BACKCUP ay

perhaps it rises at night and tows the Zda on the surface
of the ocean.

There is one question, however. Ifthe mechanical force
of the tug is produced by electricity there must be a
storage of force, whatever its origin. Now where is this
storage? Itcannot be on Backcup, surely? Besides, why
does the schooner make use of a tug that moves under
water? Why hasshe not her motor power within herself,
like so many other yachts ?

But I had no leisure at that moment to devote to my
reflections, or rather to seek the explanation of so many
incomprehensible things.

The tug was alongside. The hatch had just been
opened. Several men appeared on the platform—the
crew of the submarine boat with whom Captain Spade
communicates by means of the electric signals placed.
in the bow of the schooner, and connected with the
tug by a wire. So it was from the £dda that orders
were issued.

Serké, the engineer, then came to me and _ said
simply,—

“Let us embark!”

“ Embark ?” I repeated.

“Yes! in the tug—quick !’

As usual, I could do nothing but obey an imperative
order, and I stepped over the side.

At that instant Thomas Roch came on deck accom-
panied by one of the men. He appeared to me very
calm, also very indifferent, and offered no objection to

L 2