tale.fyi

The Mysterious Island ▾
contents
  1. Part I
  2. I The hurricane of 1865—Cries in the air—A balloon caught by a waterspout—Only the sea in sight—Five passengers—What took place in the basket—Land ahead—The end.
  3. II An episode of the rebellion—The engineer Cyrus Smith—Gideon Spilett—The negro Neb—The sailor Pencroff—The youth, Herbert—An unexpected proposal—Rendezvous at ten o’clock p.m.—Departure in the storm.
  4. III Five o’clock in the afternoon—The lost one—The despair of Neb—Search to the northward—The island—A night of anguish—The fog of the morning—Neb swimming—Sight of the land—Fording the channel.
  5. IV The lithodomes—The mouth of the river—The Chimneys—Continuation of the search—The forest of evergreens—Getting firewood—Waiting for the tide—On top of the cliff—The timber-float—The return to the coast.
  6. V Arranging the Chimneys—The important question of fire—The matchbox—Search over the shore—Return of the reporter and Neb—One match—The crackling fire—The fish supper—The first night on land.
  7. VI The castaways’ inventory—No effects—The charred linen—An expedition into the forest—The flora of the woods—The flight of the jacamar—Tracks of wild beasts—The couroucous—The heath-cock—Line-fishing extraordinary.
  8. VII Neb has not yet returned—The reflections of the reporter—The supper—Prospect of a bad night—The storm is frightful—They go out into the night—Struggle with the rain and wind.
  9. VIII Is Cyrus Smith alive?—Neb’s story—Footprints—An insoluble question—The first words of Smith—Comparing the footprints—Return to the Chimneys—Pencroff dejected.
  10. IX Cyrus is here—Pencroff’s attempts—Rubbing wood—Island or continent—The plans of the engineer—Whereabouts in the Pacific—In the depths of the forest—The pistachio pine—A pig chase—A smoke of good omen.
  11. X The engineer’s invention—Island or continent?—Departure for the mountain—The forest—Volcanic soil—The Tragopans—The Moufflons—The first plateau—Encamping for the night—The summit of the cone.
  12. XI At the summit of the cone—The interior of the crater—Sea everywhere—No land in sight—A bird’s eve view of the coast—Hydrography and orography—Is the island inhabited?—A geographical baptism—Lincoln Island.
  13. XII Regulation of watches—Pencroff is satisfied—A suspicious smoke—The course of Red Creek—The flora of the island—Its fauna—Mountain pheasants—A kangaroo chase—The Agouti—Lake Grant—Return to the Chimneys.
  14. XIII Top’s contribution—Making bows and arrows—A brickkiln—A pottery—Different cooking utensils—The first boiled meat—Mugwort—The southern cross—An important astronomical observation.
  15. XIV The measure of the granite wall—An application of the theorem of similar triangles—The latitude of the island—An excursion to the north—An oyster-bed—Plans for the future—The sun’s passage of the meridian—The coordinates of Lincoln Island.
  16. XV Winter sets in—The metallurgic question—The exploration of Safety Island—A seal hunt—Capture of an echidna—The ai—The Catalonian method—Making iron and steel.
  17. XVI The question of a dwelling discussed again—Pencroff’s ideas—An exploration to the north of the lake—The western boundary of the plateau—The serpents—The outlet of the lake—Top’s alarm—Top swimming—A fight under water—The dugong.
  18. XVII A visit to the lake—The direction of the current—The prospects of Cyrus Smith—The dugong fat—The use of the schistous limestone—The sulphate of iron—How glycerine is made—Soap—Saltpetre—Sulphuric acid—Nitric acid—The new outlet.
  19. XVIII Pencroff doubts no more—the old outlet of the lake—A subterranean descent—The way through the granite—Top has disappeared—The central cavern—The lower well—Mystery—The blows with the pick—The return.
  20. XIX Smith’s plan—The front of Granite House—The rope ladder—Pencroff’s ideas—The aromatic herbs—A natural warren—Getting water—The view from the windows of Granite House.
  21. XX The rainy season—What to wear—A seal-hunt—Candle-making—Work in the Granite House—The two causeways—Return from a visit to the oyster-bed—What Herbert found in his pocket.
  22. XXI Several degrees below zero—Exploration of the swamp region to the southeast—The view of the sea—A conversation concerning the future of the Pacific Ocean—The incessant labor of the infusoria—What will become of this globe—The chase—The swamp of the Tadorns.
  23. XXII The traps—The foxes—The peccaries—The wind veers to the northwest—The snowstorm—The basket-makers—The coldest snap of winter—Crystallization of the sugar-maple—The mysterious shafts—The projected exploration—The pellet of lead.
  24. Part II
  25. XXIII Concerning the leaden pellet—Making a canoe—Hunting—In the top of a kauri—Nothing to indicate the presence of man—The turtle on its back—The turtle disappears—Smith’s explanation.
  26. XXIV Trial of the canoe—A wreck on the shore—The tow—Jetsam Point—Inventory of the box—What Pencroff wanted—A Bible—A verse from the Bible.
  27. XXV The departure—The rising tide—Elms and other trees—Different plants—The kingfisher—Appearance of the forest—The gigantic eucalypti—Why they are called fever-trees—Monkeys—The waterfall—Encampment for the night.
  28. XXVI Going toward the coast—Troops of monkeys—A new watercourse—Why the tide was not felt—A forest on the shore—Reptile promontory—Spilett makes Herbert envious—The bamboo fusilade.
  29. XXVII Proposal to return by the south coast—Its configuration—Search for the shipwrecked—A waif in the air—Discovery of a small natural harbor—Midnight on the mercy—A drifting canoe.
  30. XXVIII Pencroff’s halloos—A night in the Chimneys—Herbert’s arrow—Smith’s plan—An unexpected solution—What had happened in Granite House—How the colonists obtained a new domestic.
  31. XXIX Projects to be carried out—A bridge over the Mercy—To make an island of Prospect Plateau—The drawbridge—The corn harvest—The stream—The causeway—The poultry yard—The pigeon-house—The two wild asses—Harnessed to the wagon—Excursion to Balloon Harbor.
  32. XXX Clothing—Sealskin boots—Making pyroxyline—Planting—The fish—Turtles’ eggs—Jup’s education—The corral—Hunting moufflons—Other useful animals and vegetables—Home thoughts.
  33. XXXI Bad weather—The hydraulic elevator—Making window glass and tableware—The bread tree—Frequent visits to the corral—The increase of the herd—The reporter’s question—The exact position of Lincoln Island—Pencroff’s proposal.
  34. XXXII Ship building—The second harvest—Ai hunting—A new plant—A whale—The harpoon from the vineyard—Cutting up this cetacea—Use of the whalebone—The end of May—Pencroff is content.
  35. XXXIII Winter—Fulling cloth—The mill—Pencroff’s fixed purpose—The whalebones—The use of an albatross—Top and Jup—Storms—Damage to the poultry-yard—An excursion to the marsh—Smith alone—Exploration of the pits.
  36. XXXIV Rigging the launch—Attacked by foxes—Jup wounded—Jup nursed—Jup cured—Completion of the launch—Pencroff’s triumph—The Good Luck—Trial trip, to the south of the island—An unexpected document.
  37. XXXV Departure decided upon—Preparations—The three passengers—The first night—The second night—Tabor Island—Search on the shore—Search in the woods—No one—Animals—Plants—A house—Deserted.
  38. XXXVI The inventory—The night—Some letters—The search continued—Plants and animals—Herbert in danger—Aboard—The departure—Bad weather—A glimmer of intelligence—Lost at sea—A timely light.
  39. XXXVII The return—Discussion—Smith and the Unknown—Balloon Harbor—The devotion of the engineer—A touching experience—Tears.
  40. XXXVIII A mystery to be solved—The first words of the Unknown—Twelve years on the island—Confessions—Disappearance—Smith’s confidence—Building a windmill—The first bread—An act of devotion—Honest hands.
  41. XXXIX Always apart—A bequest of the Unknown’s—The farm established at the corral—Twelve years—The boatswain’s mate of the Britannia—Left on Tabor Island—The hand of Smith—The mysterious paper.
  42. XL A talk—Smith and Spilett—The engineer’s idea—The electric telegraph—The wires—The batter—The alphabet—Fine weather—The prosperity of the colony—Photography—A snow effect—Two years on Lincoln Island.
  43. XLI Thoughts of home—Chances of return—Plan to explore the coast—The departure of the 16th of April—Serpentine Peninsula seen from sea—The basaltic cliffs of the western coast—Bad weather—Night—A new incident.
  44. XLII Night at sea—Shark gulf—Confidences—Preparations for winter—Early advent of bad weather—Cold—Indoor work—Six months later—A speck on the photograph—An unexpected event.
  45. Part III
  46. XLIII Lost or saved?—Ayrton recalled—Important discussion—It is not the Duncan—Suspicion and precaution—Approach of the ship—A cannon shot—The brig anchors in sight of the island—Night fall.
  47. XLIV Discussions—Presentiments—Ayrton’s proposal—It is accepted—Ayrton and Pencroff on Safety Islet—Norfolk convicts—Their projects—Heroic attempt of Ayrton—His return—Six against fifty.
  48. XLV The mist rises—The engineer’s disposition of forces—Three posts—Ayrton and Pencroff—The first attack—Two other boat loads—On the islet—Six convicts on shore—The brig weighs anchor—The Speedy’s projectiles—Desperate situation—Unexpected denouement.
  49. XLVI The colonists on the beach—Ayrton and Pencroff as salvors—Talk at breakfast—Pencroff’s reasoning—Exploration of the brig’s hull in detail—The magazine uninjured—New riches—A discovery—A piece of a broken cylinder.
  50. XLVII The engineer’s theory—Pencroff’s magnificent suppositions—A battery in the air—Four projectiles—The surviving convicts—Ayrton hesitates—Smith’s generosity and Pencroff’s dissatisfaction.
  51. XLVIII The projected expedition—Ayrton at the corral—Visit to Port Balloon—Pencroff’s remarks—Despatch sent to the corral—No answer from Ayrton—Setting out next day—Why the wire did not act—A detonation.
  52. XLIX The reporter and Pencroff in the corral—Moving Herbert—Despair of the sailor—Consultation of the engineer and the reporter—Mode of treatment—A glimmer of hope—How to warn Neb—A faithful messenger—Neb’s reply.
  53. L The convicts in the neighborhood of the corral—Provisional occupation—Continuation of Herbert’s treatment—Pencroff’s jubilation—Review of the past—Future prospects—Smith’s ideas.
  54. LI No news of Neb—A proposal from Pencroff and Spilett—The reporter’s sorties—A fragment of cloth—A message—Hurried departure—Arrival at Prospect Plateau.
  55. LII Herbert carried to Granite House—Neb relates what had happened—Visit of Smith to the plateau—Ruin and devastation—The colonists helpless—Willow bark—A mortal fever—Top barks again.
  56. LIII An inexplicable mystery—Herbert’s convalescence—The unexplored parts of the island—Preparations for departure—The first day—Night—Second day—The kauris—Cassowaries—Footprints in the sand—Arrival at reptile end.
  57. LIV Exploration of Reptile End—Camp at the mouth of Fall River—By the corral—The reconnoissance—The return—Forward—An open door—A light in the window—By moonlight.
  58. LV Ayrton’s recital—Plans of his old comrades—Taking possession of the corral—The rules of the island—The Good Luck—Researches about Mount Franklin—The upper valleys—Subterranean rumblings—Pencroff’s answer—At the bottom of the crater—The return.
  59. LVI After three years—The question of a new ship—Its determination—Prosperity of the colony—The shipyard—The cold weather—Pencroff resigned—Washing—Mount Franklin.
  60. LVII The awakening of the volcano—The fine weather—Resumption of work—The evening of the 15th of October—A telegraph—A demand—An answer—Departure for the corral—The notice—The extra wire—The basalt wall—At high tide—At low tide—The cavern—A dazzling light.
  61. LVIII Captain Nemo—His first words—History of a hero of liberty—Hatred of the invaders—His companions—The life under water—Alone—The last refuge of the Nautilus—The mysterious genius of the island.
  62. LIX The last hours of Captain Nemo—His dying wishes—A souvenir for his friends—His tomb—Some counsel to the colonists—The supreme moment—At the bottom of the sea.
  63. LX The reflections of the colonists—Renewal of work—The 1st of January, 1869—A smoke from the volcano—Symptoms of an eruption—Ayrton and Smith at the corral—Exploration of the Crypt Dakkar—What Captain Nemo had said to the engineer.
  64. LXI Smith’s recital—Hastening the work—A last visit to the corral—The combat between the fire and the water—The aspect of the island—They decide to launch the ship—The night of the 8th of March.
  65. LXII An isolated rock in the Pacific—The last refuge of the colonists—The prospect of death—Unexpected succor—How and why it came—The last good action—An island on terra firma—The tomb of Captain Nemo.
English ▾

The Mysterious Island

Jules Verne, translated by Stephen W. White

free · 162,149 words · ~11 h read · first published 1888

text from Standard Ebooks

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Part I

Shipwrecked in the Air

I

The hurricane of 1865—Cries in the air—A balloon caught by a waterspout—Only the sea in sight—Five passengers—What took place in the basket—Land ahead—The end.

“Are we going up again?”

“No. On the contrary; we are going down!”

“Worse than that, Mr. Smith, we are falling!”

“For God’s sake throw over all the ballast!”

“The last sack is empty!”

“And the balloon rises again?”

“No!”

“I hear the splashing waves!”

“The sea is under us!”

“It is not five hundred feet off!”

Then a strong, clear voice shouted:—

“Overboard with all we have, and God help us!”

Such were the words which rang through the air above the vast wilderness of the Pacific, towards four o’clock in the afternoon of the 23rd of March, 1865:—

Doubtless, no one has forgotten that terrible northeast gale which vented its fury during the equinox of that year. It was a hurricane lasting without intermission from the 18th to the 26th of March. Covering a space of 1,800 miles, drawn obliquely to the equator, between the 35° of north latitude and 40° south, it occasioned immense destruction both in America and Europe and Asia. Cities in ruins, forests uprooted, shores devastated by the mountains of water hurled upon them, hundreds of shipwrecks, large tracts of territory desolated by the waterspouts which destroyed everything in their path, thousands of persons crushed to the earth or engulfed in the sea; such were the witnesses to its fury left behind by this terrible hurricane. It surpassed in disaster those storms which ravaged Havana and Guadeloupe in 1810 and 1825.

While these catastrophes were taking place upon the land and the sea, a scene not less thrilling was enacting in the disordered heavens.

A balloon, caught in the whirl of a column of air, borne like a ball on the summit of a waterspout, spinning around as in some aerial whirlpool, rushed through space with a velocity of ninety miles an hour. Below the balloon, dimly visible through the dense vapor, mingled with spray, which spread over the ocean, swung a basket containing five persons.

From whence came this aerial traveller, the sport of the awful tempest? Evidently it could not have been launched during the storm, and the storm had been raging five days, its symptoms manifesting themselves on the 18th. It must, therefore, have come from a great distance, as it could not have traversed less than 2,000 miles in twenty-four hours. The passengers, indeed, had been unable to determine the course traversed, as they had nothing with which to calculate their position; and it was a necessary effect, that, though borne along in the midst of this tempest, they were unconscious of its violence. They were whirled and spun about and carried up and down without any sense of motion. Their vision could not penetrate the thick fog massed together under the balloon. Around them everything was obscure. The clouds were so dense that they could not tell the day from the night. No reflection of light, no sound from the habitations of men, no roaring of the ocean had penetrated that profound obscurity in which they were suspended during their passage through the upper air. Only on their rapid descent had they become conscious of the danger threatening them by the waves.

Meanwhile the balloon, disencumbered of the heavy articles, such as munitions, arms, and provisions, had risen to a height of 4,500 feet, and the passengers, having discovered that the sea was beneath them, and realizing that the dangers above were less formidable than those below, did not hesitate to throw overboard everything, no matter how necessary, at the same time endeavoring to lose none of that fluid, the soul of the apparatus, which sustained them above the abyss.

The night passed in the midst of dangers that would have proved fatal to souls less courageous; and with the coming of day the hurricane showed signs of abatement. At dawn, the emptied clouds rose high into the heavens; and, in a few hours more, the whirlwind had spent its force. The wind, from a hurricane, had subsided into what sailors would call a “three reef breeze.”

Toward eleven o’clock, the lower strata of the air had lightened visibly. The atmosphere exhaled that humidity which is noticeable after the passage of great meteors. It did not seem as if the storm had moved westward, but rather as if it was ended. Perhaps it had flowed off in electric sheets after the whirlwind had spent itself, as is the case with the typhoon in the Indian Ocean.

Now, however, it became evident that the balloon was again sinking slowly but surely. It seemed also as if it was gradually collapsing, and that its envelope was lengthening and passing from a spherical into an oval form. It held 50,000 cubic feet of gas, and therefore, whether soaring to a great height or moving along horizontally, it was able to maintain itself for a long time in the air. In this emergency the voyagers threw overboard the remaining articles which weighed down the balloon, the few provisions they had kept, and everything they had in their pockets, while one of the party hoisted himself into the ring to which was fastened the cords of the net, and endeavored to closely tie the lower end of the balloon. But it was evident that the gas was escaping, and that the voyagers could no longer keep the balloon afloat.

They were lost!

There was no land, not even an island, visible beneath them. The wide expanse of ocean offered no point of rest, nothing upon which they could cast anchor. It was a vast sea on which the waves were surging with incomparable violence. It was the limitless ocean, limitless even to them from their commanding height. It was a liquid plain, lashed and beaten by the hurricane, until it seemed like a circuit of tossing billows, covered with a network of foam. Not even a ship was in sight.

In order, therefore, to save themselves from being swallowed up by the waves, it was necessary to arrest this downward movement, let it cost what it might. And it was evidently to the accomplishment of this that the party were directing their efforts. But in spite of all they could do the balloon continued to descend, though at the same time moving rapidly along with the wind toward the southwest.

It was a terrible situation, this, of these unfortunate men. No longer masters of the balloon, their efforts availed them nothing. The envelope collapsed more and more, and the gas continued to escape. Faster and faster they fell, until at one o’clock they were not more than 600 feet above the sea. The gas poured out of a rent in the silk. By lightening the basket of everything the party had been able to continue their suspension in the air for several hours, but now the inevitable catastrophe could only be delayed, and unless some land appeared before nightfall, voyagers, balloon, and basket must disappear beneath the waves.

It was evident that these men were strong and able to face death. Not a murmur escaped their lips. They were determined to struggle to the last second to retard their fall, and they tried their last expedient. The basket, constructed of willow osiers, could not float, and they had no means of supporting it on the surface of the water. It was two o’clock, and the balloon was only 400 feet above the waves.

Then a voice was heard—the voice of a man whose heart knew no fear—responded to by others not less strong:—

“Everything is thrown out?”

“No, we yet have 10,000 francs in gold.”

A heavy bag fell into the sea.

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appears in

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—

thank you for reading

The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, translated by Stephen W. White. The text is in the US public domain, from the Standard Ebooks edition. Served from our own copy; read on their site for the full edition with images and typography.

First published in 1888.

tale.fyi