“It is not the ‘Duncan’! It could not be!” Pencroft again brought the brig within the range of the telescope, and could see that she was of between three and four hundred tons burden, wonderfully narrow, well-masted, admirably built, and must be a very rapid sailer. But to what nation did she belong? That was difficult to say. “And yet,” added the sailor, “a flag is floating from her peak, but I cannot distinguish the colors of it.” “In half an hour we shall be certain about that,” answered the reporter. “Besides, it is very evident that the intention of the captain of this ship is to land, and, consequently, if not today, to-morrow at the latest, we shall make his acquaintance.” “Never mind!” said Pencroft. “It is best to know whom we have to deal with, and I shall not be sorry to rec