Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1876-10-12
Our Storp GtIItr.
TIE
MYSTERIOUS ISLAND.
by JULES VERNE.
CONTINUED PROV LAST wRHK.
CHAPTER XXVI.

Going Torard tie Coast- Troops of
jionkcys---1 Ncr Woer-course-- Why
The 7fde pcas not Fcit-.A Forest on
the Shore Reptile Promontory-
.SplcH makes Herbert Earious- The
Btn,Joo Fasittde.
1t was 6 o'clock when the colonists,
after an early breakfast, started with the
/ intention OF roaehinp the coast by the
shortest route. Smith had estimated
that it would take them two hours, but
it must depend largely on the nature OF
the obstacles in the way. This part of
the Far West was covered with trees,
like an immense thicket composed of
many different species. 1t was, there
fore, probable that they would have to
make way with hatchets in hand-and
guns also, if they were to judge from
the cries heard over night.
The exact position Of the camp had
been determined by the situation of
Mount Franklin, and since the volcano
rose less than three miles to the north,
it was only necessary to go di-cctly TO-
ward the southwest to reach the west
coast
After having seen to the mooring of
the canoe, the party started, Neb and
Pcncroff carrying sufficient provisions to
last the little troop for two days at least.
They we're no longer hunting, and the
engineer recommended his companions
to refrain from unnecessary firing, SO as
not to give warning of their presence on
the coast. The first blows of the hat
chet were given in the bushes just above
the cascade, while Smith, compass in
hand, indicate the route. The forest
was. for the most part composed OF such
trees as had already been recognized
about the lake and on Prospect Plateau.
The colonists could advance but slowly,
and the engineer believed that in time
their route would join with that of Red
Greek
Since their departure. the party had
descended the low declivitics which con-
stituted the oragraphy Of the island, over
very dry district, althoug h the luIu-
RANT vegetation suggested either hydro
graphic network permeating the ground
beneath. or the proximity to some stream.
Nevertheless, Smith did not remember
having seen, during the excursion to the
crater, any other water course than ked
Creek and the Mercy.
During the first few hours of the
march. they saw troops of monkeys, who
manifested the greatest astonishmcnt at
the sight of human beings. Spilctt
laughingly asked if these robusl quad
rumanes did not look upon their party
as degenerate pedestrians, impeded at
each step by the bushes, entangled in
the lianas, stopped by tree trunks, did
not compare favorably with these nim-
Bile animals which bounded from branch
to branch. moving about without him
| drance. These monkeys were very
! numerous. but, fortunately, they did
not manifest any hostile disposition.
They saw, also, some Mild-boars,
some agouts, kangaroos, and other
rodents. and two or three koulas, which
latter Pcncroff would have been glad to
shoot.
But" said he, tho hunt has not
begun. Play now, my friends, and
we will talk to YOU when We come back. y
At half-past 9, the route, which berC
directly southwest, was suddenly inter
rupted by rapid stream, rushing over
rocks. and pent in between banks bur
thirty or forty feet apart. 1t was dceI
and clear but absolutely unnayigahlc
I'VE are stopped :" cried Ncb.
NO" replied Herbert; we cal
swim such brook as this
why should we do that answered
Smith. at is certain that this crcel
emptics into the the sea Let US keel
to this bank and | will be astonished i
it does not soon bring us to the coast
Come on :"
One minute said the reporter Y
The name of this crecck my friends
We must not leave geography incom
plete
True enough said Pencrof,
ssHou name it. my boy said tbs
engineer. addressing Herbert.
W Ill not IL ne better 10 walt till We
have discovered its mouth ~ asked
Herbert.
Right, replied Smith, "let us pusl
on"
Another minute" exclaimed Pen.
croft.
If hunting IS forbidden, fishing i,
allowed, | suppose said the sailor
We haven't the time to waste, an
swered the engineer.
But Just five minutes, - pleaded PEN
croft; II only want five minutes for
the sake Of breakfast - And living