They were on an islet, which did not measure more than six miles in circumference, its shape not much bordered by capes or promontories, bays or creeks, being a lengthened oval.All around, the lonely sea extended to the limits of the horizon.No land nor even a sail was in sight.
This woody islet did not offer the varied aspects of Lincoln Island, arid and wild in one part, but fertile and rich in the other.On the contrary this was a uniform mass of verdure, out of which rose two or three hills of no great height.Obliquely to the oval of the island ran a stream through a wide meadow falling into the sea on the west by a narrow mouth.
"The domain is limited," said Herbert.
"Yes," rejoined Pencroft: "It would have been too small for us.""And moreover,' said the reporter, "it appears to be uninhabited.""Indeed," answered Herbert, "nothing here betrays the presence of man.""Let us go down," said Pencroft, "and search."The sailor and his two companions returned to the shore, to the place where they had left the "Bonadventure."They had decided to make the tour of the island on foot, before exploring the interior; so that not a spot should escape their investigations.The beach was easy to follow, and only in some places was their way barred by large rocks, which, however, they easily passed round.The explorers proceeded towards the south, disturbing numerous flocks of sea-birds and herds of seals, which threw themselves into the sea as soon as they saw the strangers at a distance.
"Those beasts yonder," observed the reporter, "do not see men for the first time.They fear them, therefore they must know them."An hour after their departure they arrived on the southern point of the islet, terminated by a sharp cape, and proceeded towards the north along the western coast, equally formed by sand and rocks, the background bordered with thick woods.
There was not a trace of a habitation in any part, not the print of a human foot on the shore of the island, which after four hours' walking had been gone completely round.
It was to say the least very extraordinary, and they were compelled to believe that Tabor Island was not or was no longer inhabited.Perhaps, after all the document was already several months or several years old, and it was possible in this case, either that the castaway had been enabled to return to his country, or that he had died of misery.
Pencroft, Spilett, and Herbert, forming more or less probable conjectures, dined rapidly on board the "Bonadventure" so as to be able to continue their excursion until nightfall.This was done at five o'clock in the evening, at which hour they entered the wood.
Numerous animals fled at their approach, being principally, one might say, only goats and pigs, which were obviously European species.
Doubtless some whaler had landed them on the island, where they had rapidly increased.Herbert resolved to catch one or two living, and take them back to Lincoln Island.
It was no longer doubtful that men at some period or other had visited this islet, and this became still more evident when paths appeared trodden through the forest, felled trees, and everywhere traces of the hand of man;but the trees were becoming rotten, and had been felled many years ago; the marks of the axe were velveted with moss, and the grass grew long and thick on the paths, so that it was difficult to find them.
"But," observed Gideon Spilett, "this not only proves that men have landed on the island, but also that they lived on it for some time.Now, who were these men? How many of them remain?""The document," said Herbert, "only spoke of one castaway.""Well, if he is still on the island," replied Pencroft, "it is impossible but that we shall find him."The exploration was continued.The sailor and his companions naturally followed the route which cut diagonally across the island, and they were thus obliged to follow the stream which flowed towards the sea.
If the animals of European origin, if works due to a human hand, showed incontestably that men had already visited the island, several specimens of the vegetable kingdom did not prove it less.In some places, in the midst of clearings, it was evident that the soil had been planted with culinary plants, at probably the same distant period.
What, then, was Herbert's joy, when he recognized potatoes, chicory, sorrel, carrots, cabbages, and turnips, of which it was sufficient to collect the seed to enrich the soil of Lincoln Island.
"Capital, jolly!" exclaimed Pencroft."That will suit Neb as well as us.
Even if we do not find the castaway, at least our voyage will not have been useless, and God will have rewarded us.""Doubtless," replied Gideon Spilett, "but to see the state in which we find these plantations, it is to be feared that the island has not been inhabited for some time.""Indeed," answered Herbert, "an inhabitant, whoever he was, could not have neglected such an important culture!""Yes," said Pencroft, "the castaway has gone.""We must suppose so."
"It must then be admitted that the document has already a distant date?""Evidently."
"And that the bottle only arrived at Lincoln Island after having floated in the sea a long time.""Why not?" returned Pencroft."But night is coming on," added he, "and Ithink that it will be best to give up the search for the present.""Let us go on board, and to-morrow we will begin again," said the reporter.
This was the wisest course, and it was about to be followed when Herbert, pointing to a confused mass among the trees, exclaimed,--"A hut!"
All three immediately ran towards the dwelling.In the twilight it was just possible to see that it was built of planks and covered with a thick tarpaulin.
The half-closed door was pushed open by Pencroft, who entered with a rapid step.
The hut was empty!
