Chapter 7 Chapter VII

It's 4:30, plenty of time to walk across the fields up to the castle.The guide tried his best to promote the ability to visit the interior of the castle, climb to the platform of the tall tower, and look out at the scenery of Cape de Palma. In fact, the distance would have been covered in less than forty minutes if the carriage had not wandered over the fields.Cost is also a well-solved issue.For Captain Bucarras would not wait if the three tourists did not get back to the pier in time, as the Perpignan native knew. To be precise, there are 6 carriages parked near the Jesus Gate.With just one command, they will drive on the small roads on the outskirts of the city.This is the habit of those light and flexible carriages, no matter whether they are going uphill or downhill, they can only see the carriage galloping.

The guide had his eye on one of the carriages, and Clovis Dardentot--who was also good at it--judged it to be very suitable.As he often drives in the streets of Perpignan, he knows how to do it if need be. Sometimes, though, he doesn't have the chance to show off his skills and can only hand over the reins to a professional driver. Under the present conditions there was no danger in completing the distance.Jean Tagona is dreaming again, wishing, as Marcel Ronan puts it, to fulfill his wish for an "accidental adoption". "Gentlemen, is there room in this carriage?" asked the guide.

"It depends on whether Monsieur Dardento is willing to sit on it," replied Marcel Ronan. "Quickly, my friends, you go first, Monsieur Marcel." "You go first, Mr. Dardento." "I do not mind." Marcel Ronan got into the car first, he didn't want to be too polite. "And you, Mr. Tagona," said Clovis Dardento, "what's the matter with you? . . . Why are you preoccupied? . . . Where is your sense of humor?" "Are you asking me, Mr. Dardento? I'm all right . . . don't worry . . . nothing." "You don't think anything will happen to our carriage?"

"It will be all right, Monsieur Dardento!" replied Jean Tagonne, shrugging his shoulders. "Why did the accident happen? I don't believe it!" "I don't believe it either, boy. I assure you, our carriage will never roll over on the road." "But," continued Jean Tagonne, "it may end up in a river, a lake, a pond, or a depression. You never know." "What? Unpredictable? Too serious!" exclaimed Mr. Dardento, staring. "I meant to say," said Jean Tagonne, "that it is the law that ... must be known ... anyway, I understand it."

Marcel Ronan couldn't help laughing at his cousin's embarrassing explanation for his adoption. "Everything is unpredictable! Everything is unpredictable!" repeated the Perpignan man. "To be honest, that is the most ingenious answer I have ever heard! . . . Let's go!" Jean Tagonne, next to his cousin, was seated in the second seat, M. d'Argent was in front, next to the coachman; and the guide, who was invited to accompany him, sat half-hung and half on the step of the carriage. Passing through the Jesus Gate along the straight path, tourists can see Belleville Castle standing on the green hillside from a distance.

When the carriage came out of the city, it was not all flat fields.First pass through the plains on the outskirts of the capital of the Balearic Islands.Therefore, it is also regarded as the closest beach to the city of Palma.In the chic farmhouse here, all kinds of beautiful waterfowl are hidden in the cool shade of the trees, especially those old fig trees that grow in strange shapes. All houses are white and built on hills.The foundation of the house made of rock breaks the incoming waves into layers of white foam.After walking through the pleasant plain area, Clovis d'Adante and the two Parisians turned around and looked at the city of Palma, the blue bay, the winding coastline and the boundless sea.

The carriage walked slowly up the path and entered the dense Alep pine forest.A pine forest surrounds the village and the hills surrounded by the walls of Belleville Castle. The higher you go, the more realistic the rural scenery becomes.The scattered villages are dotted with colorful palm trees, orange trees, pomegranate trees, fig trees, areca nut trees, olive trees, and complement each other.Clovis Dardento was in high spirits along the way.Although he was used to seeing similar scenery in the south of France, he was still full of praise.Indeed.For example, the olive tree, he has never seen such a crooked, grotesque, forward and backward olive tree, the trunk is full of knots, the trunk is thick and tall.Farmers' huts are surrounded by ridges of vegetable fields.Clusters of flowers of Yao Jinniang and gorse in bloom next to the vegetable field, and clusters of bright red peppers hanging from the eaves of the farmhouse, all this is really pleasing to the eye!

When the travelers had wandered around as they pleased, they suddenly cried out: "What on earth are we going to come here in a carriage?" In fact, the carriage did not go down the two-row rutted road that led people astray.The entire journey was not disturbed by any pirates from barbaric nations, and the carriage was fortunately on a road that was straighter than the coastline.It was already 5 o'clock when they arrived at their destination, or before they reached the small bridge of Belleville Castle. The reason why the castle was built in this location is to defend the bay of Palma and the city of Palma.The deep moat and thick stone walls make the towering castle towers more similar to the military use of medieval military fortresses.

There are four towers at the corners of the castle wall.The inner part of the city wall has three floors and was built in Roman and Gothic styles.There is a "Loyalty Tower" outside the city wall, which makes people have to admit the feudal nature of the castle. On the platform of the "Tower of Loyalty" that Clovis Dardento, Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona will climb, they can have a better view of the countryside and the city of Palma, while the church just now You can't see any further from the tower. The carriage stopped in front of the stone bridge across the moat.The coachman was ordered to wait.The three tourists entered the castle together with the guide.

It is impossible for them to visit for a long time, and it is impossible for them to carefully observe every place and corner of this ancient building. They can only take a rough look within the range of their eyes. After looking briefly at some of the rooms on the ground floor, Clovis Darantot thought it necessary to ask: "Hey, young man, shall we go up and have a look?" "As long as you wish," replied Marcel Ronan, "we are always on the lookout for adventures with Monsieur, with the exception of Monsieur Dardente who missed the ship last time." "Just one second!" said our Perpignan man. "But it would be unforgivable if there were no motorboats to pursue the ocean liner in Palma! . . . And what would become of that Mr. Deslander?"

Everyone walked towards the "Loyalty Tower".The latter towers above the walls and is connected to the castle by two bridges. The tower is round and solid, built with fired bricks and stones, and looks bright in color.The base of the tower was built on the bottom of the moat.There is a light red gate in the southwest of the tower, just parallel to the top of the ditch. An arched window is inlaid above the gate. There are two gun holes above the window, and the bracket supporting the platform of the tower is on the top. Under the guidance of a guide, Clovis Dardento and his two companions climbed to the top of the tower along the winding stairs built in the thick tower wall, with the faint light coming in from the gun holes.After a difficult climb they finally reached the top of the tower. To be honest, the guide is not bragging at all. From such a high place, the scenery is really beautiful: At the foot of the castle, the rolling hills are covered by dark Alep pine forests.Beyond the pine forest is a beautiful plain area.Across the plain is a blue bay, and the dense white spots above the bay may be seabirds or sails.Farther away is the trapezoidal city of Palma, with its churches, palaces, and chapels.When the sun reaches the horizon, the whole city is immersed in the colorful sunlight and looks dazzling.The vast sea is dotted with golden lights, and ships with white sails or ships dragging long white smoke pass by from time to time.There is nothing in sight of Minorca to the east and Ifsa to the southeast, but the steep islet of Cabrera is visible.During the First Imperial War, many French soldiers died tragically on this small island. From this tower of Belleville Castle, that is to say, from the west of Mallorca, you can see the whole island.Mallorca is the only island in the entire archipelago with a jagged ridge.The ridges are planted with evergreen oaks and elms.Rocky porphyry, diorite, or limestone emerge from above the woods.In addition, there are many abrupt highlands scattered on the plain, which are called "small hills" in the Balearic Islands or in France.Not a single castle, church, or dilapidated monastery can be found on these hills.What's more, there are fast-moving rivers meandering all over the island.According to the guide, there are more than 200 such rivers all over the island. "In other words, Monsieur Dardent has 200 chances of falling into the river," thought Jean Tagona. "But he won't fall in!" The very modern thing seen on the island is the railway connecting the central part of Mallorca.If the railway runs from the city of Palma to the region of Argou, passing through the counties of Santa Maria and Beniseran, many new branches will be laid, passing through winding valleys in the mountains, the highest peak of the island being 1,000 meters above sea level. As was the custom of Clovis Darantot, he was eager to see all the beauties, and both Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagauna thought that they should be admired.But it is a pity that the stay at Belleville Castle cannot be longer, and it is impossible to return in the future, because the "Ajielai" will re-raise anchor in a few hours. "Yes, I should really stay here for a few weeks...a few months," exclaimed the Perpignan native. "Indeed!" replied the guide. "Gentlemen, there are many legends about one of your countrymen, but unfortunately..." "What's his name?" asked Marcel Ronan. "François Arago." "Aragao, . . . Arago..." cried Clovis d'Argent, "one of the most respected scholars in France!" In fact, the famous astronomer came to the Balearic Islands in 1808 with the purpose of completing the survey of the meridians from Dunkirk to Formentera.But he was suspected by the Mallorcans and faced death threats.In the end he was imprisoned in Belleville Castle for two months.During the days and nights in captivity, he could only complete the survey work through the windows of the castle.At last he hired a boat and sailed to Algiers. "Aragao, Aragao," repeated Clovis d'Argent, "is a well-known descendant of Esstager, and a glorious descendant of the Eastern Pyrenees, my native Perpignan. !" But time is urging them to leave this place like a balloon gondola.From here you can overlook the unique scenery.Reluctantly, Clovis Dardento walked up and down the platform, occasionally leaning over the railing. "Hey, watch out!" Jean Tagona shouted to him, grabbing him by the collar of his coat. "What are you worried about?" "Of course be careful... and besides you're going to fall! What good is it to us if something terrible happens?" There is no accountability for such a tragedy.For if this man of high status had really fallen over the parapet, Jean Tagonne would have had nothing to do but watch his adoptive father sink into the bottom of a deep ditch. All in all, it is a pity that the time, measured in minutes and seconds, does not allow to see the whole landscape of Mallorca.It is not enough to visit only a few districts around the capital, it is also necessary to visit other cities, the ones that attract tourists the most, such as Sorel, Enka, Bransa, Manak Valmosa and many more!There are also natural caves in the Alta and Drash regions, among which are considered the most beautiful in the world, as well as beautiful lakes in these regions, churches built with stalactites, clear and refreshing fountains, theaters, and a huge The underground building called "Hell" has arbitrary architectural styles, weird and absurd, but it is regarded as a unique building in the world. Also worth mentioning is the island of Miramar, the unique domain of Duke Luis Salvador!There are millennia-old forests cherished by the scholar-artist duke, and a castle built on a stunning site that stretches down to the sea.A "hospitality" hotel funded and organized by the Grand Duke.The hotel is open to all travelers who pass through here, and provides free two-day board and lodging.Even those who tried in vain to bribe one of the Grand Duke's men to get to know the Grand Duke himself enjoyed this benevolent treatment. Valdemossa Monastery is also a place worth seeing!Now the monastery has become desolate and lonely.Abandoned.However, in this monastery, both George Sand and Chopin lived for 3 months, which is worthwhile for us to experience the sublime inspiration of these two great novelists and artists, and enjoy the music "Mallorca Winter Night" and the inspiration for the weird novel The Conjuring. The above is the story that this guide has been talking about endlessly, and it is also a cliché that he has been a tour guide for a long time.If Clovis Darantot expresses his regret at leaving this Mediterranean oasis, if he proposes to return to the Balearic Islands with his two young people who are also his new friends, just for the sake of tourism, it will not be difficult. People are surprised. "It's six o'clock now," Jean Tagona reminded everyone. "Since it's 6 o'clock," Marcel Ronan continued, "we can't delay too long. Before returning to the pier, we have to visit a place in the city of Palma." "Let's go!" sighed Clovis Dadant. He took one last look at the colorful landscape to the west.By this time the sun had set on the horizon.The oblique sunlight dyed the rural farmhouses in the plains red. Clovis Darantot, Marcel Ronan, and Jean Tagona descended the narrow staircase inside the wall, crossed the stone bridge, returned to the castle courtyard, and emerged from the gate. The carriage was still waiting where it got off, and then the coachman galloped along the moat. The guide greeted the coachman, and the coachman immediately returned the carriage to a smooth and graceful speed.It's a speed that is distinctly personal in this area: never in a rush without purpose.Because in this very fortunate place, there is never a rush. Mr. Dardento was the first to get into the cab, and the coachman behind was about to take the front place. When Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagona also wanted to fly and step on the carriage pedal, the carriage suddenly ran forward, and the two had to back away quickly, almost hitting the fast-rotating wheels. The coachman quickly rushed to the shaft horse, trying to rein in the carriage, but it was impossible!The shaft horse reared up and overturned the coachman.It was an unexpected miracle that the coachman was not run over by the vehicle.The carriage then galloped forward at top speed. The coachman and the guide screamed simultaneously.The two of them flew along the castle path and followed the galloping carriage.They run the risk of being crushed to pieces by the wheel, or bruised and bruised by the branches of the dark jungle. "Monsieur Dardento... Monsieur Dardento! . . . " cried Marcel Ronan with all his might, "he is going to die! . . . Run, let, run!" "Yes," replied Jean Tagonne, "but this is an unexpected opportunity." Whether it was an opportunity or not, the horse had to be caught...whether it was a horse or a mule, it had to be taken anyway.At this point the carriages were running at such a rapid pace that there was little hope of catching them. The coachman, the guide, the two young men, and several peasants were chasing forward at the fastest speed. At this moment Clovis Dardento retained a calmness which he never lost under any circumstances.He gripped the reins tightly with one hand and pulled back, trying to control the carriage.In order to get out of danger, he really wanted to jump forward and get off the carriage, but the people who were chasing behind him wanted to prevent him from jumping off the carriage. The slope became steeper, and the carriage moved faster.Clovis Dardento remained in his place, driving the carriage in a straight line.He thought to himself, the galloping carriage would definitely crash into the castle wall, and it would be impossible to pass through any of the city gates.He knew all too well what would happen if he let go of the reins and jumped out of the car to escape.It is best to stay in the car at this time and let the carriage tip over, with all four wheels in the air or hit objects on the side of the road. These damned mules rushed forward desperately, with a speed that the Balearics did not remember, nor in Mallorca nor in the entire archipelago. After running across the plains, the carriage followed the more unfortunate zigzag road along the city wall.At this time, the carriage galloped like a goat and jumped like a kangaroo. It flashed past the city gate and ran to the Bantada Gate in the northeast corner of the city. It must be admitted that the two mules knew the gate very well, for they ran through it without hesitation.People could clearly see that the two mules did not obey the driver's yell, nor did they obey the reins in the driver's hand.Two animals galloped wildly in the carriage.Heedless of the cries of passers-by, they passed through the city gates and rampaged through the neighboring streets.These two mischievous fellows seem to know each other: we can run as we like, and unless the carriage overturns, we will resign ourselves to our fate! The carriage got lost in one part of the city, a real maze.But the excited animal rushed forward with redoubled energy. From some houses, from some shops, people shouted at the top of their lungs.From the windows appeared the faces of people paled in fright.The whole town seems to have gone back to centuries ago, when the cry resounded through the city: "The Moors are coming! ... The Moors are coming! ..." It does not happen in these narrow winding streets leading to Friar Street. The accident is to blame! Clovis Dardento was still trying to control the carriage.In order to slow the galloping speed of the carriage, he pulled back the reins, not caring that the reins would break, or that his own arm would break.In fact, he pulled the reins so tight that he was almost in danger of getting out of the wagon. "These goddam animals! This wretched wagon!" he thought to himself. "I don't see any way of stopping it. They have four legs each! . . . Jump, jump!" Let's go!" In fact, at Belleville Castle, as well as at the port, he can jump off the car.The wagon had nearly fallen into the bay once, but that would surely have calmed the animals. The carriage went left for a while, turned right for a while, rushed to Olivar Square for a while, and circled the square again for a while, like an ancient Roman chariot on the arena track.But this is a game with neither opponents nor prize money. In this square, three or four policemen seized the cattle and fought with them, but in vain! . . . Their efforts to stop the continuation of this scourge were in vain.A policeman was overturned, uninjured but unable to get up, the others were left behind, and the carriage galloped on at an increasing speed, as if deliberately violating the law against livestock wounding. It must be admitted that the galloping carriage was about to come to a halt—but a disastrous stop—for the carriage ran up the Rue Olivar. In the middle of the bustling street, there is a staircase of 15 steps.This would be the best place if the street was closed to traffic. The louder and louder screams were mixed with the barking of dogs.At this time, the crazy animals don't care about these steps!The wheels of the carriage stepped on the steps, and the jolt broke the body into pieces. This is really impossible!Although the carriage rolled several times, despite the dragging of the carriage, although the wheels slowed down the speed of the animals, and although Clovis Dardente never let go of the reins in the rare overturn, the two animals did not stop and remained together. Running back and forth. Behind the carriage there was a growing crowd, including Marcel Ronan, Jean Tagona, the guide, and the coachman, who could not be seen even though they were still chasing after them. After passing through Via Olivar, Via San Miguel, Plaza Apostol.In this square an animal fell, and soon rose again unharmed.Then there was the Via Plateria, and then the Place St. Elarie. "Obviously," thought Clovis Dadantot, "the carriage must stop at the end of the land. I guess the Gulf of Palma is their end!" In St. Ellery Square stands the Church of the Passion of the Christ.For the Balearics, it is a particularly worshiped shrine.Not long ago, this church was also used as a refuge for criminals who came from all over to avoid the pursuit of the police station. This time the church was lucky enough to house not a criminal, but Clovis Dardento, who did not fall from the carriage. At this time, the magnificent doors of St. Ellary's Church were completely opened, and the church was crowded with believers.They were celebrating Mass, and it was drawing to a close.The priest turned around and raised his hands to the pious believers in a blessing ceremony. When the carriage jumped into the middle of the church hall, the crowd was noisy, panicked, and there were horrible shouts everywhere.However, an incredible thing happened, the carriage stopped suddenly in front of the steps in front of the altar, and at this time the priest was praying loudly: "May the Holy Spirit bless you." "Amen!" A voice resounded through the hall. This voice was the answer of the Perpignan man, who happened to be blessed. The belief in miracles, and the fact that such events take place in a region so deeply rooted in the religion, has led to the celebration of Mass in the Holy Carriage every year on April 28 in the Church of St. Erasmus. An hour later, Marcel Ronan and Jean Tagauna caught up with Clovis Darantot near a building in the Rue Miramar.This real man is going to rest to eliminate the tension and fatigue just now.When it comes to his strong character, he has no passion at all. "You are wonderful, Monsieur Dardento!" exclaimed Jean Tagonne. "Young friends," said the hero of the day, "were just dangling in a running car." "Are you all right?" asked Marcel Ronan. "It's all right... nothing at all. I've never been so healthy!... Here's to your health, gentlemen!" The two young men drank up the famous Nissaran.The wine's fame extends far beyond the Baleares, too. When Jean Tagona was with his cousin he said: "Another missed opportunity!" "No, let!" "That's it, Marcel. Although I couldn't save him from the flood, from the fire, from the battlefield, at least this time I was able to stop the carriage and save Mr. Dadentot. You won't believe it anyway..." "This is the best testimony in a civil court!" Marcel Ronan had to prevaricate. At 8 o'clock in the evening all the passengers returned to the "Ajielai". No one was late, not even Mr. Deslander, his son, and Mr. Eustash and Oriandal. Did this astronomer pass the time by looking at the sun on the horizon?Nobody could tell, but he brought back all sorts of island delicacies, such as an 'ancimata' pie, a layered pastry made of lard, which was not bad.There are also half a dozen fish called tulles, which are highly sought after by fishermen in Cape Formentera.The head waiter was ordered to cook for him. In fact, the president of the Montélimar Astronomical Society uses his mouth more than his eyes—at least since his departure from France. At about 8:30, the "Ajielai" sailed and left the port of Palma. Captain Bukarash did not agree to allow the passengers to spend the night in Mallorca.In this way Clovis Dadanto would not hear the noise of the day and the singing of the night, the Habaneras and Utas of the Spanish nation to the accompaniment of the beautiful guitar.This dance is sung until dawn in the courtyards of the residents of the Balearic Islands.