Chapter 22 Chapter 7 The Intruder

Since Donagan and his companions left the Frenchman's Lair, the young colonists have been very depressed.With deep remorse, they see a divisive situation with potentially fatal consequences. It's clear that Bryant has nothing to blame himself for, and yet he's more dejected about it than anyone else.Maybe he thought it was all his fault.Gordon tried to comfort him, but in vain. "Bryant, they'll be back sooner than they think! Donagan is stubborn, but the odds are against him. I'll bet we'll be in the French cave again before the bad weather comes. Gathered together."

Bryant just shook his head.The few who left may come back when things go wrong, but not unless the situation is very dire. "Before the bad weather comes." Gordon said. Will the colonists spend a third winter on Charman Island?Will there be no rescue by then?Hasn't there been a merchant fleet entering these waters of the Pacific all summer?That being the case, would they have seen the distress signal on the Oakland Hills? In fact, the distress signal only hangs 200 feet above the island level and is invisible from a great distance.After his and Baxter's failed attempts to design some kind of weatherproof vessel, Bryant tried to figure out a way to raise the distress signal higher up.He often talks about it.One day he asked Baxter if he could use a kite to raise the signal higher.

"We have the rope and the cloth," he explained, "and if we make a really big kite, it can fly very high, we can fly it up to 1,000 feet." "You can't do without a breath of wind," said Baxter. "It doesn't happen very often," Bryant replied. "On a calm day, we can take the kite down. Once we tie the tail to the stump in the ground, the kite won't go with the wind. Change the location and it won't get us in trouble." "That might try it," agreed Baxter. "Besides," Bryant added, "if we can see the kite during the day, sixty miles away, we can hang a light on one of its tails so we can see it at night."

Bryant's idea is practical.It was no big deal for the kids who used to fly kites in New Zealand.As soon as the plan was announced, everyone approved with great emotion. Jenkins, Evanson, Thone and Costa are thrilled at the thought of a kite bigger than any they've ever seen, and how wonderful it feels to hold the string as the kite takes to the sky!They made many suggestions. "It has to have a long tail." "And big ears." "There is a big face to be drawn on it." "We still have to send the signal to the sky." That's very encouraging.Although the little ones only know to watch the excitement, it is a very serious matter in itself, and it may even bring lucky results.

Baxter and Bryant got to work on it soon after Donagan and his three partners left the Frenchman's Lair. "Seeing this thing will brighten people's eyes," Sauvis commented. "Why didn't Robinson and the Robinson family in Switzerland think of flying a kite to ask for help? What a pity!" "Can it be seen from the whole island?" Garnett asked. "Not just the whole island," Bryant told him, "but it can be seen from a great distance around." "Will they see it in the Oakland Hills?" "Not necessarily." Bryant smiled at this question, "But when Donagan and others see it, they may come back."

All that day and the next few days, everyone was busy making kites.Bryant thought it would be best to make it an octagon.The kite skeleton is light and strong, made of a hardy seaweed that grows along the shore of the family lake.Then, Bryant laid a layer of very lightweight cloth on top of the skeleton, which was once used to cover the sunroof of a sailboat, which is both waterproof and airtight.As for the string to tie the kite, they used the taxi rope saved from the sailboat.That kind of rope is very strong and won't break easily. When the kite is flying in the air, there is a huge tail to keep the kite balanced.It's strong enough to send any boy to heaven.But that's not what kites are for.If it is strong enough to resist the different forces of the wind, and of such a size that it can be seen fifty or sixty miles away, and if there is a rope long enough to lift it to a certain height, then the object is served.The kite was too big and could drag the children away, and even with a light wind it was moving faster than expected.Therefore, it cannot be released by hand.So the boys tied the rope to one of the sailboat's winches, which was firmly fixed to the ground and protected the Giant from any thrust. "Giant" is the name the children gave to the kite. On the evening of the 15th, the kite was finished.Bryant decided to take the "giant" into the sky the next afternoon.

Unfortunately, a strong wind came. If flying in this weather, the kite would be torn to pieces.It was the same storm that Donagan and his companions encountered in the northern part of the island, and it threw the ship and the Americans over the rock formations that came to be known as Severn Reef. On the 16th, although the wind was less violent, it was still too strong for kite flying.With the wind decreasing in the afternoon, there is great hope of successfully flying the kite the next day. October 17 will be a historic day on Charman Island. Although it was Friday, Bryant didn't believe in superstition and had to wait until Saturday.Plus the weather was very favorable.If there is a steady, light wind blowing, it is good for kiting.They tied the kite strings so firmly that the kite would fly directly overhead at an angle.

At night, they can tie a lantern to the tail of the kite so that the kite will glow at night. That morning, they made their final preparations.At half past one, they put the kite on the ground. The tail of the kite was stretched very long. When Bryant gave an order, the kite would be pulled up and flew into the sky, but he did not give the order. At this moment, the little fan rushed into the woods and caught Bryant's attention.Little Mi began to make a strange, mournful cry, which surprised everyone. "What happened to Xiaomi?" Bryant asked. "Did it smell some animal in the woods?"

"No, it's not called that." "Let's go and have a look." Sovis suggested. "Bring your weapons," Bryant reminded. Sauvis and Jack ran into the cave and came out carrying two loaded guns. "Go!" Bryant said. Accompanied by Gordon, a group of three walked towards the forest of traps along the path that Xiao Mi had walked, and Xiao Mi's cries kept coming. Bryant and his mates hadn't gone more than 50 yards when they saw the dog standing in front of a large tree with a person under it. A woman lay there motionless, as if dead.She was well dressed—a gown of durable cloth, a brown silk scarf tied around her waist.Although she is tall, about 40 to 45 years old.But it can be seen from her face that she has experienced many vicissitudes.Exhausted from fatigue and hunger, she passed out.

One can imagine what it must have felt like for the young colonists to see humans for the first time since arriving on the island. "She's breathing! She's breathing!" cried Gordon. "Hunger, maybe thirst." Jack went back into the cave and brought some biscuits and a bottle of brandy. So Bryant leaned down, pried open the woman's mouth, and poured a few drops of brandy into it.She blinked a bit, opened her eyes, and saw the boys around her with a look of pleasure on her face.Then Jack offered a biscuit and she grabbed it and devoured it.It was evident that the poor woman suffered far more from the lack of food than from the exertion.

But who is she?If you communicate with her, can she understand? Bryant quickly became convinced of this. The stranger sat up a little and said in English, "Thank you, thank you." Half an hour later, Bryant and Baxter carried her into the hall and gave her the best care they could. After she began to feel empowered, she began to tell her story.One can imagine how excited the young colonists were. This woman was born in the United States and worked as a maid in William Penfield's family for more than twenty years.Her name was Catherine Ritty, and people often called her Kate. A month ago the Penfields had wanted to go to Chile, where a relation of theirs lived.So they came to San Francisco and boarded the merchant ship "Severn" commanded by John Turner. The boat departs for Valparaíso.The Penfields and Kate sat on the "Severn" and started sailing. The "Severn" is a fine ship.The voyage would undoubtedly have been smooth sailing were it not for the eight crew members who had just joined. Even the worst words are not enough to describe these eight villains.Nine days after the ship had sailed, one of them, Walston, backed by his associates, staged a mutiny and killed the captain, second mate, and the Penfields.They also wanted to conspire to take the ship to use in the slave trade.At that time the slave trade continued in some provinces of the South American country. Only two people survived.One of them was Kate.She was saved thanks to the intercession of Forbes, who was less cruel than the others; the other was Evans, the mate of the "Severn", who was left behind to sail. This horrific event took place on the night of October 7th.At that time, the "Severn" was about 200 nautical miles away from Chile. Threatened with death, Evans was forced to obey the gangster's order and steer the boat to Cape Horn.Then cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach the west coast of Africa.But a few days later, for unknown reasons, an unprovoked fire broke out on the deck, and within seconds the fire became so violent that Walston and his companions found it hopeless to save the ship, one of them Jumped out of the deck and jumped into the water to avoid being burned to death, but unexpectedly drowned in the sea.The men on board had to leave the "Severn", they launched a spare longboat into the water, and threw some stores and weapons into the longship.The spare ship had just turned off course when the flaming Severn sank. The situation facing the survivors is grim.They were also located 200 miles from the nearest landmass.If Kate and Evans weren't on board and the gangsters went down with the boat, it would be damned if evil came around! Two days after the Severn sank, a violent storm swept in and blew the ship onto Charman Island.The sails on the ship were torn into rags, and the mast was swept away by the wind.On the night of the 15th, the boat was thrown onto the sand and damaged on the starboard side. Exhausted by long battles with wind and rain, Wollston and his men suffered from cold and fatigue.They almost lost their lives when the boat hit the rocks.Five of them were swept into the water by a wave, and a moment later, two others were thrown onto the beach, while Kate was also thrown overboard from the other side of the boat. The two were unconscious for a long time, as was Kate.When she awoke, she was very calm, thinking that Walston and the others had been lost at sea.She waited quietly for the day to find help on this unnamed island.At about 3 a.m., she heard footsteps near the longboat. As the boat passed the reef, Walston, Brant and Locke were not drowned by the waves that hit them.They rounded the rocks to help their comrades.Forbes and Peake were talking to them, while Evans was guarded by Copp and Cook a hundred yards away. Their conversation was clearly heard by Kate. "Where are we now?" Locke asked. "I don't know," admitted Woolston honestly. "What does it matter! We can't stop here, we've got to go straight. We can turn around at dawn." "Have you got a gun?" Forbes asked. "Yes, there is still ammunition, it's all right." Walston took out five guns and several boxes of ammunition from the storage room. "Not enough," observed Locke, "in such a wild place." "Where's Evans?" Brant asked. "Over there," Woolston told him, "is being watched by Cop and Cook. Whether he wants to or not, he must come with us; and if he won't, I'll kill him .” "What about Kate?" Locke asked. "Kate?" Woolston's intentions were obvious. After hearing this, Kate decided to run away as soon as the group left.A few minutes later, Woolston and his companions helped Forbes and Peake tremblingly unload guns and ammunition from the storeroom of the longship, as well as what was left of the stores—a few pounds of corned beef, some tobacco, and Two or three bottles of gin. No sooner had they finished unloading, just as the storm was at its worst, did Kate get up.It's time to run away.The tide kept rising, and in a minute she would be swept away by the sea. Donagan, Wilcox, Webb, and Cross return to the beach to perform their final duty to the shipwrecked, only to find the beach empty.Walston and his companions had set off eastward, and Kate was heading north toward Family Lake.It was the afternoon of the 16th when we arrived.She was already exhausted from hunger and fatigue, and all that could sustain her life were some wild fruits.She walked along the left bank of the lake for the whole night and the morning of the 17th.When Bryant and the others found her, she had fallen to the ground, passed out. This is Kate's story, and it reveals a very serious problem.On Charmain Island, which had hitherto been 100 per cent safe for the young colonists, there were seven thugs.If they found Frenchman's Den, would they hesitate to attack it?They will never show mercy.They are definitely interested in looting stores, food stores, weapons, and especially tools.Without the tools, they could not have repaired the ship and made it seaworthy.The oldest of Bryant and his companions was only 15 years old, and the youngest was 10 years old.What kind of resistance can they do?What a horror!If Walston remained on the island, he would undoubtedly attack them.It is conceivable how much panic Kate's story caused among the children. Bryant could only think of one thing—Donagan, Wilcox, Webb, and Cross were in great danger.If they didn't know that the survivors of the "Severn" were on the island they were exploring, how could they be more vigilant and alert?All it takes is one shot to reveal their whereabouts to Woolston.If they fell into the hands of the gangsters, they would certainly not show mercy to them. "We have to get them," Bryant said firmly, "and we have to let them know by tomorrow." "And bring them back to the French Den," Gordon added. "It's best that we unite against any attack." "Yes," Bryant said, "when it's time for them to come back, they'll be back! I'm going to get them." "You, Brian stay!" "Yes, it's me, Gordon!" "How to find it?" "Moko and I went on the boat, and within a few hours we'd be crossing Family Lake to the East River, just like we did last time. There's always a chance we'll find Donagan at the mouth of the river." "When are you leaving?" "Tonight, as soon as it gets dark, we will cross the lake quietly." "Can I go with you?" Jack said. "No," Bryant said, "we have to come back together in a boat, and the boat can only hold six people." "So, is that the way to go?" Gordon asked. "That's it." In fact, it's the wisest thing to do.Not just for Donagan and his buddies, but for everyone else.The other four boys are not the weakest of this group of children, they can strengthen the overall strength and should not be separated.If everyone was going back to Frenchman's Lair within 24 hours, they couldn't afford to lose a moment. Now, no one mentions the kite-flying thing anymore, otherwise it would be too imprudent.The kite would be a signal, not to passing ships—if there were any—but to Walston and his cohorts.Bryant even thought it would be best to bring down the flagpole atop Oakland Hills. The boys stayed in the hall until nightfall.After Kate heard their adventure story, she no longer only thought of herself, but worried about a group of children around her.As long as they stayed on Charman Island, she was a faithful servant, she would take care of them like a mother, and she had given the youngest Toni and Costa a very familiar name, "Little Baby". Sauvis suggested Mrs. Kate Friday, based on his favorite legend, since Kate arrived at the Frenchman's Cave on Friday, and he added, "The gang are like the wildlings Robinson met." The wildlings appeared. The time is also the time to be defeated. At 8 o'clock sharp, the preparations were finished.Moko was unafraid of danger and was more than happy to be with Bryant.The two boarded the ship, each bringing some necessities.A revolver and a cutlass.After saying goodbye to their companions one by one, they quickly disappeared into the shadow of the family lake.And every companion feels the sadness of parting.As the sun went down, there was a light breeze from the north.If the breeze continues to be stable, it will be beneficial for small boats and Air China. The night is pitch black.Luckily, because Bryant didn't want to expose his actions.They can go straight to the other side of the lake as long as they adjust their course according to the compass, and then they can go ashore or continue to row down until they reach the mouth of the river. Bryant and Moko watched ahead cautiously, for fear of finding a bonfire.The bonfire indicated the presence of Walston and his cohorts, for Donagan and the others would surely be camping by the sea. In two hours, they covered six miles.The breeze had intensified, but the speed of the boat was not affected by it.It approached the land it had visited for the first time.About half a mile away, a small stream flows slowly.The half mile took some time, as the wind calmed ahead and they had to use the oars.All seemed quiet under the trees, not a single scream or growl in the forest, not a single spark under the piles of black leaves. At about 10:30, Bryant, standing in the stern, touched Moko's arm.A few hundred feet from the East River, a half-hidden fire glowed through the darkness.Who is camping there?Is it Woolston or Donagan?They had to figure that out before paddling into the creek. "Send me ashore," Bryant said. "Aren't I going with you?" Hei Zi asked softly. "No, it's better for me to go alone, so the chance of being discovered is smaller." The boat skidded along the shore, and Bryant jumped ashore, telling Moko to wait for him where he was.He carried a cutlass in his hand, and a pistol in his belt.He wouldn't shoot unless absolutely necessary.He climbed ashore and ducked under a tree. Suddenly, he stopped.By the looming light of the fire about 20 yards away, he saw a shadow crawling across the grass.Suddenly, he heard a terrible roar, and a group of black shadows jumped in front of him. This is a huge jaguar.Soon there was a cry of "Help! Help!" Bryant recognized the voice.In fact, it was Donagan and his mates who were camping by the river. After being knocked down by the jaguar, Donagan struggled to reach his gun. Wilcox was awakened by the shouting.He jumped to his feet, his gun ready to fire. "Don't shoot! Don't shoot!" Bryant yelled.Before Wilcox could see who he was, he swung his fist at the beast.Donagan scrambled to his feet as the beast turned on him.Luckily, Bryant was able to jump aside and stab the Beast with a cutlass.The jaguar was fatally struck and rolled over to the ground.Then Webb and Cross rushed to rescue Donagan. But the price this time was that Bryant was injured. His shoulder was scratched by the jaguar, and blood flowed out. "How did you get here?" Wilcox asked. "You'll see soon enough!" Bryant replied, "Follow me! Quick!" "I haven't thanked you yet, I'm not leaving, Bryant!" Donagan responded, "You saved my life!" "I just did what I had to do," Bryant said. "Don't talk about this anymore. Come with me!" Bryant's injury, although not serious, had to be tightly bandaged with a handkerchief.When Wilcox was wounded, Bryant told Donagan what happened. Those they thought were corpses were alive!They are still active on the island!They are murderers without batting an eyelid!There was a woman on board that died with them, and that woman is now in the French den!There is no longer any safety on Charman Island!That's why Bryant told Wilcox not to shoot the jaguar, lest the gunshots be heard by the gangsters, which is why Bryant only used the cutlass. "Oh, Bryant, you are a much better person than me!" Donna Gan said with deep respect. "No, Donagan," Bryant replied, "I'll hold on to your hand until you agree to come back with me." "Okay, I'll be back," Donagan assured him. "You can trust me. From now on, I'll be the first to obey your orders! We'll be off at dawn tomorrow." "No," Bryant said, "we have to move right away so we don't run the risk of being discovered." "How?" Cross asked. "Moko's on board. We were about to go down the river when I saw your firelights." "And you came just in time to save my life," Donagan added. "And take you back to the French den!" Donagan left the beech forest on the evening of the 6th and returned to Bear Rock Bay. Early the next morning, according to the plan, he came to the left bank of the East River near the lake. On the way to Frenchman's Cave, he stopped to camp. A few minutes later, Bryant and his companions were seated in the small sailboat.The boat was too small for six people, and now it had to be steered with care. However, the wind direction was very favorable, coupled with Moko's familiar sailing skills, there were no accidents along the way. Gordon and the rest of the group cheered when their friends docked at 4am.Despite the imminent danger, the boys are united.