to where that
schooner was lying, and I shall have to choose a place for my fire so
that it can be seen from the top of the hill."

At dinner Jacques told his comrades that he was going to remain behind
and act as signalman for them. A good deal of regret was expressed by
his shipmates, many of whom came like himself from Dunkirk, and had
known him from a boy. Before starting he went to the sailmaker and got
him to open the soles of his shoes; he then inserted ten napoleons in
each, and the sailmaker sewed them up again. Then making his clothes
into a kit and getting a couple of bottles of wine from the steward,
he shook hands with his messmates, and was with Ralph rowed ashore.

On landing they cut two sticks and hung their kits upon these, Ralph
taking charge of the lantern, while both were provided with tinder and
steel.

They walked for half a mile together, and then Jacques said:

"Here our paths separate, lad; you can't miss your way to the top of
the hill. I go almost the other way, for the schooner lies but a short
distance from the end of the island. If I were you I should lie up for
a sleep as soon as I get there. Remember you will not see my fire till
two o'clock. If you do not see it then you must keep watch till
morning, for there's no saying when it may be lit. As soon as you see
it you show a light three times in the direction of the creek. If you
see it answered you will have nothing more to do; if not you must keep
on showing the light till you do get an answer. In the morning you
wait till the sun has been up an hour, then come to this spot and wait
for me. I shall start at daybreak, but I have a lot further to walk
than you have, so I shan't be there before you. If we find your people
haven't come into the harbor we will wait till they do so; then when
they find that there is no one there we can show ourselves quietly;
but if we got there first they might begin to shoot directly they saw
us without stopping to ask any questions."

Ralph made his way up to the top of the hill, threw himself down under
some trees near the summit, and was soon fast asleep. When he awoke it
was already dark. He lit his lantern, covered it up in his jacket, and
took his station at the highest point. He had plenty to think about.
Another twelve hours and he would be with friends! He had no reason to
complain of the treatment he had received on board the privateer, but
had he remained with her he might not have returne