Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Sailing
Our cabin was on deck and, as we had expected, it was very small.On each side of the wall stood a bed, just enough space for people to lie on it and look at each other; there was a porthole; a dressing table with a mirror above it; a washbasin and a wardrobe.It seems that our clothes are going to fight for the narrow space, because the clothes brought by Tamaris alone are about the size of a wardrobe.
Now that the luggage hadn't arrived, and we had visited the cabins again, we decided to explore the ship's interior.
It was busy and noisy outside, like ants running around, in a mess; in the deck lounge, there was a large pile of luggage waiting to be sent back to the cabin.Together we went to explore all the public facilities - there were smoking rooms, reading halls, concert halls and dance halls where all kinds of entertainment were held.We're happy with all of this.
On the way back to the deck, I happened to see the attendant delivering the luggage.
"I don't know if ours is here?" Temaris said.So she looked in the pile of luggage.
"The sign on it will point out where they are going," she said. "Look at this. 'J. Barrow, go to Melbourne' don't know what kind of man J. Barrow is? 'Mrs. Cradock, go to Bombay' how can't you find us? Could it have been sent to us The cabin? Oh! It's incredible! 'Luca Elmo, go to Sydney, go to Casque Island'”
She turned to me with a look of interest on her face.
"Think about it! He's going to our island! There can't be too many people going there on this ship."
"It's nice to know like-minded people."
"Luca Elmo... don't know what kind of person he is?"
"In such a long journey, it is not difficult to find out the answer."
When we got back to the cabin, we found that our luggage was already there waiting for us.We unpacked our things, showered and headed down for dinner.We sat at a long table with a few people for dinner, and during a few mixed conversations, we also got to know some of the life experience or background of our companions.But just like us, everyone has spent a lot of effort to sit here peacefully, so they are too tired to say anything more.
After the meal, we went back to the cabin early to rest.
Judging by the way the ship rolled, we were underway.We lay on the bed and chatted until Temaris's voice grew heavier...and faded into the silence of the night.
I couldn't sleep, and I kept thinking about: the tears in Aunt Sophie's eyes when she parted, and James.Pauline decided that I would be returning to England soon.
But the main thing that comes to mind is Chris Pie, the helpless, pleading look in his eyes, and hey—I know this is going to haunt me and haunt me for the rest of my life.
Thinking back on those first few days, I can't help feeling a little hazy.We spent a lot of time exploring on the boat, but also constantly lost and couldn't find our way.There are countless rooms waiting for you to explore, and countless people waiting for you to meet. In our eyes, these "countless" are all new experiences.
After the first night, I had a deep understanding of the turbulence and churning of the sea.Temaris and I were lying in bed at the time, and we were suddenly thrown out of bed by the waves several times, falling and falling, making us wonder if the trip was wise.However, after the storm, we were calm and ready to go out to explore.I am very grateful to have Temaris by my side, and I am sure she feels the same way about me.
Our charming waiter, Jenny, told us: People's feelings at sea change with the weather.The ocean played tricks no one could predict, but to her it was as calm as the surface of a lake.
"It all depends on the direction of the wind. Well, ladies, we'll be out of the storm circle shortly, and you'll be able to enjoy life at sea again."
What she said was not wrong at all. Once the turbulence passed, we continued our expedition.It didn't take long for me to understand that although my yearning for Chris Pie continued unabated; but putting myself into a new environment is the best way to avoid dwelling on the past. The so-called spectator knows, maybe I can be more detached!However, seeing that Temaris has gained something from this adventure, I also feel that this trip is worthwhile.
Since everyone has been eating together around the long table these days, it didn't take long for them to mingle together and chat happily.Most of the people are scrambling to tell us about their previous boat experience and the destination of this trip.Many of them end only in Mumbai, and these men are either serving or working for the government, and they have to go back to India as soon as their shifts come.Most of them are seasoned travel veterans.
Others are visiting family in Australia; or Australians visiting relatives and friends in the UK and returning home with blessings from their homeland.So far, we have not found anyone who has gone to Casque Island except Luca Elmo; and "he" has until now been no more than a name on a luggage tag.
The Captain loves to chat with his passengers and never misses an opportunity to show his kindness, taking an interest in where everyone is going.He raised his eyebrows in surprise when he heard we were going to Casques.
I told him we were going to visit my father's.
"Really?" he said. "We don't have many tourists going there. Is your itinerary all arranged? As soon as we arrive in Sydney, we will go our separate ways. On the same day, you can take a boat from Sydney to Caddo Island, and then take a small boat from Caddo Island to Caddo Island. Sky Island. The whole journey is extremely long!"
"Yes, we heard."
"People don't go there very often. I guess the ferry from Caddo Island to Casque Island is very infrequent, and mostly passing things around, and passengers are only seen occasionally. However, as you said, you are Go there and see your father's, maybe he does business there, like dried coconut meat or something. Coconuts are the biggest business there, and the local residents don't understand how versatile coconuts are. In fact, coconuts are made The industry can be said to be the economic artery of Casque Island."
"I don't know anything about it, except that my father lives there."
"Well, we'll take care of you both on the way to Sydney, and then we'll be anchoring back home in a few days. Do you like my boat?"
"I like it very much."
"Are you satisfied with our care?"
"Very satisfied, thank you."
"very good."
After he had left, Temaris said, "It appears that our captain considers Casque to be one of the most remote and untouched isles in the world."
The first stop on our voyage was Gibraltar.Before this we had made the acquaintance of the General and Mrs. Tanstein, who were about to join the General's army at Bombay. They were seasonal travelers and had come and gone to India several times.When I learned that two young girls with no travel experience were traveling together, I thought Mrs. Tanstein made up her mind to keep an eye on the two of us while showing a look of disbelief.
She told us that when the boat arrived in Gibraltar, if we wanted to go ashore, we could join her and her husband, and a small group of people on the boat would gather together and hire a guide to walk around the city.We gladly accepted her suggestion.
When I got up in the morning, I looked out the porthole and vaguely saw the Great Rock of Gibraltar directly in front of us. It was a magnificent sight.We hastened to the deck to get a good look—it was magnificent, like a savage giant, guarding the main pass into and out of the Mediterranean;General Tan Shidan also came outside to watch and stood next to us.
"Isn't it spectacular? I've always been proud of it being ours. I remember the ship going around to the west later... Look! We're turning."
We stood there watching, and in a little while we were on the west side of the Gibraltar peninsula.The terrain on this side is relatively steep, and the houses behind the defensive wall are like waves, which is really beautiful.As we drifted further into the bay, shipyards and embankments emerged before our eyes.
"Be cautious here," said the general. "Look, the group of people below are really busy, aren't they?"
I couldn't figure it out and stared at the boats that came to say hello to us. There were several little boys on each boat looking at us with great interest.
"They're waiting for tourists to throw coins into the water, and then they turn around and dive in to find the money. This kind of trick is so dangerous that the authorities should actually stop it."
I feel sorry for these children who can’t wait. Some passengers really dropped the coins, and those children immediately shuttled through the water like fish. Those who found them were like soldiers returning home triumphantly, holding up the coins and posing for success. .Now came the sight of the city, it looked exotic and interesting, neither Tamaris nor I had ever seen a place like it.
The general said: "Our ship is too big to go into the port, so we have to go ashore in these small boats. But don't worry, we are safe with us. Be careful with the residents here-the prices they give tourists are generally cheap." There is a tendency to be high."
Under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Tanstein, we went ashore with other members in a small boat.It was an exhilarating experience, and I was able to put all the past behind me for a split second, and I'm sure Temaris felt the same way I did; for both of us, a chance to breathe was It's precious... even if it's so fleeting.
Immediately after landing, we fell into a sea of people, and a few tourists from the boat squeezed into the local residents in an instant.The loose robes worn by the Moors and the turbans wrapped around their heads add a little more unique flavor to the whole atmosphere.The people here are mixed, there are Spaniards, Greeks and British, but they all have one thing in common-they make loud noises whenever they pass by people.
On the narrow streets, there are entire rows of vendors with all kinds of outfits, including trinkets, rings, bracelets, necklaces and leather products—such as soft leather and beautifully carved large backpacks.Inside a shop with a cavernous appearance, there is the smell of freshly baked bread, with several loaves sprinkled with black sesame seeds on display.Some stalls specialize in Turkish-style caps, turbans and straw hats; others carry a wide variety of leather shoes, moccasins, Moorish sandals and some shoes with upturned toes.
Temaris stopped in front of a stall, all her eyes were drawn to a boat-shaped straw hat decorated with blue ribbon and a bunch of forget-me-nots.
As soon as she picked up the hat, the peddler's expression immediately became alarmed, while Mrs. Tanstein, who was watching from the side, calmly enjoyed the fun.
"My dear, you can't go out in a hat like that," she said.
Judging from my long experience with Temaris, telling her not to do a certain thing undoubtedly encourages her to make up her mind to do that thing.
She immediately put the straw hat on her head in a demonstration, and the peddler beside him opened his eyes wide, showing admiration, and he exaggeratedly raised his head to worship the sky, no doubt wanting to show that he had been put on the straw hat Tamaris was too fascinated.The straw hat did make her look a lot younger, it reminded me of her when she was a student, and for a moment—the nightmares that have been haunting me for the past few months...seemed out of reach.
"It was fun," she said. "I must buy it. How much?"
Mrs. Tanstein helped her negotiate the price, and they finally settled on a price that was convenient for Temaris to exchange coins.So Temaris put the straw hat on, and the old yarmulke was put in the handbag.We walked on again.
Baiyuan Peak is a must-see place specially recommended by the general.Because they inhabit places with steep slopes, we have to climb a section of mountain road to see the scenery, which is very beneficial for us who stay on the boat for days.
"These apes have settled there for hundreds of years. I think you will like their lively and lively demeanor. It is said that as long as there are apes here, the footsteps of the British will definitely follow. The two are inseparable. .Of course, these words are baseless; however, they have had a considerable influence on people."
They are really lovable, lively nature coupled with a pair of curious big eyes, they have long been used to being surrounded by happy tourists, as the general said - when you come to Gibraltar, you have to see apes, it is a worthwhile trip .
"Be careful what you carry with you," warned Mrs. Tanstein. "They always have a way of stealing something from the passenger and then fleeing the scene quickly."
As she said this, one of the apes leaned towards us, and no one noticed it at first, except that Temaris suddenly let out a scream, and it took off the straw hat from her head , After a while, the kung fu disappeared.
"Oh—" Temaris was so angry that she couldn't speak, and we couldn't help laughing at her dejected look.
"That straw hat is too bright to catch his eye," said Mrs. Tenstein. "Anyway, I can't catch it back, so don't take it to heart!"
We hadn't been far ahead when we saw a man running towards us with Temaris's new hat in his hand.
He smiled and said: "I have seen what happened just now. These apes are just like humans, and they are very agile. After stealing your hat just now, it stopped beside me-looking back at you-and then I took advantage of that opportunity to steal it back from it."
"You're so clever!" Temaris yelled.
Everyone laughed and others joined us.
"It was so funny," said one of the women. "The ape looked confused and then just shrugged and walked away."
"This hat matches you very well." The rescuer of the "hat" said to Temaris with a smile on his face.
His light blond hair and tall figure, coupled with his friendly attitude, make people like him immediately at first glance.
"I don't know how to thank you enough," Temaris said.
"No big deal. The cunning ape lost his prize after a moment's triumph."
"I'm glad it was lost and recovered."
"There," said Mrs. Tenstein. "Things finally came to a happy ending. If I were you, Temaris, I would never put this hat on my head again. Next time, maybe there won't be any volunteers waiting around. "
We walked on, and the man followed us, no doubt, he must be one of the tourists who went ashore on the same boat.
Mrs. Tanstein confirmed my suspicions.She said, "You must be from 'After the South', right?"
"Yes," he said. "It appears that most of the out-of-towners in Gibraltar today are from 'after the South'."
"It happens whenever a ship comes," the general added.
"I think it's time to start walking slowly down the hill," said Mrs. Tenstein. "Perhaps it would be a good idea to recover first and take a short break. How about where we went last time? Galen," she suggested to the general. "Do you remember? You loved their puff pastry."
"Of course I do," replied the general. "I believe that you must be interested in experiencing the leisurely feeling of sitting and watching the prosperity of the world, and at the same time you can replenish your physical strength."
So those who rescued the "hat" also followed us down the mountain.After finding the small coffee shop, the six of us sat down at a table with a view of the street, and the blond man sat between Temaris and me.
After ordering coffee and a special pastry, the general turned to his new companion, saying: "Our ship is not particularly large, but in that limited space, it is incredible that there are no companions who have not seen the same. "
The passage was clearly an invitation to the young man to introduce himself.
"My name is Luca Elmo," he said. "I'm going to Sydney."
Temaris and I looked at each other excitedly for a moment.
Then, she burst out: "It's so interesting..."
Mrs. Tanstein glanced at her as if to say: Why don't I see anything interesting?
Temaris explained: "We noticed you in a pile of luggage on the first day we boarded the ship. From your luggage tag, we learned that your destination is Casque Island."
"Yes, I'm going there," he said.
"The point is," Temaris said. "So are we."
"Really! It's so interesting! I don't think there will be a fourth companion on the whole ship. How did you choose that island?"
"Because my father lives there and we're going to visit him," I said.
"Oh, that's right." He echoed me.
"Do you know anything about Kojima?" I asked.
"I've never been there."
"People always look surprised when they hear we're going there," Temaris said.
"That's because people don't know much about it. I've tried to learn more about the island, but to no avail; all I know is that it was discovered by a man named Cusk about three hundred years ago. Isle of Casques, where he lived from then on until his death. It was then named Casque Isle. Where do you say your father lived?"
"Yes, we're going to find him there."
He looked at me puzzled, as if thinking: Why am I so unfamiliar with the place where my father lives?But he must have guessed that my father and I were on an unusual relationship, and that a polite gentleman like himself would not be reckless about inquiring into other people's privacy.
"It's nice to know that someone is also going to that little island that no one cares about."
"And it also brought great comfort." Temaris made a note.
"I agree," he said, with a gentle smile on his face.
We are all very happy to be with Luca.Elmo knew him personally, not to mention how likable he was, which was great.
He has a wide range of knowledge, and whenever he arrives in a strange place, he will try his best to learn more about its customs and customs.That's why he was so frustrated—when he looked for information about Casque Island with great interest, he found nothing.
"It's good to be able to travel and see more of the world," he said. "Those geographical terms that were just in the classroom have become a part of life in a blink of an eye, surrounding you. Think about it as early as 711 AD, Muslims in North Africa have occupied this place, think about it 1200 Years ago, this place was dominated by Muslims! At that time, the British did not take these Muslims seriously, so the fate of Gibraltar was always in turmoil. It was not until AD 1174 that this piece of land was returned to British owned - the only port on the Atlantic to the Mediterranean - its military defense function is one of the world's premier checkpoints."
"Indeed," said the general. "And it's been ours for so long!"
"Well," said Mrs. Tenstein. "If everyone is full, let's go back to the ship!"
We were all exhausted that night.Temaris and I lay in bed chatting about our day's adventures.
"It's so satisfying," said Temaris. "I haven't been this happy for a long time..."
"It's really fun." I agreed.
"The best moment was when Luka Elmo appeared in front of us with a straw hat in his hand, and when we confirmed that he was the one with the luggage tag. He was really going to Casque Island! You said Isn't that great?"
"But we've known for a long time that he's been on this ship."
"But he was also the one who took my straw hat back from that nasty little monkey. It was so dramatic. When he said his name, all I had in mind was a good laugh. His people Nice, isn't he? He's got some kind of special..."
"You don't know this man at all."
"Oh, I will," she said. "I've made up my mind—I don't think he'll object."
We see him often after this.He didn't offer to tell us why we were going to Casques, and we never asked him.We figured that since we're going to be traveling together, we'll know when the time comes. We're all attracted to each other, and usually we'll meet up on the deck and find a place to sit and talk.He knew a great deal about the islands, having lived for several years in the Caribbean and around Borneo; none of them, however, were as remote as Casques. Our next stop was Naples, and since we had become good friends long before we landed, it was only natural to propose that he join us to visit the ruins of Pompeii.Even Mrs. Tanstein believed it graciously—hand us over to Luca.Elmo, she was very relieved. Luca.Elmo is not only knowledgeable, but also the best narrator, making ordinary days quite interesting.He said that whenever he went to a place, he always wanted to find out the ins and outs of the local area, and he also vividly described the history of Pompeii.With the ups and downs of his voice, I feel that I have been pushed back to that tragic era-in AD 79, when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the red-hot magma swallowed up this prosperous city in an instant.The scene of the ruins is so vivid, I can almost feel the panic and confusion of the people at that time, the helplessness of facing destruction but having nowhere to escape. After returning to the boat, Temaris said to me, "Our Luca Elmo is serious! He seems to care about those ancient ruins and the people who suffered there." "Don't you find these things interesting?" "It's very interesting, but he just kept delving into it. These tragedies have become unchangeable history, and it's useless to think too much." "He's a serious guy, and I like him." "It's interesting how we got to know him...but now he's like this..." "He is not the kind of frivolous person at all. I thought you had learned your lesson and learned to be good. Those vain men are not worthy of your attention after taking off their gorgeous masks." Afterwards I felt guilty and said hurtful things to her, and for a few hours she wasn't as happy as she had been before.But when we saw Luca again.When Elmo was there, she became very pleasant to him.
The day of crossing the Suez Canal is drawing near, and our anticipation is well worth the price of the ticket.Its golden shores and shepherds tending their cattle—occasional sights—resemble the religious picture that once hung at La Vendasher.Occasionally, we see shepherds in robes and sandals leading contemptuous camels across the boundless golden carpet, forming a unique and moving scene. It is a great joy in life to be able to sit on the deck and watch the scenery quietly with the slow-moving hull. Luca.Elmo came and sat down beside me. "It's spectacular, isn't it?" he said. "It was an amazing experience, something I would never have dreamed of seeing." "What a feat - to have such a canal built! It is truly the greatest asset in the shipping world!" "It's not an exaggeration for you to say that." "Our journey will not stop for any emotion." "You must be very used to this kind of floating life, but for the inexperienced, every bit, every drop is a precious treasure." "No matter what you do, the first time is always the most special and memorable." "Indeed. What about the other ships?" "I don't think it will be bigger or more comfortable than this one. The 'Golden Dawn' that we took to Caddo Island may be similar to this ship, but it is much smaller. I have been on some The ferry, it's not doing well." "The industry you are in must have a close relationship with travel." "If you mean remote places, then the answer is yes. Didn't your father do the same?" I hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell him the truth, since he was going to Caskers anyway, and he would find out sooner or later. I said, "I have never met my father. He and my mother divorced shortly after their marriage. I was very young when I left home, so I had no impression of him. After my mother passed away a few years ago, I moved in with my aunt. Come on, now I plan to meet him." He nodded solemnly, and for a while we were all locked in our own worlds, brooding. Later, he who came to his senses first said: "I venture to speculate that you must be very curious about my profession. I am a missionary." Now I was really petrified, and he smiled and said, "You seem a little surprised." "Surprised? How come?" "Most people do. I think I must look like an ordinary businessman. People don't usually associate me with missionaries." "The work of the priesthood has always been admirable." "I decided that all of this was arranged by the Lord for me—destiny." "That's why you travel these remote areas." "We bring the Christian faith to everyone. We have a mission on Casques, and there are only two people there—Brother John and Sister Mauriel Hayfors. They were recently formed, so it's a little bit of a push." It was exhausting. I was there trying to do my part to help them straighten out, and I've done this kind of work elsewhere...hope my experience can help." "No matter what you do, success is always gratifying." "Especially this matter. We try to help them in many ways. Teach them common sense of health care, and how to distinguish what kind of soil is suitable for what kind of crops - all this is to improve their quality of life, in the future we will I would love to start a school there." "How did local residents react?" "Generally speaking, it's not bad, although there are a few times they still look at us suspiciously, but these are understandable. We want to let them understand the Christian philosophy of life-tolerate your friends with love and forgiveness and the enemy." He started talking about his plans and ambitions, and I was touched by his enthusiasm. "I'm very lucky to be able to do what I want to do," he said. "My father left me a small income, so I can say I don't have any worries. That's why I chose this way of life." "You're lucky to know what kind of life you want to live," I said. "And you and Lady Marchmont, then?" "Uh... something happened at home, so I thought it might help us to go out and relax." "I've felt a sense of sadness for a long time—even in Lady Marchmont." He was waiting, but I didn't say much, and after a while I got up and left him. When I found Temaris in the cabin, she was about to go out. I said, "I was just talking to Luca Elmo, and he told me... he was a missionary." "what?" "He is a missionary, and he has a mission to go to Casque Island." "You mean... preaching to the local natives?" "It's similar!" She grimaced and said, "You know what? I thought we were going to have a good time with him all the way after he dramatically took my hat back." "If it doesn't work, it will." "I'm clueless," she said. "I always thought he was just an ordinary person, I think I should change my name to him-Saint Luca." "It seems a bit... blasphemous to say so." "But... Missionaries!" she murmured. She looked very disappointed.
The days passed day by day, and our life was also set into an unchanging formula. Only the moment when the boat docked was the beginning of a colorful life.There are usually some programs arranged during the landing, and only then will we be swallowed up by the new face of the big world... and Harp Green is far away and out of reach. Me and Luca.Elmo's friendship grows, and he's charming and likable, making him a great companion.He told me cheerfully the stories of the places he had visited, and said nothing about the dedicated work unless it was necessary.He once told me that whenever people found out about his work, they would change their cordiality and sometimes even avoid him...the rest waited for him to preach.He noticed that Lady Marchmont had treated him differently since she knew the truth. Temaris did have some scruples and flinched.Once, she'd been so glad he'd saved her hat from the ape; she said it was fun making friends that way; to Sky Island.Given what she's been through lately, I'm surprised she's expecting such a playful relationship, and I'm sure she's confused—how could anyone want to be a missionary? Then I thought: even after all that has happened, Temalis is still Temalis. The Tansteins bid us farewell in Bombay.We cherish each other, and we both regret seeing each other too late.They have always been our good friends, and they are also very enthusiastic to introduce the life on the ship to us carefully. After they left, Temaris and I went ashore with a group of acquaintances.On the one hand, we admire those beautiful buildings, but on the other hand, we also witness its poverty with horror.There were beggars begging everywhere, and we wanted to do something, but it didn't work for the crowd around us.My instinct told me that these pleading black eyes would follow me like a nightmare.The women in brightly colored silks, and the well-dressed men, were indifferent to the beggars.Here, the contrast between rich and poor is both painful and depressing. Our expedition in Bombay came close to becoming a catastrophe.We were navigating these alleys with our fellow shipmates.The Tanstein couple had warned us not to go ashore alone, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.The streets and alleys are full of stalls, and usually this kind of place attracts Temaris's attention the most.I must admit that the wares were indeed striking, and that everything was on display, from silver, to finely embroidered satins, trinkets, and all sorts of leather goods. Tamaris has a soft spot for silver bracelets and is particularly interested. She chose a few, and after trying them on, she made up her mind to buy them all.After a burst of bargaining stopped, they completed the transaction, and at the same time we found that our companions were out of our line of sight, and they were no longer visible. I grabbed Temaris's arm tightly and shouted, "The others are all gone, we must find them quickly." "Why?" Temaris said. "We can rent a carriage to go back like them. There is no need to be nervous about such a simple matter." We started walking down the street one by one.We had followed Mrs. Janis all the way, and she had lived for a while in Bombay, and now we were lost with the group, and I could not suppress the overwhelming dread in my heart. Since there are crowds of people everywhere, it is almost impossible to pass through these walls without pushing hard.When I got to the bottom of the street, I still couldn't find my companions. I looked around in panic, but I couldn't see a carriage. Suddenly, a little boy bumped me into my arms, and I was surprised to find another boy bumped from my side.It wasn't until the two of them disappeared without a trace that I realized that the small bag on my arm was gone, and all our money was in that small bag. I yelled, "They stole our money, look at what time it is! The boat leaves in an hour and we should be back thirty minutes before we set sail." Now the two of us are really scared and panic-in this strange country, we don't even have a penny at hand; we only know that the boat is moored by the port, but we have no idea how to get back. I asked one or two locals for directions to the pier, but they looked at me in bewilderment, unable to understand what I was saying.In desperation I began to search for the Western face. My mind is constantly exploring every possible solution, what should we do?Our current situation is on the brink of desperation—and it's all because of Temalis's lingering that has made both of us ignore the others. After we turned to another street, we were surprised to find a wider road in front of us. I said, "We must try the main road." "We've never been here before," Temaris said. "There must be someone there who can tell us how to get to the pier." And at the same time, I saw him! I yelled, "Mr. Elmore!" He hurried towards us. "I ran into Mrs. Janis, and she told me you were still at the fair. So I said I'd come and get you." "Our money was stolen by some horrible little boys," said Temaris with a sigh of relief. “独自行动是最不明智的作法了。” “哦，能看到你真好！”泰玛莉丝大叫。“你说是吧？佛莱迪。” “我快乐得不知道该如何来形容自己心里的感受，刚刚我的整颗心真的每过一秒就往下越沉越深。” “怕我们会抛下你们俩不顾而离开吗？当然了，这种事几乎发生了。” “你是我们的救命恩人，艾摩尔先生，”泰玛莉丝说，她挽着他的手，抬头微笑地看着他。“我知道你会平安地把我们带回船上去的。” 他说：“这里什么也没有，所以我们得走一段路才有马车可以搭，不过我们现在离码头并不太远。” 我大大地松了一口气。被遗弃在这个地方的想法真的把我们俩吓倒了，而如今我们的解救者突然出现，并且告诉我们他是特地出来寻找我们的。 “你怎么会这么快就找到我们的？”泰玛莉丝问。 “詹尼斯夫人说他们是在市集和你们走失的。我对这一带挺熟的，猜想们应该就在这附近——依照詹尼斯夫人的描述来看。我想最好的方法便是在这里徘徊几分钟，结果，你们瞧——这法子是行得通的。” “这是你第二次对我伸出援手了，”泰玛莉丝提醒他。“起先是帽子的事，现在又多了一桩。下一次当我遇上危险时，希望你能再次及时出现。” “我也希望在往后的日子里，每当你有需要时我都能帮得上忙。”他说。 当我们登上跳板，踏入船的那一刻，我忍不住高兴了起来。这场救难行动简直是神奇得令人无法置信，现在回想起来我还是会打冷颤。另一方面我也很庆幸救我们的人是路卡．艾尔摩，因为我真的是越来越喜欢他了。 泰玛莉丝也是，虽然她依然尊称他为“圣男路卡”。
她的确又开始接近他了。有几次我都在甲板上发现他们俩坐在那里聊天，通常我会加入他们，开心地任由时光飞逝。 和“南方之后”告别的日子越来越近了，而泰玛莉丝也承认她很高兴有人会陪我们一起去卡斯克岛，尤其当这个人正是“圣男路卡”本人，他的丰富阅历对我们的帮助很大。 她说他甚至把自己为卡斯克岛设计的蓝图告诉她。他不知道能在那里看到什么样的景象，不过他却深信这将会是个前所未有的珍贵经验。这个特使团才刚成立不久，而创始阶段总是最困难的；他们必须让人们了解，自己是为了理想和抱负才走向这条路的，和老天爷的魔力完全无关。 “他是个不寻常的男人，”泰玛莉丝对我说。“我从没认识过像他这样的人，他非常地坦诚、直率。我把自己的过去告诉他，从我如何地迷恋佳斯顿……到我的婚姻……和所有的内幕……甚至连佳斯顿遇害的事都说了。他听得好专注。” “我想，”我说。“这种故事通常都很引人注目的。” “他似乎可以了解我的感受——那种处于无知中的恐惧、成天想着有谁和我一样已被列入可疑份子的名单中。他说警方不可能会怀疑我的，否则他们怎么会准许我离开英国。我告诉他这件事有涉嫌的可疑人士似乎都是清白的……我自己、我哥哥和那位女儿被勾引的父亲……每个人都是无辜的。这就是为什么让我们大家……处于无知状态的原因，我认为凶手应该是和佳斯顿的过去有关，他们之间可能有什么大怨仇。他发誓会为我祷告的；我告诉他自己也曾祷告过，不过倒是不太用心，或许以他较高尚的身份来祷告会比我合适，上帝会多花心思听他的话。他听了之后，神情好像很不自然地回缩了一下。” “你不该这么说的。” “我后来才想通这一点，但在某方面来说，我的确有那种想法。他的人那么地好，即使上帝对他的关爱多了些，也算是合情合理的。若要论起正义，他是绝对义不容辞的，上帝对这种人的眷爱有加，总是会多留一点心来回应他们的祈求，而且我相信他在为别人祈祷时绝不会怠慢不周的。我们的'圣男路卡'真是个大好人，我真的很喜欢他。” 我们继续沿着澳洲的海岸线航行——首先抵达的是费利曼特，然后是阿得雷德，墨尔本——而从墨尔本，我们和“南方之后”告别的日子已一步步地接近了。 最后我们终于到了雪梨——当年科克船长赞赏它壮观的港口是全世界数一数二。“南方之后”划破水痕驶入海岬的气势盛大辉煌，而这个才刚成立不久的殖民地也瞬间展现在我们的眼前。 由于整艘船已被急着下船的旅客震得闹哄哄了，所以我们根本没多少时间可以观赏眼前的景致。珍重道别的声音四处响起，这几个星期以来的朝夕相处，我们大伙儿都早已习惯每天共享三餐的乐趣。我对泰玛莉丝说：“在家乡，我们连和最好的朋友见面次数也没这么频繁呢！”而如今这些人都将在我们的生命中消逝，往后的日子里我会珍藏这份难得的回忆。 路卡．艾尔摩有条不紊地处理一切。他必须确定我们的行李已被送到“金色黎明号”，且我们三个将搭同一艘船离去。 很可惜我们无法在雪梨多待一刻——虽然我们只看到它的一小部分，但却不难发现它的美。不过，只要我们的旅程能继续顺利地进行，一切的事都变成次要的了。 “我们的圣人真的很能干！”泰玛莉丝说。我注意到每当她提到路卡时，她的声音中总会夹杂一丝嘲弄的语气。她喜欢他，只是无法忍受他那超乎常人般的意志力罢了。 最后，我们终于登上了“金色黎明号”继续为目的地奔波。这是一艘货船，通常很少搭载乘客的。横越塔斯曼海时风浪非常大，海面很不平静。我们大部分的时间都躺在床上一直到抵达威灵顿。我们在那里做了个短暂的停留——完全依装、卸货的时间而定——之后我们便算真正地航向卡斯多岛了。 隔天我们很优闲地度过海上的一日，那一整天风平浪静的，气温很高，最适合坐在甲板上什么事都不要想；看着清澈温和的海水，往远一点的地方瞥过去，随时都有机会看到跃出海面的飞鱼，四处也都有可能出现一群徜徉在大海洋嬉戏的海豚。 我们坐在甲板上凝听路卡的童年往事，他小时候一直居住在伦敦，父亲是个出色的生意人，在商业界颇负盛名；他希望路卡和他的弟弟一起加入这个家族企业，但是路卡却对自己另有期许。父亲过逝后留下一笔足够的钱，使得他能如愿做自己想做的事，而家里的企业则让他弟弟一手接管。 路卡不喜欢父亲辛苦打拼出来的事业，但却无法否认“它”才是使他能为所欲为的最大助力。由于有他弟弟挺身揽下父亲临死的遗愿，所以他才能心安理得地照自己心中理想的生活方式过活。 “所以说，”泰玛莉丝用她对路卡一贯的嘲笑语气说。“即使你厌恶自己父亲的事业，但却不得不承认'它'使你的美梦成真，关于这一点，你又怎么能心安理得呢？” “我知道你的观点，”他微笑地说。“不过我相信人们应该活得单纯些。我的收入虽是来自我不喜欢的事业上，但却足够提供我所有的开销，如果这笔钱能推广我的信念，那么我看不出有任何不可行的理由。” “我想，我只能说这听起来似乎颇有道理的。”泰玛莉丝勉强地说。 “我希望你说的每一句话都是出自内心的。” 我们就这样过了好几天。泰玛莉丝对路卡的友善依然带有一丝戏谵，不过他们俩似乎还乐在其中。 离开“金色黎明号”我们终于到卡多岛了，在经过这么漫长的旅途后，如今我们一心只盼望开往卡斯克岛的渡轮能快快启航。
卡多岛虽小，但它的活力却带给我们很大的震撼。“金色黎明号”的进港引起一阵欢迎的喧哗声，几艘小船立刻出来迎接大船，并赶在卸货前先行将旅客送回岸上。 我们被一群大声呼吼的居民包围着，他们正兴奋地看着这些观光客，无疑是想多增加些收入，因为每个人都卯足了劲，比手划脚地试着想留住他们的眼光。摊位上的货品有凤梨、椰子、木雕艺品、奥秘的石形艺术，及造形邪恶的武士木偶。这里四周都被青翠、茂盛的草木围绕着，阔棕树健朗的枝叶处处可见。 路卡说，在这等待的同时，首先我们必须找家饭店驻脚，然后等到一切都安顿好了后，他会立刻去查询渡轮的时间表。 我们发现有个男人正迫不及待地想充当我们的导游。虽然他会讲一些英文，不过却一厢情愿地不让我们有反口的机会。 “饭店？”他说。“我懂了，我来带路，很棒的饭店……小姐、先生……很棒的饭 店，今天，渡轮没有。 ”他用力地摇摇头。“今天没有。 " 他把我们的行李搬进手推车里，然后往我们周围开始聚集的群众中推出去，他示意要我们跟紧。几个小孩一脸困惑地看着我们走过去，他们连一件能遮掩自己铜棕色的身子的衣服都没有。我们的导游一路上不停地回顾，以确定我们还跟在他身后。“跟我来。”他大喊。 他走到一幢白石砌成的建筑物面前，这间饭店离岸边只有几百码。 “很棒的饭店，非常好，卡多岛最好的饭店。你们来，你们会喜欢的。” 我们进到室内后，很欣慰地感到气温已降了几度。一个皮肤很黑、身材壮大的女人正露出白皙的牙齿对我们微笑，她用那双宝石一般的黑眼珠打量我们。 “我带人来，我带人来，”我们的导游说。“先生、小姐……”接下来他们便轻松自然地用当地话交谈起来了。 那个女人即使在将注意力转移到我们身上时，依然不忘堆上笑容。 “你们要住下来吗？”她问。 “是的，”路卡告诉她。“在下班开往卡斯克岛的渡轮出发前，我们将一直住在这里。” “卡斯克岛。”她蠕动的双唇间吐出声来。“哦，不行，这里最好，我有两……”她用手指比着。“两间房吗？” “两间是再好也不过了，”路卡说，然后转向我。“你们俩介意睡同一间吗？” “我们在船上时早就习惯了。”泰玛莉丝说。“我们去看看房间吧！” 我们很快便安顿下来了，由于没有其他选择的空间，所以对现况也就无从挑起。那个太过丰满的肥女人似乎很高兴我们能到这里来，她唯一的缺憾是——我们唯一的目的是等待渡轮、离开这里。 所有的房间不仅窄小，也很老旧，不过里面倒还能挤得进两张床……算了，反正我们也住不久。每张床上都罩有蚊帐，当那个肥女人指着这一切时，她神情中所流露出的骄傲是显而易见的。 不久那个导游便扬扬得意地离去了，好像他刚才做了什么丰功伟业般。 我们查出下一班渡轮星期五开，由于今天已是星期三了，所以我们不禁庆幸自己不用在此地久留。 长久待在海上后，对陆地上的干燥反而觉得怪怪的。这里的一切事物都很新奇，所以我们早已迫不及待地想出去见识见识。由于和卡斯克岛的距离不远，我们推测这两个岛之间的差异一定很小。 我们各自回到自己的房间，把最近这几天所需要用到的东西先从行李中整理出来。 泰玛莉丝认为这一切都非常刺激。“我喜欢那个肥女人，她看到我们来时简直乐歪了，还因我们无法多住几天而深感遗憾。世上还有比这种欢迎方式更温馨的吗？”
卡多岛和卡斯克岛间来往的渡轮并不算太频繁，通常这两个岛所需传递的货物都是从雪梨运来的，这个路线同时也是岛民和外界之间信件连系的主角。 我们安顿好后，便决定静下来等。外面的热气使得大家心浮气躁，不过至少室内总比户外来得阴凉。 我们到达的那天，大家已经都累得全身无力了，当天的晚餐有不知名的鱼及水果，那时天色已越来越晚了，所以大伙儿决定提早回房睡觉，这样一来，明天早上就可以探险了——或傍晚——我们都已见识到这里的白天、及下午在空气中蔓延的那股热气，让人全身都很不服。 泰玛莉丝一下子就睡着了，而我却眼睁睁地盯着天花板，凝听海浪舞动的声音及……从远方传来的……隐约中可辨出……有人正弹奏着优美的乐曲。 不知此刻克里斯派在做些什么？苏菲姨妈呢？她一定在想我过得好不好。长久以来我一直渴望能和父亲见面，而这个愿望已即将实现了；但，我却愿意放下一切，奔回英国。 “除非，”我不断地告诉自己。“除非那女人永远不再出现，除非她一辈子都不会再回到我们的生命中。” 这不是解决之道，我必须让自己远远地和过去隔离，我必须为自己理出一条大道，看清自己人生的目标。 在这一切迷雾中，只有一个不变的事实，那就是——我一辈子也忘不了克里斯派。 我瞥了泰玛莉丝一眼，她散落在枕头上的金色秀发在月光的照耀下显得格外地动人；躺在蚊帐之下的她安详地宛如刚出生的女娃儿般。长久以来她就想要逃开那里，远远地，忘掉一切，目前的处境是正中她下怀。她已经有些改变了，不过泰玛莉丝过去的影子依旧常常出现。这趟旅游正是她所需要的，如今她成功地慢慢卸掉锁在她身上的枷锁。 而我相信自己今生将和过去纠缠不清的。
隔天早上我们便在卡多岛展开探险行动。我们的出现使得当地许多好奇的居民都感到相当兴奋，他们对西方人的认知似乎相当有限。泰玛莉丝一头金发引来一群侧目的眼光，一个女人甚至还走向前去摸她的头发。他们谁也不试着去掩饰那双好奇的眼睛，且还大剌剌地盯着我们——吃吃地傻笑着，好像发现我们本身就是一出出好笑的闹剧。 热气的火舌在天地间嚣张地对万物示威，午餐之后我们只好待在饭店里，坐在那儿观赏外面的景致，让时间在等待中慢慢流逝。 泰玛莉丝说。“很快地我们就要站在那里了。我希望那里没有这么热。” “我想差别应该不会很大，”路卡说。“通常人们都能适应过来，你不用担这个心。” “到时你将有任务在身，那个任重道远的工作，”泰玛莉丝说。“我能做些什么呢？” “你可以到我那里帮我啊！我敢说我一定能找些事情让你做的。” 泰玛莉丝露出一脸苦相。“我不认为自己是这一型的人，你不觉得吗？” “我相信只要你愿意，你一定办得到。” 他们俩微笑地互相看着对方。 她问我：“你可以想像我做这种神圣的工作吗？” 我严正地说：“我相信只要有诚心，什么事都难不了你。” “你看，'圣男路卡'，我还是有希望的。”
We see him often after this.He didn't offer to tell us why we were going to Casques, and we never asked him.We figured that since we're going to be traveling together, we'll know when the time comes. We're all attracted to each other, and usually we'll meet up on the deck and find a place to sit and talk.He knew a great deal about the islands, having lived for several years in the Caribbean and around Borneo; none of them, however, were as remote as Casques. Our next stop was Naples, and since we had become good friends long before we landed, it was only natural to propose that he join us to visit the ruins of Pompeii.Even Mrs. Tanstein believed it graciously—hand us over to Luca.Elmo, she was very relieved. Luca.Elmo is not only knowledgeable, but also the best narrator, making ordinary days quite interesting.He said that whenever he went to a place, he always wanted to find out the ins and outs of the local area, and he also vividly described the history of Pompeii.With the ups and downs of his voice, I feel that I have been pushed back to that tragic era-in AD 79, when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the red-hot magma swallowed up this prosperous city in an instant.The scene of the ruins is so vivid, I can almost feel the panic and confusion of the people at that time, the helplessness of facing destruction but having nowhere to escape. After returning to the boat, Temaris said to me, "Our Luca Elmo is serious! He seems to care about those ancient ruins and the people who suffered there." "Don't you find these things interesting?" "It's very interesting, but he just kept delving into it. These tragedies have become unchangeable history, and it's useless to think too much." "He's a serious guy, and I like him." "It's interesting how we got to know him...but now he's like this..." "He is not the kind of frivolous person at all. I thought you had learned your lesson and learned to be good. Those vain men are not worthy of your attention after taking off their gorgeous masks." Afterwards I felt guilty and said hurtful things to her, and for a few hours she wasn't as happy as she had been before.But when we saw Luca again.When Elmo was there, she became very pleasant to him.
The day of crossing the Suez Canal is drawing near, and our anticipation is well worth the price of the ticket.Its golden shores and shepherds tending their cattle—occasional sights—resemble the religious picture that once hung at La Vendasher.Occasionally, we see shepherds in robes and sandals leading contemptuous camels across the boundless golden carpet, forming a unique and moving scene. It is a great joy in life to be able to sit on the deck and watch the scenery quietly with the slow-moving hull. Luca.Elmo came and sat down beside me. "It's spectacular, isn't it?" he said. "It was an amazing experience, something I would never have dreamed of seeing." "What a feat - to have such a canal built! It is truly the greatest asset in the shipping world!" "It's not an exaggeration for you to say that." "Our journey will not stop for any emotion." "You must be very used to this kind of floating life, but for the inexperienced, every bit, every drop is a precious treasure." "No matter what you do, the first time is always the most special and memorable." "Indeed. What about the other ships?" "I don't think it will be bigger or more comfortable than this one. The 'Golden Dawn' that we took to Caddo Island may be similar to this ship, but it is much smaller. I have been on some The ferry, it's not doing well." "The industry you are in must have a close relationship with travel." "If you mean remote places, then the answer is yes. Didn't your father do the same?" I hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell him the truth, since he was going to Caskers anyway, and he would find out sooner or later. I said, "I have never met my father. He and my mother divorced shortly after their marriage. I was very young when I left home, so I had no impression of him. After my mother passed away a few years ago, I moved in with my aunt. Come on, now I plan to meet him." He nodded solemnly, and for a while we were all locked in our own worlds, brooding. Later, he who came to his senses first said: "I venture to speculate that you must be very curious about my profession. I am a missionary." Now I was really petrified, and he smiled and said, "You seem a little surprised." "Surprised? How come?" "Most people do. I think I must look like an ordinary businessman. People don't usually associate me with missionaries." "The work of the priesthood has always been admirable." "I decided that all of this was arranged by the Lord for me—destiny." "That's why you travel these remote areas." "We bring the Christian faith to everyone. We have a mission on Casques, and there are only two people there—Brother John and Sister Mauriel Hayfors. They were recently formed, so it's a little bit of a push." It was exhausting. I was there trying to do my part to help them straighten out, and I've done this kind of work elsewhere...hope my experience can help." "No matter what you do, success is always gratifying." "Especially this matter. We try to help them in many ways. Teach them common sense of health care, and how to distinguish what kind of soil is suitable for what kind of crops - all this is to improve their quality of life, in the future we will I would love to start a school there." "How did local residents react?" "Generally speaking, it's not bad, although there are a few times they still look at us suspiciously, but these are understandable. We want to let them understand the Christian philosophy of life-tolerate your friends with love and forgiveness and the enemy." He started talking about his plans and ambitions, and I was touched by his enthusiasm. "I'm very lucky to be able to do what I want to do," he said. "My father left me a small income, so I can say I don't have any worries. That's why I chose this way of life." "You're lucky to know what kind of life you want to live," I said. "And you and Lady Marchmont, then?" "Uh... something happened at home, so I thought it might help us to go out and relax." "I've felt a sense of sadness for a long time—even in Lady Marchmont." He was waiting, but I didn't say much, and after a while I got up and left him. When I found Temaris in the cabin, she was about to go out. I said, "I was just talking to Luca Elmo, and he told me... he was a missionary." "what?" "He is a missionary, and he has a mission to go to Casque Island." "You mean... preaching to the local natives?" "It's similar!" She grimaced and said, "You know what? I thought we were going to have a good time with him all the way after he dramatically took my hat back." "If it doesn't work, it will." "I'm clueless," she said. "I always thought he was just an ordinary person, I think I should change my name to him-Saint Luca." "It seems a bit... blasphemous to say so." "But... Missionaries!" she murmured. She looked very disappointed.
The days passed day by day, and our life was also set into an unchanging formula. Only the moment when the boat docked was the beginning of a colorful life.There are usually some programs arranged during the landing, and only then will we be swallowed up by the new face of the big world... and Harp Green is far away and out of reach. Me and Luca.Elmo's friendship grows, and he's charming and likable, making him a great companion.He told me cheerfully the stories of the places he had visited, and said nothing about the dedicated work unless it was necessary.He once told me that whenever people found out about his work, they would change their cordiality and sometimes even avoid him...the rest waited for him to preach.He noticed that Lady Marchmont had treated him differently since she knew the truth. Temaris did have some scruples and flinched.Once, she'd been so glad he'd saved her hat from the ape; she said it was fun making friends that way; to Sky Island.Given what she's been through lately, I'm surprised she's expecting such a playful relationship, and I'm sure she's confused—how could anyone want to be a missionary? Then I thought: even after all that has happened, Temalis is still Temalis. The Tansteins bid us farewell in Bombay.We cherish each other, and we both regret seeing each other too late.They have always been our good friends, and they are also very enthusiastic to introduce the life on the ship to us carefully. After they left, Temaris and I went ashore with a group of acquaintances.On the one hand, we admire those beautiful buildings, but on the other hand, we also witness its poverty with horror.There were beggars begging everywhere, and we wanted to do something, but it didn't work for the crowd around us.My instinct told me that these pleading black eyes would follow me like a nightmare.The women in brightly colored silks, and the well-dressed men, were indifferent to the beggars.Here, the contrast between rich and poor is both painful and depressing. Our expedition in Bombay came close to becoming a catastrophe.We were navigating these alleys with our fellow shipmates.The Tanstein couple had warned us not to go ashore alone, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.The streets and alleys are full of stalls, and usually this kind of place attracts Temaris's attention the most.I must admit that the wares were indeed striking, and that everything was on display, from silver, to finely embroidered satins, trinkets, and all sorts of leather goods. Tamaris has a soft spot for silver bracelets and is particularly interested. She chose a few, and after trying them on, she made up her mind to buy them all.After a burst of bargaining stopped, they completed the transaction, and at the same time we found that our companions were out of our line of sight, and they were no longer visible. I grabbed Temaris's arm tightly and shouted, "The others are all gone, we must find them quickly." "Why?" Temaris said. "We can rent a carriage to go back like them. There is no need to be nervous about such a simple matter." We started walking down the street one by one.We had followed Mrs. Janis all the way, and she had lived for a while in Bombay, and now we were lost with the group, and I could not suppress the overwhelming dread in my heart. Since there are crowds of people everywhere, it is almost impossible to pass through these walls without pushing hard.When I got to the bottom of the street, I still couldn't find my companions. I looked around in panic, but I couldn't see a carriage. Suddenly, a little boy bumped me into my arms, and I was surprised to find another boy bumped from my side.It wasn't until the two of them disappeared without a trace that I realized that the small bag on my arm was gone, and all our money was in that small bag. I yelled, "They stole our money, look at what time it is! The boat leaves in an hour and we should be back thirty minutes before we set sail." Now the two of us are really scared and panic-in this strange country, we don't even have a penny at hand; we only know that the boat is moored by the port, but we have no idea how to get back. I asked one or two locals for directions to the pier, but they looked at me in bewilderment, unable to understand what I was saying.In desperation I began to search for the Western face. My mind is constantly exploring every possible solution, what should we do?Our current situation is on the brink of desperation—and it's all because of Temalis's lingering that has made both of us ignore the others. After we turned to another street, we were surprised to find a wider road in front of us. I said, "We must try the main road." "We've never been here before," Temaris said. "There must be someone there who can tell us how to get to the pier." And at the same time, I saw him! I yelled, "Mr. Elmore!" He hurried towards us. "I ran into Mrs. Janis, and she told me you were still at the fair. So I said I'd come and get you." "Our money was stolen by some horrible little boys," said Temaris with a sigh of relief. “独自行动是最不明智的作法了。” “哦，能看到你真好！”泰玛莉丝大叫。“你说是吧？佛莱迪。” “我快乐得不知道该如何来形容自己心里的感受，刚刚我的整颗心真的每过一秒就往下越沉越深。” “怕我们会抛下你们俩不顾而离开吗？当然了，这种事几乎发生了。” “你是我们的救命恩人，艾摩尔先生，”泰玛莉丝说，她挽着他的手，抬头微笑地看着他。“我知道你会平安地把我们带回船上去的。” 他说：“这里什么也没有，所以我们得走一段路才有马车可以搭，不过我们现在离码头并不太远。” 我大大地松了一口气。被遗弃在这个地方的想法真的把我们俩吓倒了，而如今我们的解救者突然出现，并且告诉我们他是特地出来寻找我们的。 “你怎么会这么快就找到我们的？”泰玛莉丝问。 “詹尼斯夫人说他们是在市集和你们走失的。我对这一带挺熟的，猜想们应该就在这附近——依照詹尼斯夫人的描述来看。我想最好的方法便是在这里徘徊几分钟，结果，你们瞧——这法子是行得通的。” “这是你第二次对我伸出援手了，”泰玛莉丝提醒他。“起先是帽子的事，现在又多了一桩。下一次当我遇上危险时，希望你能再次及时出现。” “我也希望在往后的日子里，每当你有需要时我都能帮得上忙。”他说。 当我们登上跳板，踏入船的那一刻，我忍不住高兴了起来。这场救难行动简直是神奇得令人无法置信，现在回想起来我还是会打冷颤。另一方面我也很庆幸救我们的人是路卡．艾尔摩，因为我真的是越来越喜欢他了。 泰玛莉丝也是，虽然她依然尊称他为“圣男路卡”。
她的确又开始接近他了。有几次我都在甲板上发现他们俩坐在那里聊天，通常我会加入他们，开心地任由时光飞逝。 和“南方之后”告别的日子越来越近了，而泰玛莉丝也承认她很高兴有人会陪我们一起去卡斯克岛，尤其当这个人正是“圣男路卡”本人，他的丰富阅历对我们的帮助很大。 她说他甚至把自己为卡斯克岛设计的蓝图告诉她。他不知道能在那里看到什么样的景象，不过他却深信这将会是个前所未有的珍贵经验。这个特使团才刚成立不久，而创始阶段总是最困难的；他们必须让人们了解，自己是为了理想和抱负才走向这条路的，和老天爷的魔力完全无关。 “他是个不寻常的男人，”泰玛莉丝对我说。“我从没认识过像他这样的人，他非常地坦诚、直率。我把自己的过去告诉他，从我如何地迷恋佳斯顿……到我的婚姻……和所有的内幕……甚至连佳斯顿遇害的事都说了。他听得好专注。” “我想，”我说。“这种故事通常都很引人注目的。” “他似乎可以了解我的感受——那种处于无知中的恐惧、成天想着有谁和我一样已被列入可疑份子的名单中。他说警方不可能会怀疑我的，否则他们怎么会准许我离开英国。我告诉他这件事有涉嫌的可疑人士似乎都是清白的……我自己、我哥哥和那位女儿被勾引的父亲……每个人都是无辜的。这就是为什么让我们大家……处于无知状态的原因，我认为凶手应该是和佳斯顿的过去有关，他们之间可能有什么大怨仇。他发誓会为我祷告的；我告诉他自己也曾祷告过，不过倒是不太用心，或许以他较高尚的身份来祷告会比我合适，上帝会多花心思听他的话。他听了之后，神情好像很不自然地回缩了一下。” “你不该这么说的。” “我后来才想通这一点，但在某方面来说，我的确有那种想法。他的人那么地好，即使上帝对他的关爱多了些，也算是合情合理的。若要论起正义，他是绝对义不容辞的，上帝对这种人的眷爱有加，总是会多留一点心来回应他们的祈求，而且我相信他在为别人祈祷时绝不会怠慢不周的。我们的'圣男路卡'真是个大好人，我真的很喜欢他。” 我们继续沿着澳洲的海岸线航行——首先抵达的是费利曼特，然后是阿得雷德，墨尔本——而从墨尔本，我们和“南方之后”告别的日子已一步步地接近了。 最后我们终于到了雪梨——当年科克船长赞赏它壮观的港口是全世界数一数二。“南方之后”划破水痕驶入海岬的气势盛大辉煌，而这个才刚成立不久的殖民地也瞬间展现在我们的眼前。 由于整艘船已被急着下船的旅客震得闹哄哄了，所以我们根本没多少时间可以观赏眼前的景致。珍重道别的声音四处响起，这几个星期以来的朝夕相处，我们大伙儿都早已习惯每天共享三餐的乐趣。我对泰玛莉丝说：“在家乡，我们连和最好的朋友见面次数也没这么频繁呢！”而如今这些人都将在我们的生命中消逝，往后的日子里我会珍藏这份难得的回忆。 路卡．艾尔摩有条不紊地处理一切。他必须确定我们的行李已被送到“金色黎明号”，且我们三个将搭同一艘船离去。 很可惜我们无法在雪梨多待一刻——虽然我们只看到它的一小部分，但却不难发现它的美。不过，只要我们的旅程能继续顺利地进行，一切的事都变成次要的了。 “我们的圣人真的很能干！”泰玛莉丝说。我注意到每当她提到路卡时，她的声音中总会夹杂一丝嘲弄的语气。她喜欢他，只是无法忍受他那超乎常人般的意志力罢了。 最后，我们终于登上了“金色黎明号”继续为目的地奔波。这是一艘货船，通常很少搭载乘客的。横越塔斯曼海时风浪非常大，海面很不平静。我们大部分的时间都躺在床上一直到抵达威灵顿。我们在那里做了个短暂的停留——完全依装、卸货的时间而定——之后我们便算真正地航向卡斯多岛了。 隔天我们很优闲地度过海上的一日，那一整天风平浪静的，气温很高，最适合坐在甲板上什么事都不要想；看着清澈温和的海水，往远一点的地方瞥过去，随时都有机会看到跃出海面的飞鱼，四处也都有可能出现一群徜徉在大海洋嬉戏的海豚。 我们坐在甲板上凝听路卡的童年往事，他小时候一直居住在伦敦，父亲是个出色的生意人，在商业界颇负盛名；他希望路卡和他的弟弟一起加入这个家族企业，但是路卡却对自己另有期许。父亲过逝后留下一笔足够的钱，使得他能如愿做自己想做的事，而家里的企业则让他弟弟一手接管。 路卡不喜欢父亲辛苦打拼出来的事业，但却无法否认“它”才是使他能为所欲为的最大助力。由于有他弟弟挺身揽下父亲临死的遗愿，所以他才能心安理得地照自己心中理想的生活方式过活。 “所以说，”泰玛莉丝用她对路卡一贯的嘲笑语气说。“即使你厌恶自己父亲的事业，但却不得不承认'它'使你的美梦成真，关于这一点，你又怎么能心安理得呢？” “我知道你的观点，”他微笑地说。“不过我相信人们应该活得单纯些。我的收入虽是来自我不喜欢的事业上，但却足够提供我所有的开销，如果这笔钱能推广我的信念，那么我看不出有任何不可行的理由。” “我想，我只能说这听起来似乎颇有道理的。”泰玛莉丝勉强地说。 “我希望你说的每一句话都是出自内心的。” 我们就这样过了好几天。泰玛莉丝对路卡的友善依然带有一丝戏谵，不过他们俩似乎还乐在其中。 离开“金色黎明号”我们终于到卡多岛了，在经过这么漫长的旅途后，如今我们一心只盼望开往卡斯克岛的渡轮能快快启航。
卡多岛虽小，但它的活力却带给我们很大的震撼。“金色黎明号”的进港引起一阵欢迎的喧哗声，几艘小船立刻出来迎接大船，并赶在卸货前先行将旅客送回岸上。 我们被一群大声呼吼的居民包围着，他们正兴奋地看着这些观光客，无疑是想多增加些收入，因为每个人都卯足了劲，比手划脚地试着想留住他们的眼光。摊位上的货品有凤梨、椰子、木雕艺品、奥秘的石形艺术，及造形邪恶的武士木偶。这里四周都被青翠、茂盛的草木围绕着，阔棕树健朗的枝叶处处可见。 路卡说，在这等待的同时，首先我们必须找家饭店驻脚，然后等到一切都安顿好了后，他会立刻去查询渡轮的时间表。 我们发现有个男人正迫不及待地想充当我们的导游。虽然他会讲一些英文，不过却一厢情愿地不让我们有反口的机会。 “饭店？”他说。“我懂了，我来带路，很棒的饭店……小姐、先生……很棒的饭 店，今天，渡轮没有。 ”他用力地摇摇头。“今天没有。 " 他把我们的行李搬进手推车里，然后往我们周围开始聚集的群众中推出去，他示意要我们跟紧。几个小孩一脸困惑地看着我们走过去，他们连一件能遮掩自己铜棕色的身子的衣服都没有。我们的导游一路上不停地回顾，以确定我们还跟在他身后。“跟我来。”他大喊。 他走到一幢白石砌成的建筑物面前，这间饭店离岸边只有几百码。 “很棒的饭店，非常好，卡多岛最好的饭店。你们来，你们会喜欢的。” 我们进到室内后，很欣慰地感到气温已降了几度。一个皮肤很黑、身材壮大的女人正露出白皙的牙齿对我们微笑，她用那双宝石一般的黑眼珠打量我们。 “我带人来，我带人来，”我们的导游说。“先生、小姐……”接下来他们便轻松自然地用当地话交谈起来了。 那个女人即使在将注意力转移到我们身上时，依然不忘堆上笑容。 “你们要住下来吗？”她问。 “是的，”路卡告诉她。“在下班开往卡斯克岛的渡轮出发前，我们将一直住在这里。” “卡斯克岛。”她蠕动的双唇间吐出声来。“哦，不行，这里最好，我有两……”她用手指比着。“两间房吗？” “两间是再好也不过了，”路卡说，然后转向我。“你们俩介意睡同一间吗？” “我们在船上时早就习惯了。”泰玛莉丝说。“我们去看看房间吧！” 我们很快便安顿下来了，由于没有其他选择的空间，所以对现况也就无从挑起。那个太过丰满的肥女人似乎很高兴我们能到这里来，她唯一的缺憾是——我们唯一的目的是等待渡轮、离开这里。 所有的房间不仅窄小，也很老旧，不过里面倒还能挤得进两张床……算了，反正我们也住不久。每张床上都罩有蚊帐，当那个肥女人指着这一切时，她神情中所流露出的骄傲是显而易见的。 不久那个导游便扬扬得意地离去了，好像他刚才做了什么丰功伟业般。 我们查出下一班渡轮星期五开，由于今天已是星期三了，所以我们不禁庆幸自己不用在此地久留。 长久待在海上后，对陆地上的干燥反而觉得怪怪的。这里的一切事物都很新奇，所以我们早已迫不及待地想出去见识见识。由于和卡斯克岛的距离不远，我们推测这两个岛之间的差异一定很小。 我们各自回到自己的房间，把最近这几天所需要用到的东西先从行李中整理出来。 泰玛莉丝认为这一切都非常刺激。“我喜欢那个肥女人，她看到我们来时简直乐歪了，还因我们无法多住几天而深感遗憾。世上还有比这种欢迎方式更温馨的吗？”
卡多岛和卡斯克岛间来往的渡轮并不算太频繁，通常这两个岛所需传递的货物都是从雪梨运来的，这个路线同时也是岛民和外界之间信件连系的主角。 我们安顿好后，便决定静下来等。外面的热气使得大家心浮气躁，不过至少室内总比户外来得阴凉。 我们到达的那天，大家已经都累得全身无力了，当天的晚餐有不知名的鱼及水果，那时天色已越来越晚了，所以大伙儿决定提早回房睡觉，这样一来，明天早上就可以探险了——或傍晚——我们都已见识到这里的白天、及下午在空气中蔓延的那股热气，让人全身都很不服。 泰玛莉丝一下子就睡着了，而我却眼睁睁地盯着天花板，凝听海浪舞动的声音及……从远方传来的……隐约中可辨出……有人正弹奏着优美的乐曲。 不知此刻克里斯派在做些什么？苏菲姨妈呢？她一定在想我过得好不好。长久以来我一直渴望能和父亲见面，而这个愿望已即将实现了；但，我却愿意放下一切，奔回英国。 “除非，”我不断地告诉自己。“除非那女人永远不再出现，除非她一辈子都不会再回到我们的生命中。” 这不是解决之道，我必须让自己远远地和过去隔离，我必须为自己理出一条大道，看清自己人生的目标。 在这一切迷雾中，只有一个不变的事实，那就是——我一辈子也忘不了克里斯派。 我瞥了泰玛莉丝一眼，她散落在枕头上的金色秀发在月光的照耀下显得格外地动人；躺在蚊帐之下的她安详地宛如刚出生的女娃儿般。长久以来她就想要逃开那里，远远地，忘掉一切，目前的处境是正中她下怀。她已经有些改变了，不过泰玛莉丝过去的影子依旧常常出现。这趟旅游正是她所需要的，如今她成功地慢慢卸掉锁在她身上的枷锁。 而我相信自己今生将和过去纠缠不清的。
隔天早上我们便在卡多岛展开探险行动。我们的出现使得当地许多好奇的居民都感到相当兴奋，他们对西方人的认知似乎相当有限。泰玛莉丝一头金发引来一群侧目的眼光，一个女人甚至还走向前去摸她的头发。他们谁也不试着去掩饰那双好奇的眼睛，且还大剌剌地盯着我们——吃吃地傻笑着，好像发现我们本身就是一出出好笑的闹剧。 热气的火舌在天地间嚣张地对万物示威，午餐之后我们只好待在饭店里，坐在那儿观赏外面的景致，让时间在等待中慢慢流逝。 泰玛莉丝说。“很快地我们就要站在那里了。我希望那里没有这么热。” “我想差别应该不会很大，”路卡说。“通常人们都能适应过来，你不用担这个心。” “到时你将有任务在身，那个任重道远的工作，”泰玛莉丝说。“我能做些什么呢？” “你可以到我那里帮我啊！我敢说我一定能找些事情让你做的。” 泰玛莉丝露出一脸苦相。“我不认为自己是这一型的人，你不觉得吗？” “我相信只要你愿意，你一定办得到。” 他们俩微笑地互相看着对方。 她问我：“你可以想像我做这种神圣的工作吗？” 我严正地说：“我相信只要有诚心，什么事都难不了你。” “你看，'圣男路卡'，我还是有希望的。”