238 FOR THE FLAG

season of the equinox, and the sea about the Bermudas
is swept by frequent storms. That squalls arise with
terrible turbulence, we know by the tremendous gusts of
wind which rush into the crater; rain fills the cave, and
the waters of the lagoon rise, and sweep the rocks on the
banks with spray. (

But is it certain that the schooner has left the creek?
Is -she not too fragile—even with the aid of her tug—to
face such rough seas ?

On the’ other hand, can it be that the tug, as it has
nothing to fear from the waves, since it can always enjoy
calm seas below the surface, has undertaken a voyage
without the schooner ?

I know not to what cause to attribute the departure of
the submarine machine, which has not returned,

This time Serko has remained at Backcup. Only Ker
Karraje, Captain Spade, and the crew have left the island.

Life goes on with its usual enervating monotony
among the immured colonists. I pass whole hours in
the depth of my cell, meditating, hoping, despairing,
clinging with a weakening hold each day, to that little
cask cast on the caprice of the currents, and writing out
my notes, which will perish with me in all likelihood.

Thomas Roch is occupied all day in his laboratory—
making his deflagrator, I think. I am still sure that he
will not sell the secret of the composition of this liquid at
‘any price. But I also know that he will not hesitate to
place his invention at Ker Karraje’s service.

I often meet Serko when my walks take me to the