e timber cut with the hatchet, the ironwork with a file, the sheathing
with the chisel. The part of the keel immediately under the machinery
was cut squarewise, and ready to descend with it while still supporting
it. All this frightful swinging mass was held only by one chain, which
was itself only kept in position by a filed notch. At this stage, in
such a labour and so near its completion, haste is prudence.

The water was low; the moment favourable.

Gilliatt had succeeded in removing the axle of the paddles, the
extremities of which might have proved an obstacle and checked the
descent. He had contrived to make this heavy portion fast in a vertical
position within the engine-room itself.

It was time to bring his work to an end. The workman, as we have said,
was not weary, for his will was strong; but his tools were. The forge
was by degrees becoming impracticable. The blower had begun to work
badly. The little hydraulic fall being of sea-water, saline deposits had
encrusted the joints of the apparatus, and prevented its free action.

Gilliatt visited the creek of "The Man Rock," examined the sloop, and
assured himself that all was in good condition, particularly the four
rings fixed to starboard and to larboard; then he weighed anchor, and
worked the heavy barge-shaped craft with the oars till he brought it
alongside the two Douvres. The defile between the rocks was wide enough
to admit it. There was also depth enough. On the day of his arrival he
had satisfied himself that it was possible to push the sloop under the
Durande.

The feat, however, was difficult; it required the minute precision of a
watchmaker. The operation was all the more delicate from the fact that,
for his objects, he was compelled to force it in by the stern, rudder
first. It was necessary that the mast and the ringing of the sloop
should project beyond the wreck in the direction of the sea.

These embarrassments rendered all Gilliatt's operations awkward. It was
not like entering the creek of "The Man," where it was a mere affair of
the tiller. It was necessary here to push, drag, row, and take
soundings all together. Gilliatt consumed but a quarter of an hour in
these manoeuvres; but he was successful.

In fifteen or twenty minutes the sloop was adjusted under the wreck. It
was almost wedged in there. By means of his two anchors he moored the
boat by head and stern. The strongest of the two was placed so as to be
efficient against the