312 FOR THE FLAG

However, by the reading of his notes, made up to the
moment of the explosion inside the cavern, it became
possible to reconstruct a portion of what had occurred
during the last hours of Backcup.

And yet, in spite of appearances, Simon Hart did
survive that catastrophe—he alone of all those who were
only too justly its victims. So soon as he was in a con-
dition to answer questions he gave the following probable,
and indeed true explanation of the catastrophe. Being
moved to the depths of his soul by the sight of the French
flag, and becoming conscious at last of the crime of treason
to his country that he was about to commit, Roch rushed
through the passage. Having reached the cavern he made
for the magazine, where considerable quantities of his ex-
plosive was stored, and before Ker Karraje, Serko and
the others could prevent him he had caused the explosion
of Backcup.

And now that islet of the Bermudas has disappeared.
With it have vanished Ker Karraje and his horde of
pirates, and with them the secret of Thomas Roch!

THE END.

 

GILBERT AND RIVINGION, LTD., ST, JOHN’S HOUSE, CLERKENWELL, K.C.