The Mysterious Island. B2 / Таинственный остров

– We will save him, – said the reporter.

Neb removed the clothing from his master. Neither on his head nor body was there a bruise or even a scratch. That was astonishing.

– I thought he was dead, – said Neb. – And I wanted to die near my master.

Then Neb told them everything. Neb followed along the coast to the north, until he reached that part of the beach. There he searched the shore, the rocks, and the sand for any marks. He did not hope to find his master. Then he decided to continue some miles further up the coast.

– I followed the shore two miles further, and yesterday evening, about 5 o’clock, I discovered footprints upon the sand.

– Did they begin at the water? – demanded the reporter.

– No, – answered Neb, – above high-water mark. They went towards the downs. I followed them for a quarter of an hour. Then I heard a dog. It was Top. Top brought me here, to my master.

– So you, Neb, – said the reporter, – did not bring your master to this place?

– No, it was not I, – answered Neb.

It was a real mystery. But they had to carry Cyrus Smith to the Chimneys as soon as possible and they had no time to solve the mystery.

Soon the engineer opened his eyes.

– My master! my master! – cried Neb.

The engineer heard him. He recognized Neb and his companions.

– Is it an island or a continent? – he murmured.

– What is the difference? – cried Pencroff, – you are alive! Island or continent? We will see that later.

The engineer closed his eyes. Pencroff and his companions constructed a stretcher, which they covered with leaves and grass. It was 10 o’clock when three men returned to Smith and Spilett. The engineer woke from his sleep. The color came back to his lips. He raised himself slightly.

– Well, – said the sailor, – Mr. Smith, your stretcher is ready, and we will carry you to our house.

– Thanks, my friend, – replied the engineer. – in an hour or two we will go.

– No, – replied the reporter.

– And it was not you who brought me to this hollow?

– No.

– How far is this place from the reef?

– Half a mile, – replied Pencroff, – and we are very surprised to find you here. Do you remember what happened after you were washed away?

Cyrus Smith remembered little. The wave swept him from the net of the balloon. Then Top sprang to him.