236 FOR THE FLAG

débris of the coast, and it will be easy to fill it up if that
precaution becomes necessary.

Needless to say this outlet will be strictly guarded. No
one can pass through it either to enter or to leave the
cavern without permission. Therefore escape is im-
possible that way.

September 25th.—This morning the tug appeared out of
the depths of thelagoon. Count d’Artigas, Captain Spade,
and the yacht’s crew appeared on the jetty, and the un-
loading of the goods brought by the £dda began. I
observed several bales for the provisioning of Backcup,
cases of meats and preserves, casks of wine and brandy—
besides a number of chests for M. Roch. At the same
time the men brought ashore the various pieces of the
bombs destined for the inventor’s use.

M. Roch was present at the landing of these goods.
His eyes were extraordinarily bright. He seized one of
the pieces, examined it, and nodded his head, as a sign of
satisfaction. I noticed that his delight did not display
itself in any incoherence; there remained nothing of the
late resident of Healthful House. I wondered whether if
that partial madness which had been thought incurable
was not radically cured.

Then my fellow captive entered the boat used for
crossing the lagoon, and Serké accompanied him to his
laboratory. In an hour, the whole of the tug’s cargo was
transported to the other side.

Ker Karraje had only exchanged a few words with
Serk6, but later in the afternoon they met, and conversed