Never did I feel more inclined to pitch an engineer into the water!

“It is the ball that went through Herbert’s chest, and I promise you it won’t miss its mark!”

“I will take the command of this steamer, I will defy all the ships of the Federal marine for speed, and I will run the blockade of one of the southern ports.”

The colonists raised their pieces and waited the moment to fire.

“Here is the fine season getting on, and we must not forget that we have a voyage to make.”

“There is always need of a strong man, and if to prove my strength you will try me with three or four of the strongest fellows of your crew, I am ready.”

The truth was that indoors as well as out there was no want of work.

The sailors who had run up to hear what was going on, burst out laughing, when they saw Crockston’s disconcerted look, as he went back to the forecastle.

“Captain Nemo, you asked for us! We are here.—”

A tear glistened in the eyes of the dying man. “My child,” he said, “may God bless you!”

“Let us admit, then, that I am brave, and allow me to stay by you.”

“But enough of myself. I have to speak concerning yourselves, and this Lincoln Island, upon which you have taken refuge. You now desire to leave it?”

Nevertheless, James Playfair, with telescope in his hand, was attentively examining the route to be followed.

“Yes! the captain was right! The danger lies there, and a terrible danger!”

“General Beauregard has told me that your master will be shot within a week.”

“Yes, Spilett,” answered the engineer. “May God grant us the time to complete this vessel, now our sole refuge!”

“Good! You, Captain, will go to General Beauregard, and ask a favour of him which he will not refuse you.

“I was then right in saying,” exclaimed the sailor, “that even after his death the captain would render us a last service.”

“Have the lanterns and the fires on deck extinguished; there is a great deal too much light, but we cannot help the reflection from the engine-rooms.”

In the evening there was a grand ball and banquet at Uncle Vincent’s house, with a large distribution of shillings to the crowd collected in Gordon Street.