During the week, Pencroff, assisted by Herbert, who used the sailor’s needle skilfully, worked with such diligence that the sails of the launch were finished. Thanks to the rigging which had been recovered with the envelope of the balloon, hemp cordage was not wanting. The sails were bordered by strong bolt-ropes, and there was enough left to make halliards, shrouds, and sheets. The pulleys were made by Smith on the lathe which he had set up, acting under Pencroff’s instruction. The rigging was, therefore, completed before the launch was finished. Pencroff made a red, white, and blue flag, getting the dye from certain plants; but to the thirty-seven stars representing the thirty-seven States of the Union, the sailor added another star, the star of the “State of Lincoln:” as he considered his island as already annexed to the great republic. “And,” said he, “it is in spirit, if it is not in fact!” For the present the flag was unfurled from the central window of Granite House and saluted with three cheers. Meantime, they had reached the end of the cold season; and it seemed as if this second winter would pass without any serious event, when during the night of the 11th of August, Prospect Plateau was menaced by a complete devastation. After a busy day the colonists were sleeping soundly, when towards 4 o’clock in the morning, they were suddenly awakened by Top’s barking. The dog did not bark this time at the mouth of the pit, but at the door, and he threw himself against it as if he wished to break it open. Jup, also, uttered sharp cries. “Be quiet, Top!” cried Neb, who was the first awake. But the dog only barked the louder. “What’s the matter?” cried Smith. And every one dressing in haste, hurried to the windows and opened them. “Beneath them a fall of snow shone white through the darkness. The colonists could see nothing, but they heard curious barkings penetrating the night. It was evident that the shore had been invaded by a number of animals which they could not see.” “What can they be?” cried Pencroff. “Wolves, jaguars, or monkeys!” replied Neb. “The mischief! They can get on to the plateau!” exclaimed the reporter. “And our poultry-yard, and our garden!” cried Herbert. “How have they got in?” asked Pencroff. “They have come through the causeway,” answered the engineer, “which one of us must have forgotten to close!” “In truth,” said Spilett, “I remember that I left it open—” “A nice mess you have made of it, sir!” cried the sailor. “What is done, is done,” replied Spilett. “Let us consider what it is necessary to do!” These questions and answers passed rapidly between Smith and his companions. It was certain that the causeway had been passed, that the shore had been invaded by animals, and that, whatever they were, they could gain Prospect Plateau by going up the left bank of the Mercy. It was, therefore, necessary quickly to overtake them, and, if necessary, to fight them!