffic box. "'One cannot stretch one's arms, devil take it. "'In these seas it is fishing we ought to be at, not. "'Then, stopping short, he swore a few oaths and cried out. "'And that other whale!'

Starting point is 03:03:36 "'The one with a hump like a dromedary?' asked a sailor. "'Yes, it's a humpback,' replied Hearn. "'Do you make out its wrinkled belly, and also its long dorsal fin? "'They are not easy to take those humpbacks, "'for they go down into the great depths, devour long reaches of your lines. Truly, we deserve that he should give us a switch of his tail on our side, since we don't send a harpoon into his. Look out, look out! shouted the bow-son. This was not to warn us that we were in danger of receiving the formidable stroke of the humpback's

Starting point is 03:04:08 tail, which the sea-master had wished us. No, an enormous blower had come alongside the schooner, and almost on the instant a spout of ill-smelling water was ejected from its blow-hole with a noise like a distant roar of artillery. The whole foredeck to the main hatch was inundated. That's well done, growled Hearn, shrugging his shoulders, while his companions shook themselves and cursed the humpback. Besides these two kinds of cetacea, we had observed several right whales, and these are the most usually met with in the southern seas. They have no fins and their blubber is very thick. The taking of these fat monsters of the deep is not attended with much danger. The right whales are vigorously pursued in the southern

Starting point is 03:04:55 seas, where the little shellfish called whales' food abound. The whales subsists entirely upon these small crustaceans. Presently, one of the right whales measuring sixty feet in length, that is to say, the animal was the equivalent of a hundred barrels of oil, was seen floating within three cable lengths of the schooner. "'Yes, that's a right whale!' exclaimed Herne. tell it by its thick short spout. See that one on the port side, like a column of smoke, that's a spout of a right whale. And all this is passing before our very noses a dead loss. Why, it's like emptying money-bags into the sea not to fill one's barrels when one can. A nice sort of captain, indeed, to let all this merchandise be lost, and do such wrong to his

Starting point is 03:05:43 crew. "'Herne,' said an imperious voice, "'go up to the main top, you will be more at your ease there to reckon the whales. But, sir, no reply, or I'll keep you up there till tomorrow. Come, be off at once. And as he would have got the worst of an attempt at resistance, the sealing master obeyed in silence. The season must have been abnormally advanced, for although we continued to see a vast number of testations, we did not catch sight of a single whaling ship, in all this fishing ground. I hasten to state that, although we are not attempted by whales, no other fishing was forbidden on board the halbrain, and our daily bill affair

Starting point is 03:06:25 profited by the bosun's trawling lines to the extreme satisfaction of stomachs weary of salt meat. Our lines brought us gobi, salmon, cod, mackerel, conjure, mullet, and parrotfish. The birds which we saw, and which came from every point of the horizon, were those I have already mentioned, petrels, divers, helicans, and pigeons in countenings. watchless flocks. I also saw, but beyond aim, a giant petrel. Its dimensions were truly astonishing. This was one of those called, Kibranza Jesus, by the Spaniards. This bird of the Magellanian waters is very remarkable. Its curved and slender wings have a span of from 13 to 14 feet, equal to that of the wings of the great albatross. Nor is the latter, wanting among these powerful winged

Starting point is 03:07:18 creatures. We saw the dusky-plumed albatross of the cold latitudes sweeping towards the glacial zone. On the 30th of November, after observation taken at noon, it was found that we had reached 66 degrees, 23 minutes, three seconds of latitude. The howl brain had then crossed the polar circle, which circumscribes the area of the Antarctic zone. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:08:02 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 12, between the polar circle and the ice wall. Since the halbrain has passed beyond the imaginary curve drawn at 23 and a half degrees from the pole, it seems as though she had entered a new region, that region of desolation and silence, as Aguirposed says, that magic person of splendor and glory in which the Eleanor's singers longed to be shut up to all eternity, that immense ocean of light ineffable. It is my belief to return to less fanciful hypotheses that the Antarctic region, with a superfeces of more than five million of square miles, has remained what our spheroid was during the glacial period.

Starting point is 03:08:55 In the summer, the southern zone, as we all know, enjoys perpetual day, owing to the rays projected by the orb of light above his horizon in his spiral ascent. Then, so soon as he has disappeared, the long night sets in, a night which is frequently illuminated by the polar aurora or northern lights. It was then in the season of light that our schooner was about. out to sail in these formidable regions. The permanent brightness would not fail us before we should have reached Salel Island, where we felt no doubt of finding the men of the Jane. When Captain Len Guy, West and the old sailors of the crew learned that the schooner had cleared the 66th parallel of latitude,

Starting point is 03:09:39 their rough and sunburnt faces shone with satisfaction. The next day, hurly-gurly accosted me on the deck with a broad smile and a cheerful manner. So then, Mr. Jorling, said he, we've left the famous circle behind us. Not far enough, Bo-son, not far enough. Ah, that will come, but I am disappointed. In what way? Because we have not done what is usual on board ships on crossing the line.

Starting point is 03:10:05 You regret that? Certainly I do, and the howl-brain might have been allowed the ceremony of a southern baptism. A baptism? And whom would you have baptized? Bo, son, seeing that all our men like yourself have already sailed beyond this parallel? We, oh, yes, but you? Oh, no, Mr. Jorling, and why, may I ask, should not that ceremony be performed in your honor? True, Bo, son, this is the first time in the course of my travels that I have been in so high a latitude.

Starting point is 03:10:35 And you should have been rewarded by a baptism, Mr. Jorling? Yes, indeed, but without any big fuss, no drum and trumpet about it, and leaving out old father neptune with his masquerade if you would permit me to baptize you so be it hurley girlie said i putting my hand into my pocket baptize as you please here is something to drink my health with at the nearest tavern then that will be bennett islet or salal island provided there are any taverns in those savage islands and any atkinses to keep them tell me beau son i always get back to hunt does he seem so much pleased to have past the polar circle as the hellbrains old sailors are? Who knows? There's nothing to be got out of him one way or another. But, as I have said before, if he has not already made acquaintance with this ice barrier, what makes you think so? Everything and nothing, Mr. Jorling. One feels these things. One doesn't think them. Hunt is an old sea-dog, who has carried his canvas bag into every corner of the world.

Starting point is 03:11:39 The Bowson's opinion was mine also, and some inexplicable presentiment made me observe Hunt constantly, for he occupied a large share of my thoughts. Early in December the wind showed a northwest tendency, and that was not good for us, but we would have no serious right to complain, so long as it did not blow due southwest. In the latter case, the schooner would have been thrown out of her course, or at least she would have had a struggle to keep in it. and it was better for us, in short, not to stray from the meridian, which we had followed since our departure from the New South Orkneys. Captain Lengai was made anxious by this alteration

Starting point is 03:12:20 in the wind, and besides the speed of the halbrain was manifestly lessened, for the breeze began to soften on the fourth, and in the middle of the night it died away. The morning the sills hung motionless and shriveled along the mass, although not a breath reached us, and the surface of the ocean was unruffled. The schooner was wrought from side to side by the long oscillations of the swell, coming from the west. The sea feels something, said Captain Lenguey to me, and there must be rough weather on that side, he added, pointing westward. The horizon is misty, I replied, but perhaps the sun towards noon. The sun has no strength in this latitude, Mr. Jorling, not even in summer. Jam! West came up to us.

Starting point is 03:13:09 "'What do you think of the sky?' "'I do not think well of it. We must be ready for anything and everything, Captain.' "'Has not the lookout given a warning of the first drifting ice?' I asked. "'Yes,' replied Captain Lundgey, "'and if we get near the icebergs, the damage will not be to them. "'Therefore, if prudence demands that we should go either to the east or to the west, "'we shall resign ourselves, but only in case of absolute necessity.'

Starting point is 03:13:36 "'The watch had made no mistake. In the afternoon we cited masses, eyelids they might be called, of ice, drifting slowly southward, but these were not yet of considerable extent or altitude. These packs were easy to avoid. They could not interfere with the sailing of the halbrain. But although the wind had hitherto permitted her to keep on course, she was not advancing, and it was exceedingly disagreeable to be rolling about in a rough and hollow sea, which struck our ship's sides most unpleasantly.

Starting point is 03:14:08 about two o'clock it was blowing a hurricane from all the points of the compass. The schooner was terribly knocked about, and the bowson had the deck cleared of everything that was movable by her rolling and pitching. Fortunately the cargo could not be displaced, the stowage, having been affected with perfect forecast of nautical eventualities. We had not to dread the fate of the grampus, which was lost owing to negligence in her lading. It will be remembered that the brig turned bottom upwards, and that Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters remained for several days, crouching on its keel. Besides, the schooner's pumps did not give a drop of water. The ship was perfectly sound in every part, owing to the efficient repairs that had been done during our stay at the Falklands.

Starting point is 03:14:55 The temperature had fallen rapidly, and hail, rain and snow, thickened and darkened the air. At ten o'clock in the evening, I must use this word, although the sun remained always above the horizon, the tempest increased, and the captain and his lieutenant, almost unable to hear each other's voices amid the elemental strife, communicated mostly by gestures, which is as good a mode as speech between sailors. I could not make up my mind to retire to my cabin, and, seeking the shelter of the roundhouse, I remained on deck, observing the weather phenomenon and the skill, certainty, salarity and effect with which the crew carried out the order, of the captain and west. It was a strange and terrible experience for a landsman, even one who

Starting point is 03:15:42 had seen so much of the sea and seamanship as I had. At the moment of a certain difficult maneuver, four men had to climb to the crossbars of the foremast in order to reef the mainsail. The first who sprang to the rat lines was Hunt. The second was March and Holt. Burry and one of the recruits followed them. I could not have believed that any man could display such skill in agility as hunts. His hands and feet hardly caught the rat lines. Having reached the crossbars first, he stretched himself on the ropes to the end of the yard, while Holt went to the other end, and the two recruits remained in the middle. While the men were working, and the tempest was raging round us, a terrible lurch of the ship to starboard, under the stroke of a mountainous wave,

Starting point is 03:16:30 flung everything on the deck into wild confusion, and the sea rushed in through the scrubber-hole, I was not down, and for some moments was unable to rise. So great had been the incline of the schooner that the end of the yard of the mainsail was plunged three or four feet into the crest of a wave. When it emerged, March and Holt, who had been astride on it, had disappeared. A cry was heard, uttered by the sailing-master, whose arm could be seen wildly waving amidst the whiteness of the foam.

Starting point is 03:17:02 The sailors rushed to the side, and flung out one, a rope, another a cask, a third a spar, in short, any object of which Marchand Holt might lay a hold. At the moment when I struggled up to my feet, I caught sight of a massive substance which cleft the air and vanished in the whirl of the waves. Was this a second accident? No, it was a voluntary action, a deed of self-sacrifice. Having finished his task, Hunt had thrown himself into the sea that he might save Marchand Holt. Two men overboard. yes two one to save the other and were they not about to perish together the two heads rose to the foaming surface of the water hunt was swimming vigorously cutting through the waves and was nearing martin holt they are lost both lost exclaimed the captain the boat west the boat if you give the order to lower it answered west i will be the first to get into it although at the risk of my life but i must have the order

Starting point is 03:18:04 In unspeakable suspense the ship's crew and myself had witnessed this scene. None thought of the position of the howl-brain, which was sufficiently dangerous. All eyes were fixed upon the terrible waves. Now, fresh cries, the frantic cheers of the crew rose above the roar of the elements. Hunt had reached the drowning man, just as he sank out of sight, had seized hold of him, and was supporting him with his left arm, while Holt, incapable of movement, swayed helplessly about like a weed. With the other arm, Hunt was swimming bravely and making way towards a schooner.

Starting point is 03:18:40 A minute which seemed endless past, the two men, the one dragging the other, were hardly to be distinguished in the midst of the surging waves. At last, Hunt reached the schooner and cut one of the lines hanging over the side. In a minute Hunt and Martin Holt were hoisted on board. The ladder was laid down at the foot of the foremast, and the former was quite ready to go to his work. Holt was speedily restored by the aid of vigorous rubbing. His senses came back, and he opened his eyes. "'Martin Holt,' said Captain Lengai,

Starting point is 03:19:15 "'who was leaning over him. You have been brought back from very far.' "'Yes, yes, Captain,' answered Holt as he looked about him with a searching case. "'But who saved me?' "'Hunt!' cried the bow son. "'Hunt risked his life for you.' As the ladder was hanging back, hurly-gurly pushed him towards Martin Holt, whose eyes expressed the liveliest gratitude.

Starting point is 03:19:40 "'Hunt,' he said, "'you have saved me. "'But for you I should have been lost. I thank you.' "'Hunt made no reply. "'Hunt,' resumed Captain Lengai, "'don't you hear?' "'The man seemed not to have heard. "'Hunt,' said Martin Holt again, "'come near to me, I thank you.

Starting point is 03:19:59 want to shake hands with you, and he held out his right hand. Hunt stepped back a few paces, shaking his head with the air of a man who did not want so many compliments for a thing so simple, and quietly walked forward to join his shipmates, who were working vigorously under the orders of West. Decidedly this man was a hero, in courage and self-devotion, but equally decided he was the being impervious to impressions, and not on that day either was the bosun, destined to know the colour of his words. For three whole days the 6th, 7th, and 8th of December, the tempest raged in these waters, accompanied by snowstorms, which perceptibly lowered the temperature. It is needless to say that Captain Lengai proved himself a true seaman, that James West

Starting point is 03:20:51 had an eye to everything, that the crew seconded them loyally. and that hunt was always foremost when there was work to be done or danger to be incurred in truth i do not know how to give an idea of this man what a difference there was between him and most of the sailors recruited at the falklands and especially between him and herne the sealing-master they obeyed no doubt for such a master's james west gets himself obeyed whether with good or ill-will but behind backs what complaints were made what recriminations were made what recriminations were exchanged. All this, I feared, was of evil presage for the future. Martin Holt had been able to resume his duties very soon, and he fulfilled them with hearty goodwill. He knew the business of a sailor right well, and was the only man on board who could compete with Hunt in handiness and zeal. Well, Holt, I said to him one day, when he was talking with the boatswain, what terms are you on with that queer fellow Hunt now? Since the salvage affair

Starting point is 03:21:54 Is he a little more communicative? No, Mr. Jorling. I think he even tries to avoid me. To avoid you? Well, he did so before, for that matter. Yes, indeed, that is true, added Hurley-Gurly. I have made the same remark more than once. Then he keeps aloof from you, Holt, as from the others?

Starting point is 03:22:15 From me more than from the others. What is the meaning of that? I don't know, Mr. Jarling. I was surprised at what the two men had seen. said, but a little observation convinced me that Hunt actually did avoid every occasion of coming in contact with Martin Holt. Did he not think that he had a right to Holt's gratitude, although the latter owed his life to him? This man's conduct was certainly very strange. In the early morning of the ninth, the wind showed a tendency to change in the direction of the

Starting point is 03:22:48 east, which would mean more manageable weather for us, and in fact, although the sea still remained rough, At about two in the morning, it became feasible to put on more sail without risk, and thus the halbrain regained the course from which she had been driven by the prolonged tempest. In that portion of the Antarctic Sea, the ice-packs were more numerous, and there was reason to believe that the tempest, by hastening the smash-up, had broken the barrier of the iceberg wall towards the east. End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields.

Starting point is 03:23:32 This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 13, along the front of the icebergs. Although the seas beyond the polar circle were wildly tumultuous, It is but just to acknowledge that our navigation had been accomplished so far under exceptional conditions, and what good luck it would be if the halbrain in this first fortnight of December were to find the weddell route open. There I am talking of the weddle route as though it were a macadamized road, well kept with milestones, and this way to the south pole on a signpost.

Starting point is 03:24:19 The numerous wandering masses of ice gave our men no trouble. They were easily avoided. It seemed likely that no real difficulties would arise until the schooner should have to try to make a passage for herself through the icebergs. Besides, there was no surprise to be feared. The presence of ice was indicated by a yellowish tint in the atmosphere, which the whalers call blink. This is a phenomenon peculiar to the glacial zones, which never deceives the observer. For five successive days the halbrain sailed without sustaining any damage. without having, even for a moment, had to fear a collision. It is true that in proportion, as she advanced towards the south, the number of ice-packs increased, and the channels became narrower.

Starting point is 03:25:04 On the 14th, an observation gave us 72 degrees, 37 minutes for latitude, our longitude remaining the same, between the 42nd and 43rd meridian. This was already a point beyond the Antarctic Circle that few navigators had been able to reach. We were at only two degrees lower than wheddle. The navigation of the schooner naturally became a more delicate matter in the midst of those dim, wan masses, soiled with the excretia of birds.

Starting point is 03:25:35 Many of them had a leprous look, compared with their already considerable volume, how small our little ship, over whose mast some of the icebergs already towered, must have appeared. Captain Leng Guy, admirably combined boldness and prudence in his command of the ship. He never passed to leeward of an iceberg, if the distance did not guarantee the success of any maneuver whatsoever that might suddenly

Starting point is 03:26:02 become necessary. He was familiar with all the contingencies of ice navigation, and was not afraid to venture into the midst of these flotillas of drifts and packs. That day he said to me, Mr. Jorling, this is not the first time that I have tried to penetrate into the polar sea, and without success. Well, if I made the attempt to do this when I had nothing but presumption as to the fate of the Jane to go upon, what shall I not do now? That presumption is changed into certainty. I understand that, Captain, and of course your experience of navigation in these waters must increase our chances of success. Undoubtedly, nevertheless, all that lies beyond the fixed icebergs is still unknown for me, as it is for other navigators.

Starting point is 03:26:49 The unknown, no, not absolutely, Captain, since we possess the important reports of Weddell, and I must add, of Arthur Pim also. Yes, I know. They have spoken of the open sea. Do you not believe that such a sea exists? Yes, I do believe it exists, and for valid reasons. In fact, it is perfectly manifest that these masses, called icebergs and ice fields, could not be formed in the ocean itself. It is the tremendous and irresistible action of the surge, which detaches them from the continents or islands of the high latitudes. Then the currents carry them into less cold waters, where their edges are worn by the waves, while the temperatures disintegrates their bases and their sides, which are subjected to thermometric influences. That seems very plain, I replied. Then these masses have come from the icebergs. They clash with them in drifting,

Starting point is 03:27:46 sometimes break into the main body, and clear their patterns. through. Again, we must not judge the southern by the northern zone. The conditions are not identical. Cook has recorded that he never met the equivalent of the Antarctic ice mountains in the Greenland seas, even at a higher latitude. What is the reason? I asked. No doubt that the influence of the south winds is predominant to the northern regions. Now those winds do not reach the northern regions until they have been heated in their passage over America, Asia and Europe, and they continue to raise the temperature of the atmosphere. The nearest land, ending in the points of Cape of Good Hope, Patagonia and Tasmania,

Starting point is 03:28:29 does not modify the atmospheric currents. That is an important observation, Captain, and it justifies your opinion with regard to an open sea. Yes, open, at least for ten degrees behind the icebergs. Let us then only get through that obstacle, and our greatest difficulty will have been conquered. you are right in saying that the existence of that open sea has been formally recognized by whedell and by arthur pym captain and by arthur pym from the fifteenth of december the difficulties of navigation increased with the number of the drifting masses the wind however continued to be uniformly favorable showing no tendency to veer to the south the breeze freshened now and then and we had to take in sail When this occurred, we saw the sea foaming along the sides of the ice-packs, covering them with sprays like the rocks on the coast of a floating island, but without hindering their onward march. Our crew could not fail to be impressed by the sight of the schooner, making her way through these moving masses.

Starting point is 03:29:38 The new men among them, at least, for the old hands had seen such maneuvers before. But they soon became accustomed to it, and took it all for granted. it was necessary to organize the lookout ahead with the greatest care west had a cask fixed at the head of the foremast which is called a crow's nest and from thence an unremitting watch was kept the sixteenth was a day of excessive fatigue to the men the packs and driss were so close that only very narrow and winding passageway between them was to be found so that the working of the ship was more than commonly laborious under these circumstances none of the men grumbled but hunt distinguished himself by his activity indeed he was admitted by captain len guy and the crew to be an incomparable seaman but there was something mysterious about him that excited the curiosity of them all at this date the halbering could not be very far from the icebergs if she held on in her course in that direction she would certainly reach them before long and would then have only have only been very far from the icebergs if she held on in her course in that direction she would certainly reach them before long and would then have all only to seek for a passage. Hitherto, however, the lookout had not been able to make out between the icebergs and unbroken crest of ice beyond the ice-fields. Constant and minute precautions

Starting point is 03:31:00 were indispensable all day on the 16th, for the helm, which was loosened by merciless blows and bumps, was in danger of being unshipped. The sea mammals had not forsaken these seas, whales were seen in great numbers, and it was a fairy-like spectacle when several of them spouted simultaneously. With thin backs and humpbacks, porpoises of colossal size appeared, and these herne harpooned cleverly when they came within range. The flesh of these creatures was much relished on board, and Endicott had cooked it in his best manner. As for the usual Antarctic birds, petrels, pigeons, and cormorants, they passed in screaming, flocks, and legions of penguins ranged along the edges of the ice-fields. Watch the evolutions of the schooner. These penguins are the real inhabitants of these dismal solitudes, and nature could

Starting point is 03:31:56 not have created a type more suited to the desolation of the glacial zone. On the morning of the 17th the man in the crow's nest at last signalled the icebergs. Five or six miles to the south, a long dentated crest appeared itself, plainly standing out. against the fairly clear skies, and all along it drifted thousands of ice-packs. This motionless barrier stretched before us from the northwest to the southeast, and by merely sailing along it the schooner would still gain some degrees southwards. When the howlrain was within three miles of the icebergs, she laid too in the middle of a wide basin, which allowed her complete freedom of movement.

Starting point is 03:32:39 A boat was lowered and Captain Lengai got into it, with the bows. sun, four sailors at the oars and one at the helm. The boat was pulled in the direction of the enormous rampart. Vane search was made for a channel through which the schooner could have slipped, and after three hours of this fatiguing reconnoitering, the men returned to the ship. Then came a squall of rain and snow, which caused the temperatures to fall to 36 degrees, 2.22 degrees Celsius, above zero. and shut out the view of the ice rampart from us. During the next 24 hours the schooner lay within four miles of the icebergs.

Starting point is 03:33:20 To bring her nearer would have been to get among winding channels from which it might not have been possible to extricate her. Not that Captain Langei did not long to do this, in his fear of passing some opening unperceived. If I had a consort, he said, I would sail closer along the icebergs, and it is a great advantage to be two when one is on such an enterprise as this but the how brain is alone and if she were to fail us even though we approached no nearer to the icebergs than prudence permitted our ship was exposed to great risk and west was constantly obliged to change his trim in order to avoid the shock of an ice field

Starting point is 03:34:04 fortunately the wind blew from east to nor nor east without variation and it did not freshen had a tempest arisen i know not would have been come of the schooner yes though i do know too well she would have been lost and all on board of her In such a case, the howl-rain could not have escaped. We must have been flung on the base of the barrier. After a long examination, Captain Lengai had to renounce the hope of finding a passage through the terrible wall of ice. It remained only to endeavor to reach the southeast point of it. At any rate, by following that course, we lost nothing in latitude, and, in fact, on the 18th the observation taken, made the 73rd parallel the position of the howl-brain. I must repeat, however, that navigation in the Antarctic seas will probably never be accomplished under more fallacious circumstances, the precocity of the summer season, the permanence

Starting point is 03:35:06 of the north wind, the temperature of 49 degrees at the lowest, all this was the best of good fortune, I need not add that we enjoyed perpetual light, and the whole 24 hours round the sun's rays reached us from every point of the horizon. Two or three times the captain approached within two miles of the icebergs. It was impossible, but that the vast masses must have been subjected to climatic influences. Rupures must surely have taken place at some points. But his search had no result, and we had to fall back into the current from west to east. I must observe at this point that during all our search we never descried land or the appearance of land out at sea,

Starting point is 03:35:51 as indicated on the charts of preceding navigators. These maps are incomplete, no doubt, but sufficiently exact in their main lines. I am aware that ships have often passed over the indicated bearings of land. This, however, was not admissible in the case of Salal. If the Jane had been able to reach the islands, it was because that portion of the Antarctic Sea was free, and in so early a year we need not fear any obstacle in that direction. At last, on the 19th, between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, a shout from the crow's nest was heard. "'What is it?' roared west.

Starting point is 03:36:31 "'The iceberg wall is split on the southeast. "'What is beyond? Nothing in sight.' it took west very little time to reach the point of observation and we all waited below how impatiently may be imagined what if the look-out were mistaken is some optical delusion but west at all events would make no mistake after ten interminable minutes his clear voice reached us on the deck open sea he cried unanimous cheers made answer the schooner's head was put to the southeast hugging the wind as much as possible two hours later we had doubled the extremity of the ice barrier and there lay before our eyes our sparkling sea entirely open end of chapter thirteen chapter fourteen of an antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the ice fields this is a librivox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer here, please visit Librovox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 14.

Starting point is 03:37:49 A Voice in a Dream Entirely free from ice? No, it would have been premature to affirm this as a fact. A few icebergs were visible in the distance, while some drifts and packs were still going east. Nevertheless, the breakup had been very thorough on that side, and the sea was in reality open, since a ship could sail freely.

Starting point is 03:38:13 God has come to our aid, said Captain Lengai. May he be pleased to guide us to the end. In a week, I remarked, our schooner might come in sight of Salal Island. Provided that the east wind lasts, Mr. Jorling. Don't forget that in sailing along the icebergs to their eastern extremity, the halbrain went out of her course, and she must be brought back towards the west. The breeze is for us, Captain. and we shall profit by it for my intention is to make for bennet islet it was there that my brother first landed and so soon as we shall have sighted that island we shall be certain that we are on the right route to-day when i have ascertained our position exactly we shall steer for bennet

Starting point is 03:39:00 who knows but we may come upon some fresh sign it is not impossible mr jorling i need not say that recourse was had but we may come upon some fresh sign it is not impossible mr I need not say that recourse was had to the surest guide within our reach, that voracious narrative of Arthur Gordon Pim, which I read and re-read with intense attention, fascinated as I was by the idea that I might be permitted to behold with my own eyes those strange phenomenon of nature in the Antarctic world, which I, in common with all Edgar Poe's readers, had hitherto regarded as creations of the most imaginative writer, who ever gave voice by his pen to the fantasies of a unique brain. No doubt a great part of the wonders of Arthur Gordon Pymn's narrative would prove pure fiction, but even if a little of the marvelous story

Starting point is 03:39:48 were found to be true, how great a privilege would be mine. The picturesque and wonderful side of the story we were studying as gospel truth had little charm but the slightest interest for Captain Leng Guy. He was indifferent to everything in Pim's narrative that did not relate directly to the castaways of Salal Island. His mind was solely and constantly set upon their rescue. According to the narrative of Arthur Pim, Jane experienced serious difficulties due to bad weather, from the first to the fourth of January 1828. It was not until the morning of the 5th in latitude 23 degrees 15 minutes that she found a free passage through the last iceberg that barred her way.

Starting point is 03:40:36 The final difference between our position and the Jane in a parallel ease was that the Jane took 15 days to accomplish the distance of 10 degrees, or 600 miles, which separated her on the 5th of January from Salel Island, while on the 19th of December the halbrain was only about 7 degrees or 400 miles off the island. Bennett Islet, where Captain Guy intended to put in for 24 hours, was fifty miles nearer. Our voyage was progressing under prosperous conditions. We were no longer visited by sudden hail and snowstorms, or those rapid falls of temperature, which tried the crew of the Jane so sorely. A few ice-floes drifted by us, occasionally peopled as tourists throng a pleasure-riot by penguins,

Starting point is 03:41:26 and also by dusky seals, lying flat upon the white surfaces like enormous leeches. Above this strange flogues, We trace the incessant flight of petrels, pigeons, black puffins, divers, grieve, sterns, cormorants, and the city black albatross of the high latitudes. Huge medusas, exquisitely tinted, floated on the water, like spread perils. Among the denizens of the deep, captured by the crew of the schooner, with line and net, I noted more particularly a sort of giant John Dory. Doreade. Three feet in light.

Starting point is 03:42:03 length, with firm and savory flesh. During the night, or rather what ought to have been the night of the 19th to 20th, my sleep was disturbed by a strange dream. Yes, there could be no doubt that it was only a dream. Nevertheless, I think it well to record it here, because it is an additional testimony to the haunting influence under which my brain was beginning to labor. I was sleeping at two hours after midnight,

Starting point is 03:42:31 and was awakened by a plaintiff, continuous murmuring sound. I opened, or I imagined I opened my eyes. My cabin was in profound darkness. The murmur began again, I listened, and it seemed to me that a voice, a voice which I did not know, whispered these words. Pim! Pim! Poor Pim! Evidently, this could only be a delusion, unless indeed someone had got into my cabin. The door was locked. pym repeated the voice poor pym must never be forgotten this time the words were spoken so close to my ear and what was the meaning of the injunction and why was it addressed to me and besides had not pym after his return to america met with a sudden and deplorable death the circumstances or the details being unknown i began to doubt whether i was in my right mind and shook myself into complete wake recognizing that I had been disturbed by an extremely vivid dream due to some cerebral cause.

Starting point is 03:43:41 I turned out of my birth, and, pushing back the shudder, looked out of my cabin. No one aft on the deck except Hunt, who was at the helm. I had nothing to do but to lie down again, and this I did. It seemed to me that the name of Arthur Pim was repeated in my hearing several times. Nevertheless, I fell asleep and did not wake until morning, when I retained only a vague impression of this occurrence, which soon faded away. No other incident at that period of our voyage calls for notice. Nothing particular occurred on board our schooner.

Starting point is 03:44:17 The breeze from the north, which had forsaken us, did not recur, and only the current carried the halbrain towards the south. This caused a delay unbearable to our impatience. At last, on the twenty-first, the usual observations gave eighty-two degrees fifty minutes of latitude and forty-two degrees twenty minutes of west longitude. Bennett Island, if it had any existence, could not be far off now. Yes, the islet did exist, and its bearings were those indicated by Arthur Pim. At six o'clock in the evening, one of the crew cried out that there was land ahead on the port side. End of Chapter 14.

Starting point is 03:45:07 Chapter 15 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Fern, Chapter 15. Bennett Islet The Halbrain was then within sight of Bennett Islet. The crew urgently needed rest.

Starting point is 03:45:35 so the disembarkation was deferred until the following day, and I went back to my cabin. The night passed without disturbance, and when day came not a craft of any kind was visible on the waters, not a native on the beach. There were no hats upon the coast, no smoke arose in the distance, to indicate that Bennett Islet was inhabited. But William Guy had not found any trace of human beings there, and what I saw of the islet answered to the description given by Arthur Pim. it rose upon a rocky base of about a league in circumference and was so arid that no vegetation existed on its surface mr jorling said captain lengai do you observe a promontory in the direction of the north-east i observe it captain is it not formed of heaped-up rocks which look like giant bales of cotton that is so and just what the narrative describes then all we have to do is land on the promontory mr jorling who knows but we may come across some vestige of the crew of the jane supposing them to have succeeded in escaping from salel island the speaker was devouring the islet with his eyes what must his thoughts his desires his impatience have been

Starting point is 03:46:51 but there was a man whose gaze was set upon the same point even more fixedly that man was hunt before we left the howbrain len guy enjoined the most minute and careful watchfulness upon his lieutenant this was a charge which west did not need our exploration would take only half a day at most if the boat had not returned in the afternoon a second was to be sent in search of us look sharp also after our recruits added the captain don't be uneasy captain replied the lieutenant indeed since you want four men at the oars you had better take them from among the new ones that will leave four less troublesome fellows on board this was a good idea for under the deplorable influence of herne the discontent of his shipmates from the falklands was on the increase the boche being ready four of the new crew took their places forward while hunt at his own request was steersman captain lengai the boatswain and myself all well armed seated ourselves aft and we started for the northern point of the islet in the course of an hour we had doubled the promontory and come out in sight of a little bay whose shores the boats of the jane had touched hunt steered for this bay gliding with remarkable skill between the rocky points which struck up here and there one would have thought he knew his way among them we disembarked on a stony coast the stones were covered with sparse lichen the tide was already ebbing leaving uncovered the sandy bottom of a sort of beach strewn with black blocks resembling big nail heads two men were left in charge of the boat while we landed amid the rocks and accompanied by the other two captain len guy the bow-son hunt and i proceeded towards the centre where we found some rising ground from whence we found some rising ground from whence

Starting point is 03:48:47 we could see the whole extent of the islet. But there was nothing to be seen on any side, absolutely nothing. On coming down from the slight eminence, Hunt went on in front, as it had been agreed that he was to be our guide. We followed him, therefore, as he led us towards the southern extremity of the islet. Having reached the point, Hunt looked carefully, on all sides of him, then stooped and showed us a piece of half-rotten wood lying among the scattered stones. I remember, I exclaimed, Arthur Pim speaks of a piece of wood,

Starting point is 03:49:22 with traces of carving on it, which appeared to have belonged to the bow of a ship. Among the carving my brother fancied he could trace the design of a tortoise, added Captain Leng Guy. Just so, I replied, but Arthur Pim pronounced that resemblance doubtful, no matter the piece of wood

Starting point is 03:49:39 is still in the same place that is indicated in the narrative. so we may conclude that since the Jane cast anchor here, no other crew has set foot upon Bennett Islet. It follows that we should only lose time in looking out for any tokens of another landing. We shall know nothing until we reach Salal Island. Yes, Salal Island, replied the captain. We then retraced our steps in the direction of the bay.

Starting point is 03:50:05 In various places we observed fragments of coral reef, and Bouch de Merre was so abundant that our schooner might have taken a full cargo of it. Hunt walked on in silence with downcast eyes, until, as we were close enough upon the beach to the east, he being about ten paces ahead, stopped abruptly, and summoned us to him by a hurried gesture. In an instant we were by his side. Hunt had evinced no surprise on the subject of the piece of wood first found, but his attitude changed when he knelt down in front of a worm-eaten plank lying on the sand. He felt it all over with his huge hands,

Starting point is 03:50:44 as though he were seeking some tracery on its rough surface, whose signification might be intelligible to him. The black paint was hidden under the thick dirt that had accumulated upon it. The plank had probably formed part of a ship's stern, as the boatswain requested us to observe. Yes, yes, repeated Captain Lengai. It made part of a stern. Hunt, who still remained kneeling, nodded his big head in assent.

Starting point is 03:51:13 But, I remarked, this plank must have been cast upon Bennett Islet from a wreck. The cross-currents must have found it in the open sea and, If that were so, cried the captain. The same thought had occurred to both of us. What was our surprise? Indeed, our amazement, our unspeakable emotion. When Hunt showed us eight letters, cut in the plank, not painted, but hollow and distinctly traceable with the finger. It was only too easy to recognize the letters of two names arranged in two lines thus.

Starting point is 03:51:48 A. N. L-I-E-P-O-L. The Jane of the Liverpool, the schooner commanded by Captain William Guy. What did it matter that time had blurred the other letters? Did not those suffice to tell the name of the ship, and the port she belonged to, the Jane of the Liverpool. Captain Lengai had taken the plank in his hands, and now he pressed his lips to it, while tears fell from his eyes. It was a fragment of the Jane.

Starting point is 03:52:21 I did not utter a word until the captain's emotion had subsided. As for Hunt, I had never seen such a lightning glance from his brilliant hawk-like eyes, as he now cast towards the southern horizon. Captain Lengai rose, Hunt, without a word, placed the plank on his shoulder, and we continued our route. When we had made the tour of the island, we halted at the place where the boat had been left under the charge of two sailors, and about half-past two in the afternoon we were again on board.

Starting point is 03:52:54 Early on in the morning of the 23rd of December, the Howe Brain put off from Bennett Islet, and we carried away with us new and convincing testimony to the catastrophe which Salelow Island had witnessed. During the day, I observed the seawater very attentively, and it seemed to me less deeply blue than Arthur Pim describes it. Nor had we met a single specimen of his monster of the austral fauna, an animal three feet long, six inches high, with four short legs, long coral claws, a silky body, a rat's tail, a cat's head, the hanging ears, blood-red lips, and white teeth of a dog. The truth is that I regarded several of these details as suspect, and entirely due to an over-imaginative temperament. Seated far aft in the ship, I read Edgar Poe's book with sedulous

Starting point is 03:53:49 attention, but I was not unaware of the fact that Hunt, whenever his duties furnished him with an opportunity, observe me pertinaciously, and with looks of singular meaning. And in fact, I was re-perusing the end of Chapter 17, in which Arthur Pim acknowledged his responsibility for the sad and tragic events which were the result of his advice. It was, in fact, he who over-persuaded Captain William Guy, urging him to profit by so tempting an opportunity of solving the great problem relating to the Antarctic continent. And besides, while accepting that responsibility, did he not congratulate himself on having been the instrument of a great discovery? and having aided in some degree to reveal to science one of the most marvellous secrets which had ever claimed its attention at six o'clock the sun disappeared behind a thick curtain of mist after midnight the breeze freshened and the halbrain's progress marked a dozen additional miles

Starting point is 03:54:52 on the morrow the good ship was less than the third of a degree that is to say less than twenty miles from solol island unfortunately just after mid-day the wind fell nevertheless thanks to the current the island of salell was signalled at forty-five minutes past six in the evening the anchor was cast a watch was set with loaded firearms within hand-reach and boarding nets ready the hallbrain ran no risk of being surprised two eyes were watching on board especially those of hunt whose gaze never quitted the horizon of that southern zone for an instant. End of chapter 15. Chapter 16 of an Antarctic mystery. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:55:50 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 16, Salal Island. The night passed without alarm. No boat had put off from the island, nor had a native shown himself upon the beach. The halbrain then had not been observed on her arrival. This was all the better. We had cast anchor in ten fathoms at three miles from the coast. When the Jane appeared in these waters, the people of Salel beheld a ship

Starting point is 03:56:23 for the first time, and they took it for an enormous animal, regarding its mass as limbs and its sails as garments. Now they ought to be better informed on this subject, and if they didn't attempt to visit us, to what motive were we to assign such conduct. Captain Langei gave orders for the lowering of the ship's largest boat in a voice which betrayed his impatience. The order was executed, and the captain, addressing West, said, send eight men down with Martin Holt, sent Hunt to the helm, remain yourself at the moorings, and keep a lookout landwards as well as to see. "'Aye, sir, don't be uneasy. "'We are going ashore, and we shall try to gain the village of Cluck-Cluck.

Starting point is 03:57:10 "'If any difficulty should arise on sea, give us warning by firing three shots.' "'All right,' replied West, at a minute's interval. "'If we should not return before evening, send the second boat with ten armed men "'under the Bosan's orders, and let them station themselves within a cable's length of the shore, so as to escort us back, you understand? Perfectly, Captain. If we are not to be found, after you have done all in your power,

Starting point is 03:57:38 you will take command of the schooner and bring her back to the Falklands. I will do so. The large boat was rapidly got ready. Eight men embarked in it, including Martin Holt and Hunt, all armed with rifles, pistols, and knives. The latter weapons were slung in their belts.

Starting point is 03:57:56 They also carried cartridge pouches. I stepped forward and said, "'Will you not allow me to accompany you, Captain?' "'If you wish to do so, Mr. Jorling.' I went to my cabin, took my gun, a repeating rifle with ball and powder, and rejoined Captain Lengai, who had kept a place in the stern of the boat for me.

Starting point is 03:58:17 Our object was to discover the passage through which Arthur Pem and Jirk Peters had crossed the reef on the 19th of January, 1828, in the Jane's boat. For twenty minutes we rode along the reef, and then Hunt discovered the pass, which was through a narrow cut in the rocks. Leaving two men in the boat, we landed, and having gone through the winding gorge which gave access to the crest of the coast, our little force, headed by Hunt, pushed on towards the center of the island. Captain Lengai and myself exchanged observations as we walked, on the subject of this country, which, as Arthur Pim declared, differed essentially from every other other. the land hitherto visited by human beings. We soon found that Pim's description was trustworthy.

Starting point is 03:59:03 The general color of the plains was black, as though the clay were made of lava dust. Nowhere was anything white to be seen. At a hundred paces distance, Hunt began to run towards an enormous mass of rock, climbed on it with great agility, and looked out over a wide extent of space, like a man who ought to recognize the place he is in, but does not. What is the matter with him? asked Captain Lengai, who was observing Hunt attentively. I don't know what is the matter with him, Captain, but as you are aware, everything about this man is odd. His ways are inexplicable, and on certain sides of him he seems to belong to those strange beings whom Arthur Pim asserts that he found on this island. One would even say that—

Starting point is 03:59:52 That, repeated the captain. And then, without finishing my sentence, I said, Captain, are you sure you made a good observation, when you took the altitude yesterday? Certainly. So that your point gave 83 degrees 20 minutes of latitude, and 43 degrees five minutes of longitude. Exactly? Exactly. There is then no doubt that we are on Salel Island?

Starting point is 04:00:20 None, Mr. Jorling, if Salel Island lies where Arthur Pim places it. This was quite true. There could be no doubt on the point, and yet of all that Arthur Pim described, nothing existed, or rather nothing was any longer to be seen. Not a tree, not a shrub, not a plant was visible in the landscape. There was no sign of the wooded hills between which the village of Clock Clock Ought to lie, or of the streams from which the crew of the Jane had not ventured to drink. There was no water anywhere, but everywhere, absolute, awful drought. Nevertheless, Hunt walked on rapidly, without showing any hesitation. It seems as though he was led by a natural instinct, a bee's flight, as we say in America. I know not what

Starting point is 04:01:08 presentiment induced us to follow him as the best of guides, a Ching Gatchkuk, a Rennerd sub-tiel. And why not? Was not he the fellow-countryman of Fenimore Cooper's heroes? But I must repeat that we had not before our eyes, that fabulous land, which Arthur Pim described, the soil we were treading, had been ravaged, wrecked, torn by convulsion. It was black, a cindery black, as though it had been vomited from the earth under the action of plutonian forces. It suggested that some appalling and irresistible cataclysm had overturned the whole of its surface. Not one of the animals mentioned in the narrative was to be seen, and even the penguins which abound. in the Antarctic regions had fled from this uninhabitable land. Its stern silence and solitude

Starting point is 04:02:01 made it a hideous desert. No human being was to be seen either on the coast or in the interior. Did any chance of finding William Guy and the survivors of the Jane exist in the midst of this scene of desolation? I looked at Captain Lengai, his pale face, dim eyes, and knit brow, told too plainly that hope was beginning to die within his breast. And then the population of Salal Island, the almost naked men, armed with clubs and lances, the tall well-made, upstanding women, and doubt with grace and freedom of bearing,

Starting point is 04:02:39 not to be found in a civilized society. Those are the expressions of Arthur Pem, and the crowd of children accompanying them. What had become of all these? Where were the multitude of natives with black skin? skins, black hair, black teeth, who regarded white color with deadly terror. All of a sudden a light flashed upon me. An earthquake, I exclaimed.

Starting point is 04:03:02 Yes, two or three of those terrible shocks, so common in these regions, where the sea penetrates by infiltration, and a day comes when the quantity of accumulated vapor makes its way out and destroys everything on the surface. Could an earthquake have changed Salel Island to such an extent? asked Lengai, musingly. Yes, Captain, an earthquake has done this thing. It has destroyed every trace of all that Arthur Pim saw here. Hunt, who had drawn nigh to us, and was listening, nodded his head in approval of my words.

Starting point is 04:03:38 Are these not countries of the southern seas volcanic? I resumed. If the halbrain were to transport us to Victoria Island, we might find the irubus and the terror in the midst of an eruption. and yet observed martin holt if there had been an eruption here we should find lava beds i did not say there has been an eruption i replied but i do say the soil has been convulsed by an earthquake on reflection it will be seen that the explanation given by me deserved should be admitted and then it came to my remembrance that according to arthur pym's narrative sell el belonged to a group of islands which extended towards the west unless the people people of Salel had been destroyed, it was possible that they might have fled into one of the neighboring islands. We should do well, then, to go and reconnoiter that archipelago, for Salel clearly had no resources whatever, to offer after the cataclysm.

Starting point is 04:04:36 I spoke of this to the captain. Yes, he replied, and tears stood in his eyes. Yes, it may be so. And yet, how could my brother and his unfortunate companions have found the means of a raping. Is it not far more probable that they all perished in the earthquake? Here Hunt made us a signal to follow him, and we did so. After he had pushed across the valley, for a considerable distance, he stopped. What a spectacle was before our eyes! There, lying in heaps were human bones, all the fragments of that framework of humanity, which we call the skeleton, hundreds of them, without a particle of flesh, clusters of skin.

Starting point is 04:05:20 skulls, still bearing some tufts of hair. A vast bone heap, dried and whitened in this place. We were struck dumb and motionless by this spectacle. When Captain Lengai could speak, he murmured, my brother, my poor brother. On a little reflection, however, my mind refused to admit certain things. How was this catastrophe to be reconciled with Patterson's memoranda? The entries in his notebook stated explicitly that the mate of the Jane had left his companions on Celil Island seven months previously. They could not have perished in this earthquake, for the state of the bones proved that it had taken place several years earlier, and must have occurred after the departure of Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters, since no mention of it was made in the narrative of the former.

Starting point is 04:06:12 These facts then were irreconcilable. If the earthquake was of recent date the presence of those time-bleached skeletons, could not be attributed to its action. In any case, the survivors of the Jane were not among them. But then, where were they? The valley of Clock Clock Clock Extended no further. We had to retrace our steps in order to regain the coast. We had hardly gone half a mile on the cliff's edge, when Hunt again stopped, on perceiving some fragments of bone which were turning to dust, and did not seem to be those of a human being. Were these the remains of one of the strange animals described by Arthur Pim, of which we had not hitherto seen any specimens?

Starting point is 04:06:59 Hunt suddenly uttered a cry, or rather a sort of savage growl, and held out his enormous hand, holding a metal collar. Yes, a brass collar, a collar eaten by rust, but bearing letters which might still be deciphered. These letters formed the three following words. Tiger, Arthur Pim. Tiger, the name of the dog, which had saved Arthur Pim's life in the hold of the Grampus, and, during the revolt of the crew,

Starting point is 04:07:31 had sprung at the throat of Jones, the sailor, and who was immediately finished by Dirk Peters. So then, that faithful animal had not perished in the shipwreck of the Grampus, He had been taken on board the Jane at the same time as Arthur Pim and the half-breed, and yet the narrative did not allude to this. And after the meeting with the schooner, there was no longer any mention of the dog. All these contradictions occurred to me. I could not reconcile the facts. Nevertheless, there could be no doubt that Tiger had been saved from the shipwreck, like Arthur Pim, had escaped the landslip of the Clock Clock-Clock Hill,

Starting point is 04:08:08 and had come to his death at last in the catastrophe. which had destroyed a portion of the population of Salel. But again William Guy and his five sailors could not be among those skeletons which was strewn upon the earth, since they were living at the time of Patterson's departure seven months ago, and the catastrophe already dated several years back. Three hours later we had returned on board the Halbrain without having made any other discovery. Captain Len Guy went direct to his cabin, shut himself in. up there, and did not reappear even at dinner hour.

Starting point is 04:08:46 The following day, as I wished to return to the island, in order to resume its exploration, from one coast to the other, I requested West to have me rowed ashore. He consented, after he had been authorized by Captain Len Guy, who did not come out with us. Hunt, the beau-son, Martin Holt, four men, and myself took her places in the boat, without arms, for there was no longer anything to fear. We disembarked at our yesterday's landing-place, and Hunt again led the way towards the hill of Clock-Clock. Nothing remained of the eminence

Starting point is 04:09:21 that had been carried away in the artificial landslip from which the captain of the Jane, Patterson, his second officer, and five of his men had happily escaped. The village of Clock-Clock had thus disappeared, and doubtless the mystery of the strange discoveries narrated in Arthur Poe's work, was now and ever would remain beyond solution. We had only to regain our ship, returning by the east side of the coast. Hunt brought us through the space where the sheds had been erected for the preparation of

Starting point is 04:09:54 the Becht de Merr, and we saw the remains of them. On all sides, silence and abandonment reigned. We made a brief pause at the place where Arthur Pim and Dirk Peter seized upon the boat, which bore them towards higher latitudes, even to that horizon of dark vapor, whose rents permitted them to discern the huge human figure, the white giant. Hunt stood with crossed arms, his eyes devouring the vast extent of the sea. Well, Hunt, said I tentatively. Hunt did not appear to hear me. He did not turn his head in my direction. What are we doing here? I asked him, and touched him on the shoulder. shoulder. He started and cast a glance upon me, which went to my heart.

Starting point is 04:10:43 Come along, Hunt, cried Hurley, curly, are you going to take root on this rock? Don't you see the halberrain waiting for us at her moorings? Come along. We shall be off to-morrow. There is nothing more to do here. It seemed to me that Hunt's trembling lips repeated the word nothing, while his whole bearing protested against what the boatswain said. The boat brought us back to the ship. Captain Lenguey had not left his cabin. West, having received no orders, was pacing the deck aft. I seated myself at the foot of the main mast, observing the sea which lay open and free before us. At this moment the captain came on deck. He was very pale, and his features looked pinched and weary. Mr. Jorling, said he, I can affirm conscientiously that I have done all it was possible to do. Can I hope, henceforth, that my brother William and his companions? No, no, we must go away before winter.

Starting point is 04:11:48 He drew himself up and cast a last glance towards Sulla Island. Tomorrow, Jim, he said to West, "'Tomorrow we will make sail, as early as possible.' at this moment a rough voice uttered the words and pym poor pym i recognized this voice it was the voice i had heard in my dream end of chapter sixteen chapter seventeen part one of an antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the ice-fields this is a libervox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libravox.org An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne,

Starting point is 04:12:41 Chapter 17, Part 1, And Pim And Pim, poor Pim I turned round quickly. Hunt had spoken. This strange person was standing motionless at a little distance, gazing fixedly at the horizon.

Starting point is 04:12:59 It was so unusual to hear Hunt's voice on board the schooner that the men whom the unaccustomed sound reached drew near moved by curiosity did not this unexpected intervention point to i had a presentiment that it did some wonderful revelation a movement of west's hand sent the men forward leaving only the mate the beau's son martinhold the sailing-master and hardy with the captain and myself in the vicinity of hunt the captain approached and addressed him "'What did you say?' I said. And Pim, poor Pim. Well, then, what do you mean by repeating the name of the man, whose pernicious advice led my brother to the island on which the Jane was lost? The greater part of her crew was massacred, and where we have not found even one left of those who were still here seven months ago? Hunt did not speak. "'Answer! I say answer!' cried the captain.

Starting point is 04:13:59 Hunt hesitated, not because he did not know what to say, but from a certain difficulty in expressing his ideas. The latter were quite clear, but his speech was confused. His words were unconnected. He had a certain language of his own, which sometimes was picturesque, and pronunciation was strongly marked by the hoarse accent of the Indians of the Far West. You see, he said, I do not know how to tell things. My tongue stops. understand me i spoke of pym poor pym did i not yes answered west sternly and what have you to say about arthur pym i have to say that he must not be abandoned abandoned i exclaimed no never it would be cruel too cruel we must go to seek him to seek him repeated captain lengai understand me it is for this that i have embarked on the halbrain yes to find poor pym and where is he i asked if not in a deep grave in the cemetery of his natal city no he is in a place where he remained alone all alone continued hunt pointing towards the south and since then the sun has risen on that horizon seven times. It was evident that Hunt intended to designate the Antarctic regions. But what did he mean by this? Do you not know that Arthur Pim is dead? said the captain. Dead? replied Hunt, emphasizing the word with an expressive gesture. No, listen to me, I know things. Understand me. He is not dead. Come now, Hunt, said I. Remember what

Starting point is 04:15:43 you do know. In the last chapter of the Adventures of Arthur Pem, does not Edgar Poe relate his sudden and deplorable end? "'Explain yourself, Hunt,' said the captain, in a tone of command. "'Relect, take your time, and say plainly whatever you have to say.' And, while Hunt passed his hand over his brow, as though to collect his memory of far-off things, I observed to Captain Langei. There is something very singular in the intervention of this man, if indeed he be not mad at my words the boatswain shook his head for he did not believe hunt to be in his right mind the latter understood this shake of the boatswain's head and cried out in a harsh tone No, not mad. And madmen are respected on the prairies, even if they are not believed. And I, I must be believed. No, no, no, Pim is not dead.

Starting point is 04:16:38 Edgar Poe asserts that he is, I replied. Yes, I know, Edgar Poe of Baltimore, but he never saw, poor Pim, never, never. What? exclaimed Captain Lengai. The two men were not acquainted? No. And it was not Arthur Pim himself who related his adventures to Poe, No, Captain, no. He below there, at Baltimore, had only the notes written by Pim from the day when he hid himself on board the grampus, to the very last hour, the last. Understand me, the last. Who then brought back the journal? asked Captain Lengai, as he seized Hunt's hand. It was Pim's companion, he who loved him, his poor Pim, like a son. It was Dirk Peters, the half-breed, who came back alone from there. beyond the half-breed dirk peters i exclaimed yes alone alone and arthur pym may be there answered hunt in a loud voice bending towards a southern line from which he had not diverted his gaze for a moment could such an assertion prevail against the general incredulity no assuredly not martin holt nudged hurlingerly with his elbow and both regarded hunt with pity

Starting point is 04:17:57 while west observed him without speaking captain lengai made me a sign meaning that nothing serious was to be got of this poor fellow whose mental faculties must have been out of gear for a long time and nevertheless when i looked keenly at hunt it seemed to me that a sort of radiance of truth shone out of his eyes then i set to work to interrogate the man putting him to precise and pressing questions which he tried to answer categorically As we shall see, and not once did he contradict himself. Tell me, I asked, did Arthur Pim really come to Sal Al Island on board the Grampus? Yes. Did Arthur Pim separate himself with the half-breed and one of the sailors from his companions while Captain William Guy had gone to the village of Clock Clock? Yes, the sailor was one Alan, and he was almost immediately stifled under the stones. Then the two others saw the attack and the destruction of the schooner,

Starting point is 04:18:57 from the top of the hill? Yes. Then, some time later, the two left the island, after they had got possession of one of the boats which the natives could not take from them? Yes. And after twenty days, having reached the front of the curtain of vapor, they were both carried down into the gulf of the cataract. This time, Hunt did not reply in the affirmative. He hesitated. He stammered out some vague words. He seemed to be trying to rekindle the half-extinguished flame of his memory at length. Looking at me and shaking his head, he answered. No, not both. Understand me. Dirk never told me. Dirk Peters, interposed Captain Lenguey quickly. You knew Dirk Peters? Yes. Where? At Vandalia, state of Illinois. And it is from him that you have all this information

Starting point is 04:19:48 concerning the voyage? From him? And he came back alone, alone from that voyage, having left Arthur Pim? alone. Speak, man, do speak, I cried impatiently. Then, in broken, but intelligible sentence, Hunt spoke. Yes, there—a curtain of vapor, so the half-breed often said, understand me. The two, Arthur Pim and he, were in Salel boat. Then an enormous block of ice came full upon them, and at the shock, Dirk Peters was thrown into the sea, but he clung to the ice block, and understand me, he saw the boat drift with the current. far, very far, too far. In vain did Pim try to rejoin his companion, he could not. The boat drifted on and on, and Pim, that poor dear Pim, was carried away. It is he who has never come back,

Starting point is 04:20:41 and he is there, still there. If Hunt had been the half-breed in person, he could not have spoken with more, heartfelt emotion of poor Pim. It was then, in front of the curtain of vapor, that Arthur Pim and the half-breed had been separated from each other. Dirk Peters had succeeded in returning from the ice-world to America, whither he conveyed the notes that were communicated to Edgar Po. Hunt was minutely questioned upon all these points, and he replied, conformably, he declared, to what the half-breed had told him many times. According to this statement, Dirk-Peters,

Starting point is 04:21:19 had Arthur Pim's notebook in his pocket at the moment when the ice-block struck them. and thus the journal which the half-breed placed at the disposal of the american romance writer was saved understand me hunt repeated for i tell you things as i have them from jerk peters while the drift was carrying him away he cried out with all his strength pym poor pym had already disappeared in the midst of the vapour the half-breed feeding upon raw fish which he contrived to catch was carried back by a cross-current to sell where he landed, half-dead from hunger. To Salel Island, exclaimed Captain Lindgai, and how long was it since they had left it? Three weeks, yes, three weeks at the furthest, so Dirk Peters told me.

Starting point is 04:22:09 Then he must have found all that remained of the crew of the Jane, my brother William and those who had survived with him. No, replied Hunt, and Dirk Peters always believed that they had perished. Yes, to the very last man. there is no one upon the island. No one? Not a living soul.

Starting point is 04:22:28 But the population? No one. No one, I tell you. The island was a desert. Yes, a desert. This statement contradicted certain facts of which we were absolutely certain. After all, though, when Dirk Peters returned to Salal Island, the population, seized by who can tell what terror,

Starting point is 04:22:48 had already taken refuge upon the southwestern group, and that William Guy in his country, companions were still hidden in the gorges of clock-clock. That would explain why half-breed had not come across them, and also why survivors of the Jane had nothing to fear during eleven years of their sojourn on the island. On the other hand, since Patterson had left them there seven previously, if we did not find them,

Starting point is 04:23:13 that must have been because they had been obliged to leave Salo Island, it being rendered uninhabitable by the earthquake. So that, resumed Captain Lenguey, on the return of Dirk Peters, there is no longer an inhabitant on the island? Not one, repeated hunt, not one. The half-breed did not meet a single native. And what did Dirk Peters do? Understand me, a forsaken boat lay there at the back of the bay, contained some dried meat and several cask of water. The half-bred got into it, and a safe. South wind, yes, south, very strong, the same that had driven the ice-plot, with the cross-current towards Saltil Island, carried him on for weeks and weeks, to the ice barrier, through a passage

Starting point is 04:24:02 in it. You may believe me, I'm telling you, only what Dirk Peters told me, and he cleared the polar circle. And beyond it, I inquired, beyond it, he was picked up by an American whaler, the sandy hook, and taken back to America. Now one thing at all events was clear. Edgar Poe had never known Arthur Pim. This was the reason why, to leave his readers in exciting uncertainty, he had brought Pim to an end, as sudden as it was deplorable,

Starting point is 04:24:33 without indicating the manner or the cause of his death. And yet, although Arthur Pim did not return, could it be reasonably admitted that he had survived his companion for any length of time, that he was still living, eleven years having elapsed since his disappearance? Yes, yes, replied Hunt. And this he affirmed, with the strong conviction,

Starting point is 04:24:56 that Dirk Peters had infused into his mind, while the two were living together in Vandalia, in Illinois. Now the question arose was Hunt saying, Was it not he who had stolen into my cabin, in a fit of insanity? Of this I had no doubt, and murmured in my ear the words, and Pim, poor Pim. Yes, and I had not been dreaming, in short, if all that Hunt had said was true, if he was but the faithful reporter of secrets, which had been entrusted to him by Dirk Peters,

Starting point is 04:25:28 ought he to be believed when he repeated in a tone of mingled command and entreaty? Pim is not dead. Pim is there. Poor Pim must not be forsaken. When I had made an end of questioning Hunt, Captain Lennel guy, came out of his meditative mood, profoundly troubled, and gave the word, All hands forward! When the men were assembled around him, he said, Listen to me, Hunt, and seriously consider the gravity of the questions I am about to put to you. Hunt held his head up, and ran his eyes over the crew of the howl-brain. You assert, Hunt, that all you have told us concerning Arthur Pim is true?

Starting point is 04:26:10 Yes. You knew Dirk Peters? Yes. You lived some years with him in Illinois? Nine years. And he often related these things to you? Yes. And for your own part you have no doubt that he told you the exact truth? None. Well, then, did it ever occur to him that some of the crew of the Jane might have remained on Salel Island? No. He believed that Captain William Guy and his companions must all have perished in the landslip of the hill of Clock Clock. Yes, and from what he often repeated to me, Pim believed it also.

Starting point is 04:26:47 Where did you see Dirk Peters for the last time? At Vendalia. How long ago? Over two years. And which of you two was the first to leave Vandalia? I thought I detected a slight hesitation in Hunt before he answered. We left the place together. You to go to? The Falklands. And he?

Starting point is 04:27:10 He? He? replied Hunt. and then his wandering gazed fix itself on Martin Holt, our sailing master, whose life he had saved at the risk of his own during the tempest. Well, resumed the captain, do you not understand what I am asking you? Yes, then answer me. When Dirk Peters left in Illinois, did he finally give up America? Yes, to go whither speak. To the Falklands. And where is he now?

Starting point is 04:27:41 He stands before you. Dirk Peters. Hunt was the half-breed Dirk Peters, the devoted companion of Arthur Pim. He, who Captain Guy, had so long sought for in the United States, and whose presence was probably to furnish us with a fresh reason for pursuing our daring campaign. I shall not at all be surprised if my readers have already recognized Dirk Peters and Hunt. Indeed, I shall be astonished, if they had failed to do so. The extraordinary thing is that Captain Len Guy and myself, who had read Edgar Poe's book over and over again, did not see it once, when Hunt came on the ship at the Falklands, that he and the half-breed were identical. I can only admit that we were both blindfolded by some hidden action of fate, just when certain pages of that book ought to have effectually cleared our vision. There was no doubt whatever that Hunt really was Dirk Peters.

Starting point is 04:28:42 Although he was eleven years older, he answered in every particular to the description of him given by Arthur Pim, except that he was no longer of fierce aspect. In fact, the half-breed had changed with age and the experience of terrible scenes through which he had passed. Nevertheless, he was still the faithful companion to whom Arthur Pim had often owed his safety. That same Jerk Peters, who loved him as his own son, and who had never, no never, lost the hope of finding him again one day amid the awful Antarctic wastes. Now why had Jerk Peters hidden himself in the Falklands under the name of Hunt? Why, since his embarkation on the halbrain, had he kept up that incognito? Why had he not told who he was,

Starting point is 04:29:32 since he was aware of the intentions of the captain, who was about to make every effort to save his countrymen by following the course of the Jane. Why? No doubt because he feared that his name would inspire horror. Was it not the name of one who had shared in the horrible scenes of the Grampus, who had killed Parker, the sailor who had fed upon the man's flesh, and quenched his thirst in the man's blood? To induce him to reveal his name, he must be assured that the same. the Halbrain would attempt to discover and rescue Arthur Pim. And as to the existence of Arthur Pim, I confess that my reason did not rebel against the admission of it as a possibility, the imploring cry of the half-breed, Pim, poor Pim, he must not be forsaken, troubled me profoundly.

Starting point is 04:30:26 Assuredly, since I had resolved to take part in the expedition of the Howl Brain, I was no longer the same man. A long silence had followed the astounding declaration of the half-breed. None dreamed of doubting his veracity. He had said, I am Dirk Peters. He was Dirk Peters. End of Chapter 17, Part 1 Chapter 17, Part 2 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording.

Starting point is 04:31:04 All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org. Chapter 17, Part 2, and PIMM. At length, moved by irresistible impulse, they said, my friends, before any decision is made, let us carefully consider the situation. Should we not lay up everlasting regret for ourselves if we were to abandon in our expedition at the very moment when it promises to succeed? Reflect upon this, Captain, and you my companions. It is less than seven months since Patterson left your countrymen alive on Salel Island. If they were there then, the fact proves that for eleven years they have been enabled to exist

Starting point is 04:31:52 on the resources provided by the island, having nothing to fear from the islanders, some of whom had fallen victim to circumstances unknown to us, and others had probably transferred themselves to some neighboring island. This is quite plain, and I do not see how any objection can be raised to my reasoning. No one made answer. There was none to be made. If we have not come across the captain of the Jane and his people, I resumed, it is because they have been obliged to abandon Sellal Island since Patterson's departure. Why, in my belief, it was because the earthquake had rendered the island uninhabitable. Now they would only have required a native boat to gain either another island or some point of the Antarctic continent by the aid of the

Starting point is 04:32:42 southern current. I hardly hesitate to assert that all this has occurred. But in any case, I know, and I repeat, that we shall have done nothing if we do not persevere in the search on which the safety of your countrymen depends. I question my audience. by a searching look, no answer. Captain Len Guy, whose emotion was unrestrained, bowed his head, for he felt that I was right, that by invoking the duties of humanity, I was prescribing the only course open to men with feeling hearts.

Starting point is 04:33:17 And what is in question, I continued, after the silent pause, to accomplish a few degrees of latitude, and that while the sea is open, while we have two months of good weather to look for, and nothing to fear from the southern winter. I certainly should not ask you to brave its severity. And shall we hesitate, when the howl-brain is abundantly furnished, her crew complete and in good health?

Starting point is 04:33:43 Shall we take fright at imaginary dangers? Shall we not have courage to go on, on thither? And I pointed to the southern horizon. Dirk Peters pointed to it also, with an imperative gesture which spoke for him. still the eyes of all were fixed upon us but there was no response i continued to urge every argument and to quote every example in favor of the safety of pursuing our voyage but the silence was unbroken and now the men stood with eyes cast down and yet i had not once pronounced the name of dirk peters nor alluded to dirk peters proposal i was asking myself whether i had or had not succeeded in inspiring my companions with my own belief when captain lind guy spoke dirk peters he said do you assert that arthur pym and you after your departure from sallow island saw land in the direction of the south yes land answered the half-breed islands or continents understand me and i believe that pym poor pym is waiting there until aid comes to him

Starting point is 04:34:54 There, where perhaps William Guy and his companions are also waiting, said I, to bring back the discussion to more practical points. Captain Lenkeye reflected for a little while, and then spoke. Is it true, Dirk Peters? he asked, that beyond the 84th parallel, the horizon is shut in by that curtain of vapor, which is described in the narrative? Have you seen, seen with your own eyes, those cataracts in the air, that gulf in which Arthur Pim's boat was lost. The half-breed looked from one to the other of us and shook his big head. I don't know, he said. What are you asking me about, Captain? A curtain of vapor? Yes, perhaps, and also appearances of land towards the south. Evidently, Dirk Peters had never read

Starting point is 04:35:44 Edgar Poe's book, and very likely did not know how to read. After having handed over Pim's journal, he had not troubled himself about its publication. Having read, he had read it. Having read retired to Illinois at first, and to the Falklands afterwards, he had no notion of the stir that the work had made, or of the fantastic and baseline climax, to which our great poet had brought those strange adventurers. And besides, might not Arthur Pim himself, with his tendency to the supernatural, have fancied that he saw these wondrous things, due solely to his imaginative brain? Then, for the first time, in the course of this discussion, West's voice made itself heard. I had no idea which side he would take.

Starting point is 04:36:29 The first words he uttered were, "'Captain, your orders?' Captain Lengai turned towards his crew, who surrounded him, both the old and the new. Heron remained in the background ready to intervene if he should think it necessary. The captain questioned the bow-son and his comments. comrades, whose devotion was unreservedly his, by a long and anxious look, and I heard him mutter between his teeth. Ah, if it depended only on me, if I were sure of the ascent, and the help of them all. Then Hearns spoke roughly. Captain, said he, it is two months since we left the Falklands.

Starting point is 04:37:10 Now my companions were engaged for a voyage, which was not to take them further beyond the icebergs than Salal Island. That is not so, exclaimed. "'Captain-Lend, Guy. No, that is not so. I recruited you all for an enterprise which I have a right to pursue, so far as I please.' "'Beg pardon,' said Herne, coolly, but we have come to a point which no navigator has ever yet reached. In a sea, no ship except the Jane has ever ventured into before us, and therefore my comrades and I mean to return to the Falklands before the bad season. From there you can return to Salal Island, and even go on to the pole if you so please.

Starting point is 04:37:52 A murmur of approbation greeted his words. No doubt the sealing-master justly interpreted the sentiments of the majority, composed of the new recruits. To go against their opinion, to exact the obedience of these ill-disposed men, and under such conditions, to risk the unknown Antarctic waters, would have been an act of temerity. or rather an act of madness that would have brought about some catastrophe nevertheless west advancing upon herne said to him in a threatening tone who gave you leave to speak the captain questioned us replied herne i had a right to reply The man uttered these words which such insolence, that West, who was generally so self-restrained, was about to give free vent to his wrath. One Captain Lengai, stopping him by a motion of his hand, said quietly,

Starting point is 04:38:48 Be calm, Jim. Nothing can be done unless we are all agreed. What is your opinion, Hurley, girly? It is very clear, Captain, replied the beau son. I will obey your orders, whatever they may be. It is our duty not to forsake William Guy and the others, so long as any chance of saving them remains. The Bosan paused for a moment, while several of the sailors gave unequivocal signs of approbation. As for what concerns Arthur Pim? There is no question of Arthur Pim, struck in the captain, but only of my brother William and his companions.

Starting point is 04:39:27 I saw at this moment that Dirk Peters was about to protest, and caught hold of his arms. arm. He shook with anger, but kept silence. The captain continued his questioning of the men, desiring to know by name all those upon whom he might reckon. The old crew to a man acquiesced in his proposals, and pledged themselves to obey his orders implicitly, and follow him whithersoever he chose to go. Three only of the recruits joined those faithful seamen. These were English sailors. the others were of Hearn's opinion, holding that for them the campaign was ended at Salal Island. They therefore refused to go beyond that point, and formally demanded that the ship should be steered northward so as to clear the icebergs at the most favorable period of the season.

Starting point is 04:40:19 Twenty men were on their side, and to constrain them to lend a hand to the working of the ship if she were to be diverted to the south would have been to provoke them to rebel. there was but one resource to arouse their covetousness to strike the cord of self-interest i intervened therefore and addressed them in a way which placed the seriousness of my proposal beyond a doubt men of the halbrain listen to me just as various states have done for voyages of discovery in the polar regions i offer a reward to the crew of this schooner two thousand dollars shall be shared among you for every degree we make beyond the eighty-fourth parallel nearly seventy dollars to each man this was a strong temptation i felt that i had hit the mark i will sign an agreement to that effect i continued with captain lengai as your representative and the sums gained shall be handed to you on your return no matter under what conditions that return be accomplished I waited for the effect of this promise, and, to tell the truth, I had not long to wait. Hurrah! cried the boatswain, acting as fugelman to his comrades, who almost unanimously added their cheers to his. Hearn offered no further opposition. It would always be in his power to put in his word when the stances should be more propitious.

Starting point is 04:41:48 Thus the bargain was made, and, to gain my ends, I have made a heavier sacrifice. It is true, We were within seven degrees of the south, and if the halbrain should indeed reach that spot, it would never cost me more than $14,000. Early in the morning of the 27th of December, the halbrain put out to sea, heading southwest. After the scene of the preceding evening, Captain Lengai had taken a few hours' rest. I met him the next day on deck, while West was going about, for and aft, and he called us both to him. Mr. Jorling, he said,

Starting point is 04:42:27 it was with a terrible pang that I came to the resolution to bring her schooner back to the north. I felt I had not done all I ought to do for our unhappy fellow-countrymen, but I knew that the majority of the crew would be against me if I insisted on going beyond Salel Island.

Starting point is 04:42:46 That is true, Captain, there was a beginning of indiscipline on board, and perhaps it might have ended in a revolt, A revolt we should have speedily put down, said West coolly, we're it only by knocking Hearn, who is always exciting the mutinous men on the head. And you would have done well, Gem, said the captain. Only justice being satisfied, what would have become of the agreement together, which we must have in order to do anything.

Starting point is 04:43:14 Of course, Captain, it is better that things passed off without violence, but for the future, Hearn will have to look out for himself. His companions, observed the captain, are now greedy for the prizes that have been promised them. The greed of gain will make them more willing and persevering. The generosity of Mr. Jorling has succeeded where our entreaties would undoubtedly have failed. I thank him for it. Captain Lengai held out a hand to me, which I grasped cordially. After some general conversation relating to our purpose, the ship's course, and the proposed verification of the bearings of the group of islands on the west of Salal, which is described by Arthur Pim, the captain said,

Starting point is 04:44:01 as it is possible that the ravages of the earthquake did not extend to this group, and that it may still be inhabited we must be on our guard in approaching the bearings. Which cannot be far off, I added. And then, Captain, who knows but that your brother and his sailors might have taken taken refuge on one of these islands. This was admissible, but not a consoling eventuality, for in that case the poor fellows would have fallen into the hands of those savages, of whom they were rid while they remained at Salal. Jem, resumed Captain Len Guy. We are making good way, and no doubt land will be signalled in a few hours. Give orders for the watch to be careful.

Starting point is 04:44:45 It's done, Captain. There's a man in the crow's nest. Dirk Peters himself, at his own request. All right, Jim, we may trust his vigilance. And also his eyes, I added, for he is gifted with amazing sight. For two hours of quick sailing, not the smallest indication of the group of eight islands was visible. It is incomprehensible that we could not come in sight of them, said the captain. I reckon that the halbrain has made sixty miles since this morning, and the islands in question are tolerably close together.

Starting point is 04:45:21 Then, Captain, we must conclude, and it is not unlikely, that the group to which Salel belonged, has entirely disappeared in the earthquake. Land ahead! cried Turk Peters. We looked but could discern nothing on the sea, nor was it until a quarter of an hour had elapsed that our glasses enabled us to recognize the tops of a few scattered islets, shining in the oblique rays of the sun, two or three miles to the westward. What a change! How had it come about? Arthur Pim described, spacious islands,

Starting point is 04:45:56 but only a small number of tiny islets, half a dozen at most, protruded from the waters. At this moment the half-breed came sliding down from his lofty perch and jumped to the deck. Well, Jerk Peters, have you recognized the group? asked the captain. The group replied the half-breed, shaking his head. No, I have only seen the tops of five or six islets. There is nothing but stone-heaps there, not a single island. As the schooner approached, we easily recognized these fragments of the group, which had been almost entirely destroyed on its western side.

Starting point is 04:46:33 The scattered remains formed dangerous reefs, which might seriously injure the keel or the sides of the halbrain, and there is no intention of risking the ship's safety among them. We accordingly cast anchor at a safe distance, and a boat was lowered for the reception of Captain Len Guy, the beau-son, Dirk Peters, Holt, two men and myself. This still, transparent water, as Peters steered us skilfully between the projecting edges of the little reefs, allowed us to see, not a bed of sand strewn with shells, but heaps which were overgrown by land vegetation, tufts, plants, not belonging to the marine flora, that floated on the same. surface of the sea. Presently, we landed on one of the larger islets, which rose to about

Starting point is 04:47:19 thirty feet above the sea. Do the tides rise sometimes to that height? I inquired of the captain. Never, he replied, and perhaps we shall discover some remains of the vegetable kingdom, of habitations, or of an encampment. The best thing that we can do, said the boatswain, is to follow Jerk Peters, who has already distanced us. The half-breeds links his eyes. We'll see what we can't. Peters had indeed scaled the eminence in a moment, and we presently joined him on the top. The islet was strewn with the remains,

Starting point is 04:47:56 probably of those domestic animals mentioned in Arthur Pim's journal, but these bones differed from the bones on Salel Island by the fact that the heaps dated from a few months only. This then agreed with the recent period at which we placed the earthquake. besides plants and tufts of flowers were growing here and there and these are this years i cried no southern winter has passed over them these facts having been ascertained no doubt could remain respecting the date of the cataclysm after the departure of patterson the destruction of the population of salel whose bones lay about the village was not attributable to that catastrophe william guy and the five sailors of the jane had been able to fly in time since no bones that could be theirs had been found on the island where had they taken refuge this was the ever-pressing question what answer were we to obtain must we conclude that having reached one of these islets they had perils they had perils they had perils in the swallowing up of the archipelago? We debated this point, as may be supposed, at a length

Starting point is 04:49:08 and with detail which I can only indicate here. Suffice it to say that a decision was arrived at to the following effect. Our sole chance of discovering the unfortunate castaways was to continue our voyage for two or three parallels further. The goal was there, and which of us would not sacrifice even his life to attain it. God is guiding us, Mr. Jorling, said Captain Len Guy. End of Chapter 17, Part 2. Chapter 18, Part 1 of an Antarctic mystery. This is a Libervox recording.

Starting point is 04:49:52 All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne. Chapter 18, Part 1, A Revelation The following day, the 29th of December, at six in the morning, the schooner set sail with a northeast wind, and this time her course was due south. The two succeeding days passed wholly without incident. Neither land nor any sign of land was observed. The men on the halberrain took great halls of fish to their own satisfaction and hours. It was New

Starting point is 04:50:32 years day, 1840, four months and seventeen days since I had left the Kyrgyllans, and two months and five days since the howl brain had sailed from the Falklands. The half-breed, between whom and myself an odd kind of tacit understanding, subsisted, approached the bench on which I was sitting. The captain was in his cabin, and West was not in sight, with a plain intention of conversing with me. The subject may easily be guessed. Dirk Peters, said I, taking up the subject at once. Do you wish that we should talk of him? Him, he murmured.

Starting point is 04:51:08 You have remained faithful to his memory, Dirk Peters. Forget him, sir, never. He is always there before you? Always. So many dangers shared. That makes brothers. No, it makes a father and his son, yes, and I have seen America again.

Starting point is 04:51:26 But Pim, poor Pim, he is still beyond there. "'Dirk Peters,' I asked, "'have you any idea of the route "'which you and Arthur Pim followed in the boat "'after your departure from Salal Island?' "'Nan, sir, poor Pim, "'had no longer any instrument, "'you know, sea machines, for looking at the sun.

Starting point is 04:51:47 "'We could not know, except that for eight days "'the current pushed us towards the south "'and the wind also, "'a fine breeze, and a fair sea, "'and our shirts for a sail. "'Yes, white linen shirts "'which frightens your prisoner. her Nunu. Perhaps so, I did not notice. But if Pim had said so, Pim must be believed.

Starting point is 04:52:08 And during those eight days you were able to supply yourselves with food? Yes, sir, and the days after we and the savage, you know the three turtles that were in the boat, these animals contain a store of fresh water, and their flesh is sweet, even raw. Oh, raw flesh, sir. He lowered his voice and threw a furtive glance around him. it would be impossible to describe the frightful expression of the half-breed's face as he thus recalled the terrible scenes of the grampus and it was not the expression of a cannibal of australia or the new hebrides but that of a man who is pervaded by an insurmountable horror of himself was it not on the first of march dirk peters i asked that you perceived for the first time the veil of grey vapour shot with luminous and moving rays I do not remember, sir, but if Pim says it was so, Pim must be believed. Did he never speak to you of fiery rays which fell from the sky?

Starting point is 04:53:10 I did not use the term polar aurora, lest the half-breed should not understand it. Never, sir, said Jerk Peters after some reflection. Did you not remark that the colour of the sea changed, grew white like milk, and that its surface became ruffled around your boat? It may have been so, sir. I did not observe. The boat went on and on, and my head went with it. And then, the fine powder, as fine as ashes that fell? I don't remember it. Was it snow?

Starting point is 04:53:42 Snow? Yes, no. The weather was warm. What did Pim say? Pim must be believed. He lowered his voice and continued. But Pim will tell you all that, sir. He knows. I do not know. He saw, and you will believe him. "'Yes, Dirk Peters, I shall believe him. "'We are to go in search of him, are we not?' "'I hope so.' "'After we have found William Guy and the sailors of the Jane?' "'Yes, after.'

Starting point is 04:54:11 "'And even if we do not find them?' "'Yes, even in that case. "'I think I shall induce our captain. "'I think he will not refuse.' "'No, he will not refuse to bring help to a man, "'a men like him.' "'And yet,' I said, "'if William Guy and his people are living,

Starting point is 04:54:29 we can admit that Arthur Pim, "'Living? Yes, living!' cried the half-breed. "'By the great spirit of my father's he is. He is waiting for me, my poor Pim. How joyful he will be when he clasped his old dirk in his arms, and I, I, when I feel him there, there!' And the huge chest of the man heaved like a stormy sea. Then it went away, leaving me inexpressibly affected,

Starting point is 04:54:56 by the revelation of the tenderness for his unfortunate companion that lay deep in the heart of this semi-savage. In the meantime I said but little to Captain Lengai, whose whole heart and soul were set on the rescue of brother, of the possibility of our finding Arthur Gordon Pim. Time enough, if in the course of this strange enterprise of ours, we succeeded in that object to urge upon him one still more visionary. At length, on the 7th of January, according to Dirk Peters, who had fixed it only by the time that had expired, we arrived at the place where Nunu the Savage breathed his last, lying in the bottom of the boat. On that day an observation gave 86 degrees, 33 minutes for the latitude,

Starting point is 04:55:45 the longitude remaining the same between the 42nd and the 43rd Meridian. Here it was, according to the half-breed, that the two fugitives were parted after the collision between the boat and the floating mass of ice. But a question now arose, since the mass of ice, carrying away Dirk Peters, had drifted towards the north, was this because it was subjected to the action of a counter-current? Yes, that must have been so, for our schooner, had not felt the influence of the current,

Starting point is 04:56:14 which had guided her on leaving the Falklands for fully four days. And yet, there is nothing surprising in that, for everything is variable in the Austral seas. Happily the fresh breeze from the northeast continued to blow, and the howlrain made progress towards higher water, thirteen degrees in advance upon wettel ship, and two degrees upon the jane. As for the land, islands or continent,

Starting point is 04:56:40 which Captain Lengai was seeking on the surface of that vast ocean, it did not appear. I was well aware that he was gradually losing confidence in our enterprise. As for me, I was possessed by the desire to rescue Arthur Pim, as well as the survivors of the Jane. And yet, how could he have survived? But then, the half-breed's fixed idea. Supposing our captain were to give the order to go back, what would Dirk Peters do, throw himself into the sea rather than return northwards? This it was, which made me dread some act of violence on his part, when he heard the greater number of the sailors protesting against

Starting point is 04:57:20 this insensate voyage, and talking of putting the ship about, especially towards Hearn, who was stealthily inciting his comrades of the Falklands to insubordination. It was absolutely necessary not to allow discipline to decline, or discouragement to grow among the crew, so that, on the 7th of January, Captain Lengai, at my request, assembled the men and addressed them in the following words. Sailors of the Howl Brain, since our departure from Salel Island, the schooner has gained two degrees south, words, and I now informally with the engagement signed by Mr. Jorling, $4,000, that is $2,000 for each degree, are due to you and will be paid at the end of the voyage.

Starting point is 04:58:09 These words were greeted with some murmurs of satisfaction, but not with cheers, except those of Hurley-Gurley the Bosan and Endicott the Cook, which found no echo. On the 13th of January a conversation took place between the Bosen and myself. of a nature to justify my anxiety concerning the temper of our crew. The men were at breakfast, with the exception of drap and stern. The schooner was cutting the water under a stiff breeze. I was walking between the fore and main mass, watching the great flights of birds wheeling about the ship,

Starting point is 04:58:45 with deafening clangor, and the petrels occasionally perching on our yards. No effort was made to catch or shoot them. It would have been useless cruelty, since their oily and stringy flesh is not eatable. At this moment, Hurley-Gurly approached me, looked attentively at the birds, and said, I remark one thing, Mr. Jorling. What is it, Bo-San?

Starting point is 04:59:09 That these birds do not fly so directly south as they did up to the present. Some of them are setting north. I have noticed the same fact. And I add, Mr. Jorling, that those who are below there will come back without delay. And you conclude from this? I conclude that they feel the approach of winter.

Starting point is 04:59:28 Of winter? Undoubtedly. No, no, Bo, Sun. The temperature is so high that the birds can't want to get to less cold regions so prematurely. Oh, prematurely, Mr. Orling? Yes, Bo-San, do we not know that navigators have always been able to frequent the Antarctic waters until the month of March? Not at such a latitude. Besides, there are precociously.

Starting point is 04:59:53 winters as well as precocious summers. The fine season this year was full two months in advance, and it is to be feared the bad season may come sooner than usual. That is very likely, I replied, after all it does not apply to us, since our campaign will be certainly over in three weeks. If some obstacle does not arrive beforehand, Mr. Jorling? And what obstacle? For instance, a continent stretching to the south and barring our way? A continent early-gurly? I should not at all be surprised. And in fact there would be nothing surprising in it.

Starting point is 05:00:32 As for the lands seen by Dirk Peters, said the Bo-San, were the men of the Jane might have landed on one or another of them. I don't believe in them. Why? Because William Guy, who can only have had a small craft at his disposal, could not have got so far into these seas. I do not feel quite so sure of that. Nevertheless, Mr. Jorling! What would be so surprising in William Gies being carried to land somewhere by the action of currents?

Starting point is 05:01:03 He did not remain on board his boat for eight months, I suppose. His companions and he may have been able to land on an island, or even on a continent, and that is a sufficient motive for us to pursue our search. No doubt, but all are not of your opinion, replied. hurly-gurly shaking his head. "'I know,' said I, "'and that is what makes me most anxious. "'Is the ill-feeling increasing?' "'I fear so, Mr. Jarling.

Starting point is 05:01:31 "'The satisfaction of having gained "'sever hundreds of dollars is already lessened, "'and the prospect of gaining a few more hundreds "'does not put a stop to disputes, "'and yet the prize is tempting. "'From Zalelal Island to the pole, "'admitting that we might get there, "'is six degrees,

Starting point is 05:01:48 "'now six degrees at two thousand dollars, each makes twelve thousand dollars for thirty men. That is four hundred dollars ahead. A nice little sum to slip into one's pocket on the return of the halbrain. But notwithstanding, that fellow Hearn works so wickedly upon his comrades that I believe they are ready to bout ship in spite of anybody. I can believe that of the recruits, Bo-San, but the old crew? Oh, there are three or four of those who are beginning to reflect, and they are not easy in their minds about the prolongation of the voyage. I fancy Captain Lengai and his lieutenant will know how to get themselves obeyed. We shall see, Mr. Jorling, but may it not that our captain himself will get disheartened,

Starting point is 05:02:35 that the sense of his responsibility will prevail, and that he will renounce his enterprise? Yes, this is what I feared, and there was no remedy on that side. As for my friend Endicott, Mr. Jorling, I answer for him, as for myself. We would go to the end of the world, if the world has an end. Did the captain want to go there? True. We too, Dirk Peters and yourself, are but a few, to be a law to the others. And what do you think of the half-breed?

Starting point is 05:03:06 I ask. Well, our men appear to accuse him chiefly of the prolongation of the voyage. You see, Mr. Jorling, though you have a half-breed, I ask. good deal to do with it. You pay and pay well, while this crazy fellow Dirk Peters, persisting that his poor Pim is still living, his poor Pim who was drowned or frozen or crushed, killed, anyhow, one way or another, eleven years ago. So completely was this my own belief that I never discussed the subject with the half-breed. You see, Mr. Jorling, resumed the boatswain, at the first. Some curiosity was

Starting point is 05:03:45 felt about Dirk Peters. Then, after he saved Martin Holt, it was interest. Certainly he was no more talkative than before, and the bear came no often or out of his den. But now we know what he is, and no one likes him the better for that. At all events it was he who induced our captain by talking of land to the south of Salil Island to make this voyage, and it is owing to him that he has reached the 86th degree of latitude. That is quite true, both of the south of son. And so, Mr. Jorling, I am always afraid that one of these days somebody will do Peters an ill turn. Dirk Peters would defend himself, and I should pity the man who laid a finger on him. Quite so. It would not be good for anybody to be in his hands, for they could bend iron.

Starting point is 05:04:36 But then, all being against him, he would be forced into the hold. Well, well, we have not yet come to that, I hope, and I can't. on you, Hurley-Gurly, to prevent any against Dirk Peters. Reason with your men, make them understand that we have time to return to the Falklands before the end of the fine season. Their reproaches must not be allowed to provide the captain with an excuse for turning back before the object is attained. Count on me, Mr. Jorling. I will serve you to the best of my ability. You will not repent of doing so, Hurley-Gurley. Nothing is easier than to add a red-o'-o'-reli. "'Count to add a red-o'-o'-lawful. I will not repent of doing so, down zero to the four hundred dollars, which each man is to have, if that man be something more

Starting point is 05:05:21 than a sailor, even were his functions simply those of Bosan on board the Howbrain. End of Chapter 18, Part 1. Chapter 18, Part 2 of an Antarctic mystery. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, Dear, please visit Librevox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 18, Part 2. A Revelation Nothing important occurred on the 13th and 14th, but a fresh fall in the temperature took place.

Starting point is 05:06:06 Captain Lengai called my attention to this, pointing out the flocks of birds continuously flying north. While he was speaking to me, I felt that his last hopes were fading, and two could wonder of the land indicated by the half-breed nothing was seen, and we were already more than 180 miles past Salo Island. At every point of the compass was the sea, nothing but the vast sea with its desert horizon which the sun's disk had been nearing since the 21st, and would touch on the 21st March prior to during the six months of the Austral night. Honestly, was it possible to admit that William Guy and his five companions could have accomplished such a distance

Starting point is 05:06:49 on a craft, and was there one chance in a hundred that they could ever be recovered? On the 15th of January, an observation most carefully taken gave 43 degrees 13 minutes longitude and 88 degrees 17 minutes latitude. The howl brain was less than two degrees from the pole. Captain Lenguey did not seek to conceal the result of this observation, and the sailors knew enough of nautical calculation to understand it. Besides, if the consequences had to be explained to them, were not Holt and Hardy there to do this, and Hearn to exaggerate them to the utmost? During the afternoon I had indibutable proof that the sealing-master had been working on the minds of the crew. The man emerging at the foot of the main-mast talked in whispered. and cast evil glances at us.

Starting point is 05:07:42 Two or three sailors made threatening gestures undisguisedly. Then arose such angry mutterings that West could not be deaf to them. He strode forward and called out, Silence there. The first man who speaks will have to reckon with me. Captain Lengai was shut up in his cabin, but every moment I expected to see him come out, give one last long look around the wastes of waters,

Starting point is 05:08:07 and then order the ship's course to be. be reversed. Nevertheless, on the next day the schooner was sailing in the same direction, unfortunately, for the circumstances had come some gravity. A mist was beginning to come down on us. I could not keep still. My apprehensions were redoubled. It was that West was only awaiting the order to change the helm. What mortal anguish! The captains must be! I understood too well that he would not give that order without hesitation. For several days, past, I had not seen the half-breed, or at least I had not exchanged a word with him. He was boycotted by the whole crew, with the exception of the bow-son, who was careful to address him, although rarely

Starting point is 05:08:51 got a word in return. Dirk Peters took not the faintest notice of this state of things. He remained completely absorbed in his own thoughts. Yet had he heard West give the word to steer north, I know not what acts of violence he might have been driven to. He seemed to avoid me, was this from a desire not to compromise me on the seventeenth in the afternoon however dirt Peters manifested an intention of speaking to me and never never could i have imagined what i was to learn in that interview it was about half-past two and not feeling well i had gone to my cabin where the side window was open that at the back was closed i heard a knock at the door and asked who was there dirt Peters was the reply

Starting point is 05:09:39 You want to speak to me? Yes. I'm coming out. If you please, I should prefer. May I come into your cabin? Come in. He entered and shut the door behind him. Without rising I signed to him to seat himself in an armchair, but he remained standing. What do you want of me, Dirk Peters, I asked at length, as he seemed unable to make up his mind to speak. I want to tell you something, because it seems that you should know it. and you only in the crew they must never know it if it is a grave matter and you fear any indiscretion dirk peters why do you speak to me if i must ah yes i must it is impossible to keep it there it weighs on me like a stone and jerk peters struck his breast violently then he resumed yes i am always afraid it may escape me during my sleep and that some one will hear it for i dream of it and in dreaming you dream i replied and of what of him of him therefore it is that i sleep in corners all alone for fear that his true name should be discovered then it struck me that the half-breed was perhaps about to respond to an inquiry which i had not yet made why he had gone to live at the falklands under the name of hunt after leaving illinois i put the question to him and he replied it is not that no it is not that i wish i insist dirk peters and i desire to know in the first place for what reason did you not remain in america for what reason you chose the falklands for what reason sir because i wanted to get near pym my poor pym because i hope to find an opportunity at the falklands of embarking on a whaling ship bound for the southern sea but that name of hunt i would not bear my own name any longer on account of the affair of the Grampus.

Starting point is 05:11:40 The half-breed was alluding to the scene of the short straw, or lot-drawing on board the American brig, when it was decided between Augustus Bernard, Arthur Pim, jerk Peters, and Parker the Sailor, that one of the four should be sacrificed, as food for the three others. I remembered the obstinate resistance of Arthur Pim and how it was impossible for him to refuse

Starting point is 05:12:02 to take the tragedy about to be performed. He says this himself and the horrible act, whose remembrance must poison the existence of all those who had survived it. Oh, that lot drawing, the short straws, were little splinters of wood of uneven length which Arthur held in his hand. The shortest was to designate him, who should be immolated. And he speaks of the sort of involuntary, fierce desire to deceive his corn that he felt to cheat is the word he uses. but he did not cheat, and he asked pardon for having had the idea. Let us try to put ourselves in his place. He made up his mind and held out his hand, closed on the four slips.

Starting point is 05:12:46 Dirk Peters drew the first. Fate favoured him. He had nothing more to fear. Arthur Pim calculated the one more chance was against him. Augustus and Bernard drew in turn, saved too he, and now Arthur Pim reckoned up the exact chances Parker and himself. At that moment all the ferocity the tiger entered into his soul.

Starting point is 05:13:09 He conceived an intense and devilish hatred of his poor comrade, his fellow man. Five minutes elapsed before Parker dared to draw. At length Arthur Pim, standing with eyes closed, not knowing whether the lot was for or against him, felt a hand seize his own. It was the hand of Dirk Peters. Arthur Pim had escaped death. and then the half-breed came upon Parker and stabbed him in the back. The frightful repast followed immediately,

Starting point is 05:13:40 and words are not sufficient to convey to the mind the horror of the reality. Yes, I knew that hideous story, not a fable as I had long believed. This was what had happened on board the Grampus on the 16th of July, 1827, and vainly did I try to understand Dirk Peter's reason for recalling it to my recollection. Well, Dirk Peters, I said, I will ask you, since you were anxious to hide your name, what it was that induced you to reveal it when the howl brain was moored off Sallel Island. Why did you not keep to the name of Hunt?

Starting point is 05:14:17 Sir, understand me. There was hesitation about going further. They wanted to turn back. This was decided, and then I thought that by telling you who I was, Dirk Peters of the Grampus, my poor Pym's companion, I should be heard. They would believe with me that he was still living. They would go in search of him, and yet it was a serious thing to do, to acknowledge that I was Dirk Peters, he who had killed Parker. But hunger, devouring hunger. Come, come, Dirk Peters, said I. You exaggerate. If the lot had fallen to you, you would have incurred

Starting point is 05:14:53 the fate of Parker. You cannot be charged with a crime. Sir, would Parker's family speak of it as you do? His family? Had he then relations? Yes, and that is why Pim changed his name in the narrative. Parker's name was not Parker, it was... Arthur Pim was right, I said, interrupting him quickly, and as for me, I do not wish to know Parker's real name. Keep this secret.

Starting point is 05:15:20 No, I will tell it to you. It weighs too heavily on me, and I shall be relieved, perhaps, when I have told you, Mr. Jorling. No, Turk Peters, no. His name was Holt. Ned Holt, I exclaimed, the same name as our sailing masters, who is his own brother, sir.

Starting point is 05:15:40 Martin Holt? Yes, understand me, his brother. But he believes that Ned Holt perished in the wreck of the grampas with the rest. It was not so, and if he learned that I... Just at that instance, a violent shock, me out of my bunk. The schooner had made such a lurch to the port side that she was near foundering.

Starting point is 05:16:02 I heard an angry voice cry out. What dog is at the helm? It was the voice of West, and the person was Hearn. I rushed out of my cabin. Have you let the wheel go? repeated West, who had seized herne by the collar of his jersey. "'Lieutenant, I don't know. Yes, I tell you, you have let it go, a little more, and the schooner would have capsized under full sail.' grotian cried west calling one of the sailors take the helm and you herne go down into the hold on a sudden the cry of land resounded and every eye was turned southward end of chapter eighteen part two chapter nineteen part one of an antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the ice fields this is a livervox recording all livervox recordings are in the public domain for more information for more information or to volunteer, please visit libavox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 19, Part 1.

Starting point is 05:17:11 Land Land is the only word to be found at the beginning of the 19th chapter of Edgar Poe's book. I thought it would be a good idea, placing after it a note of interrogation, to put it as a heading to this portion of our narrative. Did that word drop from our foremast head, indicate an island or a continent? And whether a continent or an island did not a disappointment await us? Could they be there, whom we had come to seek? And Arthur Pim, who was dead, unquestionably dead, in spite of Jerk Peter's assertions, had he ever set foot on this land?

Starting point is 05:17:49 When the welcome word resounded on board the Jane on the 17th January, 1828, a day full of incidents, according to Arthur Pim's diary, it was succeeded, by land on the starboard bow. Such might have been the signal from the masthead of the halbrain. The outline of land, lightly drawn above the skyline, were visible on this side. The land announced to the sailors of the Jane was the wild and barren, Bennett Islet. Less than one degree south of it, Lacellal Island, then fertile, habitable, and inhabited, and on which Captain Leng Guy had hoped to meet his fellow countrymen. But what would this unknown island five degrees further off in the depths of the southern sea be for our schooner,

Starting point is 05:18:34 was it the goal so ardently desired and so earnestly sought for? Were the two brothers, William and Len Guy, to meet at this place? Would the howl-brain come there to the end of a voyage, whose success would be definitely secured by the restoration of the survivors of the Jane to their country? I repeat that I was just like the half-breed. Our aim was not merely to discover the survivors, nor was success in this matter the only success we looked for. However, since land was before our eyes, we must get nearer to it first. That cry of land caused an immediate diversion of our thoughts. I no longer dwelt upon the secret, Dirk Peters had just told me, and perhaps the half-breed forgot it also, for he rushed to the bow and fixed his eyes immovably on the horizon.

Starting point is 05:19:22 As for West, whom nothing could divert from his duty, he repeated his commands. came to take the helm, and Hearn was shut up in the hold. On the hold, this was a just punishment, and none of the old crew protested against it, for Hearn's inattention awkwardness had really endangered the schooner for a short time only. Five or six of the Falkland sailors did, however, murmur a little. A sign from the mate silenced them, and they returned at once to their posts. Needless to say, Captain Len Guy, upon hearing the cry of the lookout man, had had tumbled up from his cabin, and eagerly examined this land at ten or twelve miles distance. As I have said, I was no longer thinking about the secret Dirk Peters had confided to me.

Starting point is 05:20:10 Besides, so long as the secret remained between us too, and neither would betray it, there was nothing to fear. But if ever an unlucky accident were to reveal to Martin Holt that his brother's name had been changed to Parker, that the unfortunate man had not perished in the shipwreck of the Grampus, but had been sacrificed to save his companions from perishing hunger, that Dirk Peters, to whom Martin Holt himself owed his life, had killed him with his own hand. What might not happen then? This was the reason why the half-breed shrank from any expression of thanks from Martin Holt, why he avoided Martin Holt the victim's brother. The Bosen had just struck six bells. The schooner was sailing with the caution, demanded by navigation,

Starting point is 05:20:55 in unknown seas. There might be shoals or reefs barely hidden under the surface, on which she might run aground or be wrecked. As things stood with the halbrain, and even admitting that she could be floated again, an accident would have rendered her return impossible before the winter set in. We had urgent need that every chance should be in our favor, and not one against us. West had given orders to shorten sail, when the boatswain had furled the top-gallant sail. the top sail and the royal, the halbrain remained under her mainsail, her foresail, and her jib, sufficient canvas to cover the distance that separated her from land in a few hours. Captain Len Guy immediately heaved the lead, which showed a depth of twenty fathoms.

Starting point is 05:21:42 Several other soundings showed that the coast, which was very steep, was probably prolonged like a wall under the water. Nevertheless, as the bottom might happen to rise sharply instead of following the slope of the coast, we did not venture to proceed out of the sounding line in hand. The weather was still beautiful, although the sky was overcast by a mist from the southeast to southwest. Owing to this, there was some difficulty in identifying the vague outlines, which stood out like a floating vapor in the sky, disappearing and then reappearing between the breaks of the mist. However, we all agreed to regard this land as from twenty-five to thirty fathoms in height, at least at its highest part.

Starting point is 05:22:27 No, we would not admit that we were the victims of a dilution, and yet our uneasy minds feared that it might be so. Is it not natural, after all, for the heart to be assailed by a thousand apprehensions as we near the end of any enterprise? At this thought my mind became confused and dreamy. The how-brain seemed to be reduced to the dimensions of a small boat, lost in this boundless space, the contrary of that limitless sea,

Starting point is 05:22:53 of which Edgar Poe speaks, where, like a living body, the ship grows larger. When we have charts, or even sailing directions instruct us, concerning the hydrography at the coasts, the nature of the landfalls, the bays and the creeks, we may sail along boldly. In every other region, the master of the ship must not defer the order to cast anchor near the shore until the morrow. But where we were, what an amount of prudence was necessary, and yet no manifest obstacle was before us. Moreover, we had no cause to fear that the light would

Starting point is 05:23:29 fail us during the sunny night. At this season the sun did not set so soon under the western horizon, and its rays bathed the vast Antarctic zone in unabated light. From that day forward, the ship's log recorded that the temperature fell continuously. The thermometer in the air and in the shade did not mark more than 32 degrees, zero degrees Fahrenheit, and when plunged into the water, it only indicated 26 degrees, 3.33 degrees Celsius below zero. What could be the cause of this fall, since we were at the height of the southern summer? The crew were obliged to resume their woolen clothing, which they had left off a month previously. The schooner, however, was sailing before the wind, and these first cold blasts were less keenly felt.

Starting point is 05:24:20 Yet we recognized the necessity of reaching our goal as soon as possible. To linger in this region or to expose ourselves to the danger of wintering out would be to tempt Providence. Captain Lenkai tested the direction of the currents by heavy lead lines and discovered that it was beginning to deviate from its former course. Whether it is a continent, he said, that lies before us, or whether it is an island, we have at present no means of determining. If it be a continent, we must conclude that the current has an issue towards the southeast. And it is quite possible,

Starting point is 05:24:58 I replied, that the solid part of the Antarctic region may be reduced to a mere polar mound. In any case, it is well to note any of those observations which are likely to be accurate. That is what I am doing, Mr. Jorling, and we shall bring back a massive information about this portion of the Southern Sea, which will prove useful to navigators. If ever any venture to come so far south, Captain, we have penetrated so far, thanks to the help of particular circumstances, the earliness of the summer season, an abnormal temperature, and a rapid thaw. Such conditions may only occur once in twenty or fifty years.

Starting point is 05:25:37 Wherefore, Mr. Jorling, I thank Providence for this, and hope revives in me to some extent, as the weather has been constantly fine, what is there to make it impossible for my brother and my fellow countrymen to have landed on this coast, whither the wind and the tide bore them. What our schooner has done, their boat may have done. They surely did not start on a voyage, which might be prolonged to an indefinite time without a proper supply of provisions. Why should they not have found the resources,

Starting point is 05:26:07 as those afforded to them by the island of Salal during many long years? They had ammunition in arms elsewhere. Fish abound in these waters, waterfowl also. Oh yes, my heart is full of hope, and I wish I were a few hours older. Without being quite so sanguine as Langai, I was glad to see he had regained his hopeful mood. Perhaps his investigations were successful. I might be able to have them continued in Arthur Pim's interest, even into the heart of this strange land which we were approaching. The howl brain was going along slowly on these clear waters, which swarmed with fish, belonging to the same species, as we had already met. The seabirds were more numerous and were

Starting point is 05:26:55 evidently not frightened, for they kept flying around the mast or perching in the yards. Several whitish ropes, about five or six feet long, were brought on board. They were chaplets formed of millions of shellfish. Whales spouting jets of feathery water from their blowholes appeared at a distance, and I remarked that all of them took a southerly direction. There was therefore reason to believe that the sea extended far and wide in that direction. The schooner covered two or three miles of her course without any increase of speed. This coast, evidently, stretched from northwest to southeast. Nevertheless, the telescopes revealed no distinctive features, even after three hours navigation.

Starting point is 05:27:38 The crew gathered together on the forecastle, were looking on without revealing their impressions. West, after going aloft to the four-crossed trees, where he had remained ten minutes, had reported nothing precise. Stationed at the port side, leaning my elbows on the bulwarks, I closely watched the skyline, broken only towards the east. At this moment the Boseon rejoined me, and without preface said, "'Will you allow me to give you my opinion, Mr. Jorling?' "'Give it, Bosan,' I replied,

Starting point is 05:28:11 "'at the risk of my not adopting it, if I don't agree with it.' "'It is correct, and according as we get nearer, "'one must really be blind not to adopt it.' "'And what idea have you got?' "'That this is not land which lies before us, Mr. Jorling.' "'What is it you were saying?' "'Look attentively, putting one finger before your eyes. "'Look there. Out at starboard.'

Starting point is 05:28:35 I did as her legally directed. Do you see? He began again. May I lose my liking for my grog if these heights do not change place, not with regard to the schooner, but with regard to themselves. And what do you conclude from this?

Starting point is 05:28:51 That they are moving icebergs. Icebergs? Sure enough, Mr. Jorling. Was not the Bosan mistaken? Were we in for a disappointment? Were there only drifting ice mountains in the distance instead of a shore? presently there was no doubt on the subject for some time past the crew had no longer believed the existence of land in that direction ten minutes afterwards the man in the crow's nest announced that several icebergs were coming northwest in an oblique direction into the course of the halbrain

Starting point is 05:29:24 this news produced great sensation on board our last hope was suddenly extinguished and what a blow to captain lengai we should have to seek land of the austral zone under higher latitudes without being sure of ever coming across it and then the cry back ship back ship sounded almost unanimously on board the howbrain yes indeed the recruits from the falklands demanding that we should turn back although hearn was not there to fan the flame of insubordination and i must acknowledge that the greater part of the old tars seemed to agree with them west awaited his chief's orders not daring to impose silence grachian was at the helm ready to give a turn to the wheel whilst his comrades with their hands on the cleats were preparing to ease off the sheets. Dirk Peters remained immovable, leaning against the foremast, his head down, his body bent and his mouth set firm, not a word past his lips. But now he turned towards me, and what a look of mingled wrath and entreaty he gave me. I don't know what irresistible motive induced me to interfere personally, and once again to protest. A final argument had just crossed my mind,

Starting point is 05:30:43 an argument whose weight could not be disputed. So I began to speak, and I did so with such conviction that none tried to interrupt me. The substance of what I said was as follows. No, all hope must not be abandoned. Land cannot be far off. The icebergs which formed in the open sea by the accumulation of ice are not before us. These icebergs must have broken off from the solid base of a continent or an island. Now, since the thaw begins at this season of the year, the drift will only last a short time. Behind them we must meet the coast on which they were formed, in another 24 hours, or 48 at the most. If the land does not appear, Captain Lengai will steer to the north again. Had I convinced the crew, or ought I, to take advantage of Hearn's absence,

Starting point is 05:31:33 and of the fact that he could not communicate with them, to make them understand that they were being deceived, and to repeat to them that it would endanger the schooner if our course were now to be reversed. The Bo-son came to my help, and in a good-humoured voice exclaimed, Very well reasoned, and for my part I accept Mr. Jorling's opinion. Assuredly, land is near. If we seek it beyond those icebergs,

Starting point is 05:31:59 we shall discover it without much hard work, or great danger. What is one degree further south, when it is a question of putting a hundred additional dollars into one's pocket? And let us not forget that if they are acceptable when they go in, they are nonetheless so when they come out. Upon this, Endicott the cook, came to the aid of his friend the beau son. Yes, very good things indeed are dollars, he cried, showing two roads of shining white teeth. Did the crew intend to yield to Hurley-Gurley's argument, or would they try to resist if the howl-brain went on in the direction of the icebergs? Captain Lengai took up his telescope again and turned it upon these moving masses.

Starting point is 05:32:43 He observed them with much attention and cried out in a loud voice. "'Steer South-South-West!' West gave the orders to execute the maneuvers. The sailor hesitated an instant, then recalled to obedience. They began to brace the yards and slack the sheets, and the sea. schooner increased her speed. When the operation was over, I went up to Hurley-Gurly, and, drawing him aside, I said, thank you, Bo-San. Ah, Mr. Jorling, he replied, shaking his head. It is all very fine for this time, but you must not do it again. Everyone would turn against me,

Starting point is 05:33:21 even Endicott, perhaps. I averaged nothing, which is not at least probable, I answered sharply. I don't deny that fact, Mr. Jorling. Yes, Hurley, yes, I believe what I have said, and I have no doubt, but that we shall really see land beyond the icebergs. Just possible, Mr. Jorling, quite possible. But it must appear before two days, or on the word of a bosun, nothing can prevent us from putting about. End of Chapter 19, Part 1

Starting point is 05:33:54 Chapter 19 Part 2 of an Antarctic mystery. This is the Libervox Recording. recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libervox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 19, Part 2, Land. During the next 24 hours, the Halbrain took a south-southwesterly course. Nevertheless, her direction must have been frequently changed and her speed decreased in avoiding the ice. The navigation became very difficult, so soon as the schooner headed towards the line of the bergs, which it had to cut obliquely. However, there were none of the packs which blocked up all access to the icebergs

Starting point is 05:34:46 on the 67th parallel. The enormous heaps were melting away with majestic slowness. The ice blocks appeared quite new, to employ a perfectly accurate expression, and perhaps they had only been formed some days. However, with a height of 150 feet, their bowed. bulk must have been calculated by millions of tons. West was watching closely in order to avoid collisions, and did not leave the deck even for an instant. Until now, Captain Langei had always been able to rely upon the indications of the compass. The magnetic pole, still hundreds of miles off, had no influence on the compass, its direction being east. The needle remained steady and might be trusted. So, in spite of my conviction, founded,

Starting point is 05:35:35 however, on very serious arguments, there was no sign of land, and I was wondering whether it would not be better to steer more to the west, at the risk of removing the halbrain from that extreme point where the meridians of the globe cross each other. Thus the hours went by, and I was only allowed 48. It was only too plain that lack of courage prevailed, and that everyone was inclined to be insubordinate. Another day and a half, I could no longer. longer contend with the general discontent. The schooner must ultimately retrace her course towards the north. The crew were working in silence, while West was giving sharp orders for maneuvering through the channels, sometimes luffing in order to avoid a collision, now bearing away

Starting point is 05:36:23 almost square before the wind. Nevertheless, in spite of a close watch, in spite of the skill of the sailors, in spite of the prompt execution of the maneuvers, dangerous friction against the hull, which left long traces of the ridge of the iceberg occurred. And in truth, the bravest could not repress a feeling of terror when thinking that the planking might have given way, and the sea have invaded us. The base of these floating ice mountains was very steep, so that it would have been impossible for us to land upon one. Moreover, we saw no seals.

Starting point is 05:36:58 These usually very numerous, where the ice-fields abounded, nor even a flock of the screeching penguins, which on other occasions the howlbrains sent diving by myriads as she passed through them. The birds themselves seemed rarer and wilder. Dread from which none of us could escape seemed to come upon us from these desolate and deserted regions. How could we still entertain a hope that the survivors of the Jane had found shelter and obtained means of existence in those awful solitudes? And if the howl brain were also shipwrecked, would there remain any evident?

Starting point is 05:37:35 of her fate? Since the previous day, from the moment our southern chorus had been abandoned, to cut the line of the icebergs, a change had taken place in the demeanor of the half-breed, nearly always crouched down at the foot of the foremast, looking afar into the boundless space. He only got up in order to lend a hand to some maneuver, and without any of his former vigilance or zeal. Not that he had ceased to believe that his comrade of the Jane was still living, That thought never even came into his mind. But he felt by instinct that the traces of poor Pim were not to be recovered by following this course.

Starting point is 05:38:16 Sir, he would have said to me, this is not the way, no, this is not the way. And how could I have answered him? Towards seven o'clock in the evening, a rather thick mist arose. This would tend to make the navigation of the schooner difficult and dangerous. The day with its emotions of anxiety and alternatives had worn me out, so I returned to my cabin, where I threw myself on my bunk in my clothes. But sleep did not come to me, owing to my besetting

Starting point is 05:38:47 thoughts. I willingly admit that the constant reading of Edgar Poe's works, and reading them in this place, in which his heroes delighted, had exercised an influence on me which I did not fully recognize. Tomorrow, the 48 hours would be up, the last concession, which the crew had made to my entreaties. Things are not going as you wish, the boatswain said to me, just as I was leaving the deck. No, certainly not, since land was not to be seen behind the fleet of icebergs. If no sign of a coast appeared between these moving masses, Captain Lengai would steer north tomorrow. Ah, were I only master of the schooner, if I could have bought it even at the price of all my fortune. If these men had been my slaves to drive by the lash, the howbrain should never have given up this voyage,

Starting point is 05:39:41 even if it led her so far as the point, above which flames the Southern Cross. My mind was quite upset and teamed with a thousand thoughts, a thousand regrets, a thousand desires. I wanted to get up, but a heavy heavy heart. heavy hand held me down in my bunk, and I longed to leave this cabin where I was struggling against nightmare in my half-sleep, to launch one of the boats of the halbrain, to jump into it with Dirk Peters, who would not hesitate about following me, and so abandoned both of us to the current running south. And lo, I was doing this in a dream. It is tomorrow. Captain Lengai has given orders to reverse our course, after a last glance at the horizon. One of the boats is a

Starting point is 05:40:27 in tow. I warn the half-breed. We creep along without being seen. We cut the painter. Whilst the schooner sails on ahead, we stay astern, and the current carries us off. Thus we should drift on the sea without hindrance. At length our boat stops. Land is there. I see a sort of sphinx, surmounting the southern peak. The sea sphinx, I go to him. I question him. He discloses the secrets of these mysterious regions to me, and then the phenomenon, whose reality Arthur Pim, asserted, appear around the mystic monster. The certain flickering of vapors, striped with luminous rays, is rent asunder, and it is not a face of superhuman grandeur which arises before my astonished eyes. It is Arthur Pim, fierce guardian of the South Pole, flaunting the ensign of the United States

Starting point is 05:41:20 in those high latitudes. Was this dream? suddenly interrupted, or was it changed by a freak of my brain? I cannot tell. But I felt as though I had been, suddenly awakened. It seemed as though a change had taken place in the motion of the schooner, which was sliding along the surface of the quiet sea, with a slight list to starboard, and yet there was neither rolling nor pitching. Yes, I felt myself carried off, as though my bunk were the car of an air balloon. I was not mistaken, and I had fallen from dreamland into reality. Crash succeeded crash overhead. I could not account for them. Inside my cabin the partitions deviated from the vertical, in such a way as to make one believe that the halbrain had fallen over

Starting point is 05:42:09 on her bean ends. Almost immediately, I was thrown out of my bunk and barely escaped, splitting my skull against the corner of the table. However, I got up again, and, clinging to the edge of the door-frame, I propped myself against the door. At this instant, the bulwarks began to crack, and the port-side of the ship was torn open. Could there have been a collision between the schooner and one of those gigantic floating masses, which West was unable to avoid in the mist? Suddenly, loud shouts came from the after-deck, and then screams of terror, in which the maddened voices of the crew joined. At length there came a final crash, and the hall-brain remained motionless. I had to crawl along the floor to reach the door and gain the deck. Captain Leng Guy,

Starting point is 05:42:58 having already left his cabin, dragged himself on his knees, so great was the list to port, and caught on as best as he could. In the forepart of the ship, between the forecast and the forecast, many heads appeared. Dirk Peters, Hardy, Martin Holt and Endicott, The latter with his black face, quite vacant, were clinging to the starboard shrouds. A man came creeping up to me, because the slope of the deck, prevented him from holding himself upright. It was hurly-gurly, working himself along with his hands like a topman on a yard. Stretched out at full length, my feet prompt up against the jam of the door. I held out my hand to the bowson and helped him, not without difficulty, to hoist himself up near me.

Starting point is 05:43:46 "'What is wrong?' I asked. "'A stranding, Mr. Jorling. "'We are ashore. "'A shore presupposes land,' replied the bosun ironically. "'And so far as land goes, there was never any, "'except in that rascal Dirk Peter's imagination. "'But tell me what has happened. "'We came upon an iceberg in the middle of the fog

Starting point is 05:44:06 "'and were unable to keep clear of it. "'An iceberg, bosun? "'Yes, an iceberg, which has chosen just now "'to turn head over heels, In turning, it struck the halbrain and carried it off, just as a battle door catches a shuttlecock. And now, here we are, stranded at certainly 100 feet above the level of the Antarctic Sea. Could one have imagined a more terrible conclusion to the adventurous voyage of the halberrain? In the middle of these remote regions, our only means of transport had just been snatched from its natural element

Starting point is 05:44:41 and carried off by the turn of an iceberg to a height of more than 100 feet. What a conclusion? To be swallowed up in a polar tempest, to be destroyed in a fight with savages, to be crushed in the ice, such are the dangers to which any ship engaged in the polar seas is exposed. But to think that the halberrain had been lifted by a floating mountain, just as that mountain was turning over, was stranded, and almost at its summit, no, such a thing, seemed quite impossible. I did not know whether we could succeed in letting down the schooner from

Starting point is 05:45:17 this height, with the means we had at our disposal. But I did know that Captain Lengai, the mate and the older members of the crew, when they had recovered from their first fright, would not give up in despair, no matter how terrible the situation might be. Of that I had no doubt whatsoever. They would all look to the general safety. As for the measures to be taken, no one yet knew anything. A foggy veil, a sort of grayish mist, still hung over the iceberg. Nothing could be seen of its enormous mass, except the narrow craggy cleft in which the schooner was wedged, nor even what place it occupied in the middle of the ice fleet, drifting towards the southeast. Common prudence demanded that we should quit the halbrain, which might slide down at a sharp shake of the iceberg.

Starting point is 05:46:06 Were we even certain that the latter had regained its position on the surface of the sea, was her stability secure? Should we not be on the lookout for a fresh upheaval? And if the schooner were to fall into the abyss, which of us could extricate himself safe and sound from such a fall? And then from the final plunge into the depths of the ocean. In a few minutes the crew had abandoned the halbrain. Each man sought for refuge on the ice slopes,

Starting point is 05:46:34 awaiting the time when the iceberg should be freed from mist. The oblique rays from the sun did not succeed in piercing it, and the red disc could hardly be perceived through the opaque mass. However, we could not distinguish each other at about 12 feet apart. As for the howl brain, she looked like a confused, blackish mass, standing out sharply against the whiteness of the ice. We had now to ascertain whether any of those who were on the deck at the time of the catastrophe, had been thrown over the bulwarks and precipitated into the sea.

Starting point is 05:47:09 By Captain Lange's orders, all the sailors then present joined the group in which I stood with the mate, the boatswain, Hardy, and Marchandholt. So far, this catastrophe had cost us five men. These were the first since our departure from Kyrgylund, but were they to be the last? There was no doubt that these unfortunate fellows had perished, because we called to them in vain, and in vain we sought for them, when the fog abated along the sides of the iceberg,

Starting point is 05:47:39 at every place where they might have been able to catch on to a projection. When the disappearance of the five men had been ascertained, we fell into despair. Then we felt more keenly than before, the dangers which threatened every expedition to the Antarctic zone. "'What about Hearn?' said a voice. Martin Holt pronounced the name at a moment when there was general silence. had the sailing master been crushed to death in the narrow part of the hold where he was shut up west rushed towards the schooner hoisted himself on board by the means of a rope hanging over the bows and gained the hatch which gives access to that part of the hold We waited, silent and motionless, to learn of the fate of Hearn, although the evil spirit of the crew was but little worthy of our pity. And yet how many of us were then thinking that if we had heeded his advice, and if the schooner had taken the northern course, a whole crew would have not been reduced to take refuge on a drifting ice mountain.

Starting point is 05:48:43 I scarcely dared to calculate my own share of the vast responsibility, I, who had so vehemently insisted, on the prolongation of the voyage. At length the mate reappeared on deck, and Hearn followed him. By miracle, neither the bulkheads nor the ribs, nor the planking had yielded at the place where the sealing-master was confined. Hearn rejoined his comrades without opening his lips, and we had no further trouble about him. Towards six o'clock in the morning the fog cleared off,

Starting point is 05:49:16 owing to a marked fall in the temperature. We had no longer to do with completely, frozen vapor, but had to deal with the phenomenon called frost rime, which often occurs in these high latitudes. Captain Lengai recognized it by the quantity of prismatic threads, the point following the wind, which roughened the light ice crust, deposited on the sides of the iceberg. Navigators know better than to confound this frost rime with the hoar frost of the temperate zones, which only freezes when it has been deposited on the surface of the soil. we were now enabled to estimate the size of the solid mass on which we are clustered like flies on a sugar-loaf and the schooner seen from below looked no bigger than the yawl of a trading-vessel

Starting point is 05:50:03 the iceberg of between three and four hundred fathoms in circumference measured from one hundred and thirty to one hundred and forty feet high according to all calculations therefore its depth would be four or five times greater and it would consequently weigh millions of tons This is what had happened. The iceberg, having been melted away at its base by contact with warmer waters, had risen little by little. Its center of gravity had become displaced, and its equilibrium could only be re-established by a sudden capsize, which had lifted up the part that had been underneath above the sea level. The halbrain caught in this movement was hoisted as by an enormous lever. numbers of icebergs capsized thus on the polar seas and form one of the greatest dangers to which approaching vessels are exposed.

Starting point is 05:50:56 Our schooner was caught in a hollow on the west side of the iceberg. She listed to starboard, with her stern raised and her bow lowered. We could not help thinking that the slightest shake would cause her to slide along the slope of the iceberg into the sea. The collision had been so violent as to stave in some of the planks of her hull, After the first collision, the galley, situated before the foremast, had broken its fastenings. The door between Captain Lengueyes and the mate's cabins was torn away from the hinges. The top mast and the top gallant mast had come down after the back stays parted,

Starting point is 05:51:35 and fresh fractures could plainly be seen as high as the cap of the masthead. Fragments of all kinds, yards, spars, a part of the sails, breakers, cases, Hencoops were probably floating at the foot of the mass and drifting with it. The most alarming part of our situation was the fact that of the two boats belonged into the halbrain, one had been stove in when we grounded, and the other, the larger of the two was still hanging on by its tackles to the starboard Davitz. Before anything else was done, this boat had to be put in a safe place, because it might prove our only means of escape.

Starting point is 05:52:14 As a result of the first examination, we found that the lower mass had remained in their places, and might be of use if ever we succeeded in releasing the schooner. But how were we to release her from her bed in the ice, and restore her to her natural element? When I found myself with Captain Lengai, the mate and the bowson, I questioned them on this subject. I agree with you, replied West, that the operation involves great risks, but since it is indispensable, we will accomplish it. I think it will be necessary to dig out a sort of slide down to the base of the iceberg. And without the delay of a single day, added Captain Lengai. Do you hear, Bosan? said Gem West. Work begins today.

Starting point is 05:53:01 I hear, and everyone will set himself to the task, replied Hurley-girley. If you allow me, I shall just make one observation, Captain. What is it? Before beginning the work, let us examine the hull and see what the damage is and whether it can be repaired. For what use would it be to launch a ship stripped of her planks, which would go to the bottom at once? We complied with the bosun's just demand. The fog, having cleared off, a bright sun then illuminated the eastern side of the iceberg, whence the sea was visible round a large part of the horizon. Here the side, of the iceberg showed rugged projections, ledges, shoulders, and even flat instead of smooth surfaces, giving no foothold. However caution would be necessary in order to avoid the falling of those

Starting point is 05:53:52 unbalanced blocks, which a single shock might set loose. And, as a matter of fact, during the morning several of these blocks did roll into the sea, with a frightful noise just like an avalanche. On the whole, the iceberg seemed to be very steady on its new base, so long as the center of gravity was below the level of the waterline. There was no fear of a fresh capsize. I had not yet had an opportunity of speaking to Dirk Peters since the catastrophe. As he had answered to his name, I knew he was not numbered among the victims. At this moment I perceived him standing on a narrow projection,

Starting point is 05:54:31 needless to specify the direction in which his eyes returned. Captain Lenkai, the mate, the boatswain, Hardy and Marchand Holt, whom I accompanied, went up again towards the schooner in order to make a minute investigation of the hull. On the starboard side, the operation would be easy enough because the howl brain had listed to the opposite side. On the port side, we would have to slide along to the keel, as well as we could by scooping out the ice, in order to ensure the inspection of every part of the planking. After an examination which lasted two hours, it was discovered that the damage was of little importance and could be repaired in short time. Two or three planks were only wrenched away by the collision. In the inside the skin was intact, the ribs not having given way. Our vessel, constructed for the polar seas, had resisted where many others less solidly built, would have been dashed to pieces.

Starting point is 05:55:30 The rudder had indeed been unshipped, but that could be easily set right. Having finished our inspection inside and outside, we agreed that the damage was less considerable than we feared, and on that subject we became reassured. Reassured, yes, if we could only succeed in getting the schooner afloat again. End of Chapter 19, Part 2 Chapter 20, Part 1 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Lipervox recording. all Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libervox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Part 1

Starting point is 05:56:18 Unmerciful Disaster In the morning after breakfast it was decided that the men should begin to dig a sloping bed which would allow the halbrain to slide to the foot of the iceberg. Would that heaven might grant success to the operation? For who could contemplate without terror having to brave the severity of the austral winter, and to pass six months under such conditions as ours on a vast iceberg, dragged none could tell whither. Once the winter had set in,

Starting point is 05:56:48 none of us could have escaped from that most terrible of fates, dying of cold. At this moment Dirk Peters, who was observing the horizon from south to east at about one hundred paces off, cried in a rough voice, Lying too! Lying too? What could the half-breed mean by the, that, except that the floating mass had suddenly ceased to drift. As for the cause of this stoppage,

Starting point is 05:57:11 it was neither the moment to investigate it, nor to ask ourselves what the consequences were likely to be. It is true, however, cried the bowson. The iceberg is not stirring, and perhaps has not stirred since it capsized. How, said I, it no longer changes its place? No, replied the mate, and the proof is that the others, drifting on, are leaving it behind. and, in fact, whilst five or six icebergs were descending towards the south, ours was as motionless as though it had been stranded on a shoal. The simplest explanation was that the new base had encountered ground at the bottom of the sea, to which it now adhered, and would continue to adhere,

Starting point is 05:57:53 unless the submerged part rose in the water, so as to cause a second capsize. This complicated matters seriously, because of the dangers of positive immobility, were such that the chances of drifting were preferable. At least in the latter case, there was some hope of coming across a continent or an island, or even, if the currents did not change, of crossing the boundaries of the Austro region. Here we were, then, after three months of this terrible voyage. Was there now any question of trying to save William Guy, his comrades on the Jane, and Arthur Pim? Was it not for our own safety that any means at our disposal should be employed?

Starting point is 05:58:32 And could it be wondered at? Were the sailors of the Halbrain to rebel? Were they to listen to Hearn's suggestion, and make their officers, or myself especially, responsible for the disasters of this expedition? Moreover, was it likely to take place, since, notwithstanding their losses, the followers of the sealing-master were still a majority of the ship's company? The question I could clearly see was occupying the thoughts of Captain Lengai and West. Again, although the recruits from the Falklands, formed only a total of fourteen men, as against the twelve of the old crew, was it not to be feared that some of the latter would take Herne's side? What if Hearn's people, urged by despair, were already thinking of seizing the only boat we now possessed,

Starting point is 05:59:20 setting off towards the north, and leaving us on this iceberg? It was then of great importance that our boat should be put in safety and closely watched. A marked change had taken place. in Captain Lengai since the recent occurrences. He seemed to be transformed upon finding himself face to face with the dangers which menaced us. Up to that time, he had been solely occupied in searching for his fellow countrymen. He had handed over the command of the schooner to West, and he could not have given it to anyone more zealous and more capable. But from this date, he resumed his position as master of the ship, and used it with the energy required by the

Starting point is 06:00:00 circumstances. In a word, he again became sole master on board, after God. At his command, the crew were drawn up around him, on a flat spot, a little to the left of the Hellbrain. In that place, the following were assembled. On the senior's side, Martin Holt and Hardy, Rogers, Francis, Gratian, Barry, Stern, the Cook, Endicott, and I may add Dirk Peters, on the side of the newcomers, Hearn and the thirteen other Falkland sailors. The latter composed a distinct group. The sealing-master was their spokesman,

Starting point is 06:00:37 and exercised a baneful influence over them. Captain Lengai cast a stern glance upon the men and said in a sharp tone, "'Sailers of the halbrain, I must first speak to you of our lost companions. Five of us have just perished in this catastrophe. We are waiting to perish in our turn, in these seas where we have been dragged in spite of,

Starting point is 06:01:00 Be silent, Hearn, cried West, pale with anger, or if not. Hearn has said what he had to say, Captain Lengai continued coldly. Now it is said, and I advise him not to interrupt me a second time. The sealing-master might possibly have ventured on an answer, for he felt that he was backed by the majority of the crew. But Martin Holt held him back, and he was silent. Captain Lengai then took off his hat and tried, pronounce the following words with an emotion that affected us to the bottom of our hearts.

Starting point is 06:01:32 We must pray for those who have died in this dangerous voyage, which was undertaken in the name of humanity. May God be pleased to take into consideration the fact that they devoted their lives to their fellow creatures, and may he not be insensible to our prayers. Kneel down, sailors of the how-brain. They all knelt down on the icy surface, and the murmurs of prayers ascended towards heaven. We waited for Captain Lengai to rise before we did so. Now, he resumed, after those who are dead, come those who have survived. To them I say that they must obey me, whatever my orders may be, and even in our present situation, I shall not tolerate any hesitation or opposition. The responsibility for the general safety is mine, and I will not yield any of it to anyone.

Starting point is 06:02:24 I am master here, as on board. On board when there is no longer a ship, muttered the ceiling, master. You are mistaken, Hearn, the vessel is there, and we will put it back into the sea. Besides, if we had only a boat, I am the captain of it. Let him beware who forgets this. That day, Captain Lengai, having taken the height of the sun by the sextant, and fixed the hour by the chronometer. Both of these instruments had escaped.

Starting point is 06:02:54 destruction in the collision, obtained the following position of his ship. South latitude, 88 degrees, 55 minutes. West longitude, 39 degrees, 12 minutes. The halberin was only at 1 degree 5 minutes, about 65 miles from the South Pole. All hands to work, was the captain's order that afternoon, and everyone obeyed it with a will. There was not a moment to lose, as the question of time was more important than any other. So far as provisions were concerned, there was enough in the schooner for 18 months on full rations, so we were not threatened with hunger, nor with thirst either.

Starting point is 06:03:34 Notwithstanding that, owing to water-casks, having been burst in the collision, their contents had escaped through their staves. Luckily, the barrows of gin, whiskey, beer, and wine, being placed in the least exposed part of the hold, were nearly all intact. Under this head, we had experienced no loss, and the iceberg would supply us with good drinking water. It is a well-known fact that ice, whether formed from fresh or salt water, contains no salt, owing to the chloride of sodium being eliminated in the change from liquid to the solid state. The origin of the ice, therefore, is a matter of no importance. However, those blocks

Starting point is 06:04:13 which are easily distinguished by their green color and their perfect transparency are preferable. They are solidified rain, and therefore much more suitable for drinking water. Without doubt our captain would have recognized any blocks of this description, but none were to be found on the glacier, owing to its being that part of the burg, which was originally submerged and came to the top after the fall. The captain and West decided first to lighten the vessel by conveying everything on board to land. The masts were to be cleared of rigging, taking out, and placed on the plateau. It was necessary to lighten the vessel as much as possible, even to clear out the ballast. owing to the difficult and dangerous operation of launching. It would be better to put off our departure for some days

Starting point is 06:05:01 if this operation could be performed under more favorable circumstances. The loading might afterwards be accomplished without much difficulty. Besides this, another reason, by no means less serious, presented itself to us. It would have been an act of unpardonable rashness to leave the provisions in the storeroom of the Howl Brain, her situation on the side of the iceberg being very precarious. One shake would suffice to detach the ship, and with her would have disappeared the supplies on which our lives depended.

Starting point is 06:05:35 On this account we passed the day in removing casks of half-salted meat, dried vegetables, flour, biscuits, tea, coffee, barrels of gin, whiskey, wine and beer from the hold, and storeroom, and placing them safely in the hammocks near the halbrain. We also had to ensure our landing against any possible accident, and I must add, against any plot on the part of Hearn and others to seize the boat in order to return to the ice barrier. We placed the long boat in a cavity which would be easy to watch, about thirty feet to the left of the schooner, along with its oars, rudder, compass, anchor, masts, and sail. By day there was nothing to fear, and at night, or rather during the hours of sleep, the boatswain and one of the superiors would keep guard near the cavity,

Starting point is 06:06:27 and we might rest assured that no evil could befall. The 19th, 20th, and 21st of January were passed in working extra hard in the unshipping of the cargo, and the dismantling of the halbrain. We slung the lower mast by means of yards, forming props. Later on, Westwood Sea to replacing the main and the mizzen-mast, in any case, we could do without them until we had reached the Falklands or some other winter port. Needless to say, we had set up a camp on the plateau of which I have spoken, not far from the halbrain.

Starting point is 06:07:02 Sufficient shelter against the inclemency of weather, not unfrequent at this time of the year, was to be found under tents, constructed of sails, placed on spars, and fastened down by pegs. the glass remained set fair the wind was nor east the temperature having risen to forty-six degrees two point seven eight degrees celsius andicott's kitchen was fitted up at the end of the plain near a steep projection by which we could climb to the very top of the berg it is only fair to state that during these three days of hard work no fault was to be found with The sealing master knew he was being closely watched, and he was well aware that Captain Lengai would not spare him if he tried to get up insubordination amongst his comrades. It was a pity that his bad instincts had induced him to play such a part, for his strength, skill, and cleverness made him a very valuable man, and he had never proved more useful than under these circumstances.

Starting point is 06:08:02 Was he changed for the better? Did he understand that the general good feeling was necessary for the safety of the safety of? of all. I know not, but I had no confidence in him, neither had hurly-gurly. I need not dwell on the archer with which the half-breed did the rough work, always first to begin and the last to leave off, doing as much as four men, and scarcely sleeping, only resting during meals, which he took apart from the others. He had hardly spoken to me at all since the schooner had met with this terrible accident. What indeed could he say to me? I not know as well as he that it would be necessary to renounce every hope of pursuing our intended voyage?

Starting point is 06:08:45 Now and again I noticed Marchand Holt and the half-breed near each other while some difficult piece of work was in progress. Our sailing-master did not miss a chance of getting near Jerk Peters, who always tried his best to escape from him, for reasons well known to me. And whenever I thought of the secret of the fate of the so-called Parker, Marchand-Holt's brother, which had been entrusted to me, that dreadful scene of the Grampus, filled me with horror. I was certain that if this secret were made known, the half-breed would become an object of terror. He would no longer be looked upon as the rescuer of the sailing-master, and the latter, learning that his brother, luckily, Dirk Peters and myself were the only two acquainted with the fact. While the halbrain was being unloaded, Captain Lengai and the mate were considering how the vessel might be launched.

Starting point is 06:09:38 They had to allow for a drop of 100 feet between the cavity, in which the ship lay and the sea. This to be affected by means of an inclined bed hollowed in an oblique line along the west side of the iceberg, and to measure two or three hundred perches in length. So, while the first lot of men, commanded by the bosun, was unloading the schooner, a second batch, under west's orders, began to cut the trench between the blocks, which covered the side of the floating mountain. floating, I know not why I use this expression, for the iceberg no longer floated, but remained as motionless as an island. There was nothing to indicate that it would ever move again.

Starting point is 06:10:19 Other icebergs drifted along and past us, going southeast, while stars, to use Turk Peters' expression, was lying too. Would its base be sufficiently undermined to allow it to detach itself? Perhaps some heavy mass of ice might strike it and set it free by the shock. No one could predict such an event, and we had only the halbrain to lie upon for getting us out of these regions. We were engaged in these various tasks until the 24th of January. The atmosphere was clear, the temperature was even, and the thermometer had indeed gone up two or three degrees above freezing point. The number of icebergs, coming from the north-west, was therefore increasing.

Starting point is 06:11:03 There were now a hundred of them, and a collision with any of these might have a most disastrous result. Hardy, the conker, hastened first of all to mend the hull. Pags had to be changed, bits of planking to be replaced, seems to be cocked. We had everything that was necessary for this work, and we might rest assured that it would be performed in the best possible manner. In the midst of the silence of these solitudes, the noise of the hammers, striking the nails into the side, and the sound of the mallet stuffing tow into the seams had a startling effect seagulls wild ducks albatross and petrels flew in a circle round the top of the berg with a shrill screaming and made a terrible uproar when i found myself with west and the captain our conversation naturally turned on our situation and how to get out of it and upon our chances of pulling through the mate had good hopes that if no accident occurred the launching would be successfully accomplished. The captain was more reserved on the subject, but at the thought

Starting point is 06:12:09 that he would have to renounce all hope of finding the survivors of the Jane. His heart was ready to break, when the halbrain should be ready again for the sea, and West should inquire what course he was to steer. Would Captain Lengai dare to reply, to the south? No, for he would not be followed either by the new hands or by the greater portion of the old members of the crew. to continue our search in this direction to go beyond the pole without being certain of reaching the Indian Ocean instead of the Atlantic would have been rashness of which no navigator would be guilty if a continent bound to sea on this side

Starting point is 06:12:48 the schooner would run the danger of being crushed by the mass of ice before it could escape the southern winter under such circumstances to attempt to persuade Captain Langei to pursue the voyage would only be to court a certain refusal. It could not even be proposed, now that necessity obliged us to return northwards, and not to delay a single day in this portion of the Antarctic regions.

Starting point is 06:13:15 At any rate, though I resolved not again to speak of the matter to the captain, I lost no opportunity of sounding the boatswain. Often when he had finished his work, Hurley-Gurley would come and join me, we would chat, and we would compare our recollections of travel. End of Chapter 20, Part 1 Chapter 20, Part 2, of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields.

Starting point is 06:13:46 This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 20, Part 2. Unmerciful Designed master. One day, as we were seated on the summit of the iceberg, gazing fixedly on the

Starting point is 06:14:08 deceptive horizon, he exclaimed. Who could ever have imagined, Mr. Jorling? When the Halbrain left Kurgoolin, that six and a half months afterwards, she would be stuck on the side of an ice mountain. A fact much more to be regretted, I replied, because only for that accident we should have attained our object, and we should have begun our return journey. I didn't mean to contradict, replied the beau son. But you say we should have attained our object? Do you mean by that, that we should have found our countrymen? Perhaps. I can scarcely believe such would have been the case, Mr. Jorling, although this was the principle and perhaps even the only object of our navigation in the

Starting point is 06:14:51 polar seas. The only one, yes, at the start, I insinuated, but since the half-breeds revelations about Arthur Pim. Ah, you are always harking back on that subject, like Browell. brave, Dirk Peters. Always, Hurley-Gurly, and only that a deplorable and unforeseen accident made us run aground. I leave you to your delusions, Mr. Jorling, since you believe you have run a ground. Why, is this not the case? In any case, it is a wonderful running aground, replied the bosun, instead of a good solid bottom, we have run aground in the air. Then I am right, hurly-gurly in saying that it is an unfortunate adventure. Unfortunate, truly, but in my opinion we should take warning by it.

Starting point is 06:15:36 What warning? That it is not permitted for us to venture so far in these latitudes, and I believe that the creator forbids its creatures to climb to the summit of the poles. Notwithstanding that, the summit of one pool is only sixty miles away from us now. Granted, Mr. Jorling, but these sixty miles are equal to thousands when we have no means of making them. And if the launch of the schooner is not successful, here we are condemned to winter quarters,

Starting point is 06:16:05 which the polar bears themselves would hardly relish. I replied only by a shake of my head, which hurly-girly could not fail to understand. Do you know, Mr. Jorling? Of what I think, oftenest? What do you think of, Boasun? Of the Kerguelans, whither we are certainly not travelling.

Starting point is 06:16:25 Truly in a bad season it was cold enough there. There is not much difference between this archipelago and the islands situated on the edge of the Antarctic Sea. But there, one is not far from the Cape, and if we want to warm our shins, no iceberg bars the way. Whereas here it is the devil to weigh anchor, and one never knows if one shall find a clear course. I repeat it, Bousan, if this last accident had not occurred, everything would have been over by this time, one way or another. We should still have had more than six weeks to get out of these southern seas. It is seldom that a ship is so roughly treated as ours has been, and I consider it real bad luck, after our having profited by such fortunate circumstances.

Starting point is 06:17:11 These circumstances are all over, Mr. Jorling, exclaimed Hurly-Gurly. And I fear indeed. What, you also, Bo, son? You whom I believe to be so confident? Confidence, Mr. Jorling, wears out like the... the ends of one's trousers, what would you have me do? When I compare my lot to old Atkins, installed in his cozy inn, when I think of the green cormorant of the big parlors downstairs, with the little tables round which friends sip whiskey and gin, discussing the news of the day,

Starting point is 06:17:44 while the stove makes more noise than the weathercock on the roof. Oh, then the comparison is not in our favour, and in my opinions Mr. Atkins enjoys life better than I do. "'You shall see them all again, Bo, son. "'Atkins, the green comerent, and the Kyrgyllan. "'For God's sake, do not let yourself grow downhearted. "'And a few, a sensible and courageous man, despair already. "'Oh, if I were the only one, it would not be half so bad as it is. "'The whole crew does not despair, surely.'

Starting point is 06:18:16 "'Yes and no,' replied Hurley-gurly, "'for I know some who are not at all satisfied. "'Has Hearn begun his mischief again? "'Is he exciting his companion?' "'Not openly, at least, Mr. Jorling, and since I have kept him under my eye, I have neither seen nor heard anything. Besides, he knows what awaits him if he budges. I believe I am not mistaken. This lie-dog has changed his tactics. But what does not astonish me in him, astonishes me in Martin Holt. What do you mean, Bo, son?'

Starting point is 06:18:48 "'That they seem to be on good terms with each other. See how Hearn seeks out Martin Holt, talks to him frequently, and Holt does not treat his overtures unfavorably. Margin Holt is not one of those who would listen to Hearn's advice, or follow it if he tried to provoke rebellion amongst the crew. No doubt, Mr. Jorling. However, I don't fancy seeing them so much together. Hearn is a dangerous and unscrupulous individual, and most likely Martin Holt does not distrust him sufficiently. He is wrong, Bo, son.

Starting point is 06:19:21 And, wait a moment. Do you know what they were talking about the other day when I overheard a few scraps of their conversation? I could not possibly guess until you tell me, Hurley-Gurly. Well, while they were conversing on the bridge of the Halbrain, I heard them talking about Turk Peters, and Hearn was saying, You must not owe a grudge to the half-breed Master Holt, because he refused to respond to your advances and accept your thanks. If he be only a sort of brute, he possesses plenty of courage,

Starting point is 06:19:51 and has shown it in getting you out of a bad corner at the risk of his life. And besides, do not forget, that he formed part of the crew of the Grampus, and your brother Ned, if I don't mistake. He said that, Bo, son? He spoke of the Grampus? I exclaimed. Yes, of the Grampus. And of Ned Holt? Precisely, Mr. Jorling. And what answer did Martin Holt make? He replied,

Starting point is 06:20:16 I don't even know under what circumstances my unfortunate brother perished. Was it during a revolt on board? Brave man that he was, he would not betray his captain, and perhaps he was massacred. Did Herne dwell on this, Bosan? Yes, but he added, It is very sad for you, Master Holt. The captain of the Grampus, according to what I have been told,

Starting point is 06:20:38 was abandoned, being placed in a small boat with one or two of his men, and who knows if your brother was not along with them? And what next? Then, Mr. Jorling, he added, did it never occur to you to ask Dirk Peters to enlighten you on the subject? Yes, once, replied Martin Holt. I questioned the half-breed about it, and never did I see a man so overcome. He replied in so low a voice that I could scarcely understand him.

Starting point is 06:21:04 I know not, I know not. And he ran away with his face buried in his hands. Was that all you heard of the conversation, Bo-son? That was all, Mr. Jorling, and I thought it so strange that I wished to inform you. of it. And what conclusion did you draw from it? Nothing, except that I look upon the sealing-master as a scoundrel of deepest dye, perfectly capable of working in secret for some evil purpose with which he would like to associate March and Holt. What did Herne's new attitude mean? Why did he strive to gain Marchand-Holt, one of the best of the crew, as an ally? Why did he recall

Starting point is 06:21:44 the scenes of the Grampus? Did Herne know more of this matter of Dirk? Peter's and Ned Holt than the others, this secret which the half-breed and I believed ourselves to be the sole possessors? The doubt caused me serious uneasiness. However, I took care not to say anything of it to Dirk Peters. If he had for a moment suspected that Heron spoke of what happened on board the grampus, if he had heard that the rascal, as Hurley-gurly called him, and not without reason, constantly, talked to Martin Holt about his brother. I really do not know what would have happened. In short, whatever the intentions of Hearn might be, it was dreadful to think that our sailing-master, on whose fidelity Captain Lengai ought to be able to count, was in conspiracy with him.

Starting point is 06:22:31 The sealing-master must have a strong motive for acting in this way. What it was I could not imagine, although the crew seemed to have abandoned every thought of mutiny. A strict watch was kept, especially on Hearn. Besides, the situation must soon change. at least so far as the schooner was concerned. Two days afterwards the work was finished. The cocking operations were completed, and also the slide for lowering the vessel to the base of our floating mountain. Just now the upper portion of the ice had been slightly softened,

Starting point is 06:23:05 so that this last work did not entail much labour for pickax or spade. The course ran obliquely round the west side of the berg, so that the incline should not be too great at any point. with cables properly fixed, the launch, it seemed, might be affected without any mishap. I rather feared lest the melting of the ice should make the gliding less smooth at the lower part of the berg. Needless to say, the cargo, masting, anchors, chains, etc., had not been put on board. The hull was quite heavy enough, and not easily moved, so it was necessary to lighten it as much as possible. When the schooner was again in its element, the loading could be affected in a few days.

Starting point is 06:23:50 On the afternoon of the 28th, the finishing touches were given. It was necessary to put supports for the sides of the slide in some places where the ice had melted quickly. Then everyone was allowed to rest from 4 o'clock p.m. The captain had double rations served out to all hands. And while they merited this extra supply of spirits, they had indeed worked hard during the week. I repeated that every sign of mutiny had disappeared. The crew thought of nothing except this great operation of the launching. The halbrain in the sea would mean departure.

Starting point is 06:24:24 It would also mean return. For Jerk Peters and me it would be the definite abandonment of Arthur Pim. That night the temperature was at the highest we had so far experienced. The thermometer registered 53 degrees, 11.67 degrees Celsius above zero. So, although the sun was nearing the horizon, the ice was melting, and thousands of small streams flowed in every direction. The early birds woke at four o'clock, and I was one of their number. I had scarcely slept, and I fancy that Dirk Peters did not sleep much, haunted as he was by the sad thought of having to turn back. The launch was to take place at ten o'clock. Taking every possible difficulty into account, and allowing for the minutest precautions,

Starting point is 06:25:12 the captain hoped that it would be completed before the close of the day. Everyone believed that by evening the schooner would be at the foot of the berg. Of course we all had to lend a hand to this difficult task. To each man a special duty was assigned. Some were employed to facilitate the sliding with wooden rollers if necessary.

Starting point is 06:25:33 Others to moderate the speed of the hull, in case it became too great, by means of hawsers and cables. We breakfasted at nine o'clock in the tents. Our sailors were perfectly confident, and could not refrain from drinking success to the event. And although this was a little premature, we added our hurrahs to theirs. Success seemed very nearly assured, as the captain and the mate had worked out the matter so carefully and skillfully. At last we were about to leave our encampment and take up our stations. Some of the sailors were there already, when cries of amazement and fear were raised. What a frightful scene, and short as it may have been, what an impression of terror it left on our minds. One of the enormous blocks, which formed the bank of the mud-bed, where the how-brain lie,

Starting point is 06:26:24 having become loose owing to the melting of its base, had slipped and was bounding over the others down the incline. In another moment, the schooner, being no longer retained in position, was swinging on this declivity. On board, on deck, in front, there were two sailors, Rogers and Gretchen. In vain did the unfortunate men try to jump over the bulwarks. They had not time, and they were dragged away in this dreadful fall. Yes, I saw it. I saw the schooner topple over, slide down, first on its right side, crush one of the men who delayed too long about jumping to one side,

Starting point is 06:27:01 then bound from block to block, and finally fling itself into space. In another moment the halbrain staved in, broken up, with gaping planks and shattered ribs, had sunk, causing a tremendous jet of water to spout up at the foot of the iceberg. Horrified. Yes, indeed, we were horrified when the schooner carried off as though by an avalanche had disappeared in the abyss. Not a particle of our halbrain remained, not even a wreck. A minute ago she was 100 feet in the air.

Starting point is 06:27:35 Now she was 500 in the depths of the sea. Yes, we were so stupefied that we were unable to think of the dangers to come. Our amazement was that of people who cannot believe their eyes. Prostration succeeded as a natural consequence. There was not a word spoken. We stood motionless, with our feet. rooted to the icy soil. No words could express the horror of our situation. As for West, when the schooner had disappeared in the abyss, I saw big tears fall from his eyes. The halbrain

Starting point is 06:28:11 that he loved so much was now an unknown quantity. Yes, our stout-hearted mate, wept. Three of our men had perished, and in what frightful fashion! I had seen Rogers and Gretchen, two of our most faithful sailors stretch out their hands in despair as they were knocked about by the rebounding of the schooner and finally sink with her. The other man from the Falklands,

Starting point is 06:28:38 an American, was crushed in its rush. His shapeless form lay in a pool of blood. Three new victims, within the last ten days, had to be inscribed on the register of those who died during this fatal voyage. Ah, fortune had favoured us up to the hour when the howl-brain was snatched from her own element, but her hand was now against us, and was not this last, the worst blow, must it not prove the stroke of death?

Starting point is 06:29:06 The silence was broken by a tumult of despairing voices, whose despair was justified indeed by this irreparable misfortune. And I am sure that more than one thought it would have been better to have been on the halbrain as she rebounded off the side of the iceberg. Everything would have been over then, as it was all over with Rogers and Grachen. This foolish expedition would thus have come to a conclusion, worthy of such rashness and imprudence. At last, the instinct of self-preservation triumphs, and except Hearn, who stood some distance off, and affected silence, all the men shouted, to the boat, to the boat! These unfortunate fellows were out of their mind.

Starting point is 06:29:52 terror led them astray. They rushed towards the crag where our one boat, which could not hold them all, had been sheltered during the unloading of the schooner. Captain Lengai and Jem West rushed after them. I joined them immediately, followed by the boatswain. We were armed and resolved to make use of our arms. We had to prevent these furious men from seizing the boat, which did not belong to a few, but to all. "'Hello, sailors!' cried the captain. "'Hello!' repeated West. "'Stop there, or we fire on the first who goes a step further.' Both threatened the men with their pistols. The bow-son pointed his gun at them.

Starting point is 06:30:33 I held my rifle, ready to fire. It was in vain. The frenzied man heard nothing, would not hear anything, and one of them fell, struck by the mate's bullet, just as he was crossing the last block. He was unable to catch on to the bank with his hands. hands, and slipping on the frozen slope, he disappeared in the abyss. Was this the beginning of a massacre? Would others let themselves be killed at this place? Would the old hands sighed with the newcomers?

Starting point is 06:31:03 At that moment I remarked that Hardy, March and Halt, Francis Burry and Stern hesitated about coming over to our side, while Hearn, still standing motionless at some distance, gave no encouragement to the rebels. However, we cannot allow them to become masters of the boat, to bring it down, to embark ten or twelve men, and to abandon us to our certain fate on this iceberg. They had almost reached the boat, heedless of danger and deaf to threats, when a second report was heard, and one of the sailors fell by a bullet from the bosun's gun. One American and one fugion, less to be numbered amongst the sealing-master's partisans. Then, in front of the boat, a man appeared. It was Dirk Peters, who had climbed the opposite slope. The half-breed put one of his enormous hands on the stern,

Starting point is 06:31:56 and with the other made a sign to the furious men to clear off. Dirk-Peters being there, we no longer needed our arms, as he alone would suffice to protect the boat. And indeed, as five or six of the sailors were advancing, he went up to them, caught hold of the nearest by the belt, lifted him up and sent him flying ten paces off the wretched man not being able to catch hold of anything would have rebounded into the sea had not herne seized him owing to the half-breed's intervention the revolt was instantly quelled besides we were coming up to the boat and with us those of our men whose hesitation had not lasted long no matter the others were still thirteen to our ten captain lenguey made his appearance Anger shone in his eyes, and with him was West, quite unmoved.

Starting point is 06:32:51 Words failed the captain for some moments, but his look said what his tongue could not utter. At length in a terrible voice, he said, I ought to treat you as evil-doers, however, I will only consider you as madmen. The boat belongs to everybody. It is now our only means of salvation, and you wanted to steal it, to steal it like cowards. listen attentively to what i say for the last time this boat belonging to the halbrain is now the halbrain herself i am captain of it and let him who disobey me beware with these last words captain lengai looked at herne for whom this warning was expressly meant the sealing master had not appeared in the last scene not openly at least but nobody doubted that he had urged his comrades to make off with the boat and that he had every intention of doing the same again.

Starting point is 06:33:49 Now to the camp, said the captain, and you, Dirk Peters, remain here. The half-breed's only reply was to nod his big head and betake himself to his post. The crew returned to the camp without the least hesitation. Some lay down in their sleeping places, others wandered about. Hearn neither tried to join them nor go near Marchand Holt. Now that the sailors were reaped,

Starting point is 06:34:15 reduced to idleness, there was nothing to do except to ponder on our critical situation, and invent some means of getting out of it. The captain, the mate in the bosun, formed a council, and I took part in their deliberations. Captain Len began by saying, We have protected our boat, and we shall continue to protect it, until death declared West. Who knows, said I, whether we shall not soon be forced to embrace. In that case, replied the captain, Asall cannot fit into it, it will be necessary to make a selection. Lots shall determine which of us are to go, and I shall not ask to be treated differently

Starting point is 06:34:58 from the others. We have not come to that, luckily, replied the bosun, the iceberg is solid, and there is no fear of its melting before winter. No, assented West, that is not to be feared. What it behooves us to do is, well, what in the boat, to keep an eye on the provisions. We are lucky, added Hurley-Gurly, to have put our cargo in safety. Poor dear Halbrain!

Starting point is 06:35:24 She will remain in these seas like the Jane, her elder sister. Yes, without doubt, and I thought so for many reasons, the one destroyed by the savages Salal, the other, by one of these catastrophes, that no human power can prevent. You are right, replied the captain, and we want to be able to, must prevent our men from plundering. We are sure of enough provisions for one year, without count in what we may get by fishing. And it is so much more than necessary, Captain, to keep a close watch, because I have seen some hovering about the spirit casks. I will see to that, replied West.

Starting point is 06:36:04 But, I then asked, had we not better prepare ourselves for the fact that we may be compelled to winter on this iceberg? May heaven avert such a terrible probability. ability, replied the captain. After all, if it were necessary, we could get through it, Mr. Jorling, said the boatswain. We could hollow out, sheltering places in the ice, so as to be able to bear the extreme cold of the pole, and so long as we had sufficient, to appease our hunger. At this moment the horrid recollection of the Grampus came to my mind, the scenes in which Dirk Peters had killed Ned Holt, the brother of our sailing-master.

Starting point is 06:36:42 Should we ever be in such extremity? Would it not, before we proceed to set up winter quarters for seven or eight months, be better to leave the iceberg altogether, if such a thing were possible? I called the attention of Captain Lengai and West to this point. This was a difficult question to answer, and a long silence preceded the reply. At last the captain said, Yes, that would be the best resolution to come to, and if our boat could hold us all, with the provisions necessary,

Starting point is 06:37:15 for a voyage that might last three or four weeks. I would not hesitate to put to sea now and return towards the north. But I made them observe that we should be obliged to direct our course contrary to wind and current. Our schooner herself could hardly have succeeded in doing this, whilst to continue towards the south. Towards us south, repeated the captain, who looked at me as though he sought to read my thoughts. Why not? I answer. if the iceberg had not been stopped in its passage, perhaps it would have drifted to some land in that direction, and might not our boat accomplished what it would have done?

Starting point is 06:37:55 The captain, shaking his head, answered nothing. West was also silent. Eh, our iceberg will end by raising its anchor, replied hurly-gurly, it does not hold to the bottom, like the Falklands or the Kyrgyllans. So the safest course is to wait, as the boat cannot carry twenty-three, the number of our party. I dwelt upon the fact that it was not necessary for all twenty-three to embark.

Starting point is 06:38:23 It would be sufficient, I said, for five or six of us to reconnoiter further south for twelve or fifteen miles. South, repeated Captain Lengai. Undoubtedly, Captain, I added, you probably know would the geographers frankly admit that the Antarctic regions are formed by a capped continent. geographers know nothing and can know nothing about it replied west coldly it is a pity said i that as we are so near we should not attempt to solve this question of a polar continent i thought it was better not to insist just at present end of chapter twenty part two chapter twenty part three of an antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the ice-fields this is a livervox recording All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libervox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 20, Part 3 Unmerciful Disaster.

Starting point is 06:39:33 Moreover, there would be danger in sending out our only boat on a voyage of discovery, as the current might carry it too far, or it might not find us again in the same place. And indeed, if the iceberg happened to get loose at the bottom, and to resume its interrupted drift, what would become of the men in the boat. The drawback was that the boat was too small to carry us all, with the necessary provisions. Now, of the seniors, there remained ten men, counting Dirk Peters. Of the new men there were thirteen, twenty-three in all. The largest number our boat could hold was from eleven to twelve persons.

Starting point is 06:40:10 Then eleven of us, indicated by lot, would have to remain on this island of ice. And what would become of them? with regard to this hurley-gurly made a sound observation after all he said i don't know that those who would embark would be better off than those who remained i am so doubtful of the result that i would willingly give up my place to any one who wanted it perhaps the boatswain was right but in my own mind when i asked that the boat might be utilized it was for the purpose of reconnoitering the iceberg we finally decided to arrange everything with a view to wintering out even were our ice mountain again to drift we may be sure that we'll be agreed to by our men declared hurly-gurly what is necessary must be done replied the mate and to-day we must set to work that was a sad day on which we began our preparations endicott the cook was the only man who submitted without murmuring as a negro who cares little about the future shallow and frivolous like all his race he resigned himself easily to his fate and that is perhaps true philosophy besides when it came to the question of cooking it mattered very little to him whether it was here or there so long as his stoves were set up somewhere so he said to his friend the mate with his broad negro smile "'Luckily, my kitchen did not go off with the schooner, and you shall see hurly-gurly,

Starting point is 06:41:36 "'if I do not make up dishes just as good as on board the hell-brain, "'so long as provisions don't grow scarce, of course.' "'Well, they will not be wanting for some time to come,' replied the bosun. "'We need not fear hunger, but cold, such cold as would reduce you to an icicle, "'the minute you cease to warm your feet. "'Cold, that makes your skin crack and your skull split. even if we had some hundreds of tons of coal. But, all things being well calculated,

Starting point is 06:42:06 there is only just what we'll do to boil this large kettle. "'And that is sacred,' cried Endicott, "'touching is forbidden, the kitchen before all. "'And that is the reason why it never strikes you, "'to pity yourself, you old nigger. "'You can always make sure of keeping your feet warm at your oven. "'What would you have, bosson? "'You are a first-rate cook, or are you not?'

Starting point is 06:42:29 "'When you are, you take advantage of it, "'but I will remember to keep you a little place before my stove.' "'That's good, that's good, Endicott. "'Each one shall have his turn. "'There is no privilege even for a boson. "'On the whole, it is better not to have fear famine. "'One can fight against the cold. "'We shall dig holes in the iceberg and cuddle ourselves up there.

Starting point is 06:42:52 "'And why should we not have a general dwelling-room? "'We could make a cave for ourselves with pickaxes. "'I have heard tell that ice present us. reserves heat. Well, let it preserve ours, and that is all I ask of it. The hour had come for us to return to the camp and to seek our sleeping places. Dirk Peters alone refused to be relieved of his duty as watchmen of the boat, and nobody thought of disputing the post with him. Captain Lengai and West did not enter the tents until they had made certain that Herne and

Starting point is 06:43:22 his companions had gone to their usual place of rest. I came back likewise and went to bed. I could not tell how long I had been sleeping, nor what time it was, when I found myself rolling on the ground after a violent shock. What could be happening? Was it another capsize of the iceberg? We were all up in a second, then outside the tents in the full light of a night in the polar regions. A second floating mass of enormous size had just struck our iceberg, which had hoisted the anchor, as the sailors say, and was drifting towards the south. An unhoped for change. A unhoped for change. in the situation had taken place, what were to be the consequences of our being no longer cast away at that place? The current was now carrying us in the direction of the pole. The first feeling of joy,

Starting point is 06:44:09 inspired by this conviction, was, however, succeeded by all the terrors of the unknown, and what an unknown. Dirk Peters was only entirely rejoiced that we had resumed the route, which he believed would lead us to the discovery of traces of his poor Pim. For our other ideas, has occupied the minds of his companions. Captain Lengai no longer entertained any hope of rescuing his countrymen, and having reached the condition of despair, he was bound by his duty to take his crew back to the north, so as to clear the Antarctic Circle, while the season rendered it possible to do so, and we were being carried away towards the south. Naturally enough, we were all deeply impressed by the fearfulness of our position, which may be summed up in a few words. We were

Starting point is 06:44:57 no longer cast away with a possible ship, but the tenants of a floating iceberg with no hope but that our monster tenement might encounter one of the whaling ships whose business in the deep waters lies between the Orkneys, New Georgia, and the Sandwich Islands. A quantity of things had been thrown into the ice by the collision which had set our iceberg afloat, but these were chiefly articles belonging to the halbrain, owing to the precaution that had been taken on the previous day when the cargo was stowed away in the clefts. It had been only slightly damaged. What would become of us? Had all our reserves been swallowed up in that grim encounter? Now, the two icebergs formed but one, which was travelling south at the rate of two miles an hour. At this rate, thirty hours would suffice

Starting point is 06:45:46 to bring us to the point of the axes, at which the terrestrial meridians unite. Did the current, which was carrying us along, pass on to the pole itself, or, was there any land which might arrest our progress. This was another question, and I discussed it with the Bo-San. "'Nobody knows, Mr. Jorling,' was her Ligurly's reply. "'If the current goes to the pole, we shall go there, and if it doesn't we shan't. An iceberg isn't a ship, and it has neither sails nor helm. It goes as the drift takes it.' "'That's true, Bo Sond, and therefore I had the idea that if two or three of us were to embark in the boat—' you still hold to your notion of the boat? Certainly, for, if there is land somewhere, is it not

Starting point is 06:46:32 possible that the people of the Jane? Have come upon it, Mr. Jorling, at four thousand miles from Salal Island? Who knows, Bousson? That may be, but allow me to say that your argument will be reasonable when the land comes in sight, if ever it does so. Our captain will see what ought to be done, and he will remember that time presses. We cannot delay in these waters, and, after all, the one thing of real importance to us is to get out of the polar circle before the winter makes it impassable. There was good sense in Hurley-Gurley's words. I could not deny the fact. During that day the greater part of the cargo was placed in the interior of a vast cave-like

Starting point is 06:47:15 fissure in the side of the iceberg, where, even in the case of a second collision, casks and barrels would be in safety. Our men then assisted Endicott to set up his cooking stove between two blocks, so that it was firmly fixed, and they heaped up a great mass of coals close to it. No murmurs, no recriminations, disturbed these labors. It was evident that silence was deliberately maintained. The crew obeyed the captain and West, because they gave no orders, but such as were of urgent necessity. But afterwards would these men allow the authority of their leaders to be uncontested? How long would the recruit, from the Falklands, who were already exasperated by the disasters of our enterprise, resist their

Starting point is 06:48:01 desire to seize upon the boat and escape? I did not think they would make the attempt, however, so long as our iceberg should continue to drift, for the boat could not outstrip its progress. But if it were to run a ground once more, to strike upon the coast of an island or a continent, what would not these unfortunate creatures do to escape the horrors of wintering under such conditions. In the afternoon, during the hour of rest, aloud to the crew, I had a second conversation with Dirk Peters. I had taken my customary seat at the top of the iceberg, and had occupied it for half an hour, being, as may be supposed, deep in thought, when I saw the half-breed coming quickly up the slope. We had exchanged hardly a dozen words since the iceberg had begun

Starting point is 06:48:48 to move again. When Dirk Peters came up to me, he did not address me at first, and was, so intent on his thoughts, that I was not quite sure he saw me. At length, he leaned back against an ice-block and spoke. Mr. Jorling, he said, you remember in your cabin in the howl brain? I told you the affair of the grampus. I remembered well. I told you that Parker's name was not Parker, that it was Holt, and that he was Ned Holt's brother. I know, Turk Peters, I replied, but why'd you refer to that sad story again? Why, Mr. Jorling? Have not? Have you not? Have you never said anything to anybody? Not to anybody, I protested. How could you suppose I should be so ill-advised, so imprudent, as to divulge your secret, a secret which ought never to pass our lips,

Starting point is 06:49:37 a dead secret? Dead, yes, dead, and yet, understand me, it seems to me that among the crew something is known. I instantly recalled to mind what the boatswain had told me, concerning a certain conversation in which he had overheard herne prompting marchion holt to ask the half-breed what were the circumstances of his brother's death on board the grampus had a portion of the secret got out or was this apprehension on the part of dirk peters purely imaginary explain yourself i said understand me mr shirling i'm a bad hand at explaining yes yesterday i have i have thought of nothing else since martin holt took me aside far from the others and told me that he wished to speak to me of the grampus of the grampus yes and of his brother ned holt for the first time he uttered that name before me and yet we have sailed together for nearly three months the half-breed's voice was so chaght's voice was so just to tell him before me-and yet we have sailed together for nearly three months the half-breed's voice was so changed that I could hardly hear him. It seemed to me, he resumed, that in Martens Holt's mind, no, I was not mistaken, there was something like a suspicion. But tell me what he said, tell me exactly what he asked you, what is it? I felt sure that the question put by Martin Holt, whatsoever

Starting point is 06:50:57 its bearing, had been inspired by Hearn. Nevertheless, as I considered it well, that the half-breed should know nothing of the sealing-masters, disquieting and inexplicable intervention in this tragic affair. I decided upon concealing it from him. He asked me, Turk Peters replied, did I not remember Ned Holt of the Grampus, and whether he had perished in the fight with the mutineers or in the shipwreck, whether he was one of the men who had been abandoned with Captain Bernard? In short, he asked me, if I could tell him how his brother died. Ah, how! No idea could be conveyed of the horror with which the half-breed, uttered words which revealed a profound loathing of himself.

Starting point is 06:51:43 And what answer did you make to Martin Holt? None. None. You should have said that Ned Holt perished in the wreck of the brig. I could not, understand me, I could not, that two brothers are so like each other. In Martin Holt I seemed to see Ned Holt. I was afraid. I got away from him. The half-breed drew himself up with a sudden movement, and I sat thinking, leaning in my head on my hands. These tardy questions of Holtz, respecting his brother, were put,

Starting point is 06:52:14 I had no doubt whatsoever, at the instigation of Hearn. But what was his motive? And was it at the Falklands that he discovered the secret of Dirk Peters? I had not breathed the word on the subject to anyone. To the second question no answer suggested itself. The first involved a serious issue. Did the sealing-master merely desire to gratify his enmity against Dirk Peters, the only one of the Falkland sailors who had always taken the side of Captain Lengai, and who had prevented the seizure of the boat by Hearn and his companions, did he hope, by arousing the wrath and vengeance of Martin Holt, to detach the sailing-master from his allegiance, and induce him to become an accomplice in Hearn's own designs? And, in fact, when it was a question of sailing the boat, in these seas, had he not imperative need of Merchant Holt, one of the best seamen of the Howbrain? A man who would succeed were Herne and his companions would fail, if they had only themselves to depend upon? I became lost in this labyrinth of hypotheses, and it must be admitted that its complications added largely to the troubles of an already complicated position.

Starting point is 06:53:27 When I raised my eyes, Dirk Peters had disappeared. He had said, what he came to say, and he now knew that I had not betrayed his confidence. The customary precautions were taken for the night, no individual being allowed to remain outside the camp, with the exception of the half-breed who was in charge of the boat. The following day was the 31st of January. I pushed back the canvas of the tent, which I shared with Captain Len Guy and West, respectively, as each succeeded the other on release from the alternate watch,

Starting point is 06:54:02 very early and experienced a severe disappointment mist everywhere nay more than mist a thick yellow mouldy-smelling fog and more than this again the temperature had fallen sensibly this was probably a forewarning of the austral winter the summit of her ice mountain was lost in vapour and a fog which would not resolve itself in terrain but would continue to muffle up the horizon "'Bad luck,' said the boatswain, "'for now if we were to pass by land, we should not perceive it. "'And our drift?' "'More considerable than yesterday, Mr. Shorling. "'The captain has sounded, "'and he makes a speed no less than between three and four miles.

Starting point is 06:54:45 "'And what do you conclude from this?' "'I conclude that we must be within a narrower sea, "'since the current is so strong. "'I should not be surprised "'if we had land on both sides of us within ten or fifteen miles. "'Then this, would be a wide strait that cuts the Antarctic continent? Yes, our captain is of that opinion. And holding that opinion, is he not going to make an attempt to reach one or other of the coast

Starting point is 06:55:11 of the strait? And how? With the boat? Risk the boat in the midst of this fog, exclaimed the boatswain, the boatswain, as he crossed his arms. What are you thinking of, Mr. Jorling? Can we cast anchor to wait for it? And all the chances would be that we should never see it gain. Ah, if we only had the halbrain. But there was no longer a halbrain. In spite of the difficulty of the ascent, through the half-condense vapor, I climbed to the top of the iceberg. But when I had gained that eminence, I strove in vain to pierce the impenetrable grey mantle in which the waters were wrapped. I remained there, hustled by the northeast wind, which was beginning to blow freshly, and might perhaps rend the fog asunder. But no, fresh vapors accumulated around our

Starting point is 06:56:02 floating refuge, driven up by the immense ventilation of the open sea. Under the double action of the atmospheric and Antarctic currents, we drifted more and more rapidly, and I perceived a sort of shudder passed throughout the vast bulk of the iceberg. Then it was that I felt myself under the dominion of a sort of hallucination. One of those hallucinations which must have troubled the mind of Arthur Pim. It seemed to me that I was losing myself in this extraordinary personality. At last I was beholding all that he had seen. Was not that impenetrable mist, the curtain of vapors,

Starting point is 06:56:42 which he had seen in his delirium? I peered into it, seeking for those luminous rays which had streaked the sky from east to west. I sought it in its depths for that limitless cataract, rolling in silence from the height of some immense rampart, lost in the vastness of the zenith. I sought for the awful white giant of the South Pole. At length, reason resumed her sway. This visionary madness, intoxicating while it lasted, passed off by degrees, and I descended the slope to our camp. The whole day passed without a change.

Starting point is 06:57:19 The fog never once lifted to give us a glimpse outside of its muffling folds, and if the iceberg, which had travelled 40 miles since the previous day, had passed by the extremity of the axis of the earth, we should never know it. End of Chapter 20, Part 3 Chapter 21 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librovocs.org.

Starting point is 06:57:57 An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 21, Amid the Mists So, this was the sum of all our efforts, trials, and disappointments. Not to speak of the destruction of the howl brain, the expedition had already cost nine lives. From 32 men who embarked on the schooner, our number was reduced to 23. How low was that figure yet to hold? fall. Between the South Pole and Antarctic Circle lay 20 degrees, and those would have to be cleared in a month or six weeks at the most. If not, the iceberg barrier would be reformed and closed up. As for wintering in that part of the Antarctic Circle, not a man of us could have survived it.

Starting point is 06:58:43 Besides, we had lost all hope of rescuing the survivors of the Jane, and the sole desire of the crew was to escape as quickly as possible from the awful solitudes of the south. Our drift, which had been south, down to the pole, was now north, and if that direction should continue, perhaps we might be favored with such good fortune as would make up for all the evil that had befallen us. In any case there was nothing for it, but, in familiar phrase, to let ourselves go. The mist did not lift during the end, third and fourth February, and it would have have been difficult to make out the rate of progress of our iceberg since it had passed the pole. Captain Lengai, however, and West considered themselves safe in reckoning it at 250 miles.

Starting point is 06:59:30 The current did not seem to have diminished in speed or changed its course. It was now beyond a doubt that we were moving between two halves of a continent, one on the east, the other on the west, which formed the vast Antarctic region. And I thought it was a matter of great regret that we were we could not get a ground on one or the other side of this vast strait, whose surface would presently be solidified by the coming of winter. When I expressed this sentiment to Captain Lengai, he made me the only logical answer. What would you have, Mr. Jorling? We are powerless. There is nothing to be done, and the persistent fog is the worst part of our ill luck. I no longer know where we are. It is impossible to take an observation, and this befalls us.

Starting point is 07:00:18 just as the sun is about to disappear for long months. Let me come back to the question of the boat, said I, for the last time could we not with the boat. Go on a discovery cruise? Can you think of such a thing? That would be an imprudence I would not commit, even though the crew would allow me. I was on the point of exclaiming, and what if your brother and your countrymen

Starting point is 07:00:42 have found refuge on some spot of the land that undoubtedly lies about us? but I restrained myself of what avail was it to reawaken our captain's grief. He too must have contemplated this eventuality, and he had not renounced his purpose of further search without being fully convinced of the folly of our last attempt. During those three days of fog I had not cut sight of Turk Peters, or rather he had made no attempt to approach,

Starting point is 07:01:11 but had remained inflexibly at his post by the boat. Martin Holt's question, respecting his brother Ned, seemed to indicate that his secret was known, at least in part. And the half-breed held himself more than ever aloof, sleeping while the others watched, and watching in their time of sleep. I even wondered whether he regretted having confided in me, and fancied that he had aroused my repugnance by his sad story. If so, he was mistaken. I deeply pitied the poor half-breed. Nothing could exceed the melancholy, monotony of the hours which we passed in the midst of a fog, so thick that the wind could not lift its curtain. The position of the iceberg could not be

Starting point is 07:01:56 ascertained. It went with the current at a like speed, and had it been motionless, there would have been no appreciable difference for us, for the wind had fallen, at least so we supposed, and not a breath was stirring. The flame of a torch held up in the air did not flicker. The silence of space was broken only by the clangor of seabirds, which came in muffled croaking tones through the stifling atmosphere of vapor. Petrels and albatross swept the top of the iceberg, where they kept a useless watch in their flight. In what direction were those swift-winged creatures, perhaps already driven towards the confines of the Arctic region, but the approach of winter, bound? We could not tell one day the boatswain, who was determined to solve this,

Starting point is 07:02:42 question if possible, having mounted to the extreme top, not without risk of breaking his neck, came into such violent contact with a chibranta hazos, a sort of gigantic petrel measuring twelve feet with spread wings, that he was flung on his back. "'Carse the bird,' he said, on his return to the camp, addressing the observation to me, "'I have had a narrow escape, a thump and down I went sprawling. I saved myself, I don't know how, for I was all but over the side. Those icebergs, you know, slipped through one's fingers like water. I called out to the bird.

Starting point is 07:03:20 Can't you even look before you, you fool? But what was the good of that? The big blunderer did not even beg my pardon. In the afternoon of the same day, our ears were assailed by a hideous braying from below. Herly gurly remarked that as there was no asses to treat us to the concert, it must have been given by penguins. Hitherto these countless dwellers in the polar regions

Starting point is 07:03:45 had not thought proper to accompany us on our moving island. We had not even seen one, either at the foot of the iceberg or on the drifting packs. There could be no doubt that they were there in thousands, for the music was unmistakably that of a multitude of performers. Now those birds, frequent by choice, the edges of the coasts of islands and continents in high latitudes, or the ice-fields in their neighbourhood, was not their presence an indication that land was near? I asked Captain Lengai what he thought of the presence of these birds. I think what you think, Mr. Jorling, he replied. Since we have been drifting, none of them have taken refuge on the iceberg, and here they are now in crowds. If we may judge by their deafening cries,

Starting point is 07:04:34 from whence do they come, no doubt from land, which is probably near. is this west's opinion yes mr jorling and you know he is not given to vain imaginations certainly not and then another thing has struck both him and me which has apparently escaped your attention it is that the braying of the penguins is mingled with a sound like the lowing of cattle listen and you will readily distinguish it i listened and sure enough the orchestra was more full than i had supposed I hear the lowing plainly, I said. There are, then, seals and walruses also in the sea at the base. That is certain, Mr. Jorling, and I conclude from the fact that those animals, both birds and mammals, very rare since we left Sala L Island, frequent the waters into which the currents have carried us. Of course, Captain, of course. Oh, what a misfortune it is that we should be surrounded by this impenetrable fog. Which prevents us from getting down to the base of the iceberg. There, no doubt, we should discover whether there are seaweed drifts around us.

Starting point is 07:05:44 If that be so, it would be another sign. Why not try, Captain? No, no, Mr. Jorling. That might lead to falls, and I will not permit anybody to leave the camp. If land be there, I imagine our iceberg will strike it before long. And if it does not? If it does not, how are we to make it? I thought to myself that the boat might very well be used

Starting point is 07:06:08 in the latter case, but Captain Lengai preferred to wait, and perhaps this was the wiser course under our circumstances. At eight o'clock that evening, the half-condensed mist was so compact that it was difficult to walk through. The composition of the air seemed to be changed, as though it were passing into a solid state. It was not possible to discern whether the fog had any effect upon the compass. I knew the matter had been studied by meteorologists, and that they believe they may safely affirm that the needle is not affected by this condition of the atmosphere. I will add here that since we had left the South Pole behind, no confidence could be placed in the indications of the compass. It had gone wild at the approach to the magnetic pole, to which we were no doubt on the

Starting point is 07:06:57 way. Nothing could be known, therefore, concerning the course of the iceberg. The sun did not quite set below the horizon at this period, yet the waters were wrapped intolerably deep darkness at nine o'clock in the evening when the muster of the crew took place. On this occasion, each man, as usual, answered to his name except Dirk Peters. The call was repeated in the loudest of Hurley-Gurly's stentorian tones. No reply. Has nobody seen Dirk Peters during the day?

Starting point is 07:07:30 inquired the captain. Nobody, answered the bow son. can anything have happened to him don't be afraid cried the beau son dirk peters is in his element and as much at his ease in the fog as a polar bear he has got out of one bad scrape he will get out of a second i let herly-gurly have his say knowing well why the half-breed kept out of the way that night none of us i am sure could sleep we were smothered in the tents for lack of oxygen and we were all more or less under the influence of a strange sort of presentiment as though our fate were about to change, for better or worse, if indeed it could be worse. The night wore on without any alarm, and at six o'clock in the morning, each of us came out to breathe a more wholesome air. The state of things was unchanged. The density of the fog was extraordinary. It was, however, found that the barometer had risen. Too quickly it is true, for the rise to be serious. Presently, other signs of change became evident.

Starting point is 07:08:35 the wind which was growing colder, a south wind, since we had passed beyond the south pole, began to blow a full gale, and the noises from below were heard more distinctly through the space swept by the atmospheric currents. At nine o'clock, the iceberg doffed its cap of vapor quite suddenly, producing an indescribable transformation scene which no fairies want could have accomplished in less time or with greater success. In a few moments, the sky was clear to the extreme verge of the horizon, and the sea reappeared, illumined by the oblique rays of the sun, which now rose only a few degrees above it. A rolling swell of the waves bathed the base of our iceberg and white foam,

Starting point is 07:09:22 as it drifted, together with a great multitude of floating mountains, under the double action of wind and current, on a course inclining to the nor-east. Land! This cry came from the south. summit of the moving mountain, and Dirk Peters was revealed to our sight. Standing on the outermost block, his hands stretched towards the north. The half-breed was not mistaken. The land this time, yes, it was land.

Starting point is 07:09:50 Its distant heights of a blackish hue rose within three or four miles of us. 86 degrees, 12 minutes south latitude, 114 degrees, 17 minutes east longitude. The iceberg was nearly four degrees beyond the Antarctic Pole, and from the western longitudes that our schooner had followed, tracing the course of the Jane, we had passed into the eastern longitudes. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording.

Starting point is 07:10:33 All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please. visit libervox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 22, in camp. A little afternoon, the iceberg was within a mile of the land. After dinner, the crew climbed up to the topmost block, on which Dirk Peters was stationed. On our approach, the half-breed descended the opposite slope, and when I reached the top he was no longer to be seen. The land on the north evidently formed a continent or island of considerable extent. On the west there was a sharply projecting cape, surmounted by a sloping height which resembled an enormous sealshead on the side view.

Starting point is 07:11:20 Then beyond that was a wide stretch of sea. On the east the land was prolonged out of sight. Each one of us took in the position. It depended on the current whether it would carry the iceberg into an eddy which might drive it on the coast, or continue to drift it towards the north. which was the more admissible hypotheses. Captain Lengai, West, Hurley, and I talked over the matter while the crew disgusted amongst themselves. Finally it was agreed that the current tended rather to carry the iceberg towards the northern point of land. After all, said Captain Lengai, if it is habitable during the months of the summer season, it does not look like being inhabited, since we cannot descry a human being on the shore.

Starting point is 07:12:08 "'Let us bear in mind, Captain,' said I, "'that the iceberg is not calculated to attract attention, "'as the halbrain would have done. "'Evidently, Mr. Jorling, and the natives, if there were any, "'would have been collected on the beach to see the halbrain already. "'We must not conclude, Captain, because we do not see any natives. "'Sertainly not, Mr. Jorling, "'but you will agree with me that the aspect of this land

Starting point is 07:12:32 "'is very unlike that of Salell Island, "'when the Jane reached it. "'There is nothing here but desolate. I acknowledge that. Barreness and desolation, that is all. Nevertheless, I want to ask you whether it is your intention to go ashore, Captain. With the boat? With the boat! Should the current carry our iceberg away from the land? We have not an hour to lose, Mr. Jorling, and the delay of a few hours might condemn us to a cruel winter stay if we arrive too late at the iceberg barrier. And, considering the distance we are not too soon, observed West. I grant it, I replied, still persisting,

Starting point is 07:13:12 but to leave this land behind us without ever having set foot on it, without having made sure that it does not preserve the traces of an encampment if your brother, Captain, his companions, Captain Lengai shook his head. How could the castaways have supported life in this desolate region for several months? Besides, the British flag was hoisted on the summit of the iceberg, and William Guy would have recognized it and come down to the shore had he been living. No one, no one. At this moment, West, who had been observing certain points of approach, said, "'Let us wait a little before we come to a decision.

Starting point is 07:13:50 In less than an hour we shall be able to decide. Our speed is slackening, it seems to me, and it is possible that an eddy may bring us obliquely to the coast.' "'That is my opinion, too,' said the boatswain. and if her floating machine is not stationary, it is nearly so. It seems to be turning around. West and Hurley were not mistaken. For some reason or other, the iceberg was getting out of the course which it had followed continuously.

Starting point is 07:14:18 A gyratory movement had succeeded to that of drifting, owing to the action of an eddy which set towards the coast. Besides, several ice mountains in front of us had just run aground on the edge of the shore. It was then, useless to discuss whether we should take to the boat or not. According as we approached, the desolation of the land became more and more apparent, and the prospect of enduring six months, wintering there, would have appalled the stoutest hearts. At five in the afternoon, the iceberg plunged into a deep rift in the coast, ending in a long point on the right, and there stuck fast.

Starting point is 07:14:58 "'On shore, on shore!' burst from every man. like a single exclamation, and the men were already hurrying down the slope of the iceberg, when West commanded, wait for orders. Some hesitation was shown, especially on the part of Hearn, and several of his comrades. Then the instinct of discipline prevailed, and finally the whole crew ranged themselves around Captain Len Guy. It was not necessary to lower the boat, the iceberg being in contact with the point. The captain, the boatswain and myself, preceding the others, were the first to quit the camp ours were the first human feet to tread this virgin and volcanic soil we walked twenty minutes on rough land strewn with rocks of igneous origin

Starting point is 07:15:45 solidified lava dusty slag and gray ashes but without enough clay to grow even the hardiest plants with some risk and difficulty captain lengai the boatswain and i succeeded in climbing the hill this exploit occupied a whole hour although evening had come now it brought no darkness in its train from the top of the hill we could see over an extent of from thirty to forty miles and this was what we saw behind us lay the open sea laden with floating masses a great number of these had recently heaped themselves up against the beach and rendered it almost inaccessible on the west was a strip of hilly land which extended beyond our sea our sight, and was washed on the east side by a boundless sea. It was evident that we had been carried by the drift through a strait. Ah, if only we had our hell-brain, but our sole possession was a frail craft, barely capable of containing a dozen men, and we were twenty-three. There was nothing for it but to go down to the shore again, to carry the tents to the beach, and take measures in view of a winter sojourn under the terrible conditions.

Starting point is 07:16:58 imposed upon us by circumstances. On our return to the coast, the bosun discovered several caverns in the gigantic cliffs, sufficiently spacious to house us all, and afford storage for the cargo of the halbrain. Whatever might be our ultimate decision, we could not do better than place our material and install ourselves in this opportune shelter.

Starting point is 07:17:22 After we had reascended the slopes of the iceberg and reached our camp, Captain Lengai had the, men mustered. The only missing man was Turk Peters, who had decidedly isolated himself from the crew. There was nothing to fear from him, however. He would be the faithful against the mutinous, and under all circumstances we might count upon him. When the circle had been formed, Captain Len Guy spoke, without allowing any sign of discouragement to appear, and explained the position with the utmost frankness and lucidity, stating in the first place that it was absolutely necessary to lower the cargo to the coast and stole it away in one of the caverns.

Starting point is 07:18:04 Concerning the vital question of food, he stated that the supply of flour, preserved meat, and dried vegetables would suffice for the winter, however prolonged. And on that of fuel he was satisfied that we should not want for coal, provided it was not wasted, and it would be possible to economize it, as the hibernating waste. might brave the cold of the polar zone under a covering of snow and a roof of ice. Was the captain's tone of security feigned? I did not think so, especially as West approved of what he said. A third question, raised by her and remained, and was well calculated to arouse jealousy and anger amongst the crew. It was the question of the use to be made of the only craft remaining to us.

Starting point is 07:18:49 ought the boat to be kept for the needs of our hibernation or used to enable us to return to the iceberg barrier. Captain Lengai would not pronounce upon this. He desired to postpone the decision for 24 or 48 hours. The boat, carrying the provisions necessary for such a voyage, could not accommodate more than 11 or at the outside 12 men. If the departure of the boat were agreed to, then its passengers must be selected by lot. the captain proceeded to state that neither west the boatswain i nor he would claim any privilege but would submit to the fortune of the lot with all the others both martinhold and hardy were perfectly capable of taking the boat to the fishing grounds where the whalers would still be found then those to whom the lot should fall were not to forget their comrades left to winter on the eighty-six parallel and were to send a ship to take them off at the return of summer

Starting point is 07:19:49 all this was said in a tone as calm as it was firm i must do captain lengai the justice to say that he rose to the occasion when he had concluded without any interruption even from herne no one made a remark there was indeed none to be made since in the given case lots were to be drawn under conditions of perfect equality the hour of rest having arrived each man entered the camp partook of the supper prepared by andacot and went to sleep for the last time under the tents dirk peters had not reappeared and i sought for him in vain on the following day the seventh of february everybody set to work early with a will the boat was let down with all due precaution to the base of the iceberg and drawn up by the men on a little sandy beach out of reach of the boat was let down with all due precaution to the base of the iceberg and drawn up by the men on a little sandy beach out of reach of reach of the wind the water. It was in perfectly good condition and thoroughly serviceable. The bosun then set to work on the former contents of the howl brain. Furniture, bedding, sails, clothing, instruments, and utensils stowed away in a cabin, these things would no longer be exposed to the knocking about and damage of the iceberg. The cases containing preserved food and the casks of spirits were rapidly

Starting point is 07:21:10 carried ashore. I worked with the Captain and West at this onerous task, and Dirk Peters also turned up, and lent the valuable assistance of his great strength, but he did not utter a word to anyone. Our occupation, continual on the 8th and 9th and 10th February, and our task was finished in the afternoon of the 10th. The cargo was safely stowed in the interior of a large grotto, with access to it by a narrow opening. We were to inhabit the adjoining grotto, and Endicott set up his kitchen in the ladder on the advice of the bosun. Thus we should profit by the heat of the stove, which was to cook our food and warm the cavern during the long days, or rather the long nights of the Austro winter. During the process of housing and storing, I observed nothing to arouse

Starting point is 07:22:03 suspicion in the bearing of Herne and the Falklands men. Nevertheless, the half-breed was kept on guard at the boat, which might easily have been seized upon the beach. Hurley-Gurley, who observed his comrades closely, appeared less anxious. On that same evening, Captain Lengai, having reassembled his people, stated that the question should be discussed on the morrow, adding that, if it were decided in the affirmative, lots should be drawn immediately. No reply was made. It was late and half dark outside, for at this date, The sun was on the edge of the horizon, and would very soon disappear below it.

Starting point is 07:22:44 I had been asleep for some hours, when I was awakened by a great shouting, at a short distance. I sprang up instantly and darted out of the cavern, simultaneously with the Captain End West, who had been suddenly aroused from sleep. "'The boat! The boat!' cried West. The boat was no longer in its place, that place so jealously guarded by Dirk Peters. After they had pushed the boat into the sea, three men had got into it with bales and casks, while ten others strove to control the half-breed. Hearn was there and Martin Holt also.

Starting point is 07:23:19 The latter, it seemed to me, was not interfering. Those wretches then, intended to depart before the lots were drawn. They meant to forsake us. They had succeeded in surprising Turk Peters, and they would have killed him, had he not fought hard for his life. In the face of this mutiny, knowing our inferiority of numbers and not knowing whether he might count on all the old crew, Captain Lengai re-entered the cavern with West in order to procure arms.

Starting point is 07:23:48 Hearn and his accomplices were armed. I was about to follow them when the following words arrested my steps. The half-breed, overpowered by numbers, had been knocked down, and at this moment Martin Holt, in gratitude to the man who saved his life, was rushing to his aid, but Hearn called out to him. "'Leave the fellow alone and come with us.' Martin Holt hesitated. "'Yes, leave him alone, I say. Leave Dirk Peters,

Starting point is 07:24:16 the assassin of your brother alone.' "'The assassin of my brother?' "'Your brother killed on board the grampus.' "'Killed?' by Dirk Peters?' "'Yes. Killed and eaten, eaten,' replied Hearn, who pronounced the hateful words with a kind of howl. and then at a sign from herne two of his comrades seized martin holt and dragged him into the boat herne was instantly followed by all those whom he had induced to join in his criminal deed at that moment dirk peter rose from the ground and sprang upon one of the falkland men as he was in the act of stepping on the platform of the boat lifted him up bodily hurled him round his head and dashed his brains out against a rock

Starting point is 07:25:03 in an instant the half-breed fell shot in the shoulder by a bullet from herne's pistol and the boat was pushed off then captain len guy in west came out of the cavern the whole scene had passed in less than a minute and ran down to the point which they reached together with the boatswain hardy frances and stern the boat which was drawn by the current was already some distance off and the tide was falling rapidly west shouldered his gun and fired a sailor dropped into the bottom of the boat a second shot fired by len guy grazed herne's breast and the ball was lost amongst the ice blocks at the moment when the boat disappeared behind the iceberg the only thing for us to do was to cross to the other side of the point the current would carry the wretches thither no doubt before it bore them northward if they passed within range and if a second shot should hit Hearn, either killing or wounding him, his companions might perhaps decide on coming back to us. A quarter of an hour elapsed. When the boat appeared at the other side of the point, it was so far off that our bullets could not reach it. Hearn had already had the sail set, and the boat, impelled by wind and current jointly, was soon no more than a white speck on the face of the waters, and speedily

Starting point is 07:26:28 disappeared. End of Chapter 22. chapter twenty three of an antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the icefields this is the libervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox dot org an antarctic mystery by jules verne chapter twenty three found at last the question of our wintering on the land whereon we had been thrown was settled for us but after all the same the question of our wintering on the land whereon we had been thrown was settled for us but after all the The situation was not changed for those among the nine, now only remaining of the twenty-three, who should not have drawn the lot of departure, who could speculate upon the chances of the whole nine? Might not all of them have drawn the lot of stay? And, when every chance was fully weighed, was that of those who had left us the best? To this question there could be no answer. When the boat had disappeared, Captain Lengai and his companions retraced their steps

Starting point is 07:27:37 towards the cavern in which we must live, for all the time during which we could not go out, in the dread darkness of the Antarctic winter. My first thought was of Dirk Peters, who, being wounded, could not follow us when we hurried to the other side of the point. On reaching the cavern, I failed to find the half-breed. Was he severely wounded? Should we have to mourn the death of this man, who was as faithful to us as to his poor Pim? Let us search for him, Mr. Jorling, cried the the bowson. We will go together, said the captain. Dirk Peters would never have forsaken us, and we will not forsake him. Would he come back, said I, now that what he thought was known to him and me only has come out? I informed my companions of the reason why the name of Ned Holt had been

Starting point is 07:28:27 changed to that of Parker in Arthur Pim's narrative, and of the circumstances under which the half-breed had apprised me of the fact. At the same time, I earthen, I urged, every consideration that might exculpate him, dwelling in particular upon the point that if the lot had fallen to Dirk Peters, he would have been the victim of the other's hunger. Dirk Peters confided this secret to you only, inquired Captain Langei. To me only, Captain, and you have kept it? Absolutely. Then I cannot understand how it came to the knowledge of Hearn. At first, I replied, I thought Hearn might have talked in his sleep. and that it was by chance Martin Holt learned the secret. After reflection, however,

Starting point is 07:29:12 I recalled to mind that when the half-breed related the scene on the Grampus to me, he was in my cabin, and the side sash was raised. I have reason to think that the man at the wheel overheard our conversation. Now that man was her, who, in order to hear it more clearly, let go the wheel so that the halbrain lurched. I remember, said West, I questioned the fellow sharply, and sent him to him, him down into the hold. Well then, Captain, I resumed, it was from that day that Hearn made up to Martin Holt. Hurley-gurly called my attention to the fact. Of course he did, said the Boes-son, for Hearn, not being capable of managing the boat which he intended to seize, required a master

Starting point is 07:29:56 hand like Holt. And so, I said, he kept on urging Holt to question the half-breed concerning his brothers faked, and you know how Holt came at last to learn the fearful truth? Marchand Holt seemed to be stupefied by the revelation. The others dragged him away, and now he is with them. We were all agreed that things had happened as I supposed, and now the question was, did Dirk Peters, in his present state of mind, mean to absent himself? Would he consent to resume his place among us? We all left the cavern, and after an hour's search we came in sight of Turk Peters, whose first impulse was to escape from us. At length, however, her Ligurley and Francis came up with him. He stood still and made no resistance. I advanced and spoke

Starting point is 07:30:45 to him. The others did the same. Captain Lund Guy offered him his hand, which he took after a moment's hesitation. Then, without uttering a single word, he returned towards the beach. From that day, no allusion was ever made to the tragic story of the Grampus. Dirk Peter's wound proved to be slight. He merely wrapped a piece of sailcloth, round the injured arm, and went off to his work with entire unconcern. We made all the preparations in our power for a prolonged hibernation. Winter was threatening us.

Starting point is 07:31:21 For some days past, the sun hardly showed at all through the mists. The temperature fell to 36 degrees and would rise no more. while the solar rays, casting shadows of endless length upon the soil, gave hardly any heat. The captain made us put on warm woolen clothes without waiting for the cold to become more severe. Icebergs, packs, streams, and drifts came in greater numbers from the south. Some of these struck and stayed upon the coast, which was already heaped up with ice, but the greater number disappeared in the direction of the northeast. "'All these pieces,' said the Bo-San,

Starting point is 07:32:00 "'will go to the closing up of the iceberg wall. "'If Hearn and his lot of scoundrels are not ahead of them, "'I imagine they will find the door shut, "'and as they have no key to open it with. "'I suppose you think, Bo-son, "'that our case is less desperate than theirs? "'I do think so, Mr. Jorling, "'and I have always thought so.

Starting point is 07:32:20 "'If everything had been done as it was settled, "'and the lot had fallen to me to go with the boat, "'I would have given up my chair, turn to one of the others. After all, there is something in feeling dry ground under our feet. I don't wish the death of anybody, but if Hearn and his friends do not succeed in clearing the iceberg barrier, if they are doomed to pass the winter on the ice, reduced for food, to a supply that will only last a few weeks. You know the fate that awaits them. Yes, a fate worse than ours. And besides, said the Bosan, even supposing they do reach the anti-examination.

Starting point is 07:32:57 dark circle. If the whalers have already left the fishing grounds, it is not a laden and overladen craft that will keep the sea until the Australian coasts are in sight. This was my opinion, and also that of the captain at West. During the following four days, we completed the storage of the whole of our belongings, and made some excursions into the interior of the country, finding all barren, and not a trace that any landing had ever been made there. one day captain lengai proposed that we should give a geographical name to the region whither the iceberg had carried us it was named halbrain land in memory of our schooner and we called the strait that separated the two parts of the polar continent the jane sound then we took to shooting the penguins which swarmed upon the rocks and to capturing some of the amphibious animals which frequented the beach we began to feel the want of fresh meat meat and Endicott's cooking rendered seal and walrus flesh quite palatable.

Starting point is 07:34:03 Besides, the fat of these creatures would serve at need to warm the cavern and feed the cooking stove. Our most formidable enemy would be the cold, and we must fight it by every means within our power. It remained to be seen whether the amphibia would not forsake Halbrain land at the approach of winter, and seek a less rigorous climate in lower latitudes. Fortunately, there were hundreds of other animals to secure our little company from hunger and even from thirst at need. The beach was the home of numbers of Galapagos, a kind of turtle, so-called, from an archipelago in the equinoctial sea. There also they abound, and mentioned by Arthur Pim as supplying food to the islanders. It will be remembered that Pim and Peters,

Starting point is 07:34:52 found three of these galapagos in the native boat which carried them away from salel island the movement of these huge creatures is slow heavy and waddling they have thin necks two feet long triangular snake-like heads and can go without food for very long periods arthur pym had compared the antarctic turtles to dromedaries because like those ruminants they have a pouch just where the neck begins which contains from two to three gallons of cold fresh water he relates before the scene of the lot drawing that but for one of these turtles the shipwreck crew of the grampas must have died of hunger and thirst if pym is to believe some of the great turtles weigh from twelve to fifteen hundred pounds Those of Halbrainland did not go beyond seven or eight hundred pounds, but their flesh was nonetheless savoury. On the 19th of February an incident occurred, an incident which those who acknowledged the intervention of Providence in human affairs will recognize as providential. It was eight o'clock in the morning. The weather was calm. The sky was tolerably clear. The thermometer stood at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Starting point is 07:36:11 in the cavern, with the exception of the boatswain, waiting for our breakfast which Endicott was preparing, and were about to take our places at table when we heard a call from outside. The voice was hurly-gurlies, and we hurried out, on seeing us he cried, "'Come, come, come quickly!' He was standing on a rock at the foot of the hillock above the beach, in which Halbrain land ended beyond the point, and his right hand was stretched out towards the sea. What is it? asked Captain Lengai. A boat. Is the Halbrain's boat coming back?

Starting point is 07:36:47 No, Captain, it is not. Then we perceived a boat, not to be mistaken for that of our schooner, in form or dimensions, drifting without oars or paddle, seemingly abandoned to the current. We had but one idea in common to seize at any cost upon this derelict craft,

Starting point is 07:37:08 which would perhaps prove our salvation. but how were we to reach it how were we to get it to the point of halbrain land while we were looking distractedly at the boat and at each other there came a sudden splash at the end of the hillock as though a body had fallen into the sea it was dirk peters who having flung off his clothes had sprung from the top of a rock and was swimming rapidly towards the boat before we made him out we cheered him heartily i never beheld anything like that swimming He bounded through the waves like a porpoise, and indeed he possessed the strength and swiftness of one. What might not be expected of such a man! In a few minutes the half-breed had swum several cables lengths towards the boat in an oblique direction. We could only see his head like a black speck on the surface of the rolling waves. A period of suspense, of intense watching of the brave swimmer succeeded.

Starting point is 07:38:09 Surely, surely he would reach the boat. but must he not be carried away with it? Was it to be believed that even his great strength would enable him, swimming to tow it to the beach? After all, why should there not be oars in the boat? Said the bow-son. He has it! He has it! Hurrah!

Starting point is 07:38:29 Dirk! Hurrah! shouted Hurley, and Endicott echoed his exultant cheer. The half-breed had, in fact, reached the boat and raised himself alongside half a half-a-half. out of the water. His big, strong hand, grasped the side, and at the risk of causing the boat to capsize, he hoisted himself up to the side, stepped over it, and sat down to draw his breath. Almost instantly a shout reached our ears. It was uttered by Dirk Peters. What had he found? Paddles, it must be so, for we saw him seat himself in the front of the boat, and paddle with all his

Starting point is 07:39:08 strength in striving to get out of the current. Come along, said the captain, and, turning the base of the hillock, we all ran along the edge of the beach between the blackish stones that bestrew it. After some time, West stopped us. The boat had reached the shelter of a small projection at that place, and it was evident that it would be run ashore there. When it was within five or six cables length, the eddy was helping it on. Dirk Peters let go the paddles, stooped forwards the after part of the boat, and then raised himself, holding up an inert body. An agonized cry from Captain Lengai rent the air.

Starting point is 07:39:50 My brother, my brother! He is living! He is living! shouted Dirk Peters. A moment later, the boat had touched the beach, and Captain Lengai held his brother in his arms. Three of William Guy's companions, lay apparently lifeless at the bottom of the boat. And these four men were all that remained of the crew of the Jane. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields.

Starting point is 07:40:29 This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne. Chapter 24. Eleven years in a few pages. The heading of the following chapter indicates that the adventures of William Guy and his companions, after destruction of the English schooner and the details of their history subsequent to the departure of Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters, are about to be narrated, with all possible brevity. We carried our treasure-trove to the cavern, and had happiness of

Starting point is 07:41:09 restoring all four men to life. In reality it was a little. hunger, nothing but hunger, which had reduced the poor fellows to the semblance of death. On the 8th of February, 1828, the crew of the Jane, having no reason to doubt the good faith of the population of Selle Island, or that of their chief, Chouwit, disembarked in order to visit the village of Kloc-Klock, having previously put the schooner into a state of defense, leaving six men on board. The crew, counting William Guy, the captain, Arthur Pim and Dirk Peters formed a body of 32 men armed with guns, pistols, and knives. The dog tiger accompanied them. On reaching the narrow gorge, leading to the village, preceded and followed by the numerous warriors

Starting point is 07:41:56 of two wit, the little company divided, Arthur Pim, Dirk Peters, and Alan the sailor, entering a cleft in the hillside, with the intention of crossing it to the other side. From that moment their companions were never to see them more. After a short interval, a shock was felt. The opposite hill fell down in a vast heap, burying William Guy and his 28 companions. Twenty-two of these unfortunate men were crushed to death on the instant, and their bodies would never be found under that mass of earth. Seven, miraculously sheltered in the depth of a great cleft of the hill, had survived the catastrophe. These were William Guy, patterned, and Roberts, Coyne, Trinkle, also Forbes and Sexton, since dead. As for Tiger, they knew not whether

Starting point is 07:42:46 he had perished in the landslip or whether he had escaped. There existed in the right side of the hill, as well as in the left, on either side of the fissure, certain winding passages, and it was by crawling along these in the darkness that William Guy, Patterson, and the others, reached a cavity which led in light and air in abundance. From this shelter they beheld, they beheld. the attack on the Jane by 60 paroogues, the defense made by the six men on board, the invasion of the ship by the savages, and finally the explosion which caused the death of a vast number of natives, as well as the complete destruction of the ship. To wit and the Salel Islanders were at first terrified by the effects of this explosion, but probably still more disappointed.

Starting point is 07:43:33 Their instincts of pillage could not be gratified, because some valueless wreckage was all that remained of the ship and her cargo, and they had no reason to suppose that any of the crew had survived the cleverly contrived collapse of the hill. Hence it came about that Arthur Pim and Jerk Peters on the one side, and William Guy and his companions on the other, were enabled to remain undisturbed in the labyrinth of clock-clock, where they fed on the flesh of bitterns, these they could catch with their hands, and the fruit of the nut trees which grew on the hillsides. They procured fire by rubbing pieces of soft against pieces of hard wood, there was a quantity of both within their reach. After a whole week of this confinement, Arthur Pim and the Halfbreed had succeeded, as we know,

Starting point is 07:44:19 in leaving their hiding-place, securing a boat, and abandoning Sulla Island. But William Guy and his companions had not yet found an opportunity to escape. After they had been shut up in the labyrinth, for twenty-one days, the birds on which they lived began to fail them, and they recognized that their only means of escaping hunger, they had not to fear thirst, for there was a spring of fresh water in the interior of the hill, was to go down again to the coast, lay hands upon a native boat, and get out to sea. Where were the fugitives to go, and what was to become of them without provisions? These were the questions that had to be asked, and which nobody could answer. Nevertheless, they would not have hesitated to attempt the adventure if they could have a few

Starting point is 07:45:05 hours of darkness, but at that time of the year, the sun did not as yet go down behind the horizon of the 84th parallel. Death would probably have put an end to their misery had not the situation been changed by the following events. On the 22nd of February in the morning, William Guy and Patterson were talking together in terrible perplexity of mind at the orifice of the cavity that opened upon the country. They no longer knew how to provide for the wants of seven persons. They no longer knew how to provide for the wants of seven persons, who were then reduced to eating nuts only, and were suffering in consequence

Starting point is 07:45:40 from severe pain in the head and stomach. They could see big turtles crawling on the beach, but how could they venture to go thither, with hundreds of natives coming and going about their several occupations, with their constant cry of Tekalili. Suddenly this crowd of people became violently agitated. Men, women, and children ran wildly about on every side. Some of the savages even took to their boats as though a great danger were at hand.

Starting point is 07:46:09 What was happening? William Guy and his companions were very soon informed. The cause of the tumult was the appearance of an unknown animal, a terrible quadruped, which dashed into the midst of the islanders, snapping at and biting them indiscriminately, as it sprang at their throats with a horse growling. And yet the infuriated animal was alone, and might easily have been killed by stones or arrows. Why then did a crowd of savages manifest such abject terror? Why did they take to flight? Why did they appear incapable of defending themselves against this one beast? The animal was white, and the sight of it had produced the phenomenon previously observed, that inexplicable terror of whiteness common to all the natives of Salal.

Starting point is 07:47:00 To their extreme surprise, William Guy and his companions recognized the strange animal as the dog Tiger. Yes, Tiger had escaped from the crumbling mass of the hill and be taken himself to the interior of the island, whence he had returned to Clock Clock, to spread terror among the natives. But Tiger was no mere phantom foe, for he was the most dangerous and deadly of enemies, for the poor animal was mad and his fangs were fatal. This was the reason why the greater part of Salel Islanders took to flight, headed by their chief Tuwit and the Wampos, who were the leading personages of Cluck-Cluck.

Starting point is 07:47:39 It was under these extraordinary circumstances that they abandoned their island, whither they were destined never to return. Although the boats carried off the bulk of the population, a considerable number still remained on Salel, having no means of escape, and their fate accomplished itself quickly. Several natives who were bitten by Tiger developed hydrophobia rapidly and attacked the others. Fearful scenes ensued, and are briefly to be summed up in one dismal statement.

Starting point is 07:48:10 The bones we had seen in or near clock-clock were those of the poor savages which had lain there bleaching for eleven years. The poor dog had died after he had done his fell work, in a corner of a corner of the poor savage, which had lain. on the beach, where Dirk Peters found his skeleton and the collar bearing the name of Arthur Pim. Then, after those natives, who could not escape from the island, had all perished in the manner described, William Guy, Patterson, Trinkle, Coven, Forbes, and Sexton, ventured to come out of the labyrinth, where they were on the verge of death by starvation. What sort of existence was that of the seven survivors of the expedition during the 11th ensuing years? On the whole it was more injurable than might have been supposed.

Starting point is 07:48:57 The natural products of an extremely fertile soil, and the presence of a certain number of domestic animals, secured them against want of food. They had only to make out the best shelter for themselves they could contrive and wait for an opportunity of getting away from the island with as much patience as might be granted to them. And from whence could such an opportunity come, only from one of the chances within the resources of Providence.

Starting point is 07:49:24 Captain William Guy, Patterson and their five companions, descended on the ravine, which was half filled with the fallen masses of the hill face, amid heaps of scoria and blocks of black granite. Before they left this gorge it occurred to William Guy to explore the fisher on the right into which Arthur Pim, Dirk Peters, and Alan had turned, but he found it blocked up. It was impossible for him to get into the pass. Thus he remained in ignorance of the existence of the natural or artificial labyrinth,

Starting point is 07:49:56 which corresponded with the one he had just left, and probably communicated with it under the dry bed of the torrent. The little company, having passed the chaotic barrier that intercepted the northern route, proceeded rapidly towards the northwest. There, on the coast, at about three miles from Clock-Cluck, they established themselves in a grotto, very like that in our own occupation on the coast of halbrain land and it was in this place that during long hopeless years the seven survivors of the jane lived as we were about to do ourselves but under better conditions for the fertility of the soil of salell furnished them with resources unknown in halbrain land in reality we were condemned to perish when our provisions should be exhausted but they could have waited indefinitely

Starting point is 07:50:47 And they did wait. They had never entertained any doubt that Arthur Pim, Dirk Peters, and Alan had perished, and this was only too true in Allen's case. How indeed could they have ever imagined that Pim and the Half-Bread had got hold of a boat and made their escape from Salal Island? So then, as William Guy told us, not an incident occurred to break the monotony of that existence of eleven years, not even the reappearance of the islanders, who were kept away from Salel by superstitious terror.

Starting point is 07:51:21 No danger had threatened them during all that time, but of course, as it became more and more prolonged, they lost the hope of ever being rescued. At first, with the return of the fine season, when the sea was once more open, they had thought it possible that a ship would be sent in search of the Jane, but after four or five years they relinquished all hope. There is no need for dwelling on this period, which extends from the year 1828 to the year 1839.

Starting point is 07:51:52 The winters were hard. The summer did indeed extend its beneficent influence to the islands of the Salal Group, but the cold season, with its attendant snows, rains, and tempests, spared them none of its severity. During seven months, Captain William Guy, had not lost one of those who had come with him, safe and sound out of the trap set for them at clock-clock, and this was due, no doubt, to their robust constitutions, remarkable power of endurance, and great strength of character. Alas, misfortune was making ready to fall on them.

Starting point is 07:52:29 The month of May had come. It corresponds in those regions to the month of November in northern lands, and the ice-packs which the current carried towards the north were beginning to drift past Salal. One day one of the seven men failed to return to the cavern. They called. They waited. They searched for him.

Starting point is 07:52:49 All was in vain. He did not reappear. No doubt he had been drowned. He was never more seen by his fellow exiles. This man was Patterson, the faithful companion of William Guy. Now, what William Guy did not know, but we told him, was that Patterson, under what circumstances none would ever learn, had been carried away on the surface.

Starting point is 07:53:11 of an ice-block, where he died of hunger. And on that ice-block, which had traveled so far as Prince Edward Island, the bosun had discovered the corpse of the unfortunate man, almost decomposed by the action of the warmer waters. When Captain Len Guy told his brother of the finding of the body of Patterson, and how it was, owing to the notes in his pocket-book, that the halbrain had been enabled to proceed towards the Antarctic seas, William Guy, hid his face in his hands and wept. Other misfortunes followed upon this one. Five months after the disappearance of Patterson, in the middle of October, Selell Island was laid waste from coast to coast by an earthquake, which destroyed the southwestern group almost entirely. William Guy and his companions must soon

Starting point is 07:54:01 have perished on the barren land, which no longer could give them food, had not the means of leaving its coast, now merely an expanse of tumbled rocks, being afforded them in an almost miraculous manner. Two days after the earthquake, the current carried ashore within a few hundred yards of their cavern, a boat which had drifted from the island's group on the southwest. Without delay of even one day, the boat was laden with as much of the remaining provisions as it could contain, and the six men embarked in it, biting adieu forever to the now uninhabitial. island. Unfortunately, a very strong breeze was blowing. It was impossible to resist it, and the boat was driven southward by that very same current, which had caused our iceberg to drift to the coast

Starting point is 07:54:51 of Halbrainland. For two months and a half, these poor fellows were born across the open sea, with no control over their course. It was not until the 2nd January in the present year, 1840, that they cited land, east of the Jane Sound. Now we already knew this land was not more than fifty miles from Halbrain land, yes, so small relatively was the distance that separated us from those whom we had sought for in the Antarctic regions far and wide, and concerning whom we had lost hope. Their boat had gone ashore far to the southeast of us, but on how different a coast from that of Salal Island, or rather, on one how like that of Halbrain land. Nothing was to be seen but sand and stones, neither trees, shrubs, nor plants of any kind.

Starting point is 07:55:43 Their provisions were almost exhausted. William Guy and his companions were soon reduced to extreme want, and two of the little company, Forbes and Sexton, died. The remaining four resolved not to remain a single day longer in the place where they were doomed to die of hunger. They embarked in the boat with a small supply of food still remaining, and once more abandoned themselves to the current, without having been able to verify their position for want of instruments. Thus they had been born upon the unknown Jeep for 25 days. Their resources were completely exhausted, and they had not eaten for 48 hours when the boat, with its occupants, lying inanimate at the bottom of it, was sighted from Halbrainland. The rest is already

Starting point is 07:56:32 known to the reader of this strange eventful history. And now the two brothers were at length reunited in that remote corner of the big world which we had dubbed Halbrain Land. End of Chapter 24. Chapter 25 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Verne, Chapter 25. We were the first. Two days later, not one of the survivors from the two schooners, the Jane and the Halbrain, remained upon any coast of the Antarctic region. On the 21st of February at 6 o'clock in the morning, the boat with us all, we numbered 13, in it, left the Little Creek and doubled the point of Halbrainland.

Starting point is 07:57:37 On the previous day we had fully and finally debated the question of our departure, with the understanding that if it were settled in the affirmative, we should start without delay. The captain of the Jane was for an immediate departure, and Captain Len Guy was not a point. to it. I willingly sided with them, and West was of similar opinion. The bosun was inclined to oppose us. He considered it imprudent to give up a certainty for the uncertain, and he was backed by Endicott, who, who would in any case say ditto to his Mr. Burke. However, when the time came, hurly-gurly conformed to the view of the majority with a good grace, and declared himself quite ready to set out, since we were all that way of thinking. our boat was one of those in use in the salele archipelago for plying between the islands we knew from the narrative of arthur pym that these boats were of two kinds one resembling rafts or flat boats the other strongly built pyrrogies

Starting point is 07:58:41 our boat was of the former kind four feet long six feet in width and worked by several paddles we called our little craft parucera after a fish which abounds in the which abounds in these waters. A rough image of that denizen of the southern deep was cut upon the gunwale. Needless to say that the greater part of the cargo of the Halbrain was left in our cavern, fully protected from weather at the disposal of any shipwrecked people who might chance to be thrown on the coast of Halbrain land. The bosun had planted a spar on the top of this slope to attract attention. But our two schooners notwithstanding, what vessel would ever venture into such laden? Not a ben. We were just thirteen, the fatal number. Perfectly good relations subsisted amongst us. We had no longer to dread the rebellion of a herne, how often we had speculated upon the fate of

Starting point is 07:59:39 those whom he had beguiled. At seven o'clock, the extreme point of Halbrainland lay five miles behind us, and in the evening we gradually lost sight of the heights that varied at that part of the coast. I desired to lay special stress on the fact that not a single scrap of iron entered into the construction of this boat, not so much as a nail or a boat, for that metal was entirely unknown to the Salal Islanders. The planks were bound together by a sort of liana, or creeping plant, and cocked with moss steeped in pitch, which was turned by contact with the seawater to a substance as hard as metal. I have nothing special to record during the week that succeeded our departure. The breeze blew steadily from the south, and we did not meet with any unfavorable current

Starting point is 08:00:31 between the banks of the Jane Sound. During those first eight days, the paracots, by paddling when the wind fell, had kept up the speed that was indispensable for our reaching the Pacific Ocean within a short time. The desolate aspect of the land remained the same, while the straight was already visited by floating drifts, packs of one to two hundred feet in length, some oblong, others circular, and also by icebergs, which our boat passed easily. We were made anxious, however, by the fact that these masses were proceeding towards the ice barrier, for would they not close the passages, which ought to be still open at this time? I shall mention here that in proportion, as Dirk Peters was carried further and further from the places

Starting point is 08:01:19 wherein no trace of his poor Pim had been found, he was more silent than ever, and no longer even answered me when I addressed him. It must not be forgotten that since our iceberg had passed beyond the South Pole, we were in the zone of eastern longitudes, counted from the zero of Greenwich to the 180th degree. All hope must therefore be abandoned of our either touching at the Falklands or finding whaling ships in the waters of the Sandwich Islands, the South Orkneys or South Georgia. Our voyage proceeded under unaltered conditions for ten days.

Starting point is 08:01:57 Our little craft was perfectly seaworthy. The two captains and West fully appreciated its soundness, although, as I have said previously, not a scrap of iron had a place in its construction. It had not once been necessary to repair its seams, so staunch were they. To be sure the sea was smooth, its long, rolling waves were hardly ruffled on their surface.

Starting point is 08:02:21 On the 10th of March, with the same longitude the observation gave 7 degrees 13 minutes for latitude. The speed of the pericuta had then been 30 miles in each 24 hours. If this rate of progress could be maintained for three weeks, there was every chance of her finding the passes open and being able to get round the ice barrier. Also, that the whaling ships would not yet have. left the fishing grounds. The sun was on the verge of the horizon, and the time was approaching

Starting point is 08:02:53 when the Antarctic region should be shrouded in polar night. Fortunately, in reascending towards the north, we were getting into waters from whence light was not yet banished. Then did we witness a phenomenon, as extraordinary as any of those described by Arthur Pemm. For three or four hours, sparks accompanied by a sharp noise, shot out of our fingers' ends, our hair, and our beards. There was an electric snowstorm, with great flakes falling loosely, and the contact produced this strange luminosity. The sea rose so suddenly and tumbled about so wildly, that the pericuta was several times in danger of being swallowed up by the waves, but we got through the mystic-seeming tempest, all safe and sound. Nevertheless, space was thenceforth, but imperfectly lighted.

Starting point is 08:03:46 Frequent mists came up and bounded our outlook to a few cables' length. Extreme watchfulness and caution were necessary to avoid collision with the floating masses of ice, which were traveling more slowly than the paracuta. It is also to be noted, on the southern side, the sky was frequently lighted up by the broad and brilliant rays of the polar aurora. The temperature fell very precipitously and no longer rose above 23 degrees. Forty-eight hours later, Captain Lengai and his brother

Starting point is 08:04:20 succeeded with great difficulty in taking an approximate observation with the following results of their calculations. Latitude 75 degrees, 17 minutes south. Longitude, 118 degrees, 13 minutes east. At this date, therefore, 12th March, the Pericuta was distant from the waters of the Antarctic Circle, only 400 miles. During the night a thick fog came on, with a subsistence of the breeze. This was to be regretted, for it increased the risk of collision with the floating ice. Of course, fog could not be a surprise to us, being where we were.

Starting point is 08:05:01 But what did surprise us was the gradually increasing speed of our boat, although the falling of the wind ought to have lessened it. This increase of speed could not be due to the current, for we were going more quickly than it. This state of things lasted until morning without her being able to account for what was happening. When at about ten o'clock, the mist began to disappear in the low zones. The coast on the west reappeared, a rocky coast,

Starting point is 08:05:30 without a mountainous background. The Perakuta was following its line. and then no more than a quarter of a mile away we beheld a huge mound reared above the plain to a height of three hundred feet with the circumference of from two to three hundred feet in its strange form this great mound resembled an enormous sphinx the body upright the paws stretched out crouching in the attitude of the winged monster which grecian mythology has placed upon the way to thebes Was this a living animal, a gigantic monster, a mastodon, a thousand times the size of those enormous elephants of the polar seas, whose remains are still found in the ice? In our frame of mind we might have believed that it was such a creature, and believed also that the mastodon was about to hurl itself on our little craft and crush it to atoms.

Starting point is 08:06:28 After a few moments of unreasoning and unreasonable fright, we recognized that the strange object was only a great mound, singularly shaped, and that the mists had just rolled off its head, leaving it to stand out and confront us. Ah, that Sphinx, I remembered at the sight of it, that on the night when the iceberg was overturned and the howl brain was carried away, I had dreamed of a fabulous animal of this kind, seated at the pole of the world, and from whom Edgar Poe could only rest its secrets. But our attention was to be attracted, our surprise, even our alarm, was evoked soon by phenomena, still more strange than the mysterious earth form upon which the mist curtain had been raised so suddenly.

Starting point is 08:07:18 I have said that the speed of the pericuta was gradually increasing. Now it was excessive, that of the current remaining inferior to it. Now of a sudden, the grapnel that had belonged to the, howlbrain and was in the bow of the boat flew out of its socket as though drawn by an irresistible power and the rope that held it was strained to the breaking point it seemed to tow us as it grazed the surface of the water towards the shore what's the matter cried william guy cut away beau son cut away shouted west or we shall be dragged against the rocks hurly-gurly hurried to the bow of the pericuta to cut away the rope of a sudden the knife he held was snatched out of his hand. The rope broke, and the grapnel, like a projectile, shot off in the direction of the Sphinx.

Starting point is 08:08:11 At the same moment, all the articles on board the boat that were made of iron or steel, cooking utensils, arms, and a cut stove, or knives, which were torn from out of pockets, took flight after a similar fashion in the same direction, while the boat, quickening its course, brought up against the beach. what was happening. In order to explain these inexplicable things, were we not obliged to acknowledge

Starting point is 08:08:37 that we had come into the region of those wonders which I had attributed to the hallucinations of Arthur Pim? No, these were physical facts which we had just witnessed, and not imaginary phenomena. We had, however, no time for reflection, and immediately upon our landing, our attention was turned in another direction by the sight of a boat, lying. wrecked upon the sand. The Howlbrains boat, cried Hurley-Gurly. It was indeed the boat which Hearn had stolen, and it was simply smashed to pieces. In a word, only the formless wreckage of a craft which had been flung against the rocks by the sea remained. We observed immediately that all the ironwork of the boat had disappeared, down to the hinges of the rudder. Not one

Starting point is 08:09:27 trace of the metal existed. What could be the meaning of this? a loud call from west brought us to a little strip of beach on the right of our stranded boat three corpses lay upon the stony soil that of herne that of martin holt and that of one of the falklands men of the thirteen who had gone with the sealing-master there remained only these three who had evidently been dead some days what had become of the ten missing men had their bodies been carried out to sea we searched all along the coast into the creeks and between the outlying rocks but in vain nothing was to be found no traces of a camp not even the vestiges of a landing their boat said william guy must have been struck by a drifting iceberg the rest of herne's companions have been drowned and only these three bodies have come ashore lifeless but asked the boatswain how is the state the boat is in to be explained and especially added west the disappearance of all the iron indeed said i it looks as though every bit had been violently torn off leaving the pericuta in the charge of two men we again took our way to the interior in order to extend our search over a wider expanse as we were approaching the huge mound the mist cleared away and the form stood out with greater distinctness it was as i have said almost that of a sphinx, a dusky-hued sphinx,

Starting point is 08:11:02 as though the matter which composed it had been oxidized by the inclemency of the polar climate. And then a possibility flashed into my mind, and hypotheses which explained these astonishing phenomena. Ah, I exclaimed, a lodestone, that is it, a magnet with prodigious power of attraction. I was understood, and in an instant, the final catastrophe to which Hearn and his companions were victims

Starting point is 08:11:30 was explained with terrible clearness. The Antarctic Sphinx was simply a colossal magnet. Under the influence of that magnet, the iron bands of the Halbrain's boat had been torn out and projected as though by the action of a catapult. This was the occult force that had irresistibly attracted everything made of iron

Starting point is 08:11:52 on the pericuta, and the boat itself would have shared the fate of the head. Halbrain's boat had a single bit of metal been employed in its construction. Was it then the proximity of the magnetic pole that produced such effects? At first we entertained this idea, but on reflection we rejected it. At the place where the magnetic meridians cross, the only phenomenon produced is the vertical position of the magnetic needle in two similar points of the terrestrial globe. This phenomenon, already proved by observations made on the the spot must be identical in the Antarctic regions. Thus then, there did exist a magnet of

Starting point is 08:12:34 prodigious intensity in the zone of attraction which we had entered. Under our eyes, one of those surprising effects which had hitherto been classed among fables was actually produced. The following appeared to me to be the true explanation. The trade winds bring a constant succession of clouds or mists in which immense quantities of electricity, not completely exhausted by storms, are stored. Hence there exists a formidable accumulation of electric fluid at the poles, and it flows towards the land in a permanent stream. From this cause come the northern and southern auroras, whose luminous splinters shine above the horizon, especially during the long polar night, and are visible even in the temperate zones when they attained their maximum of culmination.

Starting point is 08:13:28 These continuous currents at the poles, which bewilder our compasses, might possess an extraordinary influence, and it would suffice that a block of iron should be subjected to their action, for it could be changed into a magnet of power proportion to the intensity of the current, to the number of turns of the electric helix, and to the square root of the diameter. amateur of the block of magnetized iron. Thus then, the bulk of the Sphinx, which upreared its mystic form upon this outer edge of the southern lands, might be calculated by thousands of cubic yards. Now, in order that the current should circulate around it, and make a magnet of it by induction what was required, nothing but a metallic load, whose innumerable windings through the bowels of the soil should be connected subterraneously at the base of the block.

Starting point is 08:14:23 It seemed to me that the place of this block ought to be in the magnetic axis as a sort of gigantic calamite, from whence the imponderable fluid, whose currents made an inexhaustible accumulator set up at the confines of the world should issue. Our compass could not have enabled us to determine whether the marvel before our eyes really was at the magnetic pole of the southern regions. All I can say is that the needles staggered about, helpless and useless, and in fact the exact location of the Antarctic Sphinx mattered little in respect of the constitution of that artificial loadstone and the manner in which the clouds and metallic load supplied its attractive power. In this very plausible fashion, I was led to explain the

Starting point is 08:15:12 phenomenon by instinct. It could not be doubted that we were in the vicinity of a magnet which produced these terrible but strictly natural effects by its attraction. I communicated my ideas to my companions, and they regarded this explanation as conclusive, in presence of the physical facts of which we were the actual witnesses. We shall incur no risk by going to the foot of the mound, I suppose, said Captain Len Guy. None, I replied. there yes here i could not describe the impression those three words made upon us edgar poe would have said that they were three cries from the depths of the underworld it was jerk peters who had spoken and his body was stretched out in the direction of the sphinx as though it had been turned to iron and was attracted by the magnet then he sped swiftly towards the sphinx-like mound and his companions followed him over rough ground strewn with the magnet then he sped swiftly towards the sphinx-like mound and his companions followed him over rough ground strewn with volcanic remains of all sorts. The monster grew larger as we neared it, but lost none of its

Starting point is 08:16:18 mythological shape. Alone on that vast plain, it produced a sense of awe. And, but this could only have been a delusion, we seemed to be drawn towards it by the force of its magnetic attraction. On arriving at the base of the mound, we found there the various articles on which the magnet had exerted its powers. Arms, utensils, the grapnel of the pericuta, all adhering to the sides of the monster. There were also the iron relics of the Howlbrain's boat, all her utensils, arms and fittings, even to the nails and the iron portions of the rudder. There was no possibility of regaining possession of any of these things. Even had they not adhered to the lodestone rock at too great a height to be reached, they adhered to it too closely to be

Starting point is 08:17:08 detached. Hurley-Gurly was infuriated by the impossibility of recovering his knife, which he recognized at fifty feet above his head, and cried as he shook his clenched fist at the imperturbable monster. Thief of a sphinx! Of course, the things which had belonged to the Howbrain's boat and the pericotas were the only articles that adorned the mighty sides of the lonely mystic form. Never had any ship reached such a latitude of the Antarctic Sea. Herne and his accomplices, Captain Lenguey, and his companions were the first who had trodden this point of the southern continent, and any vessel that might have approached this colossal magnet must have incurred certain destruction. Our schooner must have perished,

Starting point is 08:17:56 even as its boat, had been dashed into a shapeless wreck. West now reminded us that it was imprudent to prolong or stay on this land of the Sphinx, a name to be retained. time pressed and a few days delay would have entailed our wintering at the foot of the ice barrier the order to return to the beach had just been given when the voice of the half-breed was again heard as he cried out there there there we followed the sounds to the back of the monster's right paw and we found jerk peters on his knees with his hands stretched out before an almost naked corpse which had been preserved intact by the cold of these regions and was as rigid as iron. The head was bent, a white beard hung down to the waist. The nails of the feet and hands were like claws. How had this corpse been fixed to the side of the mound at six feet above the ground? Across the body, held in place by its cross-belt, we saw the twisted barrel of a musket, half eaten by rust. Pim, my poor Pim! groaned Dirk Peters. He'd try and

Starting point is 08:19:08 to rise that he might approach and kiss the ossified corpse. But his knees bent under him. A strangled sob seemed to rend his throat, with a terrible spasm, his faithful heart broke, and the half-breed fell back, dead. The story was easy to read. After their separation, the boat had carried Arthur Pim through these Antarctic regions. Like us, once he had passed beyond the South Pole, he came into the own of the monster. And there, while his boat was swept along on the northern current, he was seized by the magnetic fluid before he could get rid of the gun, which was slung over his shoulder, and hurled against the fatal lodestone sphinx of the ice realm. Now the faithful half-breed rests under the clay of the land of the Antarctic mystery by the side of his poor Pem,

Starting point is 08:20:02 that hero whose strange adventures found a chronicler no less strange, in the great American poet. End of chapter 25. Chapter 26 of an Antarctic mystery, or the Sphinx of the Icefields. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. An Antarctic Mystery by Jules Fern, Chapter 26.

Starting point is 08:20:39 A Little Remnant That same day in the day in the same day, the afternoon, the Pericuta departed from the coast of the land of the Sphinx, which had lain to the west of us since the 21st of February. By the death of Dirk Peters, the number of the passengers was reduced to twelve. These were all who remained of the double crew of the two schooners, the first comprising thirty-eight men, the second thirty-two, in all seventy souls. But let it not be forgotten that the voyage of the howl-brain had been undertaken in fulfillment of a duty to humanity, and four of the survivors of the Jane owed their rescue to it. And now there remains but little to tell,

Starting point is 08:21:23 and what must be related as succinctly as possible. It is unnecessary to dwell upon a return voyage, which was favored by the constancy of the currents and the wind to the northern course. The last part of the voyage was accomplished amid great fatigue and suffering, but it ended in our safe deliverance from all these. Firstly, a few days after our departure from the land of the Sphinx, the sun set behind the western horizon to reappear no more for the whole winter. It was then the midst of the semi-darkness of the austral night that the Pericuta pursued her monotonous course.

Starting point is 08:22:02 True, the southern polar lights were frequently visible, but they were not the sun, that single orb of day which had illumined our horizons during the months of the Antarctic summer, and their capricious splendor could not replace his unchanging light. That long darkness of the poles sheds a moral and physical influence on mortals, which no one can allude, a gloomy and overwhelming impression almost impossible to resist, of all of the Pericuta's passengers, the Bosan and Endicott only preserved their habitual good humor. Those two were equally insensible to the weariness and the peril of a voyage. I also accept West, who was ever ready to face every eventuality, like a man who is always on

Starting point is 08:22:52 the defensive. As for the two brothers' guy, their happiness in being restored to each other made them frequently oblivious to the anxieties and risks of the future of hurly-girly i cannot speak too highly he proved himself a thoroughly good fellow and it raised our drooping spirits to hear him repeat in his jolly voice we shall get to port all right my friends be sure of that and if you can only reckon things up you will see that we have had more good luck than bad oh yes i know there was the loss of our schooner poor howbrain carried up into the air like a balloon, then flung into the deep like an avalanche. But, on the other hand, there was the iceberg, which brought us to the coast, and the Salal boat, which brought us and Captain William Guy and his three companions together. And don't forget, the current and the breeze that has pushed us on up to now, and we'll keep pushing us on, I am sure of that.

Starting point is 08:23:51 With so many trumps in our hand, we cannot possibly lose the game. The only thing to be regretted is that we're going to be regretted is that we're going to be. shall have to get ashore again in Australia or New Zealand, instead of casting anchor at the Kyrgyllans near the key of Christmas Harbour, in front of the green cormorant. For a week we pursued our course without deviation to east or west, and it was not until the 21st of March that the pericutus lost sight of Halbrain land being carried towards the north by the current,

Starting point is 08:24:23 while the coastline of the continent, for such we are convinced it is, trended in a round curve to the northeast. Although the waters of this portion of the sea were still open, they carried a flotilla of icebergs or icefields. Hence arose serious difficulties and also dangers to navigation in the midst of the gloomy mists when we had to maneuver between these moving masses, either to find passage or to prevent our little craft

Starting point is 08:24:52 from being crushed like grain between the millstones. Besides Captain Lengai, could no longer ascertain his position, either in latitude or longitude, the sun being absent. Calculations by the positions of the stars were too complicated. It was impossible to take altitudes, and the pericuta abandoned herself to the action of the current, which invariably bore us northward, as the compass indicated. By keeping the reckoning of its medium speed, however, we concluded that on the 27th of March, our boat was between the 69th and the 68th parallels, that is to say, some 70 miles only from the Antarctic Circle. Ah, if no obstacle to the course of our perilous navigation had existed, if passage between this

Starting point is 08:25:42 inner sea of the southern zone and the waters of the Pacific Ocean had been certain, the Pericuta might have reached the extreme limit of the Austral seas in a few days. but a few hundred miles more to sail, and the iceberg barrier would confront us with its immovable rampart, and unless a passage could be found, we should be obliged to go round it, either by the east or by the west. Once cleared indeed! Ah, once cleared, we should be in a frail craft upon the terrible Pacific Ocean, at the period of the year when its tempests rage with redoubled fury, and strong ships, dread the might of its waves. We were determined not to think of this. Heaven would come to our aid. We should be picked up by some ship. This the boatswain asserted confidently, and we were bound to

Starting point is 08:26:37 believe the bosun. For six entire days until the end of April, the Pericuta held her course among the ice barrier, whose crest was profiled at an altitude of between seven and eight hundred feet above the level of the sea. The extremities were not visible either, on the east or the west, and if our boat did not find an open passage, we could not clear it. By a most fortunate chance a passage was found on the above-mentioned date, and attempted, amid a thousand risks. Yes, we required all the zeal, skill, and courage of our men

Starting point is 08:27:16 and their chiefs to accomplish such a task. At last we were in the South Pacific waters, but our boat had suffered severely in getting through, and it had sprung more than one leak. We were kept busy in bailing out the water, which also came in from above. The breeze was gentle, the sea more calm than we could have hoped, and the real danger did not lie in the risks of navigation. No, it arose from the fact that not a ship was visible in these waters. Not a whaler was to be seen, seen on the fishing grounds. At the beginning of April these places are forsaken, and we arrived some weeks too late. We learned afterwards that had we arrived a little sooner, we should have met the vessels of the American expedition. In fact, on the 1st of February, by 95 degrees 50 minutes

Starting point is 08:28:10 longitude and 64 degrees 17 minutes latitude, Lieutenant Wilkes was still exploring these seas in one of his ships, the Vicens, after having discovered a long extent of coast, stretching from east to west. On the approach of the bad season, he returned to Hobart Town in Tasmania. The same year, the expedition of the French Captain Dumont d'Urville, which started in 1838, discover Adelaide land in 66 degrees, 30 minutes latitude, and 38 degrees 21 minutes east longitude, and Clare Coast in 64 degrees 30 minutes and 129 degrees 54 minutes. Their campaign having ended with these important discoveries. The Astrolab and the Zele left the Antarctic Ocean and returned to Hobart Town.

Starting point is 08:29:01 None of these ships then were in those waters, so that when our nutshell pericuta was alone on a lone, lone sea, beyond the ice barrier, we were bound to believe that it was no longer possible we could be saved. We were fifteen hundred miles away from the nearest land, and winter was a month old. Hurley-Girley himself was obliged to acknowledge the last fortunate chance upon which he had counted failed us. On the 16th of April, we were at the end of our resources. The sea began to threaten. The boat seemed likely to be swallowed up in the angry waves. A ship! cried the bow-sun, and on the instant of the instant we were to be swallowed up in the angry waves.

Starting point is 08:29:39 "'A ship!' cried the bow-sun, and on the instant we made out a vessel, about four miles to the northeast, beneath the mist which had suddenly risen. Signals were made, signals were perceived. The ship lowered her largest boat and sent it to our rescue. The ship was the Tasman, an American three-master, from Charlestown,

Starting point is 08:30:03 where we were received with eager welcome and cordiality. The captain treated my companions as though they had had been his own countrymen. The Tasman had come from the Falkland Islands, where the captain had learned that seven months previous, the American schooner Halprane, had gone to the southern seas in search of the shipwrecked people of the Jane. But as the season advanced, the schooner, not having reappeared, she was given up for lost in the Antarctic regions. Fifteen days after our rescue, the Tasman disembarked the survivors of the crew of the two schooners at Melbourne, and it was there that our men were paid the sums they had so hardly earned and so well deserved.

Starting point is 08:30:48 We then learned from the maps that the paracuta had debouched into the Pacific, from the land called Clare by Dumont d'Urville, and the land called Fabricia, which was discovered in 1838 by Bellany. thus terminated this adventure and extraordinary expedition which cost alas too many victims our final word is that although the chances and the necessities of our voyage carried us further towards the south pole than those who preceded us although we actually did pass beyond the axial point of the terrestrial globe discoveries of great value still remain to be made in those waters arthur pym the hero whom edgar poe has made so famous has shown the way it is for others to follow him and to rest the last antarctic mystery from the sphinx of the ice realm the end of chapter twenty six and end of the antarctic mystery or the sphinx of the ice fields

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