CHAPTER VIII.
BACKCUP.

IN my opinion the Z44a could come upon no other group
than the Bermudas in this part of the Atlantic, both
because of the distance from the American coast, and of
the direction followed since leaving Pamlico Sound. We
have steered steadily to the south-east, and the distance
travelled may be put down approximately at nine hundred
kilometers,

However, the schooner did not slacken her speed.
Count d’Artigas and Serké stood in the stern close to the
steersman. The Captain had taken up his position in the
bow.

Were we going to pass this island which appeared
isolated, and leave it to the westward ?

That was not likely, since it was the day and the hour
mentioned for our arrival at our destination.

At this moment all the sailors were drawn up on the
deck ready to work, and Effrondat made his arrangements
for immediate anchorage.

“In two hours time,” I said to myself, “I shall know
what to think, and then the first of those questions which