THE “‘SWORD” IN CONFLICT WITH THE TUG 243

“Yes; it is waiting for us at the foot of these rocks,
Mr. Hart, where is Ker Karraje’s tug ?”

“Gone, three weeks ago.”

‘* Ker Karraje is not at Backcup? ”

“Not at present, but he is expected at any moment.”

“Tt does not matter,” replied the lieutenant. “It is not
Ker Karraje we want, it is Thomas Roch, whom we have
orders to carry off—with you, Mr. Hart. The Sword will
not leave the lagoon until you are both on board. If it
does not return to St. George it will be known that I have
failed, and the attempt will be repeated.”

“Where is the Szord?”

“ On this side, under the shadow of the rocks where it
cannot be seen. Thanks to your instructions my crew and
I recoznized the entrance to the submarine tunnel. The
Sword passed through it safely. Ten minutes ago it rose
to the surface of the lagoon. Twoof my men cameashore
with me. I saw you leave the cell indicated on your plan.
Do you know where M. Roch is now ?”

“ A few steps from here. He has just passed me on his
way to the laboratory.”

** Thank God!”

“Yes; thank God!”

The lieutenant, the two men, and myself took the path
skirting the lagoon. We had hardly walked ten yards
when I saw the object of oursearch. To fall upon him, gag
him before he could utter a cry, bind him before he could
make a movement, carry him to the foot of the rock where
the Sword lay, was the work of hardly more than a minute.

R 2