Be reassured, then, Mrs.Weldon; the water cannot reach you, nor little Jack, nor Nan, nor Mr.Benedict." Mrs.Weldon did not reply.

As to the cousin, he slept like a veritable termite.
Meanwhile the blacks, leaning over this sheet of water, which reflected the lantern's light, waited for Dick Sand to indicate to them what should be done.

He was measuring the height of the inundation.
After having the provisions and arms put out of the reach of the inundation, Dick Sand was silent.
"The water has penetrated by the orifice," said Tom.
"Yes," replied Dick Sand, "and now it prevents the interior air from being renewed." "Could we not make a hole in the wall above the level of the water ?" asked the old black.
"Doubtless, Tom; but if we have five feet of water within, there are perhaps six or seven, even more, without." "You think, Mr.Dick-- ?" "I think, Tom, that the water, rising inside the ant-hill, has compressed the air in the upper part, and that this air now makes an obstacle to prevent the water from rising higher.

But if we pierce a hole in the wall by which the air would escape, either the water would still rise till it reached the outside level, or if it passed the hole, it would rise to that point where the compressed air would again keep it back.

We must be here like workmen in a diving-bell." "What must be done ?" asked Tom.
"Reflect well before acting," replied Dick Sand.