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Off on a Comet-Part23_JULES VERNE(1828-1905)_Translated Works(翻译文学)-第2页

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I am not going to let your cursed obstinacy incur the risk



of losing your cargo altogether."

"Merciful Heaven! I shall be ruined!" moaned Isaac, in despair.



"You are going the right way to ruin yourself, and it would

serve you right to leave you to your own devices. But be off!



I have no more to say."

And, turning contemptuously on his heel, Servadac left the old



man vociferating bitterly, and with uplifted hands protesting

vehemently against the rapacity of the Gentiles.



By the 20th all preliminary arrangements were complete,

and everything ready for a final departure from the island.



The thermometer stood on an average at 8 degrees below zero,

and the water in the cistern was completely frozen.



It was determined, therefore, for the colony to embark on

the following day, and take up their residence in Nina's Hive.



A final consultation was held about the _Hansa_. Lieutenant Procope

pronounced his decidedconviction that it would be impossible for the



tartan to resist the pressure of the ice in the harbor of the Shelif,

and that there would be far more safety in the proximity of the volcano.



It was agreed on all hands that the vessel must be shifted;

and accordingly orders were given, four Russian sailors were sent on board,



and only a few minutes elapsed after the _Dobryna_ had weighed anchor,

before the great lateen sail of the tartan was unfurled, and the "shop-ship,"



as Ben Zoof delighted to call it, was also on her way to the southward.

Long and loud were the lamentations of the Jew. He kept exclaiming



that he had given no orders, that he was being moved against

his will, that he had asked for no assistance, and needed none;



but it required no very keen discrimination to observe that all along

there was a lurking gleam of satisfaction in his little gray eyes,



and when, a few hours later, he found himself securely anchored,

and his property in a place of safety, he quite chuckled with glee.



"God of Israel!" he said in an undertone, "they have made no charge;

the idiots have piloted me here for nothing."



For nothing! His whole nature exulted in the consciousness that he was

enjoying a service that had been rendered gratuitously.



Destitute of human inhabitants, Gourbi Island was now left to the tenancy

of such birds and beasts as had escaped the recent promiscuous slaughter.



Birds, indeed, that had migrated in search of warmer shores, had returned,

proving that this fragment of the French colony was the only shred of land



that could yield them any sustenance; but their life must necessarily

be short. It was utterly impossible that they could survive the cold



that would soon ensue.

The colony took possession of their new abode with but few formalities.



Everyone, however, approved of all the internal arrangements of Nina's Hive,

and were profuse in their expressions of satisfaction at finding themselves



located in such comfortable quarters. The only malcontent was Hakkabut;

he had no share in the general enthusiasm, refused even to enter or inspect



any of the galleries, and insisted on remaining on board his tartan.

"He is afraid," said Ben Zoof, "that he will have to pay for his lodgings.



But wait a bit; we shall see how he stands the cold out there; the frost,

no doubt, will drive the old fox out of his hole."



Towards evening the pots were set boiling, and a bountiful supper,

to which all were invited, was spread in the central hall.



The stores of the _Dobryna_ contained some excellent wine,

some of which was broached to do honor to the occasion.



The health of the governor general was drunk, as well as the toast

"Success to his council," to which Ben Zoof was called upon



to return thanks. The entertainment passed off merrily.

The Spaniards were in the best of spirits; one of them played the guitar,



another the castanets, and the rest joined in a ringing chorus.

Ben Zoof contributed the famous Zouave refrain, well known






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