266 FOR THE FLAG

great the danger, even Ker Karraje must realize that they
will not hesitate. Interest of the first order, duty to public
safety and humanity, requires the destruction of his lair.
After having scoured the waters of the West Pacific in
former years, the pirate and his accomplices are now in-
festing the Western Atlantic. They must be exterminated
at no matter what cost !

In any case, while there is any doubt that, Backcup is
looked upon as a pirates’ den, a look-out must be kept by
those in occupation. So, beginning from to-day, this is
organized under the strictest conditions. By means of
the corridor, and without passing through the tunnel, the
pirates are incessantly watching outside. Hidden behind
the rocks on the shore, they observe the different points of
the horizon night and day, relieving each other in squads
of twelve men, morning and evening. The faintest sign
of a ship, or an approach of any kind, would be instantly
signalled.

Nothing new happened during several following days,
which succeeded each other in hopeless monotony. In
reality, everyone feels that Backcup no longer enjoys its
former security. There exists a vague and disheartening
uneasiness. Every moment the pirates dread the cry,
“Danger!” from the watchers on the shore. Things are
not the same as before the arrival of the Sword. Brave
Davon and his plucky crew! May England, may the
whole civilized world, never forget that they have sacrificed
their lives in the cause of humanity!

It is evident now, and in spite of their powerful means of