Facing the Flag · Chapter
Back Cup explained
Simon Hart, still disguised as Warder Gaydon, recognizes the island of Back Cup as the Ebba approaches.
What happens
Simon Hart, still disguised as Warder Gaydon, recognizes the island of Back Cup as the Ebba approaches. He recalls a previous visit to the Bermudas and the abandoned fishing village due to volcanic activity. The schooner navigates through a natural canal, and a submerged tugboat surfaces, transporting Hart and Thomas Roch into the interior of the mountain, revealing the secret hideout of Count d'Artigas and his crew.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Secrecy
Back Cup is revealed as a hidden volcanic island retreat, accessible only via a submerged submarine passage, emphasizing the secrecy and isolation of d'Artigas's operations.
Deception and Identity
Simon Hart maintains his disguise as Warder Gaydon while recognizing the island, and d'Artigas's true nature remains hidden from the outside world.
Technology and Destruction
The use of a submersible tug to enter the volcanic cavern hints at advanced technology, while the dormant volcano's potential eruption underscores the theme of destruction.
Characters to notice
- Simon Hart
Narrator and protagonist, disguised as Warder Gaydon; recognizes Back Cup from a prior visit and deduces the schooner's location.
- Count d'Artigas
Mysterious leader of the schooner; observes Hart closely and directs the operation to enter Back Cup.
- Engineer Serko
Orders Hart below deck as the tug prepares to submerge and enter the submarine cavern.
- Captain Spade
Goes forward with d'Artigas and Serko to maneuver the schooner and retrieve the buoy marking the submerged entrance.
- Thomas Roch
Mentioned as being placed in a similar compartment to Hart during the transfer into the tug.
- Effrondat
Boatswain preparing to anchor as the schooner approaches Back Cup.
Key passages
“I recognize the cabin the moment I enter it. It is the place in which I spent so many long hours after our abduction from Healthful House, and in which I was confined until well out at sea off Pamlico Sound.”
Hart immediately identifies the cabin as the same one where he was held captive after being kidnapped from Healthful House.
Hart's recognition of the cabin confirms the continuity of his captivity and the schooner's journey.
“No, I repeat, the Count d’Artigas would probably not be overpleased if he were aware that Warder Gaydon is perfectly acquainted with this islet, even if the Ebba was to anchor there—which, as there is no port, is, to say the least, extremely improbable.”
Hart notes that d'Artigas would be displeased to learn that Gaydon (Hart's alias) knows Back Cup from a previous visit.
Hart's prior knowledge of the island gives him a strategic advantage and fuels his cautious behavior.
“Now I understand! At last the mystery is solved. I know what was the motor that”
Hart suddenly comprehends the schooner's secret propulsion system as he sees the submerged tugboat rising.
This moment of revelation marks a turning point in Hart's understanding of the Ebba's capabilities.