-“", BACKCUP ISI

water, standing in towards Backcup, rounded the reefs to
the south.

After a few cable-lengths another passage was discerned
running into the island, and the tug followed its windings.
When we had nearly reached the base of the rocky islet,
the tug stopped. ; ;

The order was then given to two men-to draw up the
boat upon a narrow strand, where neither the waves nor
the surf could reach it.

That done, the two sailors clambered on board, and
then Serké made me a sign to go below.

Some iron steps led to a central room where several
boxes and bales were piled up; these, I suppose, could find
no place in the already encumbered hold. I was pushed
towards a side cabin, the door was shut upon me, and I
was once more plunged into profound darkness,

I recognized that cabin the instant I entered it. It was
the place in which I had passed those long hours after the’
abduction from Healthful House, and which I only left
when the £déa was in Pamlico Sound.

Evidently M. Roch was treated in the same way, and
now shut up in another compartment.

I heard a hollow noise. It was the closing of the hatch,
and the apparatus was immediately submerged.

Indeed, I soon felt a descending movement, due to the
introduction of water into the compartments of the tug.

This movement was followed by another—a movement
of propulsion that drove the submarine vessel through the
waters,