The necessary preparations for this exploration were now commenced, and were important, for the colonists had sworn not to return to Granite House until their twofold object had been achieved; on the one hand, to exterminate the convicts, and rescue Ayrton, if he was still living; on the other, to discover who it was that presided so effectually over the fortunes of the colony.
Comenzaron los preparativos necesarios para la exploración, y debían ser importantes, porque los colonos habían jurado no volver al Palacio de granito sin haber alcanzado los dos objetos de la expedición: por una parte, destruir a los presidiarios y encontrar a Ayrton si vivía, y por otra, descubrir al hombre que presidía tan eficazmente los destinos de la colonia.