It is not likely that the ships will attempt a night attack and land a storming party, for they must imagine that the place is in a thorough condition of defence.
All night long the pirates work, installing the trestles at different points of the coast.

Six have been taken through the passage to places selected in advance.
This done, Engineer Serko joins Thomas Roch in his laboratory.

Is he going to tell him what is passing, that a squadron is in view of Back Cup, and that his fulgurator will be employed to defend the island?
What is certain is that half a hundred engines, each charged with several pounds of the explosive and of the substance that ensures a trajectory superior to that of any other projectile, are ready for their work of destruction.
As to the deflagrator liquid, Thomas Roch has a certain number of phials of it, and--I know only too well--will not refuse to help Ker Karraje's pirates with it.
During these preparations night has come on.

Only the lamps of the Beehive are lighted and a semi-obscurity reigns in the cavern.
I return to my cell.

It is to my interest to keep out of the way as much as possible, for Engineer Serko's suspicions might be revived now that the squadron is approaching Back Cup.
But will the vessels sighted continue on their course in this direction?
May they not be merely passing on their way to Bermuda?
For an instant this doubt enters my mind.