d, with me, taken a full survey of our locality.

"I tell you what, Tom; if we once get to Morlaix, all chance is over,"
said he. "We must either get out of this church this very night, or we
must make up our minds to remain in prison Heaven knows how long."

"Have we any chance?"

"I'll tell you more about that in a little while."

The door of the church now opened, and the people brought in the straw
for the beds, which they threw all in a heap in the center of the
church, and the doors were again closed.

"I see daylight now," said Bramble. "Tom, find the mate and boatswain,
and bring them here to me quickly."

I did so, and Bramble asked them whether they were inclined to make an
attempt to get clear.

They replied that they would join us in anything--they did not care what
it was, and against any odds.

"Well, then," said Bramble, "my idea is this. You see there are but
twelve old soldiers to guard us; for you may be certain that, before
long, all the privateer's men will be as drunk as owls--that's but
natural; not that I think of coming to any fight with them, but I make
the observation because, if we get out, we shall have little to fear
afterward. Now, you see, I asked for the straw because the idea came in
my head that it might be useful. You see, what I propose is, as there is
plenty of wood in this part of the church, that we should wait till
about three hours after dark--that is, until ten or eleven o'clock--and
then set fire to the church. They must come and let us out, you know; at
least I take it for granted that they will before the roof comes down.
If they don't, we must force the doors ourselves--I've looked at
them--and until we do there is no fear of suffocating, for there are no
panes to the windows. So, after all, it will only be a bonfire, without
danger to anybody."

"Well, but what shall we gain by it?" said the mate. "We shall be walked
out with the other prisoners, and how shall we then escape?"

"There it is: we will not be walked out with the other prisoners; and,
in the confusion and hurry of taking them away to one place or another,
they will not be likely to miss us. We will all go up this narrow tower,
where we may remain, till the church falls in, with perfect safety; and
then, when all is quiet again, and the people have left the spot, we
will make for the pier, get one of the fishing boats and be off. How do
you like the idea?"

We all agreed that the plan was very feasi