The sailor was so positive that neither Gideon Spilett nor Herbert could dispute his statement. It was evident that the vessel had been moved, more or less, since Pencroft had brought her to Port Balloon. As to the sailor, he had not the slightest doubt that the anchor had been raised and then dropped again. Now, what was the use of these two manoeuvres, unless the vessel had been employed in some expedition? "But how was it we did not see the _Bonadventure_ pass in sight of the island?" observed the reporter, who was anxious to bring forward every possible objection. "Why, Mr Spilett," replied the sailor, "they would only have to start in the night with a good breeze, and they would be out of sight of the island in two hours." "Well," resumed Gideon Spilett, "I ask again, what object could the convicts have had in using the _Bonadventure_, and why, after they had made use of her, should they have brought her back to port?" "Why, Mr Spilett," replied the sailor, "we must put that among the unaccountable things, and not think anything more about it. The chief thing is that the _Bonadventure_ was there, and she is there now. Only, unfortunately, if the convicts take her a second time, we shall very likely not find her again in her place!" "Then, Pencroft," said Herbert, "would it not be wisest to bring the _Bonadventure_ off to Granite House?" "Yes and no," answered Pencroft, "or rather no. The mouth of the Mercy is a bad place for a vessel, and the sea is heavy there." "But by hauling her up on the sand, to the foot of the Chimneys?" "Perhaps yes," replied Pencroft. "At any rate, since we must leave Granite House for a long expedition, I think the _Bonadventure_ will be safer here during our absence, and we shall do best to leave her here until the island is rid of these blackguards." "That is exactly my opinion," said the reporter. "At any rate in the event of bad weather, she will not be exposed here as she would be at the mouth of the Mercy." "But suppose the convicts pay her another visit," said Herbert. "Well, my boy," replied Pencroft, "not finding her here, they would not be long in finding her on the sands of Granite House, and, during our absence, nothing could hinder them from seizing her! I agree, therefore, with Mr Spilett, that she must be left in Port Balloon. But, if on our return we have not rid the island of those rascals, it will be prudent to bring our boat to Granite House, until the time when we need not fear any unpleasant visits." "That's settled. Let us be off," said the reporter.