some
official, who may perhaps send us to the governor at Leogane, by whom we
shall be examined, and if found to be spies, we shall be shot."

"Then Le Trou is not our first destination, and much will depend upon
the character of the mayor before whom we are taken," observed Oliver.

As they still continued in a northerly direction, they knew that they
were not going to Leogane, which lay to the westward, nor were they
increasing their distance from the Spanish border.

Towards evening they reached a house of some size built, as are most of
those in the country, on one storey, raised on a platform, with a broad
veranda and wide projecting eaves. At one end, however, was a circular
tower of considerable height.

"Here we shall stop, and there will be your lodging after you have been
examined by Monsieur le Maire," said the sergeant, pointing to the
tower.

They conducted them up the steps to a hall, at one end of which was a
baize-covered table, with a large chair and several smaller chairs on
either side.

After some time a little old gentleman in a red nightcap and flowered
dressing-gown, with slippered feet, and spectacles on nose, entered the
hall, followed by another in black, apparently his clerk. Two other
persons also came in, and took their seats at the table, while the clerk
began to nibble his pen and shuffle his papers.

The old gentleman, in a squeaky voice, inquired who were the prisoners
now brought before him, and of what crime they were accused.

The sergeant at once stepped up to the table, and giving a military
salute, informed Monsieur le Maire how he had heard of spies being in
the country, and how he had captured them at the house of Madame La
Roche.

"But if they are Englishmen, they cannot speak French, and we require an
interpreter," said the mayor. "Do any of you, my friends, understand
the language of those detestable islanders?"

No one replied. After the remark of the mayor, it might seem a disgrace
even to speak English.

Rayner, anxious not to prolong the business, on hearing what was said,
stepped up to the table, and observed that, as he spoke French, he
should be happy to explain how he and his companions came into the
country.

He then gave a brief account of the circumstances which led to the
shipwreck, and what had since occurred. He was sorry anybody present
should entertain ill-feelings towards the English, as for his part he
liked France, and had a warm regard