A half hour elapsed before the boat, which was rowing against the current, could reach the Speedy. The wounded were lifted on deck, amid howls of rage. A dozen furious convicts manned the boat; another was lowered into the sea, and eight more jumped into it; and while the former rowed straight for the islet, the latter steered around its southern point, heading for the Mercy. Pencroff and Ayrton were in a perilous situation. They waited till the first boat was within easy range, sent two balls into her, to the great discomfort of the crew; then they took to their heels, running the gauntlet of a dozen shots, reached their canoe on the other side of the islet, crossed the channel just as the second boat load of pirates rounded the southern point, and hastened to hide themselves at the Chimneys. They had hardly rejoined Smith and Herbert, when the islet was surrounded and thoroughly searched by the pirates. Almost at the same moment shots were heard from the mouth of the Mercy. As the second boat approached them, Spilett and Neb disposed of two of the crew; and the boat itself was irresistibly hurried upon the rocks at the mouth of the river. The six survivors, holding their guns above their heads to keep them from contact with the water, succeeded in getting on shore on the right bank of the river; and, finding themselves exposed to the fire of a hidden enemy, made off towards Jetsam Point, and were soon out of range. On the islet, therefore, there were twelve convicts, of whom some no doubt were wounded, but who had a boat at their service. Six more had landed on the island itself, but Granite House was safe from them, for they could rot get across the river, the bridges over which were raised. “What do you think of the situation, Mr. Smith?” said Pencroff. “I think,” said the engineer, “that unless these rascals are very stupid, the battle will soon take a new form.” “They will never get across the channel,” said Pencroff. “Ayrton and Mr. Spilett have guns that will carry a mile!” “No doubt,” said Herbert, “but of what avail are two carbines against the brig’s cannon?” “The brig is not in the channel yet,” replied Pencroff. “And suppose she comes there?” said Smith. “She will risk foundering and utter destruction.” “Still it is possible,” said Ayrton. “The convicts may profit by the high tide to run into the channel, taking the risk of running aground; and then, under their heavy guns, our position will become untenable.” “By Jove!” said the sailor, “the beggars are weighing anchor.” It was but too true. The Speedy began to heave her anchor, and showed her intention of approaching the islet.