From where he was this man could not see the lagoon, moreover there were only two lamps alight, one on each side of the lake, and the forest of pillars was wrapt in the profoundest obscurity.
I was walking about in the shadow, when some one passed me.
I saw that he was Thomas Roch.
He was walking slowly, absorbed by his thoughts, his brain at work, as usual.
Was this not a favorable opportunity to talk to him, to enlighten him about what he was probably ignorant, namely, the character of the people into whose hands he had fallen?
"He cannot," I argued, "know that the Count d'Artigas is none other than Ker Karraje, the pirate.

He cannot be aware that he has given up a part of his invention to such a bandit.

I must open his eyes to the fact that he will never be able to enjoy his millions, that he is a prisoner in Back Cup, and will never be allowed to leave it, any more than I shall.

Yes, I will make an appeal to his sentiments of humanity, and point out to him what frightful misfortunes he will be responsible for if he does not keep the secret of his deflagrator." All this I had said to myself, and was preparing to carry out my resolution, when I suddenly felt myself seized from behind.
Two men held me by the arms, and another appeared in front of me.
Before I had time to cry out the man exclaimed in English: "Hush! not a word! Are you not Simon Hart ?" "Yes, how did you know ?" "I saw you come out of your cell." "Who are you, then ?" "Lieutenant Davon, of the British Navy, of H.M.S._Standard_, which is stationed at the Bermudas." Emotion choked me so that it was impossible for me to utter a word.
"We have come to rescue you from Ker Karraje, and also propose to carry off Thomas Roch," he added.
"Thomas Roch ?" I stammered.
"Yes, the document signed by you was found on the beach at St.
George----" "In a keg, Lieutenant Davon, which I committed to the waters of the lagoon." "And which contained," went on the officer, "the notice by which we were apprised that the island of Back Cup served as a refuge for Ker Karraje and his band--Ker Karraje, this false Count d'Artigas, the author of the double abduction from Healthful House." "Ah! Lieutenant Davon----" "Now we have not a moment to spare, we must profit by the obscurity." "One word, Lieutenant Davon, how did you penetrate to the interior of Back Cup ?" "By means of the submarine boat _Sword_, with which we have been making experiments at St.George for six months past." "A submarine boat!" "Yes, it awaits us at the foot of the rocks.

And now, Mr.Hart, where is Ker Karraje's tug ?" "It has been away for three weeks." "Ker Karraje is not here, then ?" "No, but we expect him back every day--every hour, I might say." "It matters little," replied Lieutenant Davon.