the morning."

The man, pleased at the unusual interest which Ben took in the worn-out
piece of goods, agreed to let him keep it by him. After carrying away
all the other materials, and looking round to see that all was right, he
locked them up for the night.

Left to themselves, they at once began to prepare for action. They drew
forth all the different parts of the parachute (for such it really was,
although the machine so named had never been seen, but only heard of, by
the seamen), and disposed them in such a manner beside the hole in the
floor as to be ready at a moment's notice, either to be fitted on to the
umbrella or thrust back into the place of concealment.

Their manacles had been taken off at the time they began to work, so
that these were no longer impediments in the way.

"Now, Bill, are the bars sure to give way, d'ye think?"

"Sartin sure," said Bill; "they're holdin' by nothin' thicker than a
pin."

"Very good, then, let's go to work. In an hour or so it will be dark
enough to try our flyin' machine, and then good-bye to France--or to the
world. It's neck or nothin', d'ye see?"

"All right," answered Bill.

They sat down to work in good earnest. The spreading rim of canvas,
instead of being tagged on as on former occasions, was now sewn securely
to the umbrella, and when the latter was expanded, the canvas hung down
all round it, and the numerous stays hung quite loose. Ben expected
that the rapidity of the descent would suddenly expand this appendage,
and check the speed. The ends of the loose cords were gathered up and
fastened to the handle, as was also the binding-cord before referred
to--all of which was done with that thoroughness of workmanship for
which sailors are celebrated.

Then a stout cord was fastened to one of the stanchions of the window,
which had been left uncut for the purpose.

When everything was ready the adventurous sailors began to experience
all the anxiety which is inseparable from an action involving much
danger, liability to frustration, and requiring the utmost caution
combined with energy.

They waited until they thought the night was at its darkest. When all
sounds around them had ceased, they took off their shoes and carefully
lifted the bench to the wall under the window. Ben went up first by
mounting on Bill's shoulders. With one powerful wrench he pulled the
iron framework of the window into the room, and handed it down to Bill,
who stooped a