[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
much as the captain, he regarded as a sacred duty, and turning to Lieutenant
Procope, told him that unless some better plan could be devised, he was
prepared to start off at once and make the attempt to skate across to
Formentera. The lieutenant, who was lost in thought, made no immediate reply.
"I wish we had a sledge," said Ben Zoof.
"I dare say that a sledge of some sort could be contrived," said the count;
"but then we should have no dogs or reindeers to draw it."
"Why not roughshoe the two horses?"
"They would never be able to endure the cold," objected the count.
"Never mind," said Servadac, "let us get our sledge and put them to the test.
Something must be done!"
"I think," said Lieutenant Procope, breaking his thoughtful silence, "that I
can tell you of a sledge already provided for your hand, and I can suggest a
motive power surer and swifter than horses."
"What do you mean?" was the eager inquiry.
"I mean the
Dobryna
's yawl," answered the lieutenant; "and I have no doubt that the wind would
carry her rapidly along the ice."
The idea seemed admirable. Lieutenant Procope was well aware to what marvelous
perfection the Americans had brought their sailsledges, and had heard how in
the vast prairies of the United States they had been known to outvie the speed
of an express train, occasionally attaining a rate of more than a hundred
miles an hour. The wind was still blowing hard from the south, and assuming
that the yawl could be propelled with a velocity of about fifteen or at least
twelve leagues an hour, he reckoned that it was quite possible to reach
Formentera within twelve hours, that is to say, in a single day between the
intervals of sunrise and sunrise.
The yawl was about twelve feet long, and capable of holding five or six
people. The addition of a couple of iron runners would be all that was
requisite to convert it into an excellent sledge, which, if a sail were
hoisted, might be deemed certain to make a rapid progress over the smooth
surface of the ice. For the protection of the passengers it was proposed to
erect a kind of wooden roof lined with strong cloth; beneath this could be
packed a supply of provisions, some warm furs, some cordials, and a portable
stove to be heated by spirits of wine.
For the outward journey the wind was as favorable as could be desired; but it
was to be apprehended that, unless the direction of the wind should change,
the return would be a matter of some difficulty; a system of tacking might be
carried out to a certain degree, but it was not likely that the yawl would
answer her helm in any way corresponding to what would occur in the open sea.
Captain Servadac, however, would not listen to any representation of probable
difficulties; the future, he said, must provide for itself.
The engineer and several of the sailors set vigorously to work, and before the
close of the day the yawl was furnished with a pair of stout iron runners,
curved upwards in front, and fitted with a metal scull designed to assist in
maintaining the directness of her course; the roof was put on, and beneath it
were stored the provisions, the wraps, and the cooking utensils.
Off on a Comet
CHAPTER XXIV. A SLEDGERIDE
88
A strong desire was expressed by Lieutenant Procope that he should be allowed
to accompany Captain
Servadac instead of Count Timascheff. It was unadvisable for all three of them
to go, as, in case of there being several persons to be rescued, the space at
their command would be quite inadequate. The lieutenant urged that he was the
most experienced seaman, and as such was best qualified to take command of the
Page 92
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
sledge and the management of the sails; and as it was not to be expected that
Servadac would resign his intention of going in person to relieve his
fellowcountryman, Procope submitted his own wishes to the count. The count was
himself very anxious to have his share in the philanthropic enterprise, and
demurred considerably to the proposal; he yielded, however, after a time, to
Servadac's representations that in the event of the expedition proving
disastrous, the little colony would need his services alike as governor and
protector, and overcoming his reluctance to be left out of the perilous
adventure, was prevailed upon to remain behind for the general good of the
community at Nina's Hive.
At sunrise on the following morning, the l6th of April, Captain Servadac and
the lieutenant took their places in the yawl. The thermometer was more than 20
degrees below zero, and it was with deep emotion that their companions beheld
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]