ll then come off in the
syndic's barge. I can have the use of it. Then nothing will be
discovered."

Vanslyperken appeared to reflect again.

"I shall still run a great risk, Mr Ramsay."

"You will run some little, perhaps, but you will be well paid for it, I
promise you."

"Well, sir, I consent," replied Vanslyperken. "At what hour do you
propose to embark?"

"About eleven, or a little earlier. You will have a light over the
stern; hail the boat when you see it coming, and I shall answer, `King's
messenger, with despatches;' that will be a blind to your crew--they
supposed me a king's messenger before."

"Yes, that will be prudent," replied Vanslyperken, who then took his
leave with great apparent cordiality.

"Villain!" muttered Ramsay, as Vanslyperken shut the door, "I know your
thoughts."

We must pass over the remainder of this eventful day. Wilhelmina had
procured the dress of a boy, in which disguise she proposed to elope
with Ramsay, and all her preparations were made long before the time.
Mynheer Krause was also occupied in getting his specie ready for
embarkation, and Ramsay in writing letters. The despatches from the
Hague came down about nine o'clock, and Vanslyperken received them on
board. About ten he weighed and made sail, and hove-to about a mile
outside, with a light shown as agreed. About the time arranged, a large
boat appeared pulling up to the cutter, "Boat, a-hoy!"

"King's messenger with despatches," was the reply.

"All's right," said Vanslyperken; "get a rope there, from forward."

The boat darted alongside of the cutter. She pulled ten oars; but, as
soon as she was alongside, a number of armed men sprang from her on the
decks, and beat the crew below, while Ramsay, with pistols in his belt,
and his sword in his hand, went aft to Vanslyperken.

"What is all this?" exclaimed the terrified lieutenant.

"Nothing, sir, but common prudence on my part," replied Ramsay. "I have
an account to settle with you."

Vanslyperken perceived that his treachery was discovered, and he fell
upon his knees. Ramsay turned away to give orders, and Vanslyperken
darted down the hatchway, and gained the lower deck.

"Never mind," said Ramsay, "he'll not escape me; come, my lads, hand up
the boxes as fast as you can."

Ramsay then went to the boat, and brought up Wilhelmina, who had
remained there, and conducted her down into the cabin. The boxes were
also handed down, the boat made fast