PART 1 - DROPPED FROM THE CLOUDS

During the American Civil War, five Northern prisoners of war escape during the Siege of Richmond, Virginia, by hijacking a hydrogen-filled observation balloon. The escapees are Cyrus Smith, a railroad engineer in the Union army, his ex-slave and loyal follower Neb; Bonadventure Pencroft, a sailor; his protégé and adopted son Herbert Brown; and the journalist Gideon Spilett. The company is completed by Cyrus's dog Top.

After flying in a great storm for several days, the group crash-lands on a cliff-bound, volcanic, unknown island, described as being located at 34°57′S 150°30′W (Southern Pacific Ocean/Asian:Oceanian side), about 2,500 kilometres (1,600 mi) east of New Zealand. They name it "Lincoln Island" in honor of Abraham Lincoln.

Welcome to the classic tale of Jules Verne's The Mysterious Island. The upload of this work was done through volunteer effort for the enjoyment and betterment of all to easily read it. This is a public domain story.