overheard, but once more the fishermen went on talking; their footsteps
were heard, but gradually the strength of the sound decreased, their
voices became less and less distinct, till they were altogether lost in
the distance. The lieutenant now led the way rapidly onward.

"If we had been a minute sooner we should have been discovered," thought
Morton. "All is for the best."

They had now reached the little harbour. Several boats were drawn up,
but all at a considerable distance from the water. It would be
difficult to launch one of them without making a noise. A small boat
was distinguished a short distance from the shore. Ronald offered to
swim off to it, and bring it in. His clothes were off in an instant.

"Stay, I may have to cut the cable," he observed, putting his clasp
knife between his teeth.

The water was somewhat cold, but he did not heed that. Excitement kept
his blood in circulation. He soon reached the boat. His knife came
into requisition, and though there were no oars, he found a loose bottom
board, and managed to paddle in with it to the beach.

It was still necessary to be very cautious. Lights were seen in some
huts not far off, and the inmates might hear them and suspect that
something was wrong.

The boat would not hold the entire party, so Mr Calder and Glover, with
some of the men, embarked first, to select the craft most likely to suit
them.

It was an anxious time for those on shore. The crews might be on board
some of the boats, and if one of those was selected, the alarm might be
given.

"We shall have to knock some of the fellows on the head if they are,
that will be all," observed Rawson, coolly.

The boat, however, returned without any disturbance, and the rest of the
seamen got into her, bringing her gunwale almost flush with the water.
Scarcely had they got twenty yards from the shore, when a voice hailed
in French, "Yes, you were before us; don't wait--_bon soir_," answered
Ronald, promptly, in the same language.

They pulled out as fast as they could, and got on board a a large
half-decked boat, with her sails on board, and pulling eight oars.

The question was now, how to get out of the harbour. Rawson in the punt
went ahead, to pilot the way, while the anchor was noiselessly weighed.
The oars being got out, the little craft stood after the boat.

The mouth of the harbour was discovered, they were in the open sea. How
joyously beats the hearts of all to f