FIVE WEEKS 203

The sharks again rushed upon their prey, but a shower
of bullets struck some and put the others to flight.

The sharks will probably be able to find the entrance
again and so get out of Backcup and reach the open sea;
nevertheless, for some days it would be more prudent not
to bathe in the lagoon. As for the whale, two men set
out in a boat to secure it. When it was dragged to the
jetty it was cut up by the Malay, who seemed no novice
at this kind of work.

At last I know for certain the exact spot where the
tunnel opens through the western wall. The orifice is
only three or four yards below the water’s edge. This
knowledge is, however, of little use to me.

August 7th.—It is now twelve days since Count d’Artigas
Serké, and Spade went to sea. There is still no indica-
tion that the return of the schooner is near at hand. Yet
I have noticed that the tug holds itself ready to set out, as
a steamer gets up steam, and its coils are always kept in
tension by Gibson. Although the £dda fearlessly makes
the ports of the United States in open day, it is pro-
bable she will choose the night in preference for entering
the Backcup Channel. Therefore I think Ker Karraje
and his companions will return at night.

August toth—Last night at about eight o’clock, as I
had foreseen, the tug sank and crossed the tunnel in time
to tow the £02 through the passage, and it brought back
the passengers and crew.

Coming out this morning I caught sight of Roch and
Serk6 conversing as they went down to the lagoon. What