mate and boatswain,
and bring them here to me quickly."

I did so, and Bramble asked them whether they were inclined to make an
attempt to get clear.

They replied that they would join us in anything--they did not care what
it was, and against any odds.

"Well, then," said Bramble, "my idea is this. You see there are but
twelve old soldiers to guard us; for you may be certain that, before
long, all the privateer's men will be as drunk as owls--that's but
natural; not that I think of coming to any fight with them, but I make
the observation because, if we get out, we shall have little to fear
afterwards. Now, you see, I asked for the straw because the idea came
in my head that it might be useful. You see, what I propose is, as
there is plenty of wood in this part of the church, that we should wait
till about three hours after dark--that is, until ten or eleven
o'clock--and then set fire to the church. They must come and let us
out, you know; at least I take it for granted that they will before the
roof comes down: if they don't, we must force the doors ourselves--I've
looked at them--and until we do, there is no fear of suffocating, for
there are no panes to the windows; so, after all, it will only be a
bonfire, without danger to anybody."

"Well, but what shall we gain by it?" said the mate: "we shall be walked
out with the other prisoners, and how shall we then escape?"

"There it is: we will not be walked out with the other prisoners; and,
in the confusion and hurry of taking them away to one place or another,
they will not be likely to miss us. We will all go up this narrow
tower, where we may remain, till the church falls in, with perfect
safety; and then, when all is quiet again, and the people have left the
spot, we will make for the pier, get one of the fishing-boats and be
off. How do you like the idea?"

We all agreed that the plan was very feasible, and would attempt it.

"Well, then, we must remain quiet for the present; all you have to do is
to fetch as much straw this way as you can by degrees: I expect they
will bring us something to eat before long."

We removed a large portion of the straw to the chancel; in half an hour
afterwards the doors were opened and rations of bread were brought in.
What still more assisted our plans was, that the captain of the
privateer at the same time, very good-naturedly, brought a demijohn of
brandy, which he gave to Bramble.

Bramble thanked him through th