ieur, that
is only the first of it, and that the drownings will go on until
the prisons are cleared."

"Thank God we know that much, Adolphe! Now, in the first place,
I want you to get me some tools--a sharp saw, a chisel, a large
screw-driver, and half a dozen large screws; also, two beams of
wood to fasten across the hatchway and keep the boards up after I
have sawn through them; also, I want three bundles of cork--flat
pieces will be the best if you can get them, but that doesn't matter
much. I may as well have an auger too. When you go back to your
house will you go in next door and ask our landlady, Mere Leflo--"

"She died three days ago," the man said.

"Then go into the house without asking, and in the farthest corner
to the right-hand side of the kitchen scratch away the earth, and
you will find a little bag of money. If I fail to-morrow, keep it
for yourself; if I succeed, bring it to me at Pierre's. When does
your lugger sail for England?"

"In three days, monsieur. I have already sounded the captain, and
I think he will take you. And what shall I do next?"

"At nine o'clock this evening have a boat with the things on board
half a mile below the town. Give a low whistle, and I will answer
it. Wrap some flannel round the rowlocks to muffle the sound. It
will be a dark night, and there's a mist rising already from the
river. I do not think there's much chance of our meeting any boats
near those vessels."

"No, indeed," Adolphe agreed. "It makes me shiver to look at them.
There will be no boat out on the river to-night except ours. Will
you not come home with me, monsieur, until it is time to start?
You will need supper, for you must keep up your strength."

Harry accepted the sailor's invitation; and after partaking of
a meal with Adolphe and his wife, who was informed of the attempt
which was about to be made, he sat looking quietly into the fire,
arranging in his mind all the details of the enterprise, uttering
many a silent but fervent prayer that he might be permitted to save
the lives of the two girls.

Adolphe went in and out making his preparations. At half-past eight
he said, touching Harry on the shoulder: "It is time to start,
monsieur. I have got the bag of money. Everything is in the boat,
and I saw the men start with it. It is time for us to go and meet
them."

Marthe burst into tears as she said good-bye to Harry.

"I shall spend all night on my knees," she said, "praying God and