ing their muskets above their heads to preserve them from contact with the water, managed to land on the right bank of the river. Then, finding they were exposed to the fire of the ambush there, they fled in the direction of Flotsam Point, out of range of the balls.
The actual situation was this: on the islet were a dozen convicts, of whom some were no doubt wounded, but who had still a boat at their disposal; on the island were six, but who could not by any possibility reach Granite House, as they could not cross the river, all the bridges being raised.
"Hallo," exclaimed Pencroft, rushing into the Chimneys, "hallo, captain! What do you think of it, now?"
"I think," answered the engineer, "that the combat, will now take a new form, for it cannot be supposed that the convicts will be so foolish as to remain in a position so unfavorable for them!"
"They won't cross the channel," said the sailor. "Ayrton and Mr. Spilett's rifles are there to prevent them. You know that they carry more than a mile!"
"No doubt," replied Herbert; "but what can two rifles do against the brig's guns?"
"Well, the brig isn't in the channel yet!" said Pencroft.
"But suppose she does come there?" said Harding.
"That's impossible, for she would risk running aground and being lost!"
"It is possible," said Ayrton. "The convicts might profit by the high tide to enter the channel, with the risk of grounding at low tide. Then, under the fire from her guns, our posts would be no longer tenable."
"Confound them!" exclaimed Pencroft, "it really seems as if the blackguards were weighing anchor."
"Perhaps we shall be obliged to take refuge in Granite House!" observed Herbert.
"We must wait!" answered Cyrus Harding.
"But Mr. Spilett and Neb?" said Pencroft.
"They will know when it is best to rejoin us. Be ready, Ayrton. It is yours and Spilett's rifles which must speak now." It was only too true. The Speedy was beginning to weigh her anchor, and her intention was evidently to approach the islet. The tide would be rising for an hour and a half, and the ebb current being already weakened, it would be easy for the brig to advance. But as to entering the
