Chapter 24 Chapter 10 Change of Island Owner
Standard Island is scheduled to depart on February 2.On the eve of the night, enough was played.Tourists of all kinds return to Billion City.The Pansina incident was full of excitement.Because the "Quartet" won the general favor, everyone on the "Pearl of the Pacific" sided with "His Royal Highness".The Council of Notables fully agrees with the strong position taken by Cyrus Picktaff, the Consul of Island.Newspapers celebrated him enthusiastically, and Pancina became an overnight celebrity.Lo and behold, a baritoneist nearly buried his artistic career in the stomachs of Fijians! ...Obviously, the natives of Viti-Levou have never given up their cannibalism.In short, they believe that human meat is really delicious, especially the meat of the devil Pancina is even more enticing.
At dawn Standard Island set sail for the New Hebrides.When Standard Island returns, it will deviate from the route by about ten degrees, that is, it will travel 800 miles westward.Since Captain Sarol and their Malays were to be sent to the New Hebrides, this was the only way.Besides, there is nothing to regret.Everyone was happy to do something for these brave men, for they were so brave in their hunt.They have been away from home for so long, how can they be dissatisfied with this ship specially taking them back?Besides, Billion City can also take this opportunity to visit the New Hebrides, which they are not familiar with.
Sailing is not fast, but the speed is carefully calculated.In fact, in the sea between the islands of Fiji and the New Hebrides, between longitude 173° 35' east and latitude 19° 13' south, the model islands may meet steamers from Marseilles.This round is for the wedding supplies of the Tankton and Kovere families.
The marriage of Walter Tankton and Miss Tee was naturally the subject of general interest.Who has time to think about anything else?Callistus Membal was very busy, but not a minute was for himself.He was preparing, and since this wedding was considered to be second to none among the grand gatherings in Machine Island, there were a lot of things that needed to be coordinated by him.If he is so tired, it would be strange if he is not tired and thin!
The model island sails 20 to 25 kilometers every 24 hours, and finally Viti Levu can be seen.The beautiful coast of Viti Levu is densely forested and dark green.Starting from Vanaira Island, the model island will sail for three days on this tranquil sea before reaching Londe Island.This waterway is indicated on the map as the Lund Waterway. The waterway is wide and the "Pearl of the Pacific" can slowly sail in.Countless whales were terrified by the disturbance, and bumped their heads against the steel boat, causing the hull to tremble.But don't worry, the hull plate is incredibly strong, so you don't have to worry about damage.
Finally, in the afternoon of June, the highest peak of Fiji Island was no longer visible.At this time, Captain Sim Coyer had just left Polynesia and entered the territory of Melanesia in the Pacific Ocean.
In the following three days, Model Island continued westward without stopping after passing the 19-degree latitude line. On February 10, it came to the agreed sea area.Ships from Europe might meet them here.This position on the sea area has already been announced on the bulletin board of Yiwan City, and everyone in the city is aware of it.The observation post of the observatory was on alert, and a hundred telescopes scoured the horizon.Once the ship is seen...everyone is looking forward to it...isn't this like the prologue to a long-awaited drama?The finale of the play is the wedding of Walter Tanken to Miss Ty Coverley.
The model island can only stop and wait.In the sea between the archipelagoes, the model island must remain still under the impact of the waves.Captain Sim Coyer therefore ordered a halt, and his officers oversaw the execution of the order.
"The current situation is indeed more interesting!" Yvernay said that day.
It was a two-hour break after lunch.The agreement he made with his partner: the customary two-hour break after lunch.
"Yes," replied Frascolin, "we have nothing to regret about this voyage on the model island... Regardless of what our friend Zorno may think..."
"His endless sawing bow... always saw five sharps!" This Pancina was always so hopeless.
"Yes... especially towards the end of the voyage," said the cellist, "and especially when we're about to earn our fourth quarter's honorarium..."
"Well!" said Yvernay, "the company has paid us three times since leaving port, and I very much agree with Frascorin, our rare accountant, who has already paid us this sum. The huge amount of money has been remitted to the New York bank!"
In fact, this rare accountant thought it wiser to wire the money; so he enlisted the help of the banker in Billion City to deposit the sum with a reputable bank in the United States.There is no question of distrust, but only because the safety factor provided by fixed banks seems to be greater, while the advantage of mobile banks floating in the Pacific Ocean with a draft of 5,000 to 6,000 meters is relatively weak.
While they were talking, amidst the cloud of cigars and pipes, Yvernay made the following observations:
"It must have been a marvelous wedding event, my friends. Our stewards must have exhausted their minds and their strengths. I am sure of that, and the fountains of Billion City would have spouted wine in those days. Yet you Do you know what will be missing in the wedding?...”
"Out of the Diamond Mountains flow the Golden Waterfall!" cried Pancina.
"No," said Yvernay, "the chorus..."
"Chorus? . . . " asked Frascolin.
"Of course," said Yvernay, "there will be absolutely no lack of music, we can play the most popular and timely pieces... But if there is no chorus, no wedding march, no wedding poems for the bride and groom..."
"Why not, Yvernay?" said Frascorin, "if you want to rhyme 'Fire and Heart, Joy and Love' in a twelve-line poem, Sebastian Zorno composed music for it without asking. He has shown his talent as a composer."
"Great idea!" Pancina exclaimed, "Can you do it, whiny dude? . . . Write some music that will set off the atmosphere of the wedding, add more things like 'staccato, allegro, excitement', in short, exciting ...for $5 a note..."
"No...not a cent this time..." replied Frascolan, "this is a small gift from the 'Quartet' to the wealthy families of the model island."
Things are done.The cellist announces that he is ready to pray to the god of music, if the god of poetry inspires Yvernay.
With this sublime collaboration, they will create a choral verse for the union of Tanken and Coverly, modeled on the format of "Song of Love".
On the afternoon of the 10th, someone saw a large ship coming from the northeast, and the news spread immediately.The nationality of the ship has not been ascertained, because it was still more than 10 miles away, and the evening fog shrouded the sea.
The ship seemed to pick up speed, and it was almost certain that it was heading for Model Island.It seems that it is very likely that it will not be able to approach the island until the next day.
The message had an indescribable effect.This five- or six-hundred-horsepower ship was loaded with a lot of wedding supplies.When women think of the exquisite jewelry, fabrics, fashion, and handicrafts brought by ships, the imagination in their minds will become strange...
Everyone guessed it right!The destination of this ship is Model Island.Early in the morning she rounded the breakwater at Starboard Harbor and hoisted the Model Island Company flag on the masthead.
Suddenly Yiwancheng received a new message from the phone; the ship was flying at half-staff!
What's the matter? ...Something went wrong...or is someone dead?Bad omen!You must know that this marriage involves the future of Model Island.
Not the same thing however.The ship involved was not the one everyone had been waiting for, nor was it from Europe.From the coast of America, to be precise, from the Bay of Madeleine.Besides, the steamer with the wedding goods was sure not to be late.The wedding day was scheduled for the 27th, and now that it's only February 11th, it has plenty of time to arrive.
So what is the ship going to do? ... what news does it bring? ...Why is the flag raised at half mast? ...Why did the company send it to the waters of the New Hebrides to join the Model Island? ...
Did it come to report some extremely serious and urgent news to the city of billions?
Yes, the facts should be known immediately.
As soon as the ship docked at the pier, people immediately boarded the model island.
The person who came was a senior official in the company.Many impatient and curious people rushed to Port Port to ask questions, but everyone refused to answer.
A tram was about to start, and the officials immediately jumped into a carriage in order to hurry up.
Ten minutes later, he was at the municipal building with an "urgent matter" requesting a meeting with the island governor, who was quickly granted permission.
Cyrus Picktaff met the official in his office, and closed the door behind him.
Just a quarter of an hour later, all members of the Celebrity Council were notified by phone, requesting to rush to the meeting hall to discuss matters.
During this period, there have been various speculations, whether in the port area or in the urban area.Curiosity first, followed by extreme anxiety.
At 7:40, the island governor presided over the meeting with the cooperation of two assistants.The officials who came here immediately made the following statement:
"Model Island Co., Ltd. was bankrupt on January 23, and Mr. William T. Pomering has been appointed as the liquidator with full responsibility to work in the interests of the company."
Mr. William T. Pomering, who was the officer himself, accepted the aforesaid powers.
Word got around, but without the uproar it caused in Europe.What do you think?Model Island was, as Pancina put it, "a part of the United States of America."Bankruptcy is nothing, Americans will not be shocked by it, let alone surprised... Aren't these things natural?It is acceptable, and it has been accepted...Billions of city people look at the current situation with their usual calm...The company is down...Let's go down! ... Even the most reputable consortium, this kind of thing can happen... Is the company's deficit big? ... very large, according to the balance sheet made by the liquidator: 500 million US dollars, or 2.5 billion francs ... What caused the bankruptcy? . . Speculation—crazy speculation, if you will, and a poorly run one—that could have worked out, but had bad luck.The company spent huge sums of money to build a new city in Arkansas, but the land collapsed unexpectedly under geological action... In short, this is not the fault of the company, since the ground has collapsed, it is quite natural for shareholders to be hit accordingly ... Although Europe now seems to be on solid foundations, it will one day be hit by this kind of blow ... Besides, there is nothing to be afraid of such things, and this just succeeds in showing the fact that the superiority of the model island Sex is stronger than mainland or land islands...
The important thing is to act.The machine island constituted all the company's possessions: hulls, factories, buildings, bungalows, fields and auxiliary vessels.In a word, it includes all the equipment configured on this floating island designed by William Tyson engineer, all ancillary equipment, and all enterprises in the Madeleine Bay base.As for setting up a new company and buying the model island as a whole, is that okay?By way of negotiation or auction?It will work... there should be no hesitation about it, the proceeds of this sale will be used to pay off the debts owed by the company...but to start a new company it is necessary to take out foreign debt, isn't it? ... Can the rich on the island "afford" a model island out of their own pockets? ...Do you prefer to just be a tenant, or do you prefer to be the owner of this "Pearl of the Pacific"? ... Couldn't their management keep up with the management of defunct companies? ...
In addition, it is well known that the dignitaries of the Council of Celebrities have billions in fortunes.Their opinion is to buy the model island immediately, which is really a good deal.Does the liquidator have the authority to deal with this matter? ...he has the power.In addition, the company hopes to raise the required amount of capital to pay down debt in the short term.If a company wants to seek some kind of opportunity, it can only focus on the wallets of billionaires in the city.Some of them are already the largest shareholders of the company.At present, the open and secret struggle between the two major families and the two districts is no longer there, so things can definitely be agreed.Among the Anglo-Saxons in America there is no habit of procrastinating.The money was collected immediately.According to the opinions of the Celebrity Council, there is no need to engage in public subscription.James Tanken, Nat Coverly and other dignitaries put up $400 million.Besides, there's nothing to discuss.At this price...you can sell it or not...the property liquidator accepted it...
At 8:13, a meeting was held in the city hall. By the time the meeting ended at 9:47, ownership of the model island had changed hands.After the two billionaires of Billion City took over with some other friends, they formed the James Tanken, Nate Coverly Associates.
Since the news of the company's bankruptcy did not cause any commotion among the residents of Machine Island, the news of the acquisition of the island by several major dignitaries naturally did not cause any fluctuations.Everyone felt that this matter was very natural, and the money was collected in a short time.Living on your own territory, at least in your own home instead of living in other consortiums, this feeling is of course quite satisfying! "Pearl of the Pacific", including its people from all walks of life: staff, police, civil servants, officers, soldiers, sailors, are willing to express their gratitude to the heads of the two families, because they understand everyone's interests very well.
There was a meeting in the park that day, and a motion was made on the matter, which was met with great applause.Soon, several representatives were selected and immediately appointed as envoys to the residences of Coverley and Tanken.
The envoys received a good reception and received a guarantee: some rules and regulations of the model island remain unchanged, and customs and habits remain unchanged.The future administrative organization will still be the current group of people!All civil servants still work in their own functional departments, and all employees still shoulder their responsibilities.
What if you change the way?
The consequences of this incident were as follows: Ethel Simcoyer still assumed the highest responsibility for the navigation of Model Island, and was in charge of navigation affairs in accordance with the navigation routes established by the Council of Notables; the command of the army remained the same, and Stewart The colonel was in charge; there was no change in the personnel of the observatory, and King Marekari could continue his dream of being an astronomer without threat; finally, no one was dismissed for it.This is true whether in the Two Harbors area, in a power plant, or in a municipality.Even the vacant position of Atanaz Doréshu, even if the students insisted on not taking his dance and etiquette classes, they still reserved their positions.
Naturally, the contract of the "Quartet" has not changed at all.They can continue to receive the extremely lucrative salary stipulated in the contract until the end of the voyage.
"These people are truly extraordinary!" said Frascolin.By this time he had learned that everything had been settled to everyone's satisfaction.
"We can take advantage of this change of owner to rescind our contract..." Sebastian Zorno said at this time.He was unwilling to give up the wild predictions he had made about the future of Model Island.
"Revocation!" "Your Highness" shouted, "Well, please try it!"
At this time, his fingers opened and closed, as if playing the fourth string in a high position.He threatened the cellist with this left hand, intending to send him a heavy punch; a heavy punch with a speed of 8 meters in 1 second.
However, the position of the island's consul has changed.Cyrus Picktaff felt compelled to tender his resignation, as he was the direct representative of the Model Island Company.In short, given the current state of affairs, this decision seems more logical.His resignation was accepted, but with the best of compliments for his contribution to the position of the island's consul.As for his two assistants, Barramy Luge and Harbert Harcourt are the two major shareholders of the company, and the bankruptcy of the company caused them to lose half.They intended to leave Machine Island on the next steamer.
Cyrus Picktaff, however, consented to remain, and to continue the administration till the conclusion of the voyage.
Such an important property change was completed in such a silent, no dispute, no commotion, and no competition.The matter was handled so wisely, and so quickly, that the liquidator returned in the original ship the same day, with the signatures of several major buyers and the guarantee of the council of celebrities.
As for the man of great importance, Mr. Callistus Monbal, who was in charge of arts and entertainment on the "Pearl of the Pacific," Mr. Callistus Monbal was also guaranteed; his position, salary and benefits remained the same.In fact, he is an irreplaceable character, who can succeed him?
"Look!" said Frascolin, "everything is going very well. The future of the Model Island is assured, so what is there to worry about?"
"We'll see!" muttered the stubborn cellist.
It was under these conditions that the wedding of Walter Tanken and Miss Ty Coverley was about to take place.This time economic common good will bind these two families together in a social bond that is strongest in America or elsewhere.How well secured the property of the citizens of the model island!Since it belongs to the richest man in Billion City, its independence seems to be greater than before, and it seems to be more able to control its own destiny!Previously, a cable tied it to the Bay of Madeleine, USA, and that cable just snapped!
Now, everything is showered with festive spirit.
Is it necessary to emphasize the happiness of both parties, to express the unspeakable emotion, to describe the happiness of both families?The two newcomers could never be separated again.To Walter Tanken and Miss Ty Coverley, what appeared to be a perfect marriage was actually a union of hearts.The two love each other so much, without the slightest smell of copper, everyone is willing to believe in pure love.These young men and women have such qualities that they will be able to live a happy life.This Walter has a heart of gold.And please believe that our Miss Tie's heart is not made of other metals (this is an extension, not really about material, although money can control everything).They are a natural couple. Although this sentence is a bit clichéd, it cannot express the accurate meaning without it.They counted the days, the hours until the expected February 27th.There is only one thing they regret, and that is that the model island is not a place to sail to 180 degrees of longitude.If you go from the west now, you can tear up one more calendar, and the fruit of happiness can mature one day earlier.No!A wedding should only take place when the New Hebrides are in sight.Just bear with it!
Also, be aware that the expected "Happy Ship" has yet to arrive on the European freighter laden with exquisite items.Although the two newcomers voluntarily gave up those extravagant items, what is the use of these things that are undoubtedly the items of the emperor?They gave each other love and asked for nothing else!
But the family, the friends, the residents of Model Island, they all wanted this wedding to be special.Therefore, the telescope is always looking at the sea in the east.James Tanken and Nate Coverly even offered a huge payout to the first person to see the ship.It seems that no matter how powerful the horsepower of Xichuan is, it cannot satisfy the unbearable expectations of the public.
During this time an elaborate program of events had been drawn up, with entertainments, receptions, ceremonies in the Christian and Catholic churches, a gala dinner at the town hall, and a party in the park.Callistus Membal took care of everything, worked with his mind and mind, and did whatever he wanted.It can be said that he didn't even care about his body.What else do you want?He's already in the mood, who can hold a train that's moving at full speed?
As for the wedding chorus, it has already been composed.The poet Yvernay wrote the lyrics and the composer Sebastian Zorno composed the music, both of whom showed their talents.For this reason, a singing club was specially formed, and this chorus will be sung by the chorus members of the club.As night fell, the square at the Observatory was brightly lit.When the singing sounded in the square, the effect was very good.Then the newcomers came out and came before the city officials.The religious wedding will be held in the middle of the night, and the Billion City will present a fairyland-like scene.
Finally, the long-awaited ship finally appeared on the surface of the sea.A lookout at the starboard port picked up the prize for it, a handsome sum of dollars.
At 9 o'clock in the morning on February 19th, when the starboard side rounded the breakwater of the port, it couldn't wait to start unloading.
Wedding supplies include jewelry, dresses, fashion, handicrafts, etc. It is obviously meaningless to list these things in detail.In fact, one thing is enough to know: it was exhibited once at the Coverly House, and it was an unprecedented success.Residents of Billion City want to line up to see these exquisite objects.These large numbers of wealthy people obviously can afford to buy these rare products.But it should be mentioned that it is really not flattering to influence their taste in purchasing items and their sense of art.In addition, if you are particularly curious and women from other places want to know the names of these items, you can check the "Starboard News" and "New Herald" on the 21st and 22nd.If this is not enough, it is because there is no absolute satisfaction in this world.
"Wow!" Yvernay simply called out after he and his three companions walked out of the mansion on 15th Avenue.
"Whoa! I seem to think that's the only way to get the meaning out of a thousand words," Pansina pointed out. "If you just marry Miss Dee Coverley and don't have a dowry . . . do you think so?"
As for the couple, in fact they only glanced briefly at the pile of fine art and fashion.
Since receiving the delivery ship, Model Island is heading west again towards the New Hebrides.As long as you see any of the islands in the genus before the 27th, Captain Saroll and his companions can disembark.The model island began to return.
One advantage of sailing in this area is that the Malay captain is very familiar with this area.So Sim Coyer asked him for help.Since it was at the captain's invitation, Sarol could stay on the tower forever.Once in sight of the first peaks of the archipelago, take the most accessible and easternmost island of Ellomango, in order to bypass the numerous reefs of the New Hebrides.
Is it by chance?Captain Sarol insisted on sailing only at a slow speed because he wanted to attend the wedding ceremony. On the morning of February 27th, the first batch of islands appeared in sight, and it was precisely on this day that the wedding was held.
It doesn't matter, though.The wedding of Walter Tanken and Miss Ty Coverley could not be lessened by the sight of the New Hebrides.If these intrepid Malays took a great interest in it (and they made it clear), they were free to attend the spectacle on the model island.
The machine island first encountered some small islands, and under the accurate guidance of Captain Saroll, bypassed these islands.Then it sailed towards Ellomango Island, where the peaks of Donner Island disappeared to the south.
In this sea area, there is a French colony in the Pacific Ocean: the Loyalty Islands and the New Caledonia Islands.Sebastian Zorno, Frascolan, Pancina and Yvernay were not far from that sea, at most 300 miles.These two archipelagos and France are located on opposite sides of the globe.
The interior of Elomango Island is full of trees and many hills are uneven.Beneath the hills, the vast arable plain stretches as far as the eye can see.Captain Sim Coyer will be anchored 1 mile east of Cook Inlet.Out of prudence, he did not come any closer, for the blooming coral rocks below the surface extended half a mile offshore.Besides, Cyrus Picktaff, the owner of the island, had no intention of stopping before this island, or anchoring anywhere in the archipelago.After the grand festival, the Malays can also go to the island.At that time, the model island will return to the equator and return to the Bay of Madeleine.
At 1 p.m., Model Island stopped.
The authorities ordered that all people on the island be on holiday; civil servants, clerks, sailors, soldiers.Of course, customs officials on duty at coastal ports are excluded, because nothing can make them relax their vigilance.
With the sea breeze blowing, it is meaningless to repeat how good the weather is.To paraphrase an old saying, "God makes beauty".
"It's so proactive, this proud Golden Crow seems to have to obey the orders of the rich!" Pancina said loudly, "They want to extend the daytime just like in the past, I hope it can obey!...Ah, what a fool Money can turn ghosts around!"
The head of entertainment of Billion City has sorted out a set of program lists, so there is no need to insist on listing those wonderful programs with different styles one by one.As soon as 3 o'clock was struck, residents of the city, the city and the port area came to the park along the Serpentine River.The dignitaries also walked cordially among the crowd.Perhaps because of the prizes, the garden tour was very joyous.There were also several dances organized in the open-air square.But the best dances are in the halls of the Casino.Young guys, young women and girls show off their dancing postures and dance happily.Yvernay and Pancina also joined the ranks of dancers, and no one wanted to lose to the other.At this time, they all want to be the happiest gentlemen in the city of billions. "Your Majesty" has never been so cute, never been so smart, never been so successful!When his partner said to him: "Oh, sir, I'm sweating like I'm soaking in water!", he dared to answer: "You were soaking in it, miss, in Walls!" In the Fragrant Spring." No one was surprised by his behavior!
Frascolin blushed to the ears when he heard this.When Yvernay heard this, he couldn't help thinking to himself: This guy's head is about to be split!
It should be added; both the Tanken and the Coverleys were present.The bride's sisters are all beautiful and charming, and they are sincerely happy for the bride's happiness.Miss Tee walked slowly, holding Walter's arm.They were all born-and-bred citizens of a free United States, so this behavior was not unethical.Everyone applauded the kind young couple, cheered for them, presented them with flowers, and wished them well.They seem very approachable in accepting it all.
In the ensuing hours, a large number of refreshing drinks were delivered, and everyone's interest was even higher.
Night fell.The aluminum moon emits two powerful beams of light that illuminate the park as if it were day.The sun disappeared below the horizon knowingly.Although this artificial light source can illuminate the night as if it were day, the sun always feels ashamed and out of place in the face of its existence.
Between 9 and 10 o'clock there was a chorus.Great success!Is this a bit too much for both the poet who wrote the lyrics and the composer who wrote the music?Maybe!At this moment, the cellist felt that his unfair prediction of "Pearl of the Pacific" had disappeared...
The bell rang at 11, and a long procession walked towards the town hall.Walter Tanken and Miss Ty Coverley walked in the midst of the family.All the residents accompanied them, walking slowly towards 1st Avenue.
The island consul, Cyrus Picktaff, stands in the hall of the City Hall.In his executive career, this will be the most beautiful wedding he will celebrate.The wedding is about to take place...
Suddenly, at the far end of the port side area, there was a shout.
The queue stopped halfway.
Almost after a while, the shouting became louder, and there was an explosion in the distance.
Moments later, several customs officers ran outside the square of the city hall building, and several of them were injured.
Everyone's anxiety reached the extreme.The crowd felt imminent danger, and expressed an inexpressible terror.
Cyrus Picktaff appeared on the steps of the City Hall, followed by Captain Sim Coyer, Captain Stuart.The dignitaries also stepped forward.
After questioning, the customs officer replied that a group of New Hebridians had just invaded Model Island, with a number of three or four thousand, and the leader was Captain Saroll.
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