 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Part 2, Chapter 20 Things happened as Pencroft had predicted. He being seldom mistaken in his prognostications. The wind rose, and from a fresh breeze it soon increased to a regular gale. That is to say, it acquired a speed of from forty to forty-five miles an hour, before which a ship in the open sea would have run under close-reefed top sails. Now, as it was nearly six o'clock when the Bonaventure reached the gulf, and as at that moment the tide turned, it was impossible to enter. They were therefore compelled to stand off, for even if he had not wished to do so, Pencroft could not have gained the mouth of the mercy. Hoisting the jib to the main mass by way of a storm sail, he hoved to, putting the head of the vessel towards the land. Fortunately, although the wind was strong, the sea, being sheltered by the land, did not run very high. They had then little to fear from the waves, which always endangered small craft. The Bonaventure would doubtlessly not have capsized, for she was well ballasted, but enormous masses of water falling on the deck might injure her if her timbers could not sustain them. Pencroft, as a good sailor, was prepared for anything. Certainly he had great confidence in his vessel, but nevertheless he awaited the return of day with some anxiety. During the night, Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spillett had no opportunity for talking together, and yet the words pronounced in the reporter's ear by the engineer were well worth being discussed, together with the mysterious influence which appeared to reign over Lincoln Island. Gideon Spillett did not cease from pondering over this new and inexplicable incident, the appearance of a fire on the coast of the island. The fire had actually been seen. His companions, Herbert and Pencroft, had seen it with him. The fire had served to signalize the position of the island during that dark night, and they had not doubted that it was lighted by the engineer's hand, and here was Cyrus Harding expressly declaring that he had never done anything of the sort. Spillett resolved to recurred to this incident as soon as the Bonaventure returned, and to urge Cyrus Harding to acquaint their companions with these strange facts. Perhaps it would be decided to make in common a complete investigation of every part of Lincoln Island. However that might be, on this island no fire was lighted on these yet unknown shores which formed the entrance to the gulf, and the little vessel stood off during the night. When the first streaks of dawn appeared in the western horizon, the wind which had slightly fallen shifted two points, and enabled Pencroft to enter the narrow gulf with greater ease. Towards seven o'clock in the morning the Bonaventure, weathering the north mandible cape, entered the strait and glided on to the waters, so strangely enclosed in the frame of lava. Well, said Pencroft, this bay would make amourable roads in which a whole fleet could lie at their ease. What is especially curious, observed Harding, is that the gulf has been formed by two rivers of lava thrown out by the volcano, and accumulated by successive eruptions. The result is that the gulf is completely sheltered on all sides, and I believe that even in the stormiest weather the sea here must be as calm as a lake. No doubt, return the sailor, since the wind has only that narrow entrance between the two capes to get in by, and besides the north cape protects that of the south in a way which would make the entrance of guests very difficult. I declare our Bonaventure could stay here from one end of the year to the other, without even dragging at her anchor. It is rather large for her, observed the reporter. Well, Mr. Spillett, replied the sailor, I agree that it is too large for the Bonaventure, but if the fleets of the Union were in want of a harbor in the Pacific, I don't think they would ever find a better place than this. We are in the shark's mouth, remarked Neb, alluding to the form of the gulf. Right into its mouth, my honest Neb, replied Herbert, but you are not afraid that it will shut upon us, are you? No, Mr. Herbert, answered Neb, and yet this gulf here doesn't please me much. It has a wicked look. Halloo! cried Pencroft. Here is Neb turning up his nose at my gulf just as I was thinking of presenting it to America. But at any rate is the water deep enough, asked the engineer, for a depth sufficient for the keel of the Bonaventure would not be enough for those of our iron clads. That is easily found out, replied Pencroft. And the sailor sounded with a long cord, which served him as a lead line, to which was fastened a lump of iron. This cord measured nearly fifty fathoms, and its entire length was enrolled without finding any bottom. There, exclaimed Pencroft, our iron clads can come here after all, they would not run aground. Indeed, said Gideon Spillett, this gulf is a regular abyss, but taking into consideration the volcanic origin of the island, it is not astonishing that the sea should offer similar depressions. One would say, too, observed Herbert, that these cliffs were perfectly perpendicular, and I believe that at their foot, even with a line five or six times longer, Pencroft would not find bottom. That is all very well, then said the reporter, but I must point out to Pencroft that his harbour is wanting in one very important respect. And what is that, Mr. Spillett? An opening, a cutting of some sort, to give access to the interior of the island. I do not see a spot on which we could land. And, in fact, the steep lava cliffs did not afford a single place suitable for landing. They formed an insuperable barrier, recalling, but with more wildness, the fjords of Norway. The Bonaventure, coasting as close as possible along the cliffs, did not discover even a projection which would allow the passengers to leave the deck. Pencroft consoled himself by saying that with the help of a mine they could soon open out the cliff when that was necessary, and then, as there was evidently nothing to be done in the gulf, he steered his vessels toward the strait and passed out at about two o'clock in the afternoon. Ah! said Neb, uttering a sigh of satisfaction. One might really say that the honest negro did not feel at his ease in those enormous jaws. The distance from Mandible Cape to the mouth of the mercy was not more than eight miles. The head of the Bonaventure was put towards Granite House, and a fair wind filling her sails she ran rapidly along the coast. To the enormous lava rocks succeeded soon those capricious sand dunes along which the engineer had been so singularly recovered, and which sea birds frequented in thousands. About four o'clock, Pencroft, leaving the point of the islet on his left, entered the channel which separated it from the coast, and at five o'clock the anchor of the Bonaventure was buried in the sand at the mouth of the mercy. The colonists had been absent three days from their dwelling, Ayrton was waiting for them on the beach, and Jupe came joyously to meet them, giving vent to deep grunts of satisfaction. A complete exploration of the coast of the island had now been made, and no suspicious appearances had been observed. If any mysterious being resided on it, it could only be under cover of the impenetrable forest of the serpentine peninsula to which the colonists had not yet directed their investigations. Gideon Spillett discussed these things with the engineer, and it was agreed that they should direct the attention of their companions to the strange character of certain incidents which had occurred on the island, and of which the last was the most unaccountable. However, Harding, returning to the fact of a fire having been kindled on the shore by an unknown hand, could not refrain from repeating for the twentieth time to the reporter. But are you quite sure of having seen it? Was it not a partial eruption of the volcano, or perhaps some meteor? No, Cyrus, answered the reporter. It was certainly a fire lighted by the hand of man. Besides, questioned Pencroft and Herbert, they saw it as I saw it myself, and they will confirm my words. In consequence, therefore, a few days after, on the twenty-fifth of April, in the evening, when the settlers were all collected on prospect heights, Cyrus Harding began by saying, My friends, I think it my duty to call your attention to certain incidents which have occurred in the island, on the subject of which I shall be happy to have your advice. These incidents are, so to speak, supernatural. Supernatural! exclaimed the sailor, emitting a volume of smoke from his mouth. Can it be possible that our island is supernatural? No, Pencroft, but mysterious, most certainly, replied the engineer, unless you can explain that which Spillett and I have until now failed to understand. Speak away, Captain! answered the sailor. Well, have you understood, then said the engineer, how it was that after falling into the sea I was found a quarter of a mile into the interior of the island, and that without my having any consciousness of my removal there. Unless being unconscious, said Pencroft, that is not admissible, replied the engineer, but to continue. Have you understood how Top was able to discover your retreat five miles from the cave in which I was lying? The dog's instinct, observed Herbert. Singular instinct, returned the reporter, since notwithstanding the storm of rain and wind which was raging during that night, Top arrived at the chimneys dry and without a speck of mud. Let us continue, resumed the engineer. Have you understood how our dog was so strangely thrown up out of the water of the lake after his struggle with the dugong? No, I confess not at all, replied Pencroft. And the wound which the dugong had in its side, a wound which seemed to have been made with a sharp instrument, that can't be understood, either. Let us continue again, said Harding. Have you understood, my friends, how that bullet got into the body of the young peccary? How that case happened to be so fortunately stranded without there being any trace of a wreck? How that bottle containing the document presented itself so opportunely during our first sea excursion? How our canoe, having broken its moorings, floated down the current of the mercy and rejoined us at the very moment we needed it? How, after the ape invasion, the latter was so obligingly thrown down from Granite House? And lastly, how the document which Ayrton asserts was never written by him fell into our hands? As Cyrus Harding thus enumerated, without forgetting one, the singular incidents which had occurred in the island, Herbert, Neb and Pencroft stared at each other, not knowing what to reply, for this succession of incidents grouped thus for the first time could not but excite their surprise to the highest degree. Pawn my word, said Pencroft at last, you are right, Captain, and it is difficult to explain all these things. Well, my friends, resume the engineer, a last fact has just been added to these, and it is no less incomprehensible than the others. What is it, Captain? asked Herbert quickly. When you were returning from Tabor Island, Pencroft, continued the engineer, you said that a fire appeared on Lincoln Island? Certainly, answered the sailor, and you were quite certain of having seen this fire. As sure as I see you now! You also, Herbert? Why, Captain, cried Herbert, that fire was blazing like a star of the first magnitude. But was it not a star, urged the engineer? No, replied Pencroft, for the sky was covered with thick clouds, and at any rate a star would not have been so low on the horizon. But Mr. Spillett saw it as well as we, and he will confirm our words. I will add, said the reporter, that the fire was very bright, and that it shot up like a shade of lightning. Yes, yes, exactly! added Herbert, and it was certainly placed on the heights of Granite House. Well, my friends, replied Sarasarting, during the night of the nineteenth of October, neither Neb nor I lighted any fire on the coast. You did not! exclaimed Pencroft, in the height of his astonishment, not being able to finish his sentence. We did not leave Granite House, answered Sarasarting, and if a fire appeared on the coast it was lighted by another hand than ours. Pencroft, Herbert, and Neb were stupefied. No illusion could be possible, and a fire had actually met their eyes during the night of the nineteenth of October. Yes, they had to acknowledge it, a mystery existed. An inexplicable influence, evidently favourable to the colonists, but very irritating to their curiosity, was executed always in the nick of time on Lincoln Island. Could there be some being hidden in its profoundest recesses? It was necessary at any cost to ascertain this. Harding also reminded his companions of the singular behaviour of top and jupe when they prowled round the mouth of the well, which placed Granite House in communication with the sea, and he told them that he had explored the well without discovering anything suspicious. The final resolve taken, in consequence of this conversation, by all the members of the colony, was that as soon as the fine season returned they would thoroughly search the whole of the island. But from that day Pencroft appeared to be anxious. He felt as if the island which he had made his own personal property belonged to him entirely no longer, and that he shared it with another master, to whom, willing or not, he felt subject. Nebb and he often talked of those unaccountable things, and both their natures inclining them to the marvellous were not far from believing that Lincoln Island was under the dominion of one supernatural power. In the meanwhile, the bad weather came with the month of May, the November of the Northern Zones. It appeared that the winter would be severe and forward. The preparations for the winter season were therefore commenced without delay. Nevertheless the colonists were well prepared to meet the winter, however hard it might be. They had plenty of felt clothing, and the Musmans, very numerous by this time, had furnished an abundance of wool necessary for the manufacture of this warm material. It is unnecessary to say that Ayrton had been provided with this comfortable clothing. Cyrus Harding proposed that he should come to spend the bad season with them in Granite House, where he would be better lodged than at the corral. And Ayrton promised to do so, as soon as the last work at the corral was finished. He did this towards the middle of April. From that time Ayrton shared the common life, and made himself useful on all occasions, but still humble and sad he never took part in the pleasures of his companions. For the greater part of this, the third winter which the settlers passed in Lincoln Island, they were confined to Granite House. There were many violent storms and frightful tempests, which appeared to shake the rocks to their very foundations. Immense waves threatened to overwhelm the island, and certainly any vessel anchored near the shore would have been dashed to pieces. Twice, during one of these hurricanes, the mercy swelled to such a degree as to give reason to fear that the bridges would be swept away, and it was necessary to strengthen those on the shore, which disappeared under the foaming waters when the sea beat against the beach. It may well be supposed that such storms, comparable to waterspouts in which were mingled rain and snow, would cause great havoc on the plateau of prospect heights. The mill and the poultry are particularly suffered. The colonists were often obliged to make immediate repairs, without which the safety of the birds would have been seriously threatened. During the worst weather, several jaguars and troops of Quadrumana ventured to the edge of the plateau, and it was always to be feared that the most active and audacious wood, urged by hunger, managed to cross the stream, which besides, when frozen, offered them an easy passage. Plantations and domestic animals would then have been infallibly destroyed, without a constant watch, and it was often necessary to make use of the guns to keep those dangerous visitors at a respectful distance. Occupation was not wanting to the colonists, for without reckoning their outdoor cares they had always a thousand plans for the fitting up of Granite House. They had also some fine sporting excursions, which were made during the frost and the vast Tador Marsh. Gideon, spelled in Herbert, aided by jupe and top, did not miss a shot in the midst of myriads of wild duck, snipe, teal, and others. The access to these hunting grounds was easy. Besides whether they reached them by the road to Port Balloon, after having passed the Mercy Bridge, or by turning the rocks from Flotsam Point, the hunters were never distant from Granite House more than two or three miles. Thus passed the four winter months, which were really rigorous, that is to say, June, July, August, and September. But, in short, Granite House did not suffer much from the inclemency of the weather, and it was the same with the Corral, which, less exposed than the Plateau, and sheltered partly by Mount Franklin, only received the remains of the Hurricanes, already broken by the forests and the high rocks of the shore. The damages there were consequently of small importance, and the activity and skill of Ayrton promptly repaired them. When some time in October he returned to pass a few days in the Corral. During this winter no fresh inexplicable incident occurred. Nothing strange happened, although Pencroft and Nebb were on the watch for the most insignificant facts to which they attached any mysterious cause. Top and jupe themselves no longer growled round the well, or gave any signs of uneasiness. It appeared, therefore, as if the series of supernatural incidents was interrupted, although they often talked to them during the evenings in Granite House, and they remained thoroughly resolved that the island should be searched, even in those parts the most difficult to explore. But an event of the highest importance, and of which the consequences might be terrible, momentarily diverted from their projects Cyrus Harding and his companions. It was the month of October. The fine season was swiftly returning. Nature was reviving, and among the evergreen foliage of the coniferay which formed the border of the wood already appeared the young leaves of the Banksias, Deodores, and other trees. It may be remembered that Gideon Spillett and Herbert had, at different times, taken photographic views of Lincoln Island. Now, on the seventeenth of this month of October, towards three o'clock in the afternoon, Herbert, enticed by the charms of the sky, thought of reproducing Union Bay, which was opposite to Prospect Heights, from Cape Mandible to Claw Cape. The horizon was beautifully clear, and the sea, undulating under a soft breeze, was as calm as the waters of a lake, sparkling here and there under the sun's rays. The apparatus had been placed at one of the windows of the dining-room at Granite House, and consequently overlooked the shore and the bay. Herbert proceeded as he was accustomed to do, and the negative obtained, he went away to fix it by means of the chemicals deposited in a dark nook of Granite House. Returning to the bright light, and examining it well, Herbert perceived on his negative an almost imperceptible little spot on the sea horizon, he endeavored to make it disappear by reiterated washing, but could not accomplish it. It is a flaw in the glass, he thought, and then he had the curiosity to examine this flaw with a strong magnifier which he unscrewed from one of the telescopes, but he had scarcely looked at it when he uttered a cry, and the glass almost fell from his hands. Immediately running to the room in which Cyrus Harding then was, he extended the negative and magnifier towards the engineer, pointing out the little spot. Harding examined it, then seizing his telescope he rushed to the window. The telescope, after having slowly swept the horizon, at last stopped on the look-for spot, and Cyrus Harding, lowering it, pronounced one word only, a vessel, and in fact a vessel was in sight off Lincoln Island. End of chapter. This is also end of part two. Next we will begin with part three, The Secret of the Island. Stay tuned. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording has been Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Part three called The Secret of the Island. Chapter one. It was now two years and a half since the castaways from the balloon had been thrown on Lincoln Island, and during that period there had been no communication between them and their fellow creatures. Once the reporter had attempted to communicate with the inhabited world by confiding to a bird a letter which contained the secret of their situation, but that was a chance on which it was impossible to reckon seriously. Ayrton alone, under the circumstances which have been related, had come to join the little colony. Now, suddenly on this day, the 17th of October, other men had unexpectedly appeared inside of the island on that deserted sea. There could be no doubt about it. A vessel was there. But would she pass on, or would she put into port? In a few hours the colonists would definitely know what to expect. Cyrus Harding and Herbert having immediately called Gideon Spillett, Pencroft and Nebb into the dining-room of Granite House, told them what had happened. Pencroft, seizing the telescope, rapidly swept the horizon and stopping on the indicated point, that is to say, on that which had made the almost imperceptible spot on the photographic negative. I'm blessed, but it is really a vessel, he exclaimed, in a voice which did not express any great amount of satisfaction. Is she coming here? Ask Gideon Spillett. Impossible to say anything yet. Answered Pencroft, for her rigging alone is above the horizon and not a bit of her hull can be seen. What is to be done? asked the lad. Wait! replied Harding. And for a considerable time the settlers remained silent, given up to all the thoughts and the emotions, all the fears, all the hopes, which were aroused by this incident, the most important which had occurred since their arrival in Lincoln Island. Certainly this colonists were not in the situation of castaways, abandoned on a sterile islet, constantly contending against a cruel nature for their miserable existence, and incessantly tormented by the longing to return to inhabited countries. Pencroft and Nebb, especially, who felt themselves at once so happy and so rich, would not have left their island without regret. They were accustomed besides to this new life in the midst of the domain which their intelligence had, as it were, civilized. But at any rate this ship brought news from the world, perhaps even from their native land. It was bringing fellow-creatures to them, and it might be conceived how deeply their hearts were moved at the sight. From time to time Pencroft took the glass and rested himself at the window. From thence he very attentively examined the vessel, which was at a distance of twenty miles to the east. The colonists had as yet, therefore, no means of signalizing their presence. A flag would not have been perceived. A gun would not have been heard. A fire would not have been visible. However, it was certain that the island, overtopped by about Franklin, could not escape the notice of a vessel's lookout. But why was this ship coming there? Was it simple chance which brought it to that part of the Pacific, where the maps mentioned no land except Table Island, which itself was out of the root, usually followed by vessels from the Polynesian archipelagos, from New Zealand, and from the American coast? To this question, which each one asked himself, a reply was suddenly made by Herbert. Can it be the Duncan? he cried. The Duncan, as has been said, was Lord Glenarvon's yacht, which had left Aerton on the islet, and which was to return there some day to fetch him. Now the islet was not so far distant from Lincoln Island, but that a vessel, standing for the one, could pass inside of the other. A hundred and fifty miles only separated them in longitude, and seventy in latitude. We must tell Aerton, said Gideon Spillett, and send for him immediately. He alone can say if it is the Duncan. This was the opinion of all, and the reporter, going to the telegraphic apparatus which placed the corral in communication with Granite House, sent this telegram. Come with all possible speed. In a few minutes the bell sounded. I am coming, replied Aerton. Then the settlers continued to watch the vessel. If it is the Duncan, said Herbert, Aerton will recognize her without difficulty, since he sailed on board her for some time. And if he recognizes her, added Pencroft, it will agitate him exceedingly. Yes, answered Cyrus Harding, but now Aerton is worthy to return on board the Duncan, and pray heaven that it is indeed Lord Glenarvon's yacht, for I should be suspicious of any other vessel. These are ill-famed seas, and I have always feared a visit from Maley Pirates to our island. We could defend it, cried Herbert. No doubt, my boy, answered the engineer, smiling. But it would be better not to have to defend it. A useless observation, said Spillett. Lincoln Island is unknown to navigators, since it is not marked even on the most recent maps. Do you think, Cyrus, that that is a sufficient motive for a ship finding herself unexpectedly inside of new land to try and visit rather than avoid it? Certainly, replied Pencroft. I think so too, added the engineer. It may even be said that it is the duty of a captain to come and survey any land or island not yet known, and Lincoln Island is in this position. Well, said Pencroft, suppose this vessel comes in anchors there a few cable links from our island. What shall we do? This sudden question remained at first without any reply. But Cyrus Harding, after some moments thought, replied in the calm tone which was usual to him. What shall we do, my friends? What we ought to do is this. We will communicate with the ship, we will take our passage on board her, and we will leave our island, after having taken possession of it in the name of the United States. Then we will return with any who may wish to follow us, to colonize it definitely, and endow the American Republic with a useful station in this part of the Pacific Ocean. Hurrah! exclaimed Pencroft. And that will be no small present which we shall make to our country. The colonization is already almost finished. Names are given to every part of the island. There is a natural port, fresh water, roads, a telegraph, a dockyard, and manufactories. And there will be nothing to be done but to inscribe Lincoln Island on the maps. But if any one seizes it in our absence, observe Gideon Spillett. Hang it! cried the sailor. I would rather remain all alone to guard it, and trust to Pencroft they shouldn't steal it from him like a watch from the pocket of a swell. For an hour it was impossible to say with any certainty whether the vessel was or was not standing towards Lincoln Island. She was nearer, but in what direction was she sailing? This Pencroft could not determine. However, as the wind was blowing from the northeast, in all probability the vessel was sailing on the starboard tack. Besides, the wind was favorable for bringing her towards the island, and, the sea being calm, she would not be afraid to approach although the shallows were not marked on the chart. Towards four o'clock, an hour after he had been sent for, Ayrton arrived at Granite House. He entered the dining-room saying, At your service, gentlemen! Cyrus Harding gave him his hand, as was his custom to do, and leading him to the window. Ayrton said he, We have begged you to come here for an important reason. A ship is inside of the island. Ayrton at first paled slightly, and for a moment his eyes became dim. Then, leaning out the window, he surveyed the horizon but could see nothing. Take this telescope, said Spillet, and look carefully, Ayrton, for it is possible that this ship may be the Duncan. Come to these seas for the purpose of taking you home again. The Duncan! murmured Ayrton. Already? This last word escaped Ayrton's lips as if involuntarily, and his head drooped upon his hands. Did not twelve years solitude on a desert island appear to him a sufficient expiation? Did not the penitent yet feel himself pardoned, either in his own eyes or in the eyes of others? No, said he. No, it cannot be the Duncan. Look, Ayrton, then said the engineer, for it is necessary that we should know beforehand what to expect. Ayrton took the glass, and pointed it in the direction indicated. During some minutes he examined the horizon without moving, without uttering a word. Then it is indeed a vessel, said he, but I do not think she is the Duncan. Why do you not think so? Asked he and Spillet. Because the Duncan is a steamy yacht, and I cannot perceive any trace of smoke either above or near that vessel. Perhaps she is simply sailing, observed Pencroft. The wind is favourable for the direction which she appears to be taking, and she may be anxious to economise her coal being so far from land. It is possible that you may be right, Mr. Pencroft, answered Ayrton, and that the vessel has extinguished her fires. We must wait until she is nearer, and then we shall know what to expect. So saying, Ayrton sat down in a corner of the room, and remained silent. The colonists again discussed the strange ship, but Ayrton took no part in the conversation. All were in such a mood that they found it impossible to continue their work. Gideon, Spillet, and Pencroft were particularly nervous, going, coming, not able to remain still in one place. Herbert felt more curiosity. Nabalone maintained his usual calm manner. Was not his country that where his master was? As to the engineer, he remained plunged in deep thought, and in his heart feared rather than desired the arrival of the ship. In the meanwhile, the vessel was a little nearer the island. With the aid of the glass, it was ascertained that she was a brig, and not one of those melee proas which are generally used by the pirates of the Pacific. It was therefore reasonable to believe that the engineer's apprehensions would not be justified, and that the presence of this vessel and the vicinity of the island was fraught with no danger. Pencroft, after a minute examination, was able positively to affirm that the vessel was rigged as a brig, and that she was standing obliquely towards the coast, on the starboard tack, under her top soles, and top gallant sails. This was confirmed by Ayrton. But by continuing in this direction she must soon disappear behind Claw Cape, as the wind was from the south-west, and to watch her it would be then necessary to ascend the heights of Washington Bay, near Port Balloon, a provoking circumstance, for it was already five o'clock in the evening, and the twilight would soon make any observation extremely difficult. What shall we do when night comes on? asked Gideon Spillett. Shall we light a fire, so as to signal our presence on the coast? This was a serious question, and yet, although the engineer still retained some of his presentiments, it was answered in the affirmative. During the night the ship might disappear and leave forever, and, this ship gone, would another ever return to the waters of Lincoln Island? Who could foresee what the future would then have in store for the colonists? Yes, said the reporter, we ought to make known to that vessel, whoever she may be, that the island is inhabited, to neglect the opportunity which is offered to us might be to create everlasting regrets. It was therefore decided that Nebb and Pencroft should go to Port Balloon, and that there at nightfall they should light an immense fire, the blaze of which would necessarily attract the attention of the brig. But at the moment when Nebb and the sailor were preparing to leave Granite House, the vessel suddenly altered her course, and stood directly for Union Bay. The brig was a good sailor, for she approached rapidly. Nebb and Pencroft put off their departure, therefore, and the glass was put into Ayrton's hands, that he might ascertain for certain whether the ship was or was not the Duncan. The Scotch yacht was also rigged as a brig. The question was whether a chimney could be discerned between the two masts of the vessel, which was now at a distance of only five miles. The horizon was still very clear. The examination was easy, and Ayrton soon let the glass fall again, saying, It is not the Duncan. It could not be. Pencroft again brought the brig within the range of the telescope, and could see that she was of between three and four hundred tons burdened, wonderfully narrow, well-masted, admirably built, and must be a very rapid sailor. But to what nation did she belong? That was difficult to say. And yet, added the sailor, a flag is floating from her peak, but I cannot distinguish the colors of it. In half an hour we shall be certain about that," answered the reporter. Besides, it is very evident that the intention of the captain of this ship is to land, and consequently, if not today, tomorrow at the latest, we shall make his acquaintance. Never mind," said Pencroft, it is best to know whom we have to deal with, and I shall not be sorry to recognize that fellow's colors. And while thus speaking, the sailor never left the glass. The day began to fade, and with the day the breeze fell also. The brig's ensign hung in folds, and it became more and more difficult to observe it. It is not the American flag," said Pencroft from time to time, nor the English, the red of which could be easily seen, nor the French or German colors, nor the white flag of Russia, nor the yellow of Spain. One would say it was all one color. Let's see. In these seas what do we generally meet with? The Chilean flag? But that is tricolor. Brazilian. It is green. Japanese? It is yellow and black, while this— At that moment the breeze blew out the unknown flag. Ayrton, seizing the telescope which the sailor had put down, put it to his eye, and in a hoarse voice, the black flag, he exclaimed. And indeed the somber bunting was floating from the mast of the brig, and they had now good reason for considering her to be a suspicious vessel. Had the engineer then been right in his presentiments, was this a pirate vessel? Did she scour the Pacific, competing with the Mele Proas which still infested? For what had she come to look at the shores of Lincoln Island? Was it to them an unknown island, ready to become a magazine for a stolen cargoes? Had she come to find on the coast a sheltered port for the winter months? Was the settler's honest domain destined to be transformed into an infamous refuge, the headquarters of the piracy of the Pacific? All these ideas instinctively presented themselves to the colonists' imaginations. There was no doubt, besides of the signification which must be attached to the color of the hoisted flag, it was that of pirates. It was that which the Duncan would have carried had the convict succeeded in their criminal design. No time was lost before discussing it. My friends," said Cyrus Harding, perhaps this vessel only wishes to survey the coast of the island. Perhaps her crew will not land. There is a chance of it. However that may be, we ought to do everything we can to hide our presence here. The windmill on Prospect Heights is too easily seen. Let Ayrton and Nab go and take down the sails. We must also conceal the windows of Granite House with thick branches. All the fires must be extinguished, so that nothing may betray the presence of men on the island. And our vessel," said Herbert. Oh! answered Pencroft. She is sheltered in Port Balloon, and I defy any of those rascals there to find her. The engineer's orders were immediately executed. Nab and Ayrton ascended the plateau and took the necessary precautions to conceal any indication of a settlement. While they were thus occupied, their companions went to the border of Jackamar Wood, and brought back a large quantity of branches and creepers, which would at some distance appear as natural foliage, and thus disguise the windows in the Granite Cliff. At the same time the ammunition and guns were placed ready so to be at hand in case of an unexpected attack. When all these precautions had been taken, my friends, said Harding, and his voice betrayed some emotion. If the wretches endeavour to seize Lincoln Island, we shall defend it, shall we not? Yes, Cyrus, replied the reporter, and if necessary we will die to defend it. The engineer extended his hand to his companions, who pressed it warmly. Ayrton remained in his corner, not joining the colonists. Perhaps he, the former convict, still felt himself unworthy to do so. Cyrus Harding understood what was passing in Ayrton's mind and going to him. And you, Ayrton, he asked. What will you do? My duty, answered Ayrton. He then took up his station near the window and gazed through the foliage. It was now half past seven. The sun had disappeared twenty minutes ago behind Granite House. Consequently the eastern horizon was becoming obscured. In the meanwhile the brig continued to advance towards Union Bay. She was now not more than two miles off, and exactly opposite the plateau of Prospect Heights, for after having tacked off Claw Cape, she had drifted towards the north in the current of the rising tide. One might have said that at this distance she had already entered the vast bay, for a straight line drawn from Claw Cape to Cape Mandible would have rested on her starboard quarter. Was the brig about to penetrate far into the bay? That was the first question. When once in the bay would she anchor there? That was the second. Would she not content herself with only surveying the coast, and stand out to sea again without landing her crew? They would know this in an hour. The colonists could do nothing but wait. Cyrus Harding had not seen the suspected vessel hoist the black flag without deep anxiety. Was it not a direct menace against the work which he and his companions had till then conducted so successfully? Had these pirates, for the sailors of the brig could be nothing else, already visited the island, since on approaching it they had hoisted their colors? Had they formally invaded it, so that certain unaccountable peculiarities might be explained in this way? Did there exist in the as yet unexplored parts some accomplice ready to enter into communication with them? To all these questions which he mentally asked himself, Harding knew not what to reply, but he felt that the safety of the colony could not but be seriously threatened by the arrival of the brig. However, he and his companions were determined to fight to the last gasp. It would have been very important to know if the pirates were numerous and better armed than the colonists. But how was this information to be obtained? Night fell. The new moon had disappeared. Profound darkness enveloped the island and the sea. No light could pierce through the heavy piles of clouds on the horizon. The wind had died away completely with the twilight. Not a leaf rustled on the trees, not a ripple murmured on the shore. Nothing could be seen of the ship, all her lights being extinguished, and as she was still inside of the island her whereabouts could not be discovered. Well, who knows, said Pencroft. Perhaps that cursed craft will stand off during the night, and we shall see nothing of her at daybreak. As if in reply to the sailor's observation, a bright light flashed in the darkness and a cannon shot was heard. The vessel was still there and had guns on board. Six seconds elapsed between the flash and the report. Therefore the brig was about a mile and a quarter from the coast. At the same time the chains were heard rattling through the haws holes. The vessel had just anchored inside of Granite House. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne Part III, Chapter II There was no longer any doubt as to the pirate's intentions. They had dropped anchor at a short distance from the island, and it was evident that the next day by means of their boats they purposed to land on the beach. Cyrus Harding and his companions were ready to act, but, determined though they were, they must not forget to be prudent. Perhaps their presence might still be concealed in the event of the pirates contending themselves with landing on the shore without examining the interior of the island. It might be indeed that their only intention was to obtain fresh water from the mercy, and it was not impossible that the bridge, thrown across a mile and a half from the mouth, and the manufacturing at the chimneys, might escape their notice. But why was that flag hoisted at the brig's peak? What was that shot fired for? Pure bravado doubtless, unless it was a sign of the act of taking possession. Harding knew now that the vessel was well armed, and what had the colonists of Lincoln Island to reply to the pirate's guns? A few muskets only. However, observed Cyrus Harding, here we are in an impregnable position. The enemy cannot discover the mouth of the outlet, now that it is hidden under reeds and grass, and consequently it would be impossible for them to penetrate into Granite House. But our plantations, our poultry-yard, our corral, all, everything, exclaimed Pencroft, stamping his foot. They may spoil everything, destroy everything in a few hours. Everything, Pencroft, answered Harding, and we have no means of preventing them. Are they numerous? That is the question, said the reporter. If they are not more than a dozen, we shall be able to stop them. But forty, fifty, more perhaps. Captain Harding then said Ayrton, advancing towards the engineer. Will you give me leave? For what, my friend? To go to that vessel to find out the strength of her crew. But Ayrton answered the engineer, hesitating, you will risk your life. Why not, sir? That is more than your duty. I have more than my duty to do, replied Ayrton. Will you go to the ship and the boat? Asked he unspill it. No, sir, but I will swim. A boat will be seen where a man may glide between wind and water. Do you know that the brig is a mile and a quarter from the shore? said Herbert. I am a good swimmer, Mr. Herbert. I tell you it is risking your life, said the engineer. That is no matter, answered Ayrton. Captain Harding, I ask this as a favour. Perhaps it will be a means of raising me in my own eyes. Go, Ayrton, replied the engineer, who felt sure that a refusal would have deeply wounded the former convict, now become an honest man. I will accompany you, said Pencroft. You mistrust me, said Ayrton quickly, then more humbly. Alas! No, no! exclaimed Harding with animation. No, Ayrton! Pencroft does not mistrust you. You interpret his words wrongly. Indeed, returned the sailor, I only propose to accompany Ayrton as far as the islet. It may be, although it is scarcely possible, that one of these villains has landed, and in that case two men will not be too many to hinder him from giving the alarm. I will wait for Ayrton on the islet, and he shall go alone to the vessel, since he is proposed to do so. These things agreed to. Ayrton made preparations for his departure. His plan was bold, but it might succeed, thanks to the darkness of the night. Once arrived at the vessel's side, Ayrton, holding on to the main chains, might reconnoiter the number, and perhaps overhear the intentions of the pirates. Ayrton and Pencroft, followed by their companions, descended to the beach. Ayrton undressed and rubbed himself with grease, so as to suffer less from the temperature of the water, which was still cold. He might indeed be obliged to remain at it for several hours. Pencroft and Nepp, during this time, had gone to fetch the boat, moored a few hundred feet higher up on the bank of the mercy, and by the time they returned Ayrton was ready to start. A code was thrown over his shoulders, and the settlers all came round him to press his hand. Ayrton then shoved off with Pencroft in the boat. It was half past ten in the evening when the two adventurers disappeared in the darkness. Their companions returned to wait at the chimneys. The channel was easily traversed, and the boat touched the opposite shore of the islet. This was not done without precaution, for fear lest the pirates might be roaming about there. But after a careful survey it was evident that the islet was deserted. Ayrton then, followed by Pencroft, crossed it with a rapid step, scaring the birds nestled in the holes in the rocks. Then, without hesitating, he plunged into the sea, and swam noiselessly in the direction of the ship, in which a few lights had recently appeared, showing her exact situation. As to Pencroft, he crouched down in a cleft of the rock, and awaited the return of his companion. In the meanwhile, Ayrton, swimming with a vigorous stroke, glided through the sheet of water without producing the slightest ripple. His head just emerged above it, and his eyes were fixed on the dark hull of the brig, from which the lights were reflected in the water. He thought only of the duty which he had promised to accomplish, had nothing of the danger which he ran, not only on board the ship, but in the sea, often frequented by sharks. The current bore him along, and he rapidly receded from the shore. Half an hour afterwards, Ayrton, without having been either seen or heard, arrived at the ship, and caught hold of the main chains. He took breath then, hoisting himself up, he managed to reach the extremity of the cut water. There were drying several pairs of sailor's trousers. He put on a pair. Then, settling himself firmly, he listened. They were not sleeping on board the brig. On the contrary, they were talking, singing, laughing, and these were the sentences accompanied with oaths which principally struck Ayrton. Our brig is a famous acquisition. She sails well, and merits her name of the speedy. She would show all the navy of Norfolk a clean pair of heels. Hurrah for her captain! Hurrah for Bob Harvey! What Ayrton felt when he overheard this fragment of conversation may be understood when it is known that, in this Bob Harvey, he recognized one of his old Australian companions, a daring sailor, who had continued his criminal career. Bob Harvey had seized, on the shores of Norfolk Island, this brig, which was loaded with arms, ammunition, utensils, and tools of all sorts, destined for one of the sandwich islands. All his gang had gone on board, and pirates, after having been convicts, these wretches, more ferocious than the melees themselves, scoured the Pacific, destroying vessels, and massacring their crews. The convicts spoke loudly. They recounted their deeds, drinking deeply at the same time. And this is what Ayrton gathered. The actual crew of the speedy was composed solely of English prisoners escaped from Norfolk Island. Here it may be well to explain what this island was. In twenty-nine degrees, two minutes south latitude, and one hundred sixty-five degrees, forty-two minutes east longitude, to the east of Australia, is found a little island, six miles in circumference, overlooked by Mount Pit, which rises to a height of eleven hundred feet above the level of the sea. This is Norfolk Island, once the seat of an establishment in which were lodged the most intractable convicts from the English penitentiaries. They numbered five hundred under an iron discipline, threatened with terrible punishments, and regarded by one hundred and fifty soldiers, and one hundred and fifty employed under the orders of the governor. It would be difficult to imagine a collection of greater ruffians. Sometimes, although very rarely, notwithstanding the extreme surveillance of which they were the object, many managed to escape, and seizing vessels which they surprised, they infested the Polynesian archipelagos. Thus had Bob Harvey and his companions done. Thus had Ayrton formally wished to do. Bob Harvey had seized the Briggs Speedy anchored in sight of Norfolk Island. The crew had been massacred, and for a year this ship had scoured the Pacific under the command of Harvey, now a pirate, and well known to Ayrton. The convicts were, for the most part, assembled under the poop, but a few stretched on the deck, were talking loudly. The conversations still continued amid shouts and libations. Ayrton learned that Chance alone had brought the Speedy in sight of Lincoln Island. Bob Harvey had never yet set foot on it. But, as Cyrus Harding had conjectured, finding this unknown land in his course, its position being marked on the coast of Norfolk Island. On no chart he had formed the project of visiting it, and, if he found it suitable, of making it the Briggs headquarters. As to the black flag hoisted at the Speedy's peak, and the gun which had been fired, in imitation of men of war when they lowered their colours, it was pure, piratical bravado. It was, in no way, a signal, and no communication yet existed between the convicts and Lincoln Island. The settler's domain was now menaced with terrible danger. Evidently the island, with its water, its harbour, its resources of all kinds so increased in value by the colonists, and the concealment afforded by Granite House, could not but be convenient for the convicts. In their hands it would become an excellent place of refuge, and, being unknown, it would assure them, for a long time, perhaps, impunity and security. Evidently also, the lives of the settlers would not be respected, and Bob Harvey and his accomplices' first care would be to massacre them without mercy. Harding and his companions had, therefore, not even the choice of flying and hiding themselves in the island, since the convicts intended to reside there, and since, in the event of the Speedy departing on an expedition, it was probable that some of the crew would remain on shore, so as to settle themselves there. Therefore it would be necessary to fight, to destroy every one of these scoundrels, unworthy of pity, and against whom any means would be right. So thought Ayrton, and he well knew that Cyrus Harding would be of his way of thinking. But was resistance, and in the last place, victory possible? That would depend on the equipment of the brig, and the number of men which he carried. This Ayrton resolved learn at any cost, and as an hour after his arrival the vociferations had begun to die away, and as a large number of the convicts were already buried in a drunken sleep, Ayrton did not hesitate to venture on to the Speedy's deck, which the extinguished lanterns now left in total darkness. He hoisted himself on to the cut water, and by the bowsprit arrived at the forecastle. Then, gliding among the convicts stretched here and there, he made the round of the ship, and found that the Speedy carried four guns, which would throw shot of from eight to ten pounds in weight. He found also on touching them that these guns were breech-loaders. They were therefore of modern make, easily used, and of terrible effect. As to the men lying on the deck, they were about ten in number, but it was to be supposed that more were sleeping down below. Besides, by listening to them, Ayrton had understood that there were fifty on board. That was a large number for the six settlers of Lincoln Island to contend with. But now, thanks to Ayrton's devotion, Cyrus Harding would not be surprised. He would know the strength of his adversaries, and would make his arrangements accordingly. There was nothing more for Ayrton to do but to return, and rendered to his companions an account of the mission with which he had charged himself, and he prepared to regain the boughs of the brig so that he might let himself down into the water. But to this man whose wish was, as he had said, to do more than his duty, there came an heroic thought. This was to sacrifice his own life, but save the island and the colonists. Cyrus Harding evidently could not resist fifty ruffians, all well-armed, who, either by penetrating by main force into granted house, or by starving out the besieged, could obtain from them what they wanted. And then he thought of his preservers. Those who had made him again a man, and an honest man, those to whom he owed all, murdered without pity, their works destroyed, their island turned into a pirate's den. He said to himself that he, Ayrton, was the principal cause of so many disasters, since his old companion, Bob Harvey, had but realized his own plans, and a feeling of horror took possession of him. Then he was seized with an irresistible desire to blow up the brig, and with her, all whom she had on board. He would perish in the explosion, but he would have done his duty. Ayrton did not hesitate. To reach the powder-room, which is always situated in the after-part of a vessel, was easy. There would be no want of powder in a vessel which followed such a trade, and a spark would be enough to destroy it in an instant. Ayrton stole carefully along the between decks, strewn with numerous sleepers, overcome more by drunkenness than sleep. A lantern was lighted at the foot of the main mast, around which was hung a gun-rack, furnished with weapons of all sorts. Ayrton took a revolver from the rack, and assured himself that it was loaded and primed. Nothing more was needed to accomplish the work of destruction. He then glided towards the stern, so as to arrive under the brig's poop at the powder-magazine. It was difficult to proceed along the dimly-lighted deck, without stumbling over some half-sleeping convict, who retorted by oaves and kicks. Ayrton was therefore more than once obliged to halt, but at last he arrived at the partition dividing the after-cabin, and found the door opening into the magazine itself. Ayrton compelled to force it open, set to work. It was a difficult operation to perform without noise, for he had to break a padlock, but under his vigorous hand the padlock broke, and the door was open. At that moment a hand was laid on Ayrton's shoulder. What are you doing here? asked a tall man in a harsh voice, who, standing in the shadow, quickly threw the light of a lantern on Ayrton's face. Ayrton drew back. In the rapid flash of the lantern he had recognized his former accomplice, Bob Harvey, who could not have known him, as he must have thought Ayrton long since dead. What are you doing here? again said Bob Harvey, seizing Ayrton by the waistband. But Ayrton, without replying, wrenched himself from his grasp, and attempted to rush into the magazine. A shot fired into the midst of the powder casks, and all would be over. Help, lads! shouted Bob Harvey. Had his shout two or three pirates awoke, jumped up, and, rushing on Ayrton, endeavored to throw him down. He soon extricated himself from their grasp. He fired his revolver, and two of the convicts fell, but a blow from a knife which he could not ward off made a gash in his shoulder. Ayrton perceived that he could no longer hope to carry out his project. Bob Harvey had reclosed the door of the powder magazine, and a movement on the deck indicated a general awakening of the pirates. Ayrton must reserve himself to fight at the side of Cyrus Harding. There was nothing for him but flight. But was flight still possible? It was doubtful, yet Ayrton resolved to dare everything in order to rejoin his companions. Four barrels of the revolver were still undischarged. Two were fired. One, aimed at Bob Harvey, did not wound him, or at any rate only slightly, and Ayrton, profiting by the momentary retreat of his adversaries, rushed towards the companion ladder to gain the deck. Passing before the lantern, he smashed it with a blow from the butt of his revolver. A profound darkness ensued, which favored his flight. Two or three pirates, awakened by the noise, were descending the ladder at the same moment. A fifth shot from Ayrton laid one low, and the others drew back, not understanding what was going on. Ayrton was on deck in two bounds, and three seconds later, having discharged his last barrel in the face of a pirate who was about to seize him by the throat, he leaped over the bulwarks into the sea. Ayrton had not made six strokes before shots were splashing around him like hail. What were pencross feelings, sheltered under a rock on the islet? What were those of Harding, the reporter, Herbert, and Nebb, crouched in the chimneys when they heard the reports on board the brig? They rushed out on to the beach, and their guns shouldered they stood ready to repel any attack. They had no doubt about it themselves. Ayrton, surprised by the pirates, had been murdered, and perhaps the wretches would profit by the night to make a descent on the island. Half an hour was passed in terrible anxiety. The firing had ceased, and yet neither Ayrton nor Pencroft had reappeared. Was the islet invaded? Aught they not to fly to the help of Ayrton and Pencroft? But how? The tide being high at that time rendered the channel impassable. The boat was not there. We may imagine the horrible anxiety which took possession of Harding and his companions. At last, towards half past twelve, a boat carrying two men touched the beach. It was Ayrton, slightly wounded in the shoulder, and Pencroft, safe and sound, whom their friends received with open arms. All immediately took refuge in the chimneys. There Ayrton recounted all that had passed, even to his plan for blowing up the brig, which he had attempted to put into execution. All hands were extended to Ayrton, who did not conceal from them that their situation was serious. The pirates had been alarmed. They knew that Lincoln Island was inhabited. They would land upon it in numbers and well-armed. They would respect nothing. Should the settlers fall into their hands, they must expect no mercy. Well, we shall know how to die, said the reporter. Let us go in and watch, answered the engineer. Have we any chance of escape, Captain? asked the sailor. Yes, Pencroft. Six against fifty. Yes, six without counting. Who? asked Pencroft. Cyrus did not reply, but pointed upwards. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This recording is by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. The Mysterious Island. By Jules Verne. Part 3, Chapter 3 The night passed without incident. The colonists were on the quivive, and did not leave their post at the chimneys. The pirates on their side did not appear to have made any attempt to land. Since the last shots fired at Ayrton, not a report, not even a sound, had betrayed the presence of the brig in the neighborhood of the island. It might have been fancy that she had weighed anchor, thinking that she had to deal with her match, and had left the coast. But it was no such thing, and when day began to dawn the settlers could see a confused mass through the morning mist. It was the speedy. These, my friends, said the engineer, are the arrangements which appeared to me best to make before the fog completely clears away. It hides us from the eyes of the pirates, and we can act without attracting their attention. The most important thing is that the convicts should believe that the inhabitants of the island are numerous, and consequently capable of resisting them. I therefore propose that we divide into three parties, the first of which shall be posted at the chimneys, the second at the mouth of the mercy. As to the third, I think it would be best to place it on the islet, so as to prevent, or at all events, delay, any attempt at landing. We have the use of two rifles and four muskets. Each of us will be armed, and as we are amply provided with powder and shot we'd need not spare our fire. We have nothing to fear from the muskets, nor even from the guns of the brig. What can they do against these rocks? And as we shall not fire from the windows of granted house, the pirates will not think of causing irreparable damage by throwing shell against it. What is to be feared is the necessity of meeting hand to hand, since the convicts have numbers on their side. We must therefore try to prevent them from landing, but without discovering ourselves. Therefore, do not economize the ammunition, fire often, but with a sure aim. We have each, eight or ten enemies to kill, and they must be killed. Cyrus Harding had clearly represented their situation, although he spoke in the calmest voice, as if it was a question of directing a piece of work and not ordering a battle. His companions approved these arrangements without even uttering a word. There was nothing more to be done, but for each to take his place before the fog should be completely dissipated. Neb and Pencroft immediately ascended to granted house and brought back a sufficient quantity of ammunition. Gideon, Spillet and Ayrton, both very good marksmen, were armed with the two rifles, which carried nearly a mile. The four other muskets were divided among Harding, Neb, Pencroft and Herbert. The posts were arranged in the following manner. Cyrus Harding and Herbert remained in ambush at the chimneys, thus commanding the shore to the foot of granted house. Gideon, Spillet and Neb crouched among the rocks at the mouth of the mercy, from which the drawbridges had been raised, so as to prevent anyone from crossing in a boat or landing on the opposite shore. As to Ayrton and Pencroft, they shoved off in the boat and prepared to cross the channel and to take up two separate stations on the islet. In this way, shots being fired from four different points at once, the convicts would be led to believe that the island was both largely peopled and strongly defended. In the event of a landing being affected without their having been able to prevent it, and also if they saw that they were on the point of being cut off by the brig's boat, Ayrton and Pencroft were to return in their boat to the shore and proceed towards the threatened spot. Before starting to occupy their posts, the colonists for the last time rung each other's hands. Pencroft succeeded in controlling himself sufficiently to suppress his emotion when he embraced Herbert, his boy, and then they separated. In a few moments, Harding and Herbert on one side, the reporter and Neb on the other had disappeared behind the rocks, and five minutes later Ayrton and Pencroft, having without difficulty crossed the channel, disembarked on the islet and concealed themselves in the clefts of its eastern shore. None of them could have been seen, for they themselves could scarcely distinguish the brig in the fog. It was half past six in the morning. Soon the fog began to clear away, and the top masts of the brig issued from the vapor. For some minutes great masses rolled over the surface of the sea, then a breeze sprang up, which rapidly dispelled the mist. The speedy now appeared in full view, with a spring on her cable, her head to the north, presenting her larbred side to the island. Just as Harding had calculated, she was not more than a mile and a quarter from the coast. The sinister black flag floated from the peak. The engineer with his telescope could see that the four guns on board were pointed at the island. They were evidently ready to fire at a moment's notice. In the meanwhile the speedy remained silent. About thirty pirates could be seen moving on the deck. A few more on the poop, two others posted in the shrouds and armed with spy-glasses, were attentively surveying the island. Certainly Bob Harvey and his crew would not be able easily to give an account of what had happened during the night on board the brig. Had this half-naked man, who had forced the door of the powder magazine, and with whom they had struggled, who had six times discharged his revolver at them, who had killed one and wounded two others, escaped their shot? Had he been able to swim to shore? Whence did he come? What had been his object? Had his design really been to blow up the brig, as Bob Harvey had thought? All this must be confused enough to the convict's minds. But what they could no longer doubt was that the unknown island before which the speedy had cast anchor was inhabited, and that there was, perhaps, a numerous colony ready to defend it. And yet no one was to be seen, neither on the shore nor on the heights. The beach appeared to be absolutely deserted. At any rate there was no trace of dwellings. Had the inhabitants fled into the interior? Thus probably the pirate captain reasoned, and doubtless, like a prudent man, he wished to reconnoiter the locality before he allowed his men to venture there. During an hour and a half no indication of attack or landing could be observed on board the brig. Evidently Bob Harvey was hesitating. Even with the strongest telescopes he could not have perceived one of the settlers crouched among the rocks. It was not even probable that his attention had been awakened by the screen of green branches and creepers hiding the windows of Granite House, and showing rather conspicuously on the bare rock. Indeed, how could he imagine that a dwelling was hollowed out at that height in the solid granite? From claw-caped to demandable capes, in all the extent of Union Bay, there was nothing to lead him to suppose that the island was or could be inhabited. At eight o'clock, however, the colonists observed a movement on board the speedy. A boat was lowered, and seven men jumped into her. They were armed with muskets. One took the yoke-lines, four others the oars, and the two others, kneeling in the boughs, ready to fire, reconnoitered the island. Their object was no doubt to make an examination, but not to land, for in the latter case they would have come in larger numbers. The pirates from their lookout could have seen that the coast was sheltered by an islet, separated from it by a channel half a mile in width. However, it was soon evident to Cyrus Harding, on observing the direction followed by the boat, that they would not attempt to penetrate into the channel, but would land on the islet. Pencroft and Ayrton, each hidden in a narrow cleft of the rock, saw them coming directly towards them, and waited till they were within range. The boat advanced with extreme caution. The oars only dipped into the water at long intervals. It could now be seen that one of the convicts held a lead-line in his hand, and then he wished to fathom the depth of the channel, hollowed out by the current of the mercy. This showed that it was Bob Harvey's intention to bring his brig as near as possible to the coast. About thirty pirates, scattered in the rigging, followed every movement of the boat, and took the bearings of certain landmarks which would allow them to approach without danger. The boat was not more than two cables' lengths off the islet when she stopped. The man at the tiller stood up and looked for the best place at which to land. At that moment two shots were heard. Smoke curled up from among the rocks of the islet. The man at the helm and the man with the lead-line fell backwards into the boat. Ayrton's and Pencroft's balls had struck them both at the same moment. Almost immediately a louder report was heard. A cloud of smoke issued from the brig's side, and a ball striking the summit of the rock which sheltered Ayrton and Pencroft, made it fly in splinters. But the two marksmen remained unhurt. Horrible implications burst from the boat which immediately continued its way. The man who had been at the tiller was replaced by one of his comrades, and the oars were rapidly plunged into the water. However, instead of returning on board as might have been expected, the boat coasted along the islet so as to round its southern point. The pirates pulled vigorously at their oars that they might get out of range of the bullets. They advanced to within five cable links of that part of the shore terminated by Flotsam Point, and after having rounded it in a semi-circular line, still protected by the brig's guns, they proceeded towards the mouth of the mercy. Their evident intention was to penetrate into the channel and cut off the colonists posted on the islet in such a way that whatever their number might be, being placed between the fire from the boat and the fire from the brig, they would find themselves in a very disadvantageous position. A quarter of an hour passed while the boat advanced in this direction. Absolute silence, perfect calm reigned in the air and on the water. Pencroft and Ayrton, although they knew they ran the risk of being cut off, had not left their post, both that they did not wish to show themselves as yet to their assailants, and expose themselves to the speedy's guns, and that they relied on Neb and Gideon's spillet, watching at the mouth of the river, and on Cyrus Harding and Herbert in ambush among the rocks at the chimneys. Twenty minutes after the first shots were fired, the boat was less than two cable lengths off the mercy. As the tide was beginning to rise with its accustomed violence, caused by the narrowness of the straits, the pirates were drawn towards the river, and it was only by dint of hard rowing that they were able to keep in the middle of the channel. But as they were passing within good range of the mouth of the mercy, two balls saluted them, and two more of their number were laid in the bottom of the boat. Neb and Spillet had not missed their aim. The brig immediately sent a second ball on the post betrayed by the smoke, but without any other result than that of splendoring the rock. The boat now contained only three able men. Carried on by the current, it shot through the channel with the rapidity of an arrow, passed before Harding and Herbert, who, not thinking it within range, withheld their fire. Then, rounding the northern point of the islet with the two remaining oars, they pulled towards the brig. Hitherto the settlers had nothing to complain of. Their adversaries had certainly had the worst of it. The latter already counted four men seriously wounded, if not dead. They, on the contrary, unwounded, had not missed a shot. If the pirates continued to attack them in this way, if they renewed their attempt to land by means of a boat, they could be destroyed one by one. It was now seen how advantageous the engineers' arrangements had been. The pirates would think that they had to deal with numerous and well-armed adversaries, whom they could not easily get the better of. Half an hour pass before the boat, having to pull against the current, could get alongside the speedy. Frightful cries were heard when they returned on board with the wounded, and two or three guns were fired with no results. But now about a dozen other convicts, maddened with rage, and possibly by the effect of the evening's potations, threw themselves into the boat. A second boat was also lowered, in which eight men took their places, and while the first pulled straight for the islet to dislodge the colonists from thence, the second maneuvered so as to force the entrance of the mercy. The situation was evidently becoming very dangerous for Pencroft and Ayrton, and they saw that they must regain the mainland. However, they waited till the first boat was within range when two well-directed balls threw its crew into disorder. Then, Pencroft and Ayrton, abandoning their posts under fire from the dozen muskets, ran across the islet at full speed, jumped into their boat, crossed the channel at the moment the second boat reached the southern end, and ran to hide themselves in the chimneys. They had scarcely rejoined Cyrus Harding and Herbert before the islet was overrun with pirates in every direction. Almost at the same moment, fresh reports resounded from the mercy station, to which the second boat was rapidly approaching. Two out of the eight men who manned her were mortally wounded by Gideon Spillett and Nebb, and the boat herself, carried irresistibly onto the reefs, was stove in at the mouth of the mercy. But the six survivors, holding their muskets above their heads to preserve them from contact with the water, managed to land on the right bank of the river. Then, finding they were exposed to the fire of the ambush there, they fled in the direction of Flotsam Point, out of range of the balls. The actual situation was this. On the islet were a dozen convicts, of whom some were no doubt wounded, but who had still abode at their disposal. On the island were six, but who could not by any possibility reach Granite House, as they could not cross the river, all the bridges being raised. Hello! exclaimed Pencroft, as he rushed into the chimneys. Hello, Captain! What do you think of it now? I think, answered the engineer, that the combat will now take a new form, for it cannot be supposed that the convicts will be so foolish as to remain in a position so unfavorable for them. They won't cross the channel, said the sailor. Airton and Mr. Spillett's rifles were there to prevent them. You know that they carry more than a mile. No doubt, replied Herbert, but what can two rifles do against the Brig's guns? Well, the Brig isn't in the channel yet, I fancy, said Pencroft. But suppose she does come there, said Harding. That's impossible, for she would risk running aground and being lost. It is possible, said Airton. The convicts might profit by the high tide to enter the channel, with the risk of grounding at low tide it is true, but then under the fire from her guns our posts would be no longer tenable. Confound them, exclaimed Pencroft. It really seems as if the Blaggards were preparing to weigh anchor. Perhaps we should be obliged to take refuge in Granite House, observed Herbert. We must wait, answered Cyrus Harding. But Mr. Spillett and Neb, said Pencroft, they will know when it is best to rejoin us. Be ready, Airton, it is yours and Spillett's rifles which must speak now. It was only too true. The speedy was beginning to weigh her anchor, and her intention was evidently to approach the Islet. The tide would be rising for an hour and a half, and the Ebb current, being already weakened, it would be easy for the Brig to advance. But as to entering the channel, Pencroft, contrary to Airton's opinion, could not believe that she would dared to attempt it. In the meanwhile the pirates who occupied the Islet had gradually advanced to the opposite shore, and were now only separated from the mainland by the channel. Being armed with muskets alone they could do no harm to the settlers, in ambush at the chimneys and the mouth of the Mercy, but not knowing the latter to be supplied with long-range rifles, they on their side did not believe themselves to be exposed. Quite uncovered, therefore, they surveyed the Islet and examined the shore. Their illusion was of short duration. Airton's and Gideon's Spillett's rifles then spoke, and no doubt imparted some very disagreeable intelligence to two of the convicts, for they fell backwards. Then there was a general, helter-skelter. The ten others, not even stopping to pick up their dead or wounded companions, fled to the other side of the Islet, tumbled into the boat which it brought them, and pulled away with all their strength. Eight less, exclaimed Pencroft. Really, one would have thought that Mr. Spillett and Airton had given the word to fire together. Gentlemen, said Airton as he reloaded his gun, this is becoming more serious. The brig is making sail. The anchor is weighed, exclaimed Pencroft. Yes, and she is already moving. In fact, they could distinctly hear the creaking of the windlass. The speedy was at first held by her anchor. Then, when that had been raised, she began to drift towards the shore. The wind was blowing from the sea, the jib and the four topsoil were hoisted, and the vessel gradually approached the island. From the two posts of the mercy and the chimneys they watched her without giving a sign of life, but not without some emotion. What could be more terrible for the colonists than to be exposed at a short distance to the brig's guns without being able to reply with any effect? How could they then prevent the pirates from landing? Cyrus Harding felt this strongly, and he asked himself what it would be possible to do. Before long he would be called upon for his determination, but what was it to be? To shut themselves up in Granite House, to be besieged there, to remain there for weeks, for months even, since they had an abundance of provisions? So far good, but after that! The pirates would not the less be masters of the island, which they would ravage at their pleasure, and in time they would end by having their revenge on the prisoners in Granite House. However, one chance yet remained. It was that Bob Harvey, after all, would not venture his ship into the channel, and that he would keep outside the island. He would be still separated from the coast by half a mile, and at that distance his shot could not be very destructive. Never, repeated Pencroft, Bob Harvey will never, if he is a good seaman, enter that channel. He knows well that it would risk the brig if the sea got up ever so little, and what would become of him without his vessel? In the meanwhile the brig approached the islet, and it could be seen that she was endeavouring to make the lower end. The breeze was light, and as the current had then lost much of its force, Bob Harvey had absolute command over his vessel. The route previously followed by the boats had allowed her to reconnoiter the channel, and she boldly entered it. The pirate's design was now only too evident. He wished to bring her broadside to bear on the chimneys, and from there to reply with shell and ball to the shot, which had till then decimated her crew. Soon the speedy reached the point of the islet. She rounded it with ease. The mainsail was braced up, and the brig hugging the wind stood across the mouth of the mercy. The scoundrels they are coming, said Pencroft. At that moment Cyrus Harding, Ayrton, the sailor, and Herbert were rejoined by Neb and Gideon Spillett. The reporter and his companion had judged it best to abandon the post at the mercy from which they could do nothing against the ship, and they had acted wisely. It was better that the colonists should be together at the moment when they were about to engage in a decisive action. Gideon Spillett and Neb had arrived by dodging behind the rocks, though not without attracting a shower of bullets, which had not, however, reached them. Spillett, Neb! cried the engineer. You are not wounded? No, answered the reporter. A few bruises only from the ricochet. But that cursed brig has entered the channel. Yes, replied Pencroft, and in ten minutes she will have anchored before Granite House. Have you formed any plans, Cyrus? asked the reporter. We must take refuge in Granite House while there is still time, and the convicts cannot see us. That is my opinion, too, replied Gideon Spillett, but once shut up. We must be guided by circumstances, said the engineer. Let us be off, then, and make haste, said the reporter. Would you not wish, Captain, that Ayrton and I should remain here? asked the sailor. What would be the use of that, Pencroft? replied Harding. No, we will not separate. There was not a moment to be lost. The colonists left the chimneys. A bend of the cliff prevented them from being seen by those in the brig. But two or three reports and the crash of bullets on the rock told them that the speedy was at no great distance. To spring into the lift hoist themselves up to the door of Granite House, where Top and Jupe have been shut up since the evening before, to rush into the large room was the work of a minute only. It was quite time for the settlers, through the branches, could see the speedy, surrounded with smoke gliding up the channel. The firing was incessant and shot from the four guns struck blindly, both on the mercy post, although it was not occupied, and on the chimneys. The rocks were splintered and cheers accompanied each discharge. However, they were hoping that Granite House would be spared, thanks to Harding's precaution of concealing the windows, when a shot, piercing the door, penetrated into the passage. We are discovered! exclaimed Pencroft. The colonists had not perhaps been seen, but it was certain that Bob Harvey had thought proper to send a ball through the suspected foliage, which concealed that part of the cliff. Soon he redoubled his attack, when another ball having torn away the leafy screen disclosed a gaping aperture in the granite. The colonist's situation was desperate. Their retreat was discovered. They could not oppose any obstacle to these missiles, nor protect the stone which flew in splinters around them. There was nothing to be done but to take refuge in the upper passage of Granite House, and leave their dwelling to be devastated. When a deep roar was heard, followed by frightful cries, Cyrus Harding and his companion rushed to one of the windows. The brig, irresistibly raised on a sort of water-spout, had just split in two, and in less than ten seconds she was swallowed up with all her criminal crew. End of chapter.