Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Tristan da Cunha
Four days later, the "Halle Brena" and the strange island of Tristan da Cunha are far away.Someone went so far as to compare this island to the boiler of the African ocean.
What an extraordinary event that Patterson's remains turned up more than 500 nautical miles from the polar circle!Through this ghost of Arthur Pym's expedition, the captain of the "Hallebrenau" and his brother, the captain of the "Jenny", have now been linked! ……yes!This is quite incredible! ...However, this is nothing compared to the story I have yet to tell!
To me, the most incredible thing is that the novels of American poets actually have real stories.No matter how hard it was in my mind at first... I wanted to turn a blind eye to the obvious! ...
Finally had to disarm and surrender.The last doubts in my mind were buried in the depths of the sea, along with Patterson's remains.
It wasn't just Captain Lan Guy who had flesh and blood ties to this tragic but true story.I soon learned that our sail master was also closely related to this.Long before the Jenny rescued Arthur Pym and Dirk Peters, one of the best sailors who perished on the Orca was Martin Hoult's brother.
That is to say, between the eighty-third and eighty-fourth degrees south latitude, seven English sailors (now six) lived on the island of Zalar for eleven years.They are: "Jenny" Captain William Gay, first mate Patterson and five sailors.And what miracle made it possible for them to escape from the clutches of the Crocker-Crocker aborigines? ...
Now, what was Captain Lan Guy to do? ... On this issue, he will never hesitate in the slightest.He must have done everything in his power to rescue the survivors of the Jenny... He will steer the Halle Brenana toward the meridian pointed out by Arthur Pym, and he will steer the ship all the way to Zalar Island , which is clearly indicated in Patterson's blotter.Wherever he ordered to go, his first mate, Jem West, would go.The crew would follow him without hesitation.Such an expedition may exceed the limits of human capabilities, and entails all kinds of dangers.But they will not be held back by fear of danger...the soul of their captain will infuse their soul...the arm of their mate will guide theirs.
That is why Captain Lan Guy refuses to take passengers on board, and that is why he tells me that his voyages are never fixed.He has been looking forward to the opportunity to venture to the Southern Ocean to appear!
I even have reason to think that if the Hallebrena was indeed ready for such an expedition, Captain Lan Guy would have given orders to sail south. …According to the conditions I set out when I boarded the ship, I will not force him to continue on the original route and send me to Tristan da Cunha...
We are not too far away from this island, and it is imperative to replenish fresh water.After arriving, it may be possible to equip the brig so that it can fight icebergs and reach the free-flowing sea. The sea beyond the eighty-second parallel is a free-flowing sea; Pu and others advanced farther afield to try what U.S. Navy Captain Wilkes was doing.
Well, for me, once I arrive in Tristan da Cunha, I wait for another boat to pass by.As far as the Halbrena is concerned, even if it is ready for such an expedition, the season has not yet come for it to cross the polar circle.Now, the first week of September is not over yet, and it will be at least two months before the Antarctic summer breaks up the large polar ice floes and causes the ice to disintegrate.
Navigators already knew by then that only from mid-November to early March of the following year can daring attempts have some success.By then the temperatures were more tolerable, the blizzards were less frequent, the icebergs parted from their great masses, the ice barriers were breached, and the polar continuum bathed the remote places.There are prudent rules in this respect, and the Halle Brenad had better be obedient not to violate them.Our brig, therefore, having fresh water and provisions at Tristan da Cunha, had plenty of time, if necessary, to sail to a port for the Falkland Islands or the coast of America.From a repair point of view, this port is better equipped than any port in this lonely archipelago in the desert of the South Atlantic.
The big island of Tristan da Cunha, on a sunny day, can be seen in its entirety at a distance of eighty-five to ninety nautical miles.The following information concerning this island is what I have received from the boatswain.He visited the island several times and talked eloquently.
Tristan da Cunha is located south of the southwest trade winds.The climate is warm and humid, with moderate temperatures, with the lowest temperature not lower than 25 degrees Fahrenheit (about minus 4 degrees Celsius) and the highest temperature not exceeding 68 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius).The prevailing winds are from the west and northwest, and in winter - August and September - mainly from the south.
From 1811, the American Lambert and several other people of the same nationality lived here, and they were equipped to catch mammalian sea beasts.After them, British soldiers came to station, the task is to monitor the St. Helena waters, the British army was withdrawn after Napoleon died in 1821.
About thirty or forty years later, Tristan da Cunha already had about a hundred residents, handsome in appearance, descended from Europeans, Americans and Cape Dutch; a republic was established, headed by the patriarch—the children most parents; the entire archipelago finally recognized British sovereignty over it.But that's all for later.These things had not yet happened when the Halbrena was to berth here in 1839.
From my personal observations, I soon found that the question of Tristan da Cunha's sovereignty was not worthy of controversy.In the sixteenth century it was called "Land of Life".Specific regional flora grow on the island, typified by ferns, stone pine, a spiny grass and gorse, which cover the lower slopes of the mountains.Of the livestock, cattle, goats and pigs were their only wealth, and some trade with St. Helena was carried out with this.Didn't see any reptiles, not a single insect.There is only one cat in the forest that is not very dangerous - a cat that has been returned from domestic animals to its wild state.
The only species of tree possessed on the island is a buckthorn which reaches a height of eighteen or twenty feet.In addition, the flowing water brought a considerable amount of floating wood, which was enough for heating.Vegetables I only see include cabbage, sweet radish, onion, radish and pumpkin; fruits include pears, peaches and grapes, which are of poor quality.I would add that bird lovers will probably only find seagulls, petrels, penguins and albatrosses here.The birds of Tristan da Cunha probably have no other specimens to offer bird lovers.
On the morning of September 5th, the tall volcano of the main island was already in sight—two hundred duises high, covered with snow, and the extinguished crater formed a small basin-shaped lake.The next day, even closer, large areas of collapsed ancient volcanic lava were clearly visible, and their arrangement and shape were quite similar to moraine fields.
At this distance, one can see huge fucus floating on the sea surface one by one, ranging in length from 600 to 1,200 feet, as thick as a large barrel, and can be called a veritable plant cable.
I should also mention here that during the three days after the encounter with the ice pack Captain Lan Guy was only seen on deck to measure the height of the sun.After measuring, he returned to his cabin.I never had a chance to see him again except at mealtimes.He was taciturn almost to the point of mutism, and there was nothing to get him out of it.Even Jem West couldn't help it.So I remain absolutely cautious.It seemed to me that Lan Guy would talk to me again about his brother William and what he was going to do to try to rescue William's companions and William himself.The moment will surely come.But, I repeat, that time had not yet come when the brig dropped anchor off Tristan da Cunha Island due to the season.On September 6, the ship dropped anchor at a depth of 18 fathoms in Ansedrum, deep in Falmouth Bay, off the north-west coast of the Big Island. ——This place, in Arthur Pym's self-report, is exactly where the "Jenny" is moored.
I just said "big island" because Tristan da Cunha includes two other islands, which are quite small.About eight miles to the southwest, there is the Unreachable Island; in the southeast, five miles away from the Unreachable Island, is the Nightingale Island.The geographic location of the entire archipelago is 37°05' south latitude and 13°04' west longitude.
These islands are circular.From a planar projection, Tristan da Cunha Island resembles an open parasol with a circumference of fifteen nautical miles.According to the ribs, it is radial and concentrated on a central point.The umbrella ribs represent regular mountains, all leading to the central volcano.
The archipelago constitutes an almost independent maritime zone.It was first discovered by a Portuguese, and his name became the name of the island.The Dutch came here to explore in 1643, and the French came here in 1767.Later, several Americans set up camp here to catch a large number of seals in this sea area.In the end, the British quickly succeeded them again.
When the "Jenny" was moored here, a former British artillery corporal named Glass was in command of this small settlement of twenty-six people.They traded with Cape Town, and the whole vessel was just a brig of limited tonnage.When we landed, there were already about fifty subjects under Glass under his command.And, as Arthur Pym pointed out, "without any help from the British government".
The sea depth around the archipelago is between 1,200 and 1,500 fathoms. The equatorial warm current passes along the archipelago and goes westward.The archipelago is bounded by the southwestern trade winds, and storm damage is rare.In winter, the floating ice often exceeds the latitude of the archipelago by more than ten degrees, but it never goes down to the vicinity of St. Helena—and the same is true for large dolphins, whose nature does not like warmer waters and never visits here.
The three islands stand on a tripod, separated by different waterways, more than ten nautical miles wide, with convenient navigation, and the coast is not frozen all year round.Around the island of Tristan da Cunha, the sea is a hundred fathoms deep.
As soon as the "Halle Brenale" arrived in port, she became involved with the former artillery corporal.The man was very kind and amiable.Captain Lan Guy put Jem West in charge of filling the water tanks and procuring fresh meat and various vegetables.Jem West was full of praise for Glass's warmth and thoughtfulness.Glass hoped to fetch a high price, and he got his wish.
As soon as we arrived we found it impossible to find the supplies necessary to equip the Halbrena at Tristan da Cunha for the planned expedition to the Antarctic Ocean.From the source of food, it is certain that the frequenting of Tristan da Cunha by navigators was very beneficial.Pioneers have introduced various breeds of livestock to the archipelago, such as sheep, pigs, cattle, poultry, etc., greatly enriching the food sources here.When American Captain Patten led the "Industry" here at the end of the last century, he only saw a few wild goats.A little later than him, Cole Kuhn, captain of the American brig Betsy, grew onions, potatoes and other vegetables here.The soil on the island is fertile and vegetables thrive.At least that's what Arthur Pym said in his own account, and there's no reason not to believe him.
The reader may have noticed that I now speak of Edgar Allan Poe's hero as if he were a real person whose existence I no longer doubt.I was surprised that Captain Lan Guy did not question me again on this subject.Evidently, the news deciphered from Patterson's blotter was so accurate that it could not have been improvised.I would be ignorant if I didn't admit my mistakes.
If I was still a little hesitant, now there is another indisputable evidence, supplementing the words of the first officer of the "Jenny".
On the second day of mooring, I went ashore at Ansedren.On the beautiful beach, the sand is gray and black.I even considered whether the beach here was mistakenly planted on Zalal Island, saying that this funeral color is everywhere on Zalal Island, absolutely rejecting white; the islanders were shocked when they saw white, and even collapse or seizures.Could it be that Arthur Pym had some sort of hallucination to make the uncanny effect seem real? ...If the "Halle Brena" arrives at Zalar Island one day, this problem will be solved...
I met Glass, an ex-artillery corporal—big and well-maintained.Looks pretty dodgy on the outside, I'll admit it.Although he is over sixty years old, his mental flexibility remains the same as before.In addition to trading with Cape Town and the Falkland Islands, he also traded large quantities of seal skins and elephant seal oil, and his business was very prosperous.
The governor, appointed by himself and recognized by the small colony, seemed to enjoy chatting.I have had no trouble talking to him since our first meeting.This conversation is probably very interesting, and not only in one respect.
"Do ships often call at your Tristan da Cunha?" I asked him.
"No more, no less, just right, sir," he answered me, rubbing his hands behind his back, which is said to be a long-standing habit of his.
"Is it the warm season?" I added.
"Yes, if there is a cold season in this sea area, it will be a warm season!"
"Then I really want to congratulate you. However, unfortunately, there is no port in Tristan da Cunha, and ships have to berth on the sea. If so..."
"On the sea, sir? ... What do you mean by 'on the sea'?" exclaimed the former artillery corporal, excited, as if my words had greatly hurt his self-esteem.
"I mean, Mr. Glass, if you have a dock for boats..."
"Then why bother, sir? Since nature has drawn us such bays, in which there is shelter from the sea's violent winds, and anchoring is easy! No, no! Tristan has no port, and Tristan is quite free from it." port!"
Why should I upset this decent man?He is as proud of his island as the Grand Duke of Monaco has the right to be of his tiny principality, why not!
I didn't insist at all, so we talked all over the place.He proposed to arrange a trip for me to feast my eyes on the dense forest stretching halfway up the central peak.
I thank him and apologize for not being invited.I could have spent the mooring time doing some mineralogical research.Besides, the Hallebrena would set sail as soon as her provisions were replenished.
"Your captain is in such a hurry!" said Governor Glass to me.
"yes?"
"Isn't it? In such a hurry, the first officer on the ship didn't even mention to me about buying furs and oil..."
"We just need fresh food and fresh water, Mr. Glass."
"Never mind, sir," replied the Governor, rather annoyed, "the 'Halbrena' won't carry what you mean by 'on the sea'? There will be other ships! … "
Then he said, "Where will your ship go after it leaves here?"
"Go to the Falkland Islands and repair the ship."
"Sir, you... I guess you're just a passenger!"
"You are quite right, Mr. Glass, I was thinking of staying in Tristan da Cunha for a few weeks... Now I have to change my plans..."
"I'm sorry, sir, I'm sorry!" said the Governor. "You can wait here for another ship. How glad we are to receive you!"
"I will never forget your hospitality for me," I replied, "but unfortunately, I can't enjoy it..."
I had indeed made up my last resolution not to leave the brig.After the docking, the ship will sail to the Falkland Islands, where it will make all necessary preparations for its expedition to the Antarctic Ocean.This way I can go all the way to the Falkland Islands.Then, without long delay, I shall find a ship and return to America.Surely Captain Lan Guy would not refuse to take me to the Falkland Islands.
At this time, the ex-artillery corporal showed some displeasure and said to me:
"To tell you the truth, I haven't seen what color your captain's hair is and what your complexion looks like!"
"I reckon he doesn't want to go ashore, Mr. Glass."
"Is he sick?"
"As far as I know, he's not sick! However, it doesn't matter, anyway, he let the first mate take care of him..."
"Oh! Don't mention it, this man doesn't like to talk!... It took him a long time to get two words out of his mouth!... Fortunately, it is easier for Piastre to come out of his purse than words come out of his mouth." Make it easier!"
"This is very important, Mr. Glass."
"What is your address, sir?"
"Mr. Jeollin, from Connecticut."
"Okay, now I know your name. I also want to know the name of the captain of the 'Halbrena'..."
"His name is Guy, and his name is Lan Guy."
"An Englishman?"
"Yes, he is an Englishman."
"He could have taken the trouble to call on one of his countrymen, Mr. Georin! But wait, I once had acquaintance with a captain of that name—Guy—"
"William Guy?" I asked.
"Exactly, William Guy."
"This man commanded the 'Jenny'?"
"Yes, the 'Jenny', exactly."
"An English brig that came to anchor in Tristan da Cunha eleven years ago?"
Yes, eleven years ago, Mr. Geolin.At that time I had been settled on the island for seven years, and I was already on the island when Captain Geoffrey of the 'Berwick' from London came in 1824.I remember this William Guy as I see him: a decent man, a good-natured man, and I sold him a shipment of sealskins.He looked rather like a gentleman, somewhat haughty, but good-natured. "
"What about the 'Jenny'?" I questioned.
"As in front of my eyes. The ship is parked where the Halle Brena is now, in the depths of the bay. The ship is beautiful in shape, one hundred and eighty tons, with a slender, slender bow. Its Homeport is Liverpool..."
"Yes, it's true, it's all true!" I repeated.
"Is the 'Jenny' still sailing, Mr. Georyn?"
"No, Mr. Glass."
"Did something happen?"
"Indeed, most of the crew perished with the ship!"
"Can you tell me how this unfortunate incident happened, Mr. Georyn?"
"Of course, Mr. Glass. After the 'Jenny' set off from Tristan da Cunha, it sailed towards the Aurora Islands and other islands. William Guy hopes to find out based on the information provided by someone..."
"That's exactly what I've given you, Mr. Georin!" argued the former artillery corporal. "Then, may I know if the 'Jenny' has found any of these other islands?"
"Nothing, not even the Aurora Islands. William Guy has been in this area for weeks, from east to west, with a watchman on the top of the mast, and still nothing."
"It must be because he didn't find the location, Mr. Georin. According to several whalers, these islands do exist. The whalers' words are absolutely credible, and they said they would name them after me!" "
"That's fair and reasonable." I replied politely.
"If you can't find it all the time, wouldn't it be bad!" the governor added, with strong vanity in his tone.
"At this point," I went on, "Captain William Gay thought of carrying out a plan that was already well established, and was encouraged by one of the passengers on the 'Jenny' at the time..."
"Arthur Gordon Pym," cried Glass, "and his partner, a Dirk Peters, both rescued by the brig..."
"Do you know them, Mr. Glass?" I asked impatiently.
"How can you not know, Mr. Georin! . . . Well, this Arthur Pym, is a queer man, all he wants to do is adventure - a daring American . . . to the moon! He doesn't happen to be real." run to the moon?"
"That's not true, Mr. Glass. However, it is said that William Guy's brig crossed the polar circle, crossed the polar ice floes, and traveled farther than any ship before..."
"What an incredible adventure!" exclaimed Glass.
"Unfortunately," I replied, "the 'Jenny' never came back..."
"So, Mr. Jaylin, Arthur Pym, and Dirk Peters--this fellow is a half-Indian, strong enough to handle six, are these two killed?"
"No, Mr. Glass, most of the Jenny was killed, except Arthur Pym and Dirk Peters. They even made it back to America... how they came back is unknown. Back Later, Arthur Pym died, and I don't know how he died. Speaking of the half-breed, he first lived in Illinois, and then left without saying goodbye one day, and has never been seen again..."
"What about William Guy?" asked Mr. Glass.
I related to him the recent discovery of the remains of the Jenny's first mate, Patterson, on the ice floe, and added that everything tended to lead one to believe that the captain of the "Jenny", The remaining five of his companions were all still living on an island in the Antarctic region, which was less than seven degrees of latitude from the South Pole.
"Ah! Mr. Georin," cried Glass, "I hope William Guy and his sailors will be rescued one day! They're good men, I think!"
"Once the 'Halle Brenale' is repaired, such an attempt will definitely be made. The captain of this ship, Lan Guy and William Guy, are brothers..."
"Is that so, Mr. Georin?" cried Mr. Glass. "Well. Though I don't know Captain Lan Guy, I'm sure the two brothers are nothing alike—at least they treated Tristan da Cuni. Governor-General Ya's attitude is completely different!"
It can be seen that Lan Guy's indifference made the ex-artillery corporal feel greatly insulted by not coming to visit him.Please consider, that the sovereign of the Independence Island extends his powers to the two neighboring islands, the Isle of Unreachable and the Isle of Nightingale!However, maybe when he thinks that the goods sold to the "Halle Brena" have earned 25% more money, he can talk about comforting himself!
It was true that Captain Lan Guy never showed any intention of going ashore. Before the "Jenny" set sail for the Antarctic Ocean, he had anchored on the northwest coast of Tristan da Cunha. I am afraid he would not have known about this!This is even more strange.It seemed appropriate to befriend Lala, the last European who shook his brother's hand...
However, only Jem West and his men made it ashore.They unloaded the tin ore and copper ore brought by the brig with urgency, loaded the ships with supplies, filled the water tanks, and so on.
Captain Lan Guy remained on board the whole time, and did not even come on deck.Looking from the glass window of his cabin, I saw that he had been working at his desk.
On the table lay a map and an open book.Needless to say, this is the map of the Antarctic region and the book describing the expeditions of the pioneers of the "Jenny" to this mysterious place.
There is also a book spread out on the table, a book that has been read hundreds of times!Most of the pages had been creased, and a lot of penciled brows had been added... On the cover, the title glowed in gold, as if printed in flaming letters: The Adventures of Arthur Gordon Pym.