# XL explained — The Mysterious Island > Chapter companion for The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. ## What happens The colonists, now in their second year on Lincoln Island, continue to develop their civilization. Cyrus Smith proposes building an electric telegraph to connect Granite House with the corral, and the team successfully manufactures wires and a battery. Meanwhile, Ayrton's mysterious bottle raises questions, and Smith and Spilett discuss the island's unexplained events. The chapter also features photography sessions, a false alarm of snow caused by seabirds, and the marking of two years since their arrival. ## Themes in this chapter ### Science and Technology The construction of the electric telegraph and battery demonstrates the colonists' ingenuity and application of scientific principles to improve communication. ### Community and Cooperation The colonists work together to build the telegraph, support Ayrton, and document their life through photography, reinforcing their collective effort. ### Providence and Mystery The unexplained bottle, the engineer's rescue, and other enigmatic events continue to puzzle Smith and Spilett, suggesting a hidden force at work. ## Character check-ins ### Cyrus Smith Proposes and oversees the construction of the electric telegraph; discusses the mystery of the bottle with Spilett; remains determined to uncover the island's secrets. ### Gideon Spilett Engages in a conversation with Smith about the inexplicable events; takes photographs of the island and its inhabitants. ### Pencroff Skeptical of the telegraph idea but later marvels at the progress; enjoys having his portrait taken. ### Herbert Brown Assists Spilett with photography; expresses concern for Ayrton; first to notice the 'snow' on the islet. ### Neb Participates in the daily work; comments on the snow-like phenomenon. ### Ayrton Returns to the corral and resumes care of the herd; the mystery of the bottle he supposedly threw is discussed. ### Jup Accompanies the colonists; poses for a portrait; slides down the rope ahead of Pencroff. ### Top Accompanies Smith during explorations; growls near the pit but finds nothing. ## Key lines > “How are you going to do such a thing as that, Mr. Smith?” asked Pencroff. “Maybe you propose to erect a telegraph!” “That is precisely what I propose to do.” “Electric?” exclaimed Herbert. “Electric,” responded Smith. Pencroff asks Smith how he plans to connect the corral to Granite House, and Smith reveals his intention to build an electric telegraph, surprising Herbert. _Highlights the colonists' technological ambition and their progression from survival to innovation._ > “Do you know, Cyrus, that your explanation of yesterday about the bottle does not satisfy me at all? It is impossible to suppose that this unhappy creature could have written that paper, and thrown the bottle into the sea, without remembering anything about it!” “Consequently, it is not he who threw it there, my dear Spilett!” Spilett expresses doubt about Ayrton's involvement with the bottle, and Smith agrees that someone else must have thrown it, deepening the mystery. _Reinforces the ongoing enigma of the island and the colonists' search for answers._ > “Hullo, the islet is covered with snow!” “Snow at this season!” cried the reporter, joining the lad. Herbert spots what appears to be snow on the islet, surprising everyone given the warm temperature. _Illustrates the colonists' continued wonder at natural phenomena and their reliance on observation._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se/chapters/xl - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mysterious_island_se/chapters