as the only answer. It was doubtful whether the prisoner
understood what was said, though he might have guessed the meaning of
the remark.

The seamen pushed on as fast as they could move. It was no easy matter
to find their way, for the night was very dark, and though the sky was
clear, there was a slight mist, which concealed all objects, except
those close at hand, from view. This was, however, an advantage, as
well as a disadvantage, to the fugitives. Though they had, in
consequence of the mist, greater difficulty in making their way towards
the shore, it assisted to conceal them from any persons who might chance
to cross their path. They had made their escape at an early hour, that
they might have longer time to get an offing before daylight.

Mr Calder strode on ahead, Rawson brought up the rear, Ronald pushed
on, and ranged up alongside his lieutenant. He had a fancy that if
there was danger, it would be there, and he wished to be near him. The
road lay chiefly over sand-hills, very heavy walking. Now and then they
came to rocks, which still further impeded their progress, but there
were bits also of hard ground, over which they passed at a run. The
wind being from the south, they kept at their backs, while the gentle
ripple of the sea on the beach, assisted still further to guide them.
At last Mr Calder stopped.

"We ought to be up to the harbour by this time," he observed in a low
voice. "I see no signs of it."

All the party had now pulled up. As they did so, the sound of voices
from no great distance reached their ears. The speakers were to the
north of them. It was not likely that they were pursuers. Still, if
they passed near, they might discover them. The seamen crouched down to
the ground. The voices grew louder and louder. They seemed to be
coming towards the very spot where the Englishmen were collected.

"Lads, we must master them, whether many or few," whispered Mr Calder.
"Take care none escape."

Morton had been attentively listening to the speakers. "They are
fishermen just landed," he said, in a low tone. "They are on their way
to their homes. I doubt, from what they say, if they have landed their
fish."

"Be ready, lads," said Mr Calder, expecting that the next instant they
would be grappling with the Frenchmen. "Each of you seize his man,
bring him to the ground, and gag him. Take care none get away."

Suddenly the voices ceased. Morton thought that they had been