ation of castaways abandoned on a sterile islet,
constantly contending against a cruel nature for their miserable
existence, and incessantly tormented by the longing to return to
inhabited countries. Pencroft and Neb, especially, who felt themselves
at once so happy and so rich, would not have left their island without
regret. They were accustomed, besides, to this new life in the midst of
the domain which their intelligence had as it were civilised. But at
any rate this ship brought news from the world, perhaps even from their
native land. It was bringing fellow-creatures to them, and it may be
conceived how deeply their hearts were moved at the sight!

From time to time Pencroft took the glass and rested himself at the
window. From thence he very attentively examined the vessel, which was
at a distance of twenty miles to the east. The colonists had as yet,
therefore, no means of signalising their presence. A flag would not
have been perceived; a gun would not have been heard; a fire would not
have been visible. However, it was certain that the island, overtopped
by Mount Franklin, could not have escaped the notice of the vessel's
look-out. But why was this ship coming there? Was it simple chance
which brought it to that part of the Pacific, where the maps mentioned
no land except Tabor Islet, which itself was out of the route usually
followed by vessels from the Polynesian Archipelagos, from New Zealand,
and from the American coast? To this question, which each one asked
himself, a reply was suddenly made by Herbert.

"Can it be the _Duncan_?" he cried.

The _Duncan_, as has been said, was Lord Glenarvan's yacht, which had
left Ayrton on the islet, and which was to return there some day to
fetch him. Now, the islet was not so far-distant from Lincoln Island,
but that a vessel, standing for the one, could pass in sight of the
other. A hundred and fifty miles only separated them in longitude, and
seventy in latitude.

"We must tell Ayrton," said Gideon Spilett, "and send for him
immediately. He alone can say if it is the _Duncan_."

This was the opinion of all, and the reporter, going to the telegraphic
apparatus which placed the corral in communication with Granite House,
sent this telegram:--"Come with all possible speed."

In a few minutes the bell sounded.

"I am coming," replied Ayrton.

Then the settlers continued to watch the vessel.

"If it is the _Duncan_," said Herbert, "Ayrton will rec