;
failing that, I'll arrange with some fishermen to run us along the coast
in their boat to Saint Malo. You understand?"

"Yes," said Brettison. "I understand, but it is impossible."

"Perhaps; but this is the time to perform impossibilities. It must be
done!"

"I tell you it is impossible," said Brettison slowly. "At the first
attempt to rouse him there would be a scene. He would turn obstinate
and enraged. He is restless, as I told you. I should have to awaken
the people here; for I could not force him to leave by the window, and
this would precipitate the discovery, perhaps bring Sir Mark and your
friend Guest down from the place above."

"I tell you it must be done," said Stratton, but with less conviction.

"You know it cannot be," said Brettison firmly. "I am certain that he
would have one of his fits. Think of the consequences then."

"I do," whispered Stratton; "and the thoughts are maddening. What's
that?"

"Speak lower. It was Barron moving in his room. Look here; there need
be no discovery if we are cool and cautious. It is absurd to attempt
anything now. Wait till the morning. Let him get up at his usual time.
He will be quiet and manageable then. I will keep him in, and wait
till the Jerrolds are gone out--they are sure to go--most likely to sea
for a sail--and then join you at the inn, where you can have a carriage
or boat waiting. Then we must escape just as we stand; our luggage
could be fetched another time. We can be going to take him for a
drive."

Stratton was silent.

"It is the only way, I'm sure," whispered Brettison.

"Yes," said Stratton, with a sigh; "I am afraid you are right."

"I am sure I am."

"Yes," said Stratton. "Hist! is that he moving again?"

"And talking in his sleep. But you are sure there is no doubt?"

"Doubt, man? No. Yes, it must be as you say; but, mind, I shall be a
prisoner at the inn. I cannot stir out. You must give me warning when
you will come."

"And you must not speak or notice him."

"Oh, we must risk all that," said Stratton more loudly. "Our only
course is at all risks to get him right away."

"Hush! Be silent. Now go."

Stratton hesitated as he heard a low muttering again in the next room;
but Brettison pressed his hand and thrust him away.

"Go," he said, and softly closed the window, while, after standing
listening for a few moments, Stratton moved away with a strange
foreboding of coming peril, and walked back