The Mysterious Island. B2 / Таинственный остров

The passengers hastened to the ground. The basket contained five passengers and a dog. Four men were upon the shore. The fifth one was in the water. His friends cried:

– Perhaps he will swim here. Save him! Let us save him!

Glossary:

the Pacific – Тихий океан

ninety miles an hour – девяносто миль в час

beneath – под

dawn – рассвет

in a few hours – через несколько часов

Is everything thrown out? – Всё ли выброшено?

descend – опускаться

ChapterВ II

Who were those men? They were prisoners, and they succeeded to escape.

In February, 1865, the enemies, the Southerners, captured many officers. One of the most famous of them was Cyrus Smith, an engineer, and a scientist. He was thin, bony, and lean. He was about forty-five years old, with moustache. His muscles were very firm. He was educated, and practical, his temperament was superb.

The Southerners caught another man – Gideon Spilett, a well-known reporter. He was energetic, prompt, full of ideas. He was a soldier and an artist. Gideon Spilett was tall. He was forty years old or more. His eyes were clear and lively.

Cyrus Smith had a black servant. Smith freed his slaves, but this servant did not want to leave his master. He was a man of thirty years, vigorous, agile, adroit, intelligent, quick and honest.

All these people were in Richmond, and it was very difficult to escape. The Southerners wanted to pass over the lines of the besiegers in a balloon. So the balloon was ready. The departure of the balloon was on the 18

of March. On the morning of the 18

, there was a great storm. The weather was terrible.

Cyrus Smith met a man whom he did not know. It was Pencroff, a sailor. He was about thirty- five years old. He was strong. Pencroff came to Richmond on business.

So, Pencroff wanted to get out. He addressed Mr.В Smith:

– Mr. Smith?

The engineer looked at the man.

– Mr. Smith, do you want to escape?

– How? – answered the engineer, quickly. – Who are you?

Pencroff told him about himself.

– Well, – replied Smith.