Chapter 17 - Page 2

watched, I reach a narrow excavation about two hundred
and twenty-five yards from where the point of the coast extends
towards the northwest.

At last I am out of the cavern. I am not free, but it is the beginning
of freedom.

On the point the forms of a few sentries stand out against the clear
sky, so motionless that they might be mistaken for pieces of the rock.

On the horizon to the west the position lights of the warship show in
a luminous line.

From a few gray patches discernable in the east, I calculate that it
must be about five o'clock in the morning.

_November 18_.--It is now light enough for me to be able to
complete my notes relating the details of my visit to Thomas Roch's
laboratory--the last lines my hand will trace, perhaps.

I have begun to write, and shall dot down the incidents of the attack
as they occur.

The light damp mist that hangs over the water soon lifts under the
influence of the breeze, and at last I can distinguish the warships.

There are five of them, and they are lying in a line about six miles
off, and consequently beyond the range of Roch's engines.

My fear that after passing in sight of the Bermudas the squadron would
continue on its way to the Antilles or Mexico was therefore unfounded.
No, there it is, awaiting broad daylight in order to attack Back Cup.

There is a movement on the coast. Three or four pirates emerge from
the rocks, the sentries are recalled and draw in, and the entire band
is soon assembled. They do not seek shelter inside the cavern, knowing
full well that the ships can never get near enough for the shells of
the big guns to reach, the island.

I run no risk of being discovered, for only my head protrudes above
the hole in the rock and no one is likely to come this way. The only
thing that worries me is that Serko, or somebody else may take it into
his head to see if I am in my cell, and if necessary to lock me in,
though what they have to fear from me I cannot conceive.

At twenty-five minutes past seven: Ker Karraje, Engineer Serko and
Captain Spade advance to the extremity of the point, where they sweep
the north-western horizon with their telescopes. Behind them the
six trestles are installed, in the grooves of which are Roch's
autopropulsive engines.

Thirty-five minutes past seven: Smoke arises from the stacks of the
warships, which are getting under way and will soon be within range of
the engines.

Horrible cries of joy, salvos of hurrahs--howls of wild beasts I might
more appropriately say--arise from the pirate horde.

At this moment Engineer Serko quits Ker Karraje, whom he leaves with
Captain Spade, and enters the cavern, no doubt to fetch Thomas Roch.