Chapter 18 Chapter 2 Make up your mind

Dirk Peters! ... The Hunter in front of him is Arthur Pym's loyal partner, the half-breed Dirk Peters!The man whom Captain Lan Guy had spent so much time seeking in America and had failed to find had now unexpectedly appeared before him.Maybe the appearance of Dirk Peters will provide us with a new basis for continuing this expedition... It would not surprise me if any sensitive reader, who had previously recognized Dirk Peters in the character of Hunter, had anticipated the drama.On the contrary, I'd be surprised if it wasn't the case. Indeed, it is extremely natural and clear to think about the problem in this way.Captain Lan Guy and I have read over and over Edgar Allan Poe's portrait of Dirk Peters drawn with such precision that we have never suspected that, from Fu This man and the half-breed on board the Klan Islands are the same man! ... Isn't that enough proof that we lack keen observation skills? ...I agree with that.However, to some extent, it can also be explained.

Indeed, the inherent features of Indian blood in Hunter are remarkable.It was originally of the blood of Dirk Peters, who belonged to the Upsaloka tribe in the west.This should have led us to get to the bottom of the truth.But please consider carefully the situation where Dirk Peters introduced himself to Captain Lan Guy.In that case, we would not raise any doubts about his identity.Hunter lived in the Falkland Islands, far from Illinois, among sailors of various nationalities.The sailors waited for the fishing season to come aboard the whaling ship... and since he was on board, he remained very distant from us... this was the first time he spoke.So far, at least judging from his attitude, it is impossible to think that he has concealed his real name... As can be seen from the situation just now, it was only after our captain pressed hard at the end that he confided in Dirk Peters the name.

Hunter's unusual, rather special appearance should have caught our attention.Yes, now that I think of it--he's been different since the brig sailed over the polar circle on this free-flowing sea...his eyes were always on the southern horizon...and his hands Always instinctively stretching towards this direction... On the small island of Beni, he seemed to revisit the old place; on the island, he searched for the wreckage of the hull of the "Jenny".Finally, on the Isle of Zalar... where he was always at the head, like a guide.We followed him across the doomed plains to the ruins of the village of Crocker-Crocker.The village is located at the entrance of the valley, not far from the hill.There was once a labyrinth of caves in the mountains, and now there is no trace... All this should have awakened us—at least me—to the thought that this Hunter might have something to do with Arthur Pym's adventures! ...

However, both Captain Lan Guy and his passenger Jeorin seem to be wearing blindfolds! ... I admit that some passages in Edgar Allan Poe's book should have made it easy for us to see the problem, but we both were blind to it! All in all, there is no doubt that Hunter is Dirk Peters.Even after eleven years, he was still exactly as Arthur Pym had described him.Indeed, the ferocious appearance mentioned in the story is no longer there.That too, according to Arthur Pym, was "a superficial ferocity."Physically, nothing had changed—short stature, muscular, limbs "cast in the mold of Hercules."His hands, "broad and thick, barely in the shape of a human hand," with bent arms and legs, a head of unusually large size, and a wide mouth as wide as his face showed "long teeth, lips even Not even a part of the teeth can be covered."I repeat, these characteristics fit perfectly with the man we recruited in the Falkland Islands.However, on his face, he could no longer find the expression similar to the "devil's joy", which was a sign of his joy.

With age, experience, life's ups and downs, and the horrors he's experienced firsthand, the biracial has changed.As Arthur Pym said: "These accidents are completely out of the ordinary, incredible." Yes!It was all kinds of trials and tribulations that deeply consumed the spirit of Dirk Peters!None of this matters.He is Arthur Pym's loyal partner, he has saved Arthur Pym's life several times, and he is exactly Dirk Peters who loves Arthur Pym like his own son!He had always hoped that one day, he would find Arthur Pym again in the desolation of Antarctica.He was never discouraged!

Why did Dirk Peters hide in the Falkland Islands under the pseudonym Hunter?Why did he maintain this anonymity after boarding the Halle Brena?Since he knew that Captain Lan Guy's intention was to go all out along the course of the "Jenny" to save his fellow men, why didn't he reveal his real name? ... Why? ...probably he was worried that his name would be repulsive.Indeed, he took part in the chilling events aboard the Orca...he killed the crewman Parker, hungry and thirsty for the dead man's flesh! ...unless he revealed his real name in order for the Halle Breener to attempt to find Arthur Pym, as he wished.

Mixed race lived in Illinois for several years.The reason why he came to live in the Falkland Islands is because he wants to take every opportunity to return to the Antarctic Ocean.When he boarded the "Halbrena", he planned to push the captain to make up his mind to sail to higher latitudes after Captain Lan Guy found his compatriots on Zalar Island in order to find Arthur. Pym... But who in his right mind would believe that a man who was in danger eleven years ago is still alive? ... At least there was food to be found on the island of Zalar, which kept Captain William Guy and his companions alive.Besides, Patterson's notes certainly said they were still there when he left... But what evidence was there that Arthur Pym was alive? ...

However, confronted with Dirk Peters' assertion - which, I should admit, without any solid evidence - is not as hard on my mind as it is generally supposed to be... No! ...When the half-breed cries out loudly: "Pim is not dead...Pim is still there...don't abandon Pym!", it really hits my heartstrings... That's when I thought of Edgar Allan Poe.How would he react, I wondered, if the Halle Brenaner actually brought back the man he had declared dead "suddenly and tragically"?It may be ashamed! ... There is no doubt that I have not been the realistic and calm person I used to be since I decided to join the expedition on the Halle Brena.Didn't I, at the mention of Arthur Pym, I felt my heart beat like Dirk Peters.The thought of evacuating Zalal Island and returning north, heading for the Atlantic, made me sick.Isn't this shirking humanitarian responsibilities?It is our duty to save a poor man who was abandoned on the frozen wasteland of Antarctica! ...

We have gone through all kinds of difficulties and dangers for this, but without any results.Now requesting Captain Lan Guy's consent to the brig's further advance in the deep sea, and again the unanimous efforts of the crew, might be refused.Isn't this the right time for me to speak? . . . and I feel that Dirk Peters has pinned his hopes of pleading for poor Pym on me! After the biracial identity was disclosed, a long silence followed.Certainly no one doubted its authenticity.He said it plainly: "I'm Dirk Peters; the same Dirk Peters of old." With regard to Arthur Pym, the fact that he never returned to America, that he left his companions and was taken to the Antarctic with the boat Zalal, is itself acceptable, and there is no reason to think that Dirk Peters is lying.But, as the half-breed claims, to think that Arthur Pym is alive; Obligation to do so is another question.

I was determined to support Dirk Peters, but feared that I would be attacked from all sides by raising this issue in the first place.I then returned to the easily accepted view, which was to cast doubt on the fact that we had not found Captain William Gay and his five sailors on Zalal. "Friends," I said, "before making a final decision, it is better to analyze the situation calmly. If we abandon our expedition while it still has a chance of success, it will not cause us a lifetime of regrets and irreparable Think again, Captain. Think also, my fellows. About seven months ago, the unfortunate Patterson left your countrymen on the Isle of Zalal, when They're alive and well! . . . They're still there because, for eleven years, the food provided by the island has kept them alive. Some of the natives of the island have died, we don't know how. The other part The natives may have been transferred to some nearby island. They would then have no need to fear the islanders. . . . This is obvious, and I see nothing to refute it. . . . "

No one answered, and indeed there was nothing to answer, to what I had just said. "The reason why we didn't find the captain of the 'Jenny' and his subordinates," I went on excitedly, "is because, since Patterson left, they have been forced to abandon Zhalal Island . . . What is the reason?... It seems to me that the earthquakes have so badly damaged the islands that they are uninhabitable. They can follow the current from the north with a small native boat, or reach another island, or reach the Antarctic continent At one point... I'm sure that's how it happened, and I don't think I'm thinking too far... All in all, what I know, what I've said over and over again, is that if we don't keep looking, we're wasting our efforts. It's a big deal The lives of your compatriots are at stake!" I probe my listeners with my eyes...no response. Captain Lan Guy, very excited, bowed his head.He felt that I was right, and I spoke of humanitarian responsibilities, pointing out that this is the only course of action that a virtuous man should take. "What should we do?" I added after a pause. "Need to cross a few more degrees of latitude. And this is when the seas are free to navigate, and we still have at least two months of warm season. We don't have to Afraid of the Antarctic winter, I don't ask you to brave the severe winter to do this. The 'Halle Brena' has sufficient provisions, the crew is healthy and fully manned, and no disease has occurred on board, but we are hesitant. . . . We frighten ourselves with all the dangers we imagine! . . . We don't have the courage to go any further . . . " I pointed to the direction of the southern horizon, but Dirk Peters was silent, and he also pointed to the south with a majestic gesture.His gestures are the silent language! Everyone is still looking at us intently, this time there is still no answer! Certainly, in eight or nine weeks the brig could move on through this sea without much danger.It is only December 26th now, and the previous expeditions were carried out in January, February and even March, such as the expeditions of Bellingshausen, Biscoe, Kendall, and Wedel. Before the severe cold froze the passage, the rudder was turned to the north.Their ships had never penetrated so far into the Antarctic as the Halle Brenane, for we could count on good weather, which they did not have. I stress all these arguments in the hope that they will be agreed.But no one is willing to take on the responsibility of agreeing... Deathly silence, everyone with their eyes downcast... However, I did not mention Arthur Pym's name once, nor did I support Dirk Peters' proposal.If I mentioned these, the answer would be shrugging my shoulders and even threatening me personally! I was wondering if I could imbue my fellows with the confidence that filled me, when Captain Lan Guy spoke: "Dirk Peters," he said, "are you sure that you and Arthur Pym have seen land in the south since you and Arthur Pym left Zalal Island? . . . " "Yes...there's land..." replied the half-breed, "islands or continents...please hear me...I think...there...I'm sure...Pym...poor Pym...is out there Waiting for people to come to the rescue..." "Perhaps William Guy and his companions are waiting there too..." I cried, trying to turn the argument into a more favorable position. These vaguely seen land is a goal, a goal that is relatively easy to achieve! The Halbrena is not sailing blind... Wherever the survivors of the Jenny may be hiding, the Halbrena is heading... Captain Lan Guy thought for a moment, then went on: "Dirk Peters, beyond eighty-four degrees, is there really the cloud barrier mentioned in the story that hides the horizon? ... Did you see it with your own eyes? ... And the hanging waterfall and Arthur Pym's boat Have you seen the abyss where you disappear when you enter it?..." The half-breed looked this way and that way at us, and shook his big head. "I don't know..." he said, "Captain, what are you asking? . . . a cloud barrier? . . . yes . . . there may be . Apparently Dirk Peters never read Edgar Allan Poe's book, and he was probably illiterate.After he handed over Arthur Pym's diary, he never asked about its publication.He never dreamed, during his seclusion in Illinois and then in the Falkland Islands, that this work would have such an impact, nor that our great poet would add to this strange experience. On fictional and unbelievable endings! ... Is it not possible that Arthur Pym, with his supernatural nature, thought that he saw these miraculous sights, but in fact only came from his extremely imaginative brain? ... Then Jem West spoke, for the first time since the argument.Whether he agreed with me, whether my arguments moved him, whether he finally agreed to continue the expedition, I cannot say.All in all, he simply asked: "Captain... where's your order?..." Captain Lan Guy turned to his crew.Old and new crew surrounded him.And Fisherman Hearne stayed a little farther back, ready to speak if he thought it necessary. Captain Lan Guy scanned the bosun and his companions inquiringly.The boatswain was loyal to him without reservation.Whether he read in the attitude of the others some sort of approval for the voyage on, I do not know.I heard these words whispered from his lips: "Ah! I'm the only one who has the final say!...All the crew members promise to support me!" In fact, no new search can be done without coordination. At this time, Hearn spoke, with a bad mouth: "It has been more than two months since we left the Falkland Islands... When my partners were hired, they made it clear: after passing the polar ice floes, they will not sail beyond Zalar Island..." "No!" Captain Lan Gay was irritated by Hearn's words, and said loudly, "That's not the case! I recruited you for an expedition. I can go wherever I want, this is my right!" "Captain, I'm sorry," Hearn continued in a blunt tone, "now we have gone where no navigator has ever been... No ship has ventured here except the 'Jenny'...Me and I My companions agree that it is best to return to the Falkland Islands before the cold season comes... If you are happy, you can return to Zalar Island from the Falkland Islands, and even drive all the way to the Antarctic!" At this moment, a murmur of approval was heard.There is no doubt that the words of the fisherman and hunter reflect the mood of most people, specifically, the mood of this new crew.To demand that these recalcitrant men obey orders against their will, and in this case, venture across the remote Antarctic waters, is an act of recklessness, even insanity, with potentially disastrous consequences. At this moment, Jem West spoke.He walked towards Hearn and said in a threatening tone: "Who told you to speak?..." "Didn't the captain ask us?" Hearn contradicted, "I have the right to answer." When he said this, his tone was so arrogant that the first mate—who was usually extremely calm—would really want to go over and give him a lesson.Then Captain Lan Guy stopped him with a gesture, and said only: "Jem, don't be mad! . . . There's nothing to be done unless everyone agrees!" Then he turned to the bosun and said: "What's your opinion, Heligly? . . . " "My opinion is clear, Captain," replied the boatswain, "and I will obey whatever orders you give! . . . It is our duty not to abandon William Guy and the others so long as there is a glimmer of hope of rescuing them. Responsibility!" The bosun paused.At this time, several water queens, Delap, Rogers, Gretchen, Stern, and Bury, all clearly agreed. "About Arthur Pym..." he went on. "It's not about Arthur Pym!" retorted Captain Lan Guy vehemently. "It's about my brother William Guy... and his companions..." Then I saw Dirk Peters about to protest, and I grabbed his arm.He trembled with anger, but he held back. Yes, it's not time to talk about Arthur Pym again.Hoping for the future, prepare to take advantage of the chance chances of this voyage, and let people themselves be involved unconsciously—even naturally—into it!I don't think there is any other way to go.But I think there should be a more direct way to help Dirk Peters. Captain Lan Guy continued to question the crew.He also gets to know those people he can trust one by one.All the old crew agreed with his advice and pledged to obey his orders without haggling.As long as he needs them, wherever he goes, they will follow him. Several new crew members also followed the example of these honest men and agreed with the captain's opinion.But there were only three of them, and they were all British.There seems to be overwhelming support for Hearne's opinion.In their view, the expedition of the "Halbrena" to Zalar Island is over.So they refused to go on, and formally proposed to turn around and return north, so as to cross the large ice floe in the best time of the warm season... Nearly twenty people hold this opinion.There is no doubt that Hearn expressed their true feelings.The brig was going south, and approaching them to help steer the ship would be to provoke them to revolt. In order to make these sailors who obey Hearn's words change their minds, there is no other way but to strongly stimulate their greed and pull the string of money. I then spoke again, in a firm tone that would leave no one in doubt of the seriousness of my proposal: "Seamen of the Halle Brena," I said, "listen to me! . . . Many countries award bonuses for survey voyages in the polar regions. I do the same, offering a bonus to the crew of my ship. After passing 84 degrees south latitude, I will give you two thousand dollars for every degree of progress!" At around seventy dollars a head, it was clearly tempting. I feel that this trick is very effective. "I mean what I say," I added, "and I will sign the bond with Captain Lan Guy. The captain will be your agent. No matter what the circumstances are when you return, the money will be paid to you when you return. " I wait to see what effect this promise will have.It should be said that the effect came quickly. "Hurrah! . . . " cried the bosun to cheer up his companions.His companions shouted almost in unison, and the cheers rang out. Hearn made no further objections.Anyway, once there is a situation in his favor, he can always take advantage of it. And so an agreement was reached.In order to achieve my goal, no matter how large the amount of money is, I am willing to sacrifice it. We are only seven degrees from the South Pole.If the "Halle Brena" can go all the way to the South Pole, it will only cost me fourteen thousand dollars!