220 FOR THE FLAG

existence should not be suspected from the outside.
After a minute examination, he decided that it must be
effected in the north wall ten yards*in front of the first
cells of the Beehive.

I am eager for this corridor to be complete. Who
knows? it may serve for my escape! If I had been a
swimmer, perhaps I would already have been tempted to
get away through the tunnel, as I know exactly where the
mouth is situated. Atthe time of that fight in the lagoon,
when the water was flattened under the last stroke of the
whale’s tail, the upper part of the orifice was for a moment
free. Well, surely it is uncovered in the spring tides ?
I must ascertain this. At the time of the full and new
moon, when the sea reaches its maximum of depression
below the ordinary level, it is possible that—

August 29th—This morning I was present at the de-
parture of the tug—no doubt for one of the American
ports in order to embark some of the shells which are
being constructed.

Count D’Artigas conversed for a few minutes with
Serko, who, it appeared, was not to accompany him, and
he seemed to be giving him some instructions, possibly
with reference to me. Then, after having stepped on the
platform, he descended into the interior of the boat,
followed by Captain Spade and the crew of the dda.
As soon as the hatchway was closed the tug sank under
the water and a slight bubbling troubled the surface for an
instant.

Hours have passed, and the day is drawing to a close.