ly serene. A light south-easterly
breeze, and smooth water, would enable them to run along the coast just
out of sight of those on land, while several small vessels in the
harbour would supply them with a craft suited to their purpose.

The prospect in view put them all in high spirits, and with infinite
relish they discussed the viands which had been brought them. While
thus engaged the door of their prison opened, and two persons in naval
uniform appeared before them. One Morton at once recognised as Alfonse
Gerardin, though he looked even more pale and sickly than when he had
been rescued from the wreck. Ronald sprang up to greet him. His
companion, on whose arm he rested, was a strongly-built middle-aged man.
Alfonse gave his hand to Ronald.

"I could not bear the thought of your going away without seeing you once
more," he said. "I could not have obtained leave had it not been for my
father, Lieutenant Gerardin, of whom I told you."

"What you told me was merely that he had been killed," said Ronald.

"So I thought, but happily I was mistaken. He had been knocked
overboard, but he was picked up by a boat, and unable to regain the ship
was brought to shore, not far from this, when hearing of the shipwreck
he found us out."

"And you are the young gentleman to whom my dear boy here is indebted
for his life," said Lieutenant Gerardin, in broken English, grasping
Ronald's hand warmly. "I am grateful to you. Though my nation is at
war with yours, I love your countrymen. I would serve you gladly at the
risk of my life. You are to be removed into the interior to-morrow, and
a far-off fortress will be your habitation. This night you must make
your escape; I have provided part of the means. There is a fishing-boat
in that little harbour to the north; she pulls fast, and has oars and
sails aboard, as also some water and provisions, but not sufficient.
Carry all you can with you. I have bribed some of the guards, but not
all; you may meet with opposition; you will know how to deal with your
enemies. Do not think me a traitor to France; I owe her no allegiance,
and yet I am bound to her. Now farewell!--we may never meet again, but
you will at least not think that he whom you so bravely saved from death
is ungrateful."

Alfonse Gerardin said but little; he warmly shook Ronald's and Glover's
hands, and then he and his father hurriedly took their departure.

The rest of the day was spent by the party in tal