a Maria,'--though in truth
'twas not altogether an enjoyable experience,--and now know precisely
where the prisoners are confined, even to the room of the Chevalier.
If you will listen patiently I will briefly relate the story; then we
can outline together our further plans for the night. Are we alone?"

Both nodded, far too eager to waste time in words, and as rapidly as
possible I described those incidents already narrated. At the close
Eloise simply thanked me in silence with an appreciative glance, but
the priest proved more demonstrative.

"Thou hast, indeed, accomplished much, my son," he exclaimed
impulsively, clasping and unclasping the slender fingers of his white
hands nervously. "Surely but for our fervent prayers the good Lord
would never have led you amid such imminent and deadly peril. Yet to
me the venture appeareth even more hopeless than before. You made
mention of plans; shall we not discuss such at once, for the rapidly
speeding time must greatly press us. The great Apostle once said, in
connection with the work of the Spirit, 'Brethren, the time is short';
it seemeth a fit text for us even now."

"It is too early for action," I replied thoughtfully. "I require food,
and it will be best to delay until a late hour before moving in such a
scheme as mine. As to plans--faith, the word was ill-chosen if I used
it, for excepting the mode already outlined for attaining the deck, I
have none. Yet there are certain matters I require to have arranged
before I depart. Madame de Noyan, can you furnish me with a strong
boat and two stout oarsmen? They must be men to trust, who will care
little where they go."

"It shall be done," she answered promptly, her eyes brightening.
"Alphonse will gladly go, and he can select another from among the
slaves."

"The Chevalier, can he swim if occasion arise?"

"He is perfectly at home in the water."

"Good; then we need run no extra risk by keeping a boat beside the
frigate. Let it await our coming beneath the darkest shadows of the
cotton sheds near the North Gate. Have them place within it my rifle
and ammunition, together with whatever weapons of war your husband may
be accustomed to use; see that the boat be well provisioned for a long
voyage, as it will require much travel before we get beyond Spanish
reach, and we go not into a region of settlements. Bid the men exhibit
no light, nor converse above whispers. My word to them will be
'Virginia'; the