The reporter and Pencroff, ever since their arrival on the edge of the wood, had watched the corral. It seemed to be completely deserted. The upper edge of the palisade was in somewhat stronger relief than the surrounding shades, and nothing broke its outlines. Nevertheless, if the convicts were there, they must have posted one of their number as a guard. Spilett took the hand of his companion, and crept cautiously forward to the gate of the corral. Pencroff tried to push it open, but it was, as they had supposed, fastened. But the sailor discovered that the outer bars were not in place. They, therefore, concluded that the convicts were within, and had fastened the gate so that it could only be broken open. They listened. No sound broke the silence. The animals were doubtless sleeping in their sheds. Should they scale the fence? It was contrary to Smith’s instructions. They might be successful or they might fail. And, if there was now a chance of surprising the convicts, should they risk that chance in this way? The reporter thought not. He decided that it would be better to wait until they were all together before making the attempt. Two things were certain, that they could reach the fence unseen, and that the place seemed unguarded. Pencroff, probably, agreed to this, for he returned with the reporter to the wood, and a few minutes later Smith was informed of the situation. “Well,” said he after reflecting for a moment, “I don’t think that the convicts are here.” “We will find out when we have climbed in.” cried Pencroff. “To the corral, my friends.” “Shall we leave the wagon in the wood?” cried Neb. “No,” said Smith, “it may serve as a defense in case of need.” The wagon issued from the wood and rolled noiselessly over the ground. The darkness and the silence were profound. The colonists kept their guns in readiness to fire. Jup kept behind, at Pencroff’s order, and Neb held Top. Soon the dangerous zone was crossed, and the wagon was drawn up beside the fence. Neb stood at the head of the onagers to keep them quiet, and the others went to the gate to determine if it was barricaded on the inside. One of its doors was open! “What did you tell us?” exclaimed the engineer, turning to the sailor and Spilett. They were stupefied with amazement. “Upon my soul,” cried the sailor, “It was shut a minute ago!” The colonists hesitated. The convicts must have been in the corral when Pencroff and the reporter had made their reconnoissance; for the gate could only have been opened by them. Were they still there? At this moment, Herbert, who had ventured some steps within the inclosure, rushed back and seized Smith’s hand. “What have you seen?” asked the engineer. “A light!” “In the house?” “Yes, sir.” All went forward and saw a feeble ray of light trembling through the windows of the building. Smith determined what to do at once.