142 FOR THE FLAG

on which only an occasional tuft of wild lucerne grew in
parts that were slightly damp.

After many fruitless efforts we tried to make the tour of
the island. But except where the fishermen had built
their village the base was impassable on account of the
fallen rock on the north, south and east.

Our reconnoitring of the island was. then reduced to
that very inadequate survey. On seeing the smoke and
flame escape from the crater, while the rumblings and
occasional explosions shook the interior, we could only
praise the foresight of the fishers who had abandoned the
island while there was time.

Under these circumstances was I led to visit Backcup,
and no one will be surprised that I was able to identify the
islet the moment the extraordinary structure offered itself
to my gaze.

I am sure it would not have pleased Count d’Artigas had
Gaydon the keeper recognized the island, supposing the
Ebba was going to put in there, which, for want. of a port,
seemed very probable.

Backcup, whither no Bermudan had returned, was
absolutely deserted, and I could not imagine why. the
£bba was putting into port here.

Perhaps, after all, the Count and his companions had no

_intention of landing. Even in case the schooner did. find
temporary shelter among the rocks in a narrow creek, was
it likely that a rich yachtsman would set up his residence
on.this arid zone, exposed to the awful tempests of the
West Atlantic? To live in that place would be well