mense wealth, had established a shipyard in
which he built his aeronef. There he could repair it, and even
rebuild it. In his warehouses were materials and provisions of all
sorts stored for the fifty inhabitants who lived on the island.

When Robur had doubled Cape Horn a few days before his intention had
been to regain X Island by crossing the Pacific obliquely. But the
cyclone had seized the "Albatross," and the hurricane had carried her
away to the south. In fact, he had been brought back to much the same
latitude as before, and if his propellers had not been damaged the
delay would have been of no importance.

His object was therefore to get back to X Island, but as the mate had
said, the voyage would be a long one, and the winds would probably be
against them. The mechanical power of the "Albatross" was, however,
quite equal to taking her to her destination, and under ordinary
circumstances she would be there in three or four days.

Hence Robur's resolve to anchor on the Chatham Islands. There was
every opportunity for repairing at least the fore-screw. He had no
fear that if the wind were to rise he would be driven to the south
instead of to the north. When night came the repairs would be
finished, and he would have to maneuver so as to weigh anchor. If it
were too firmly fixed in the rocks he could cut the cable and resume
his flight towards the equator.

The crew of the "Albatross," knowing there was no time to lose, set
to work vigorously.

While they were busy in the bow of the aeronef, Uncle Prudent and
Phil Evans held a little conversation together which had
exceptionally important consequences.

"Phil Evans," said Uncle Prudent, "you have resolved, as I have, to
sacrifice your life?"

"Yes, like you."

"It is evident that we can expect nothing from Robur."

"Nothing."

"Well, Phil Evans, I have made up my mind. If the "Albatross" leaves
this place tonight, the night will not pass without our having
accomplished our task. We will smash the wings of this bird of
Robur's! This night I will blow it into the air!"

"The sooner the better," said Phil Evans.

It will be seen that the two colleagues were agreed on all points
even in accepting with indifference the frightful death in store for
them. "Have you all you want?" asked Evans.

"Yes. Last night, while Robur and his people had enough to do to look
after the safety of the ship, I slipped into the magazine and got
hold of a dynamite cartrid