f the deck light, returned to
his. In about fifteen minutes his light also went out and complete
darkness and silence reigned.

Some two hours later Merriman, who had kept awake and on guard only by
the most determined effort, heard a gentle tap on the barrel and a faint
"Hist!" The lid was slowly raised, and to his intense relief he was able
to stand upright and greet Hilliard crouching without.

"Any news?" queried the latter in the faintest of whispers. "Absolutely
none. Not a single thing came out of that boat but props. I had a
splendid view all the time. Except this, Hilliard"--Merriman's whisper
became more intense--"They suspect us and are trying to trace us."

"Let them try," breathed Hilliard. "Here, take this in."

He handed over the satchel of fresh food and took out the old one.
Then Merriman climbed out, held up the lid until Hilliard had taken his
place, wished his friend good luck, and passing like a shadow along
the wharf, noiselessly descended the steps and reached the boat. A few
seconds later he had drifted out of sight of the depot, and was pulling
with long, easy strokes down-stream.

The air and freedom felt incredibly good after his long confinement, and
it was a delight to stretch his muscles at the oars. So hard did he row
that it was barely three when he reached the boat slip in Hull. There
he tied up the skiff and walked to the hotel. Before four he was sound
asleep in his room.

That evening about seven as he strolled along the waterfront waiting
until it should be time to take out his boat, he was delighted to
observe the Girondin pass out to sea. He had dreaded having to take
another twenty-four hours' trick in the cask, which would have been
necessary had the ship not left that evening. Now all that was needed
was a little care to get Hilliard out, and the immediate job would be
done.

He took out the boat about eleven and duly reached the wharf. All was in
darkness, and he crept to the barrel and softly raised the lid.

Hilliard was exhausted from the long strain, but with his friend's help
he succeeded in clambering out, having first examined the floor of the
barrel to see that nothing had been overlooked, as well as plugging the
two holes with corks. They regained the boat in silence, and it was not
until they were some distance from the wharf that either spoke.

"My goodness! Merriman," Hilliard said at last, "but that was an awful
experience! You left the air in that cursed