214 FOR THE FLAG

kind intentions merited appreciation. But what irony there
was in his words, his looks, his attitude! Shall I never be
permitted to punish him for his insults ?

In any case, I have learned from his conversation that the
regulating of the aim is complicated. It is probable that
this mile zone wherein the effects of the Roch Fulgurator
are terrible is not easily altered, and that inside as well as
outside this circle a vessel may be safe. If I could only
inform those who are interested !

August 20th.—For two days there has been no incident
to record. I have extended my daily promenade to the |
extreme limits of Backcup. At night, when the electric
lamps light up the long perspective of arches, I cannot
avoid a quasi-religious feeling in contemplating the natural
wonders of this cavern, my prison. Besides, I have not
lost hope of discovering some fissure in the wall unknown
to the pirates, by which I may escape! Then,after?..
Once outside, I should have to wait until a ship passed
within sight. My escape would be quickly known at the
Beehive, and they would speedily overtake me—unless,
indeed, the boat—the £déa’s boat, which is secured at the
bottom of the creek. . . . If I could but get possession of
it, pass through the channels, and make for St.
George or Hamilton.”

During the evening—it was about nine o’clock—I
stretched myself ona carpet of sand at the foot of one of the
pillars, about a hundred yards to the east of the lagoon.
A few minutes afterwards, steps at first, and then voices,
became audible at a short distance. Crouching as best I