Chapter 15 Chapter 1 Cork Islands
The model island has been sailing among the islands in the Pacific Ocean for six months since it set out from the Bay of Madeleine.What accidents can happen in this beautiful voyage?The seas in the tropics are calm and windless this time of year.Between the Tropic of Cancer and the South, the trade winds blow without exception.Besides, even if there is a violent storm, it will not be able to shake the solid foundation of the city of billions, and it will not be able to affect the two ports, parks and fields.As soon as the strong wind passes, the torrential rain stops.Looking at the water surface from the "Pearl of the Pacific", there are hardly any traces of wind and rain.
With these conditions, I worry that life is too monotonous.But the Parisians first claimed nothing.In this vast ocean, the islands that appear one after another will definitely make people happy.Among the islands visited are the Hawaiian Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Pamotu Islands, the Society Islands, and the Cook Islands, Samoa Islands, Tonga Islands, Fiji Islands, New Zealand The Hebrides, and other islands.Every time you stop at a different place, you can get a good opportunity for sightseeing.Ethnographically speaking, the voyages are very interesting wherever they go.
As for the "quartet", how can they have any complaints?Even if they want to complain, do they have time?How could they breed the idea of isolation?Isn't the postal service between two continents regular?Fully loaded tankers arrive almost regularly to deliver fuel to factories.What's more, in less than two weeks, there are still ships arriving at the starboard or port port.Not only are the goods unloaded there, but newspapers and magazines are also delivered for the entertainment of the residents of the city of billions.
There is no doubt that the artists are paid on time, which shows that the company has more than enough money to use up.Their pockets are filled with tens of thousands of dollar bills, and they earn more and more.When the contract expires, they will become rich and rich.They were indeed warmly welcomed here, but they did not regret their previous tours in the continental United States, although the effect of those performances was "relatively average".
"Look," Frascorin asked the cellist one day, "have you dispelled your preconceived notion of the model island?"
"No," Sebastian Zorno replied.
"But," Pancina added, "when we're done touring, our wallets are cute!"
"The wallet is cute, but it's enough to make sure you can take it home!"
"Can you guarantee it?"
"No!"
What can be the answer to this?However, their quarterly remuneration was remitted to the United States by money order and deposited in the safe of the Bank of New York. Why are they still worried about their wallets?Really stubborn, too suspicious.For this kind of person, the best way is to let it go.
In fact, the future now seems more secure than ever.The competition between the two sides seems to have entered a period of relaxation.Cyrus Poctaff and his assistants had already applauded.Ever since the "significant incident" at the ball at the town hall, the steward has been running around with all his might.Yes, Walter Tanken and Miss Ty Coverley did dance.But can it be concluded that the relationship between the two is not so tense?The answer was yes, and James Tanken and his friends never talked about their plan again, that is, to build the model island into an island integrating industry and commerce.In the end, the ball anecdote became a popular topic in high society.Some insightful people have seen the closeness of the two companies, or not only the closeness, but some kind of joint.This engagement will bridge the divide between individuals and groups on both sides.
If this prediction comes true, both young men and women who are so well-matched could be content.In this regard, we think it is certain.
Doubtless it was impossible for Walter Tanken to remain indifferent to Miss Ty Coverley's charms.What's more, this kind of love is not a year old.
Since the situation does not permit, he cannot pour out his heart.In fact, Miss Dee Coverley had a heart-to-heart, she could understand, and was quite moved by his restraint.She also knows her own heart very well.Would her heart concede to Walter Tanken?Of course, she never made any gestures, and always kept reserved.Her dignity and the estrangement between the two families also required her to do so.
Observers may have noticed the phenomenon, however; Walter Tanken and Ty Coverly never attended the kind of seminars that were held at their mansions on 15th or 19th Avenue.Whenever James Tanken lashed out at the Coverley family mercilessly, his son bowed his head, remained silent, and walked away in silence.And when Nate Coverly spoke out against the Tanken family, his daughter lowered her eyebrows and her pretty face paled.Although she failed, she still tried to change the subject, which is true.If the two were unaware of it, it was because the sad fate of fatherhood was the same; nature seemed to keep them from seeing it.But one thing, at least, was certain in Callistus Membal's mind; Mrs. Tanken and Mrs. Coverley were probably not so blind as that.Mothers' eyes are always perceptive.There is one way to solve the problem, but it is simply impossible.As a result, the feelings of the children have become a long-term heart disease for the mothers.From the bottom of their hearts, they are clearly aware that the hostility between the two sides is too deep, and the power struggle has caused self-esteem damage. Under such circumstances, any mediation and marriage are unacceptable... However, Walter and Ti The ladies loved each other...their mother knew that...
More than once, the young man was advised to choose a young lady for his wife in Port Port.Many of them are beautiful in appearance and elegant in temperament, and their wealth is almost as good as that of his family.Moreover, the girl's family would be satisfied with such a marriage.His father had always been straightforward, and his mother was no exception, though she didn't appear to be in a hurry.Walter always refused, saying that he didn't want to get married yet.The old Chicago businessman didn't like hearing that.If a person has hundreds of millions of fortunes, what reason does he have to live a bachelor life?
If his son can't find a girl he likes in the model island - of course, the society he likes - then well, let him travel, to America or Europe... According to his family name, his Wealth, as well as his character, as long as he wants, he can marry a royal princess or a lady of the royal family.That's what James Tanken said.Even when his father cornered him on the matter of marriage, Walter still refused to listen.He has always been reluctant to take this step: go to a foreign country to find a wife.His mother once asked him:
"Dear boy, is there a girl you like here?"
"Yes, mother!" he answered.
As Mrs. Tanken did not inquire as to who the girl was, he did not think it necessary to give her name.
How strikingly similar it was at the Coverleys!Young people often come to his house to attend the fashionable reception held by his house.The old New Orleans banker evidently hoped to marry his daughter to the young man who was visiting his house.If everyone is satisfied, then that's fine, her parents will take her abroad... They can go to France, Italy, England... But Miss Tie replied at the time that she would rather stay in the city of billions of dollars... She was in the model The island is doing well... She wants nothing more than to stay here... This answer disturbed Mr. Coverley.Of course, he didn't understand the true meaning of these words.
Besides, Mrs. Coverley hadn't asked her daughter directly, any more than Mrs. Tanken had talked to her son.It is conceivable that even in front of her mother, Miss Tee dare not admit her feelings frankly.
This is the reality of the situation.After confirming the nature of their relationship, young men and women dare to make secret glances, but they never dare to speak face to face.They could only meet in the formal drawing-room, at Cyrus Picktaff's reception.For this kind of occasion, it is impossible for the dignitaries of Hundred Million City not to participate, even if it is to protect their status.In other words, in this environment, Walter Tanken and Ty Coverly were naturally very contrived.In their position, any negligence would have unpleasant consequences...
It is not difficult to imagine the effect it has had since this remarkable event.At this ball held by the lord of an island, it was so noticeable.In addition to the jokes of some good-natured people who wanted to see this matter, even the residents of the whole city were talking about it the next day.As for the cause of this incident, it couldn't be simpler.The steward invites Miss Coverley to dance...but when the quadrille begins, the steward disappears.O cunning Monbal! ... Walter Tanken took his place, and the young girl had to accept him as a partner ...
Due to the great impact of this incident in the City of Hundreds of Millions, both parties may, or even must, make explanations.Mr. Tanken might have questioned his son, and Mr. Coverley would have questioned his daughter on the matter.But how did Miss Dee answer?How did Walter respond? . . . Did Mrs. Tanken and Mrs. Coverley intervene?What is the result of this intervention? ...Callistus Membal, despite his keen eye and excellent diplomatic skills, could not understand all this.When Frascolan asked about it, he could only answer with a blink of his right eye.This is equivalent to saying nothing, in fact, he didn't know at all.There was one more thing which interested everyone; since that unforgettable day, whenever Walter met Mrs. Coverley and Miss Dee on his walks, he always nodded respectfully to them.And the young girl and his mother will return the gift.
The general manager believes that this is a huge step forward, "a big step into the future!"
On November 25, something happened at sea.Of course, this matter has nothing to do with the two giants on the machine island.
At dawn, the watchman on the observatory signaled that several ships were heading southwest.These warships lined up and kept their distance.This could only be a squadron of the Pacific Fleet.
Captain Sim Coyer radioed the island governor.The latter ordered to prepare to salute the opposing warship.
Frascorin, Yvernay, and Pancina all came to the observatory to experience this international etiquette.The battleships in the telescope were still five or six miles away.No flags were hoisted on the masts, and their nationality could not be ascertained.
"Aren't there any markings to say which fleet they belong to?" Frascoran asked the officer.
"No," replied the officer, "but in appearance, I personally think that these ships belong to the British. Besides, only British, French or American ships can be encountered in this area of the sea. No matter which country it belongs to, We'll see when they're a mile or two closer."
The ship sailed towards this side at a gentle speed.Had they not changed course, they might have missed the model island.The distance between them is no more than a few anchor chains.
Many curious people appeared on the front fort, watching the approaching ships with great interest.
An hour later the ships were within two miles of each other.Some older three-masted cruisers were much stronger in appearance than modern ships.Puffs of smoke rose from the ship's huge funnels, and when the westerly wind blew, it drifted far beyond the horizon.When the ships were only 1.5 miles apart, the officer said with certainty; they were the British fleet in the Western Pacific.Some islands in the Pacific Ocean; such as the Tonga Islands, Samoa Islands, and the Cook Islands are all under the rule of the United Kingdom and are naturally protected by the United Kingdom.
At this time, after the officer was ready, he raised the flag of the model island.The banner of the golden sun fluttered in the wind under the westerly wind.Everyone is looking forward to returning gifts on the other party's flagship.
About ten minutes passed.
"If it were the English," said Frascolin, "they wouldn't be so gracious!"
"What do you think?" Pansina replied. "The caps are usually screwed on to the head. It takes a lot of work to unscrew them."
The officer shrugged.
"These are the Englishmen," he said. "I know them, and they don't return the courtesy."
In fact, the British ships didn't really hoist any flags.The ship sailed past, ignoring Machine Island, if it existed at all.Besides, what qualifications do model islands have to exist?In the waters of the Pacific Ocean, why does Machine Island stand in its way?Why did the British take an indifferent attitude?They have always opposed the manufacture of this large machine, because such a huge monster is not afraid of hitting ships, and swaggers on the sea, hindering marine traffic.
The fleet is far away, and the expression seems to be that of an uneducated guy.Such a person would pretend not to know anyone on the Regent's Avenue, or on the Strong Avenue, with the royal banner flying.
It's not hard to imagine how British arrogance is viewed, whether in the city or in the Docklands.The British have no faith at all, and they are also modern Carthage.If you decide not to salute the British ships, it is justifiable.
"What a difference from when our fleet arrived in Tahiti!" exclaimed Yvernay.
"Because the French are always polite..." Frascolin explained.
"Courteousness is what it is," "His Royal Highness" added, with a graceful gesture.
On the morning of November 29, lookouts spotted the peak in the Cook Islands.Cook Island is located at 20 degrees south latitude and 160 degrees west longitude.The island is also known as Manja Island, Harvey Island, and later because Cook came here in 1770, it was named Cook Islands.It includes Manja Island, Rarotonga Island, Vating Island, Metio Island, Harvey Island, Palmerstone Island, Hojmeister Island and many more.The residents there are descendants of the Mario family, belonging to the Malays of Polynesia.The population also dropped from 20,000 to 12,000.Under the influence of European missionaries, they converted to Christianity.The islanders here cherish their independence very much and have always resisted foreign aggression.In their minds they were the masters of the land, though they gradually accepted the protection of the British colonial regime in Australia--and we all knew what that meant.
The first island they saw was Manja, the most important and most populous.In fact, the capital of the archipelago is located here.Voyage plan states; anchor here for two weeks.
On this island, will Pansina meet a real wild man?That is, the savage described in Robinson Crusoe.Pancina tried unsuccessfully to find these savages in the Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands, and on the island of Nuka-Hiva.Will the Parisian's curiosity be satisfied?Can he actually see a real cannibal savage?
"Brother Zorno," he said to his companion that day, "if there are no cannibal tribes to be found here, there will be nowhere else."
"I could have answered you that it had nothing to do with me!" replied the prickly head in "Quartet," "but I want to ask you, why are there no man-eating savages anywhere else?"
"Because this place called "Cannibals" can only live there."
Pancina just dodged a punch, his joke is really hateful, it should be hit!
In addition, regardless of whether there are cannibal tribes on Manja Island, it is impossible for "His Royal Highness" to get close to them.
In fact, when Machine Island came within a mile of Manja, a canoe came out of the harbor to the starboard pier.The ship carried an English minister, an ordinary Protestant missionary.This man is more powerful than the head of Manja Island, and has tyrant-like power on the island.The island is 3 miles square and has a population of 4,000. The taro planting industry is well developed, and the fields are full of arrow root potatoes and kudzu root.The missionary appropriated the most fertile land on the island for himself.Ochora is the capital of the island.The most comfortable apartment there belongs to him.The abode is set back on a hill with bread trees, mango trees, pepper trees, and gardens full of flowers; such as mallows, gardenias, and peonies.He was powerful, and kept a police force of natives.Even the monarch couple of Manja Island had to nod when they saw his team.The police forbade tree-climbing, hunting and fishing even on Sundays and holidays, walking after nine o'clock in the evening, and even the purchase of consumer goods, unless one could afford to pay the most unreasonable taxes.Violation of all the above provisions is subject to a fine of 5 francs.Of course, most of the fines fell into the purse of this notorious pastor.
After the chunky man landed on the model island, the port officer greeted him and greeted each other.
"In the name of the King and Queen of Manja Island," said the Englishman, "I greet Your Excellency the Regent of Model Island."
"I have been ordered to accept their blessing, and I would like to thank you, Mr. Minister," replied the officer. "Our Island Consul will personally pay his respects..."
"Your Majesty will be well received," said the Minister's gloomy face, which accurately expressed cunning and greed.
Then he said in a gentle tone:
"It is estimated that the health status of the model island will not be unsatisfactory, right?..."
"It doesn't get any better than here!"
"However, some infectious diseases, such as influenza, typhoid, smallpox..."
"Not even a cold, Mr. Minister. Please issue us a quarantine certificate. As soon as we arrive at the anchorage, we will go to Manja Island as usual..."
"This..." As he spoke, the pastor hesitated a bit, "If some diseases..."
"I'll tell you again, there is absolutely no disease."
"Residents on the model island intend to disembark..."
"Yes, the same as they did on the eastern islands!"
"Very well ... very well ..." replied the little fat man, "don't worry, as long as they don't have any infectious diseases, they will be well received ..."
"Let me tell you, I'm not sick!"
"Let's get off the boat... There are as many people as possible... Our residents will definitely try their best to receive them, because the people of Manja Island are very hospitable...just..."
"What just?"
"After obtaining His Majesty's consent, the Chief Council made the following decision; Manja Island is the same as other islands, and foreigners should pay the island entry tax when they land..."
"Pay taxes?"
"Yes,...two...you see, it's a trivial matter...two Piastres can allow one person to land on the island..."
It is obvious that the minister is the one who made the decision.As for kings, queens, and councils of chiefs, they can only show affection by consent.A large proportion of this money will fall into the hands of this lordship.Port managers were surprised that no similar tax problems were encountered in the Eastern Pacific Islands.
"Is it so serious? . . . " he asked.
"Very serious," said the minister affirmatively, "no one will be allowed to go to the island without paying two piastres."
"All right!" replied the officer.
Afterwards, after saluting his Excellency, he walked into the phone room and reported the other party's suggestion to the captain.
Ethel Simcoyer immediately spoke to the Island Governor.Since the request of the Manja Island authorities is so naked and unreasonable, is it necessary for the Machine Island to berth on Manja Island?
Approval will come soon.Cyrus Picktaff, after conferring with his aides, refused to pay such onerous taxes.The model island is not only not in Mangja Island, but also in other islands.To hell with the greedy priest and his counsel!And the city of hundreds of millions will go to the adjacent sea area to visit those indigenous peoples who are not too greedy and demanding.
The order was communicated to the engineer, and the multi-million-horsepower turbine was started.Pancina thus forfeit the chance to shake hands with the venerable cannibal, if ever there was one.However, he can also console himself with the fact that the aboriginal people on Cook Island have stopped cannibalism.This may be a pity.
The model island sails in the vast strait.In the distance of the vast strait, there are four islands close together, and the main archipelago is located in the north.There were several canoes; some were well built and fitted with rigging, others were simply hollowed out of thick tree poles.Those on board were brave fishermen who took risks in chasing the whales.There are a lot of whales in this area.
The island is lush with green grass and fertile soil.It was clear to all that the British had forced their protection because the islands had not yet been included in British possessions in the Pacific.Overlooking Manja Island, you can see the rocky shore surrounded by a circle of coral reefs and the dazzling white houses painted with quicklime.Quicklime may have been extracted from coral matter.Of course, dark green hills with tropical trees can also be seen.None of them exceed 200 meters in height.
The next day, Captain Sim Coyer identified Rarotonga.Forests cover the mountains there up to the peaks.In the central area, a volcano with a height of 1,500 meters stands tall, and the peak is free from the encirclement of a large dense forest.A white building with unique windows stands high in the forest.This is the Christian church, which is hidden in a maple forest.The maple forest grows well and extends all the way to the sea.These trees were tall and strong, with varying trunks, their roots extending in all directions, and their growth twisted and spiraled upwards, like old apple trees in Normandy or old olive trees in Provence.
Missionaries here dominate the consciousness of the people of Rarotonga.The Oceania Deutsche Company here controls the trade of the whole island.The missionary maintains an equal interest-sharing relationship with the company.He won't follow the example of his counterparts in Manja Island, and levy some tax for foreigners to enter the island, right?Can the residents of Billion City visit the two queens without paying for it?Here are two queens who are vying for power, one from the village of Allognani and the other from the village of Avarua.As to whether to land on this island, Cyrus Picktaff thought it unnecessary.His opinion was approved by the Council of Eminent Persons.The dignitaries are used to being treated like kings wherever they go.In short, for the aborigines, this loss is too great, who let them accept the rule of the stupid British?You know, the people on the model island are all rich and powerful, spending money like water.
In the evening, except for the pen-like volcanic peak that is still on the horizon, the others have long since disappeared from sight.Countless seabirds flew to the island without permission and hovered over the model island.But when night fell, they flapped away again, and returned to the islands.These small islands in the northern part of the archipelago are constantly pounded by the waves.
At this time, the island governor presided over a meeting.During the meeting, he made a proposal to modify the route.The sea area where Model Island sails is the sphere of influence of the British.If we continue westward according to the original plan and sail at latitude 20, we will pass through the Tonga Islands and the Fiji Islands.What happened on Cook Island was indeed discouraging.Wouldn't it be more appropriate to go to New Caledonia, to the Loyalty Islands?Those areas are French protectorate, go there, "Pearl of the Pacific" will be warmly received by the French.Then, after the winter solstice, go straight back to the equatorial area.However, this means sailing away from the New Hebrides.Without going there, the brig's wreck and their captain could not return...
During discussions of the new route, the Malays expressed inexplicable unease.Because once the revised plan is passed, it will be more difficult for them to go home.Captain Sarol couldn't hide his disappointment, even exasperation.If anyone heard him talking to his subordinates, he would think that he was annoyed by it, and no one would be suspicious.
"Look," he repeated, "send us to the Loyalty Islands... or New Caledonia!... But our friends are waiting for us at Elomungo!... And our plan Well! It's been carefully worked out in the New Hebrides . . . have we made a fortune yet? . . . "
The Malays were indeed lucky, but the people of Shamban Island were unlucky.The plan to change course was not accepted.The dignitaries of Billion City dislike any changes to what they are used to.The voyage continued, all in accordance with the plan made at the time of departure from the Bay of Madeleine.The only change was the decision to go further northwest, to Samoa before arriving at Tonga, in order to kill the two weeks that should have been anchored at Cook Island.
When the decision was announced, the satisfaction of the Malays was palpable...
In short, the outpouring of emotion is very natural.Can they be dissatisfied that the Council of Celebrities has not given up on sending them back to the New Hebrides?
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