All of us had an ample share of the treasure, and used it wisely or
foolishly, according to our natures. Captain Smollett is now retired from the
sea. Gray not only saved his money, but, being suddenly smit with the desire to
rise, also studied his profession, and he is now mate and part owner of a fine,
full-rigged ship; married besides, and the father of a family. As for Ben Gunn,
he got a thousand pounds, which he spent or lost in three weeks, or, to be more
exact, in nineteen days, for he was back begging on the twentieth. Then he was
given a lodge to keep, exactly as he had feared upon the island; and he still
lives, a great favorite, though something of a butt with the country boys, and
a notable singer in church on Sundays and saints' days.
|
Nous eûmes tous notre large part du trésor, que chacun employa sagement ou
follement selon sa nature. La capitaine Smollett est aujourd’hui retiré
de la navigation. Gray non seulement sut garder son argent, mais, soudain mordu
par l’ambition, il étudia son métier ; et il est aujourd’hui second
sur un beau navire dont il possède une part ; marié, en outre, et père
de famille. Quant à Ben Gunn, il reçut mille livres, qu’il dilapida en
trois semaines — ou plus exactement en dix-neuf jours, car il revint à sec
le vingtième. Alors, on lui donna une loge de portier à garder, tout comme il
l’avait craint sur l’île ; et il vit encore, très admiré des
enfants du pays, qui en font aussi un peu leur plastron, et chanteur distingué
à l’église les dimanches et jours de fête.
|