300 FOR THE FLAG

knows what hehas to do. No hesitation will disturb the
mind of this unfortunate man, perverted by hate!

In his fingers shines one of the glass tubes containing
the liquid of the deflagrator.

He has turned his eyes towards the nearest vessel which .
is between five and six miles off.

It is a middle-sized cruiser—two thousand five hundred
tons at most,

The flag has not been hoisted, but from the build of the
ship I think it is of a nationality not very sympathetic to a
Frenchman.

The four other ships remain behind. It is this cruiser’s
business to lead the attack upon the island.

Let-it fire its guns, then, since the pirates are allowing
it to approach, and the moment it is within range, may its
first shell hit Thomas Roch.

While Serk6 was carefully calculating the progress of
the cruiser, Roch placed himself before the apparatus.

The moment had come.

““M. Roch!” cried Serk6, as he pointed to the cruiser
making for the north-west point of the island, and now
between four and five miles away.

Roch made a sign in the affirmative, and indicated
by a movement that he wished to be alone.

Ker Karraje, Captain Spade and the others drew back
about fifty paces from the apparatus.

Then Roch removed the stopper from the glass tube, and
poured through an opening into the three shells a few
drops of the liquid which mixed with the fusing matter.