SOME HOURS LATER 279

—I have just heard him talking to himself—the vessels
are still in sight of the island.

Of what nationality are they? Have the English
undertaken this expedition alone, to avenge the destruc-
tion of the Sword? or are there cruisers of other nations
with them? I do not know; it is impossible for me to
learn—and what does it matter? The one important
thing is that this den should be destroyed: have I the
courage to be buried beneath its ruins? dare I perish like
the hero Lieutenant Davon and his brave crew ?

The preparations for defence are going on with delibera-
tion and method under Serkdé’s supervision. It is evident
that the pirates feel certain of destroying their assailants
so soon as the danger-zone is crossed. Their confidence
in the Roch Fulgurator is absolute. With the convic-
tion that the ships can do nothing to hurt them, they
give no thought to either difficulties or dangers in the
future.

According to my supposition, the apparatus must now
be erected on the north-west side of the coast, the slides
placed so that the bombs may be projected north, west,
and south. The east of the island, as I have noted before,
is protected by reefs which form a connecting chain between
Backcup and other islands.

Towards nine o’clock I made up my mind to leave my
cell. No one would pay any attention to me, and perhaps
I might pass unperceived under cover of the darkness.
Ah! if I could only get into the passage, gain the shore
and hide behind a rock!! Why should I not be there at