The Mysterious Island

Chapter 45

But it was no such thing, and when day began to dawn the settlers could

see a confused mass through the morning mist. It was the "Speedy."

"These, my friends," said the engineer, "are the arrangements which

appear to me best to make before the fog completely clears away. It hides

us from the eyes of the pirates, and we can act without attracting their

attention. The most important thing is, that the convicts should believe

that the inhabitants of the island are numerous, and consequently capable

of resisting them. I therefore propose that we divide into three parties.

The first of which shall be posted at the Chimneys, the second at the mouth

of the Mercy. As to the third, I think it would be best to place it on the

islet, so as to prevent, or at all events delay, any attempt at