Part 24 (2/2)
”Why, to be sure, we.” The speaker gestured his entire acceptance of the situation. ”Do you forget that I promised to stand your friend if you needed one?”
”I would shake your hand, comrade,” spoke Ezra, much touched, ”if it were not for our being watched.”
”Don't give me too much credit,” laughed Scarlett, his moustaches pointing upward. ”You forget that if you stand a chance of going to a dungeon, I would not be far behind you; for I am not much beyond their suspicions.”
”You are right,” said Ezra, ”and that makes it easier for me to accept your offer.” He bent his head toward them and his voice lowered. ”It will be a desperate risk, no doubt. But, somehow, I feel that if there is a chance to make the crossing, we will do it.”
”Spoken like a lad of mettle,” commented the landlord of the ”Jolly Rover.” ”That is the sort of spirit that carries a man well on his way in anything he undertakes.”
The remainder of the day they spent together in one of the upper chambers, where they would be well out of the way of all prying eyes and listening ears.
”There is a brig tied up at Burrough's wharf, just opposite Battery Alley,” said the innkeeper. ”Her skipper is still aboard of her and he is an old s.h.i.+pmate of mine. I can get a dory from him if the case be made plain to his understanding. Then we can put into it some fis.h.i.+ng-tackle, floats, trawls and such like as was used by the fishermen who once drew their living from the harbor.”
”An excellent idea,” applauded Scarlett. ”It reminds me of a little experience I had once in the Bosphorus while I was in the service of the Moslem. And if this ends as fortunately as that, we shall do very well, indeed.”
As it was found necessary to get some idea of the anchorage of the heavy vessels and the patrolling guard of the smaller, the ex-seaman got out a long gla.s.s and they ascended to the garret, where from one of the dusty windows they could sweep the bay.
s.h.i.+ps of the line and frigates were there in plenty. Heavy troop s.h.i.+ps, and others which had lately arrived with cargoes of supplies, lay sluggishly tugging at their chains.
”There is nothing to be feared from the seaward,” said Stacey. ”So there is little or no activity. The smaller vessels are further up in the rivers. So your best plan, as I see it, is to take a small lug-sail in the bottom of your boat, pull straight out into the harbor, and when you think you are beyond the danger line, up with your sail and head for the nearest safe point that you can make.”
This seemed a most excellent piece of advice, and after some discussion it was adopted. As night drew on the two ate a hearty supper.
”It will help both our strength and our courage,” said Scarlett. ”My experience has taught me that a well cared for stomach is a most necessary thing in an adventure.”
It was eleven o'clock when they donned some worn fisherman's clothing and each a tarpaulin hat. Both wore their hair clubbed in seafaring fas.h.i.+on; and with them they carried the trawl-lines and other equipment that Stacey provided.
The latter had preceded them; so they stole along, keeping in the deepest shadows, toward Burrough's wharf. They narrowly escaped several guards; but at last came safely to the place where the brig was tied up.
The dory was ready; and Stacey and his friend the skipper were awaiting them.
”There are two strong sweeps, a mast and sail in the bottom of her,” the innkeeper told them. ”Keep your minds clear as to the position of the war-s.h.i.+ps and guard vessels; pull straight out of the harbor between them, if you can. It is a moonless night, and so far the luck is with you.”
The speaker shook their hands as did the brig's master.
”I'm taking a risk in doing this,” said the latter. ”But, then, every man must do what he can for the cause, and this is my share for the time.”
There were low-voiced good-byes spoken, then Ezra and Scarlett stepped into the dory, slipped the sweeps into place, headed out into the dark harbor and gave way.
More and more distant grew the few military lights on sh.o.r.e. Nearer and nearer drew the belt of s.h.i.+p lights; and the vessels themselves began to lift their dark bulks out of the water like huge monsters of the deep, watchful, waiting, full of silent terrors.
CHAPTER XII
SHOWS HOW EZRA AND THE ADVENTURER WON BY THE BRITISH FLEET
The night was moonless and without stars; a fresh breeze was blowing from the landward; this, together with the strong strokes of the rowers, drove the dory forward at a good rate of speed.
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