e useful," thought Foy, as he slipped handle and finger
into the pocket of his cloak.

Then they all took oars and rowed till presently they drew near a wharf.

"Now, daughters, make ready," said Hans, and the girls stood up. As they
touched the wharf Red Bow bent down and kissed Foy.

"The rest were in play, this is in earnest," she said, "and for luck.
Good-night, companion, and think of me sometimes."

"Good-night, companion," answered Foy, returning the kiss. Then she
leapt ashore. They never met again.

"You know what to do, girls," said Hans; "do it, and in three days you
should be safe in England, where, perhaps, I may meet you, though do not
count on that. Whatever happens, keep honest, and remember me till we
come together again, here or hereafter, but, most of all, remember your
mother and your benefactor Hendrik Brant. Farewell."

"Farewell, father," they answered with a sob, and the boat drifted
off down the dark canal, leaving the two of them alone upon the wharf.
Afterwards Foy discovered that it was the short sister who walked with
Martin that was married. Gallant little Red Bow married also, but later.
Her husband was a cloth merchant in London, and her grandson became Lord
Mayor of that city.

And now, having played their part in it, these two brave girls are out
of the story.

CHAPTER XIV

SWORD SILENCE RECEIVES THE SECRET

For half an hour or more they glided down the canal unmolested and
in silence. Now it ran into a broader waterway along which they slid
towards the sea, keeping as much as possible under the shadow of one
bank, for although the night was moonless a faint grey light lay upon
the surface of the stream. At length Foy became aware that they were
bumping against the sides of a long line of barges and river boats laden
with timber and other goods. To one of these--it was the fourth--the
pilot Hans made fast, tying their row-boat to her stern. Then he climbed
to the deck, whispering to them to follow.

As they scrambled on board, two grey figures arose and Foy saw the flash
of steel. Then Hans whistled like a plover, and, dropping their swords
they came to him and fell into talk. Presently Hans left them, and,
returning to Foy and Martin, said:

"Listen: we must lie here a while, for the wind is against us, and it
would be too dangerous for us to try to row or pole so big a boat down
to the sea and across the bar in the darkness, for most likely we should
set her fast up