Had the engineer, then, been right in his presentiments?  Was this a pirate vessel?  Did she scour the Pacific, competing with the Malay proas which still infest it?  For what had she come to look at the shores of Lincoln Island?  Was it to them an unknown island, ready to become a magazine for stolen cargoes?  Had she come to find on the coast a sheltered port for the winter months?  Was the settlers’ honest domain destined to be transformed into an infamous refuge—­the headquarters of the piracy of the Pacific?

All these ideas instinctively presented themselves to the colonists’ imaginations.  There was no doubt, besides, of the signification which must be attached to the color of the hoisted flag.  It was that of pirates!  It was that which the “Duncan” would have carried, had the convicts succeeded in their criminal design!  No time was lost before discussing it.

“My friends,” said Cyrus Harding, “perhaps this vessel only wishes to survey the coast of the island.  Perhaps her crew will not land.  There is a chance of it.  However that may be, we ought to do everything we can to hide our presence here.  The windmill on Prospect Heights is too easily seen.  Let Ayrton and Neb go and take down the sails.  We must also conceal the windows of Granite House with thick branches.  All the fires must be extinguished, so that nothing may betray the presence of men on the island.”

“And our vessel?” said Herbert.

“Oh,” answered Pencroft, “she is sheltered in Port Balloon, and I defy any of those rascals there to find her!”

The engineer’s orders were immediately executed.  Neb and Ayrton ascended the plateau, and took the necessary precautions to conceal any indication of a settlement.  While they were thus occupied, their companions went to the border of Jacamar Wood, and brought back a large quantity of branches and creepers, which would at some distance appear as natural foliage, and thus disguise the windows in the granite cliff.  At the same time, the ammunition and guns were placed ready so as to be at hand in case of an unexpected attack.

When all these precautions had been taken,—­

“My friends,” said Harding, and his voice betrayed some emotion, “if the wretches endeavor to seize Lincoln Island, we shall defend it—­shall we not?”

“Yes, Cyrus,” replied the reporter, “and if necessary we will die to defend it!”

The engineer extended his hand to his companions, who pressed it warmly.  Ayrton remained in his corner, not joining the colonists.  Perhaps he, the former convict, still felt himself unworthy to do so!

Cyrus Harding understood what was passing in Ayrton’s mind, and going to him—­

“And you, Ayrton,” he asked, “what will you do?”

“My duty,” answered Ayrton.

He then took up his station near the window and gazed through the foliage.