Таинственный остров / The Mysterious Island. Уровень 3

Then they saw a river. They followed it downward. And by 6 o’clock, Herbert and Pencroff re-entered the Chimneys.

Chapter VII

Gideon Spilett stood motionless upon the shore. He was gazing on the sea. The wind, already strong, was freshening, and the heavens had an angry look. Pencroff began to prepare dinner. At 7 o’clock Neb was still absent.

The storm began. A furious gust of wind passed over the coast from the southeast. At 8 o’clock Neb did not return. The birds were all they had for supper, but the party found them excellent.

It was about 2 o’clock when Pencroff suddenly woke up. The reporter was shaking him.

– What’s the matter? – Pencroff cried.

The reporter was bending over him and saying:

– Listen, Pencroff, listen!

The sailor listened, but could hear nothing interesting.

– It is the wind, – he said.

– No, – answered Spilett, – listen again! I think I heard…

– What?

– The barking of a dog!

– A dog! – cried Pencroff.

– Yes, the barking.

– Impossible! – answered the sailor.

– Wait and listen, – said the reporter.

Pencroff listened most attentively, and he caught the sound of distant barking.

– Is it? – asked the reporter.

– Yes, yes! – said Pencroff.

– It is Top! It is Top! – cried Herbert, and the three rushed to the entrance of the Chimneys.

For some moments the reporter and his two companions stood in this place. Then again, in the hush of the storm, they heard, far away, the barking of a dog. This must be Top. But was the dog alone?

It was indeed Top. But he was alone! Neither his master nor Neb accompanied him. It seemed inexplicable how, through the darkness and storm, the dog came to the Chimneys. Herbert drew the dog towards him; and the dog rubbed its neck against the lad’s hands.

– Top will guide us to its master! – said Herbert.

Pencroff made no objection. The tempest was terriblr. It was difficult to follow a straight course. The better way, therefore, was to trust to the instinct of Top. The reporter and the lad walked behind the dog, and the sailor followed after. The rain was not heavy, but the strength of the storm was terrible.

Probably, Neb found his master and sent the faithful dog to them.