EXPECTATION 271

I continucd,—

“ Then, a fleet sent by the maritime powers interested
in the destruction of the island would not hesitate to draw
near—to bombard it. Now, since that has- not been
done, it means that it is not going to be done,
that they know nothing about Ker Karraje. You ought
to be convinced of this, it is the pleasantest theory for
you.”

“That may be,” replied Serké, “but what “is, is.
Whether it be known or not, if the warships come within
four or five miles of the island, they will be sunk before
they can open fire!”

‘«That may be,” I said in turn; “and after that ?.”

“After? ... The probability is that others will not
try.”

“That may be, again! But these ships may form a
line of investment outside the danger-zone ; and on the
other hand, the £dsa could no longer enter the ports she
formerly frequented with Count d’Artigas! How, then,

will you secure the provisioning of the island ?”
' The engineer remained silent.

The question must have already suggested itself, so it was
clear that he could not answer it. I am sure the pirates
intend to abandon Backcup.

However, not wishing to appear that he had been driven
into a corner by my remark, Serk6 spoke.

‘“We have the tug,” he said. “And what the dda
can no longer do, it will do.”

“The tug,” I exclaimed, “If Ker Karraje’s secrets are