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第4章

sequel-第4章

小说: sequel 字数: 每页4000字

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French。

    Leaving these fellows to trudge on with their loads; Toby and

his companions now pushed forward again; as the sun was already low in

the west。 They came upon the valleys of Nukuheva on one side of the

bay; where the highlands slope off into the sea。 The men…of…war were

still lying in the harbour; and as Toby looked down upon them; the

strange events which had happened so recently seemed all a dream。

    They soon descended towards the beach; and found themselves in

Jimmy's house before it was well dark。 Here he received another

welcome from his Nukuheva wives; and after some refreshments in the

shape of cocoa…nut milk and poee…poee; they entered a canoe (the

Typee; of course; going along) and paddled off to a whale…ship which

was anchored near the shore。 This was the vessel in want of men。 Our

own had sailed some time before。 The captain professed great

pleasure at seeing Toby; but thought from his exhausted appearance

that he must be unfit for duty。 However; he agreed to ship him; as

well as his comrade as soon as he should arrive。

    Toby begged hard for an armed boat; in which to go round to

Typee and rescue me; notwithstanding the promises of Jimmy。 But this

the captain would not hear of; and told him to have patience; for

the sailor would be faithful to his word。 When; too; he demanded the

five silver dollars for Jimmy; the captain was unwilling to give them。

But Toby insisted upon it; as he now began to think that Jimmy might

be a mere mercenary; who would be sure to prove faithless if not

well paid。 Accordingly he not only gave him the money; but took care

to assure him; over and over again; that as soon as he brought me

aboard he would receive a still larger sum。

    Before sunrise the next day; Jimmy and the Typee started in two of

the ship's boats; which were manned by tabooed natives。 Toby; of

course; was all eagerness to go along; but the sailor told him that if

he did; it would spoil all; so; hard as it was; he was obliged to

remain。

    Towards evening he was on the watch; and descried the boats

turning the headland and entering the bay。 He strained his eyes; and

thought he saw me; but I was not there。 Descending from the mast

almost distracted; he grappled Jimmy as he struck the deck; shouting

in a voice that startled him; 〃Where is Tommo?〃 The old fellow

faltered; but soon recovering; did all he could to soothe him;

assuring him that it had proved to be impossible to get me down to the

shore that morning; assigning many plausible reasons; and adding

that early on the morrow he was going to visit the bay again in a

French boat; when; if he did not find me on the beach… as this time he

certainly expected to… he would march right back into the valley;

and carry me away at all hazards。 He; however; again refused to

allow Toby to accompany him。

    Now; situated as Toby was; his sole dependence for the present was

upon this Jimmy; and therefore he was fain to comfort himself as

well as he could with what the old sailor told him。

    The next morning; however; he had the satisfaction of seeing the

French boat start with Jimmy in it。 To…night; then; I will see him;

thought Toby; but many a long day passed before he ever saw Tommo

again。 Hardly was the boat out of sight; when the captain came forward

and ordered the anchor weighed; he was going to sea。

    Vain were all Toby's ravings;… they were disregarded; and when

he came to himself; the sails were set; and the ship fast leaving

the land。

    Oh! said he to me at our meeting; what sleepless nights were mine。

Often I started from my hammock; dreaming you were before me; and

upbraiding me for leaving you on the island。

    There is little more to be related。 Toby left this vessel New

Zealand; and after some further adventures; arrived home in less

than two years after leaving the Marquesas。 He always thought of me as

dead… and I had every reason to suppose that he; too; was no more; but

a strange meeting was in store for us; one which made Toby's heart all

the lighter。

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