“It is the last revolt of his wild nature,” said he, “which remorse has touched, and which renewed solitude will terrify.”

“I have no need to tell you, gentlemen, that Ayrton, Ben Joyce, and I, are the same.”

“I think nothing, I know nothing!” interrupted Cyrus Harding. “I am content to rank this incident among those which I have not been able to explain to this day!

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,—

“We must take refuge in Granite House while there is still time, and the convicts cannot see us.”

“All that I can tell you is, that it was not I,” answered Cyrus Harding; “but it was there, and you have been able to judge of its incomparable power!”

“Very well, wait, and we will not attack them unless we are attacked first.”

“I am not mistaken!” declared the sailor. “My hand does it so naturally, and one’s hand is never mistaken!”

“In an hour he may be here. We will watch for his return.”

It can, therefore, be well understood how injurious this seclusion in the corral must have been to the colonists.

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

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.”

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

“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!”

“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?”

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

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

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