240 FOR THE FLAG

‘On the condition,” I said, “that M. Roch sells you
the composition of his deflagrator as he has sold you that
of the Fulgurator.”

“That is done, Mr. Hart, so I can relieve you of any
anxiety on the point.”

This explicit answer would have forced me to conclude
that the latter misfortune was an accomplished fact, if the
hesitating tone of his voice had not made me feel that
implicit faith was not to be placed in Serké.

October 25¢h.—I have just had a terrible adventure. I
cannot think how I have escaped with my life! It is a
miracle that J am able to-day to continue my notes after
forty-eight hours’ interruption! With a very little more
luck I should have been delivered! I should now be in
one of the Bermuda ports, St. George or Hamilton. The
mysteries of Backcup would be revealed. With all
nations on the watch the schooner could not show itself
in any port, and the victualling of Backcup would thus
become impossible! Ker Karraje’s bandits would be
doomed to die of hunger !

This is what happened.

On the night of the 23rd, about eight o’clock, I had
left my cell in an indescribable state of nervousness, as
though I had a presentiment that something serious was
about to happen. In vain had I sought peace in slumber,
and, despairing of sleep, I went out.

Outside the island, on the high sea, the weather must
have been bad. The wind was swirling through the crater,
and the waters of the lagoon were surging.