st as they could, for now numerous lights were seen on the shore,
and we feared that the emissaries of the Inquisitors were getting boats
ready in order to pursue the fugitives. I knew well the sort of man
with whom they would have to deal, if the latter were captured.

Aveline became as much interested as I was, when I explained what was
taking place.

"I wish that I could help the poor people," she exclaimed; "but I can,
at all events, pray for them!"

She did not appear in any way to think of the dangerous position in
which we ourselves were placed, for there was no doubt that, should we
be overtaken, we should run a great risk of being cast into the prisons
of the Inquisitors. Although no building exclusively used for confining
those accused of heresy had been erected in the Netherlands, the
ordinary prisons were so completely under the command of the
Inquisitors, that they answered every purpose of those fearful edifices
which existed in Spain.

Sir Thomas sat calmly in the boat supporting Richard in his arms, and
endeavouring with his cloak to protect him from the night air. As I
cast my eyes back toward the town we were leaving, the number of lights
increased, and some appeared to be close to the water, and moving
towards us. "If our pursuers have lights in their boats, it will be an
advantage to us," I thought, "as we shall be the better able to avoid
them." I did not, however, mention what I had observed to our crew, who
were already doing their utmost to reach the ship. At length, greatly
to our satisfaction, her signal lights were seen a short distance ahead,
and soon her high sides appeared rising up close before us. Aveline,
with her maiden and Richard, were soon lifted on board, followed by Sir
Thomas. The treasure was quickly hoisted up, and, as the breeze was
favourable, the ship was immediately got under weigh. Those only who
knew the river well could venture down it in the dark. Objects scarcely
visible to landsmen's eyes were seen by her pilot, and thus we were able
to avoid any risk of striking.

We continued on till morning at length broke, when no boats were in
sight; but a short distance from us appeared a large vessel, which I had
little doubt was the _Falcon_, as, having watched her earnestly when I
had before crossed to England, I well remembered her appearance.

It was satisfactory, I thought, to have her near us, in case we might
meet an enemy, as she was, I knew, well-armed;