They ascended the left bank of the Mercy, reached the plateau, passed the bridge over Creek Glycerine, and advanced through the forest.

They walked at a good pace, a prey to the liveliest emotions.  There was no doubt but that they were now going to learn the long-searched-for answer to the enigma, the name of that mysterious being, so deeply concerned in their life, so generous in his influence, so powerful in his action!  Must not this stranger have indeed mingled with their existence, have known the smallest details, have heard all that was said in Granite House, to have been able always to act in the very nick of time?

Every one, wrapped up in his own reflections, pressed forward.  Under the arch of trees the darkness was such that even the edge of the road could not be seen.  Not a sound in the forest.  Both animals and birds, influenced by the heaviness of the atmosphere, remained motionless and silent.  Not a breath disturbed the leaves.  The footsteps of the colonists alone resounded on the hardened ground.

During the first quarter of an hour the silence was only interrupted by this remark from Pencroft:—­

“We ought to have brought a torch.”

And by this reply from the engineer:—­

“We shall find one at the corral.”

Harding and his companions had left Granite House at twelve minutes past nine.  At forty-seven minutes past nine they had traversed three out of the five miles which separated the mouth of the Mercy from the corral.

At that moment sheets of lightning spread over the island and illumined the dark trees.  The flashes dazzled and almost blinded them.  Evidently the storm would not be long in bursting forth.

The flashes gradually became brighter and more rapid.  Distant thunder growled in the sky.  The atmosphere was stifling.

The colonists proceeded as if they were urged onwards by some irresistible force.

At ten o’clock a vivid flash showed them the palisade, and as they reached the gate the storm burst forth with tremendous fury.

In a minute the corral was crossed, and Harding stood before the hut.

Probably the house was occupied by the stranger, since it was from thence that the telegram had been sent.  However, no light shone through the window.

The engineer knocked at the door.

No answer.

Cyrus Harding opened the door, and the settlers entered the room, which was perfectly dark.  A light was struck by Neb, and in a few moments the lantern was lighted and the light thrown into every corner of the room.

There was no one there.  Everything was in the state in which it had been left.

“Have we been deceived by an illusion?” murmured Cyrus Harding.

No! that was not possible!  The telegram had clearly said,—­

“Come to the corral immediately.”

They approached the table specially devoted to the use of the wire.  Everything was in order—­the pile on the box containing it, as well as all the apparatus.