The ceremony of the purification prevented Laputa from keeping a good look-out, and the result was that a way was made for the guns on the north-western corner of the rampart of rock.

It was the way which Beyers had taken, and indeed the enterprise was directed by one of Beyers's old commandants.

All that day the work continued, while Laputa and I were travelling to Machudi's.

Then came the evening when I staggered into camp and told my news.

Arcoll, who alone knew how vital Laputa was to the success of the insurrection, immediately decided to suspend all other operations and devote himself to shepherding the leader away from his army.