Chapter 18 Chapter 3 The New Governor

Bryant thought it best not to say anything about what happened between him and his brother, not even to Gordon.But that night, when the crowd sat around him, he told of his adventures. He described the east coast of Charman's Isle, surrounded on all sides by the Bay of Deception; and he told them how the East River ran through the forest, and how rich the woods were.He pointed out that if they ever had to leave the French Den, they could find better quarters to the east than to the west.As for the sea, they saw no islands.But he mentioned an inexplicable white spot on the surface of the sea.Maybe it was just a wisp of smoke.That could be figured out the next time they go to Deception Bay.In short, it is absolutely certain that there are no other islands in the vicinity of Charman Island, and there can be no doubt that it is separated from the mainland or the nearest archipelago by hundreds of miles.

So the boys had to regain consciousness of the struggle for survival and wait for rescue.For it seemed impossible for them to think of any way of their own to find relief.They began to work hard to prepare for Yudong's work.Bryant was more enthusiastic than ever at work, and he was found to be as quiet as his brother.He even keeps his distance from others.Gordon noticed a change in his personality, observing that whenever there was a show of courage or a dangerous task, Bryant always asked Jack to take the lead, and Jack eagerly accepted these tasks.But because Bryant didn't say anything, and didn't give him any chance to ask, although Gordon wondered if there was such a heart-to-heart talk between the two brothers, he still didn't ask about it.

Life in February was colorful.Wilcox found the salmon swimming down the river to the fresh water of the family lake.They cast their nets between the two banks and caught a lot of fish.In order to preserve these fish, they need a lot of salt.In order to get more salt, they had to make several trips to Galleon Bay.There, Baxter and Bryant built a small salt pan—a square puddle.As long as the seawater in the pit allowed the sun to evaporate, there would be all the salt they needed left in the pit. During the first two weeks of March, three or four young colonists traveled to the southern wilds across the Zeeland River.It was Donagan's idea.At his suggestion, Baxter made several pairs of stilts out of logs.Because several parts of the swamp are covered by shallow water, these stilts allow them to enter the swamp without getting their feet wet.

On the morning of April 17, Donagan, Webb, and Wilcox crossed the creek and reached the left bank of the river.They carried guns over their shoulders.Donagan had also brought a fowling gun from the magazine in the Frenchman's Hole, thinking he'd have a chance of using it. Once on the shore, the three hitched up on stilts and headed for the higher ground in the swamp.No matter how high the tide is there, it will always be there.Mimi walks with them, and he doesn't need stilts because he doesn't care about getting his feet wet when he goes over puddles. After Donagan, Wilcox, and Webb walked southwest for about a mile, they came to a dry field.Then they unhooked the stilts.This makes it easier for them to move around the wilderness in search of prey.Sand chicks, pintails, mallards, crakes, doves, teals, and countless black mallards abound in this vast swamp.The feathers of these birds are more valuable than the meat.But if the bird is grilled properly, it must taste delicious.Donagan and his partners shot down hundreds of these immeasurable waterfowl without wasting a single shot.They haven't lost their minds.They were especially satisfied by Xiaomi's graceful gesture of retrieving dozens of waterfowl from the waterhole in the swamp.

Donagan had a strong desire to shoot some other birds.Despite all the efforts of all the camp boys, they were unable to bring these rare birds to the table in the French den.Among these birds are the snipe, which belongs to the family of wading birds, and some silver-white herons.Shooting at them is nothing but a waste of gunpowder.Donagan couldn't help harassing them.But when he saw a flock of flamingos with fiery red feathers, he couldn't resist the temptation any longer.For the meat of this bird is as delicious as the partridge.These birds are often found in brackish water areas, where they are all arrayed and "sentinels" stand guard.When they see danger, they make a horn-like call.Donagan couldn't hold back the sight of these amazing island birds.Wilcox and Webb were not much better than him.Then they began to attack, all in vain.They forgot that if they got closer and fired quietly, the flamingos would be dazed by the sound of the gunfire, and would have no ability to escape.

The three boys also tried to approach a group of beautiful webbed birds.The bird is more than 4 feet long from beak to tail.But before they got any closer, the sirens sounded.Although they still took out their shotguns and shot at them, they had disappeared safely to the south.However, when the three hunters walked on the way back, their backpacks were heavy enough, which made their trip to the southern wilderness without any regrets. Gordon had no intention of waiting for winter to arrive until the Frenchman's winter work was over.They also need to store more food, including food for the people in the cave and food for livestock in the field.In order to ensure that there are enough items when the cave is sealed by heavy snow, they entered the swamp forest again and again.For two weeks, a cart drawn by two camel horses made the round trip several times a day.Winter may last for more than six months, and there must be enough dry wood for burning and seal oil for enough lighting in the cave to survive the winter.

These physical tasks did not interfere with the implementation of the original educational program.The older boys take turns teaching the younger ones.Donagan continued to flaunt his half-knowledge.Because of his nature, he does not have the trust of every friend.In two months, Gordon's term of office would expire, and Donagan was counting on being able to succeed the governor of the small colony, and thought that this position was his only.Was it fair that he wasn't picked the first time?Unfortunately, Wilcox, Cross, and Webb had all motivated him with this point of view, and began to lobby him that he was sure to win.

But in any case, Donagan won't get a majority of the vote.Gordon, too, knew exactly what the outcome of the campaign would be.Although he is entitled to run again, he has no hope of being re-elected.During his tenure he had to impose some drastic measures which cost him not a single vote.His down-to-earth attitude was also unpopular.The unlikable Donagan hoped to get a good number of votes.It was sure to be an interesting contest when the campaign started.What the little ones complained about Gordon was that he couldn't bear to let everyone eat bacon.What's more, when they accidentally cut their clothes or made a hole in their shoes and came back to the French den, he would severely scold them.The shortage of needles and threads was made all the more serious, since the tatters required frequent mending.Besides, every time a button was dropped, they were all scolded and sometimes punished by Gordon!

Sometimes, Bryant would intercede for Jenkins or Toney.This made him very popular.The little ones also knew the two chefs—Sovice and Moko were Bryant's best buddies.Once he was Governor of Charman Isle, they saw a bright future, and they would have plenty of jam cakes and small pastries. Where is the world going to get?This small colony is no more than a general social formation.What is the difference between these children and adults? Bryant has little interest in running.He worked hard and kept his younger brother's schedule full.Both brothers were first at work and lasted to the end, as if they had a special obligation to get the job done.

But everyday life is not all about classes, there are also hours of entertainment.One of the elements of good health is to be physically active and to participate in all physical activities.Boys climb trees by climbing a rope tied to the trunk to the lower main branches.Sometimes they engage in pole vaulting, and sometimes they practice high jump and long jump.They swam in the lake, and those who could not were quickly taught.They also hold running and swimming competitions.They tossed lassoes and bolas, played football, baseball, and hoops.One of the most serious disputes arose at the last-mentioned ring-throwing game.

It was the afternoon of April 25th.There were eight boys playing rings, in groups of four.Donagan, Webb, Wilcox and Cross against Bryant, Baxter, Garnett and Sauvis. They drive two nails into the ground on the playing field, about 50 feet apart.These two nails are of course the targets for the players to throw the ring.They want to put the ring over the nail or as close to it as possible.The players were very excited, especially Donagan, because he was playing against Bryant.Two games are over.Bryant's side won the first inning by seven points.Donagan won the second game by six points.Now they're in the tiebreaker, which is only two rings tossed. "Donagan, it's your turn now," Webb said, "I'm sure, this is our last chance." "Don't get excited," Donagan replied. Donagan stands with one foot in front of the other, holds the ring in his right hand, and leans forward.This is his best throwing stance.His whole body and mind are in the game, his jaw is set, his cheeks are pale, his forehead is slightly wrinkled, and the eyes below the forehead are shining.After taking a very careful look, he threw the ring horizontally. The ring made a long, low arc, but instead of catching the nail, it just touched the nail and landed on the side. "It's a shame you missed it," Cross said, "but it was a great shot." "We're going to win this game," Wilcox added, "unless Bryant catches the nail. Just wait and see!" Bryant comes on, swings back and forth a couple of times with the ring in his hand, spots it, throws it high in the air, and catches the peg! "Trapped," Sovis exclaimed excitedly. "We scored seven points. We won." "No!" Donagan said, taking a step forward. "You didn't win." "Why didn't you win?" Baxter asked rhetorically. "Because Bryant cheated." "Cheating?" Bryant exclaimed. "Yeah! Cheating!" Donagan repeated. "Bryant crossed the line. He went 2 feet." "He didn't!" Sovis said. "I didn't!" Bryant argued. "Even if I crossed the line, it was just carelessness. I can't stand Donagan calling me a cheater." "Indeed, you can't stand it!" Donagan sneered. "I can't!" Bryant raged. "I need to prove that my feet are actually in the line." "You can't prove it," cried Webb and Cross. Bryant told them, "Okay! There's my footprints in the sand! Donagan must know that. Tell me he's lying!" "I lied?" Donagan said.He walked forward lightly, took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and made a look like he was ready to fight. Bryant controlled his temper and stood quietly, looking at Donagan.He seems ashamed to fight a fellow, setting a bad example for the rest of the colony. "You shouldn't have slandered me, Donagan," he said, "and you shouldn't have challenged me now." "You're so right!" Donagan said in a very contemptuous and domineering tone. "I really shouldn't challenge someone who is afraid of being beaten." "I am afraid?" "Yes, you coward, you know it in your heart!" Bryant lost his mind at once. He clenched his fists and looked directly at Donagan.Just then Thone called Gordon, who walked into the crowd. "Bryant! Donagan!" he yelled. "He said I lied." The villain Donagan complained first. "He called me a cheater and a coward," Bryant retorted. "Donagan," Gordon said, "I know what Bryant is! He definitely wasn't the spark for this dispute! You started it." "Exactly!" cried Donagan. "I know you too! You're always getting on my nerves!" "Yes! I will, if necessary," said Gordon sharply. "Okay!" Donagan admitted grudgingly. "Whether I started the dispute or not, Bryant is a coward if he refuses to challenge him." "You! Donagan!" Gordon went on, "you are very mischievous, you are too bad-tempered, and you are always setting a bad example for others. In our situation, one person is always picking among us." Is it right not to be united? We must be united." Donagan said, "Thank you Gordon for your instruction. Bryant, come now!" Gordon ordered: "At least I'm governor of the colony now, I can't stand this kind of thing! Bryant, you go to the storage room. You! Donagan, go where you want to go, but if you don't know If I criticize you for just doing my duty, don't come back." "Long live Gordon!" cried the boys, except Webb, Wilcox, and Cross, "Long live Bryant!" They only obey orders.Bryant walked into the hall.Donagan didn't return until evening.Apparently he was so happy then that he never mentioned the incident again.But he must have had a deep grudge too, and he wasn't about to forget what Gordon had taught him. Nothing was mentioned afterwards, and preparations for the winter proceeded peacefully. In the first week of May, the weather was extremely cold.Gordon ordered a fire to be lit day and night in the cave.From then on, it became necessary to insulate the cave, a task that fell to Garnett and Sauvis. The birds flew away in flocks.Where are they flying?Obviously, it should be flying to the northern Pacific countries or the American continent.The climate in those places is much milder than that of Charman Island. Chief among these flocks are swallows.These amazing migratory birds have to fly such great distances.Bryant is still working tirelessly to exploit every possible means of leaving the island.At this moment a thought flashed into his mind.Use these swallows as messengers.Because these swallows nest in the storage room, it is not difficult to catch dozens of swallows.He wrapped a small piece of linen around the necks of these swallows for letter paper.It stated the shipwreck on Charman Island, and begged that the news should be carried to Oakland at once.Then they let the swallow go again.The boys were so excited when they saw the bird fly away!Although this is only a very slim hope, it is indeed a good opportunity.Bryant didn't ignore it, and quite rightly so. It started raining on May 25, a few days earlier than last year.Will winter come earlier and colder than before?I'm afraid so.Thankfully the heating, lighting and food lasted for several months.The winter clothes had been made weeks before, and Gordon's hygiene measures had been strictly enforced. At the same time, the French cave has become a debate field, which makes the little ones quite excited.Gordon's term as Governor of Chaman Island expired on June 10.Therefore, in this small world, endless discussions and comments began.There are even conspiracies brewing. Gordon didn't care much about what was going on.Bryant, because he was of French descent, considered himself hopeless in the British-majority colony.But Donagan was keen on the election.If he was not so arrogant, bossy, and jealous, he would have the best chance of winning with his superior intelligence and unquestionable courage.He was determined to be Gordon's successor.Although his vanity makes him ashamed to lobby others for votes, and pretends to be indifferent.But what he did not do openly, his friends did it for him quietly.Wilcox, Webb, and Cross worked tirelessly to persuade the other little boys to vote for Donagan. June 10 has finally arrived. Elections are held in the afternoon.Each boy must write on a piece of paper the list of candidates he has chosen, and the one with the most votes wins.The electorate consists of 14 members.Because Moko is black and has no right to vote, he can win with eight votes. At two o'clock in the afternoon, Gordon presides over the voting.The voting ceremony was conducted with great seriousness.After voting, the results are as follows: Bryant got eight votes. Donald Gan three votes. Gordon one vote. Neither Gordon nor Donagan voted, and Bryant voted for Gordon. When the votes were announced, Donagan could no longer hide his restlessness and utter disgust. Bryant was amazed at his majority of votes.He was about to decline the job when his eyes caught Jack.An idea popped into his head, so he started delivering his inaugural address: "Thank you very much, my friends. I now accept the duties you have entrusted to me." At dusk, Bryant began his one-year term as Governor of Charman Island.