Upon further inspection of the ship they’ve sighted, they spy a black flag sailing from the mast and realize it may be a pirate ship. Desiring to conceal their presence, they quickly attempt to camouflage the evidence that anyone is currently living on the island while also gathering their weapons in Granite House. Dropping anchor in the harbor, the ship fires a cannon shot, indicating their intention to stay in place and possibly come ashore. By now, it is night.

The men are anxious to observe the actions of the ship and those aboard and discuss their options. Ayrton volunteers to swim out to the ship to ascertain the nature and number of the crew. Cyrus objects to this as he doesn’t want Ayrton putting his life in danger, but Ayrton insists: “Mr. Cyrus, I’m begging you, as a favor. This might help to redeem me in my own eyes!” (510). Pencroff accompanies Ayrton to the shoreline in case they encounter anyone on the way there who may have already landed.

Finally making it to the ship, Ayrton discovers that it is filled with escaped convicts from Norfolk, that the ship’s name is the Speedy, and that the crew of English prisoners is captained by an old acquaintance of Ayrton’s, Bob Harvey.