glish too
well for a Frenchman; apparently he was a Dane or Russian, who was
domiciliated there. He commenced with:--

"No one understands English but me--but they are suspicious; be
careful.--What is your name?"

"John Collins."

"Comment?" said the French amanuensis, "John Co-lin. C'est bien;
continuez."

"What is your rank--_and in your Lodge_?"

"Common seaman--master," answered Collins adroitly.

"Comment?" said the party with his pen.

"Matelot," replied the interpreter.

"Demandez-lui le nom du batiment."

"What is the name of your ship?--_how can we assist you_?"

"Terpsichore--_a boat, with provisions_."

"Comment?"

"Fregate croiseur Terpsichore."

"Does she sail well?--_at what time_?"

"_To-night, with a guide_."

"Que dit-il?"

"Elle marche bien avec le vent large."

"Demandez-lui la force."

"What number of guns?--_how can you get out_?"

"Thirty-six guns.--_I have the means_."

"Trente-six canons."

"Trente-six canons," repeated the Frenchman, writing, "c'est bien--
alors, l'equipage."

"How many men?--_I will be here at dark_."

"Two hundred and seventy men; but many away in prizes."

"Deux cents soixante-dix hommes d'equipage; mais il y a beaucoup dans
les batimens pris."

Newton and the others were also interrogated, the names taken down, and
the parties then quitted the prison.

"Now, if we make a push for it, I think we may get off," said Collins to
Newton and the rest, after the door had closed. "I never saw the prison
in England which could hold me when I felt inclined to walk out of it;
and as for their bars, I reckon them at about an hour's work. I never
travel without my little friends;"--and Collins, taking off his old hat,
removed the lining, and produced a variety of small saws made from
watch-springs, files, and other instruments. "Then," continued he,
"with these and this piece of tallow stuck outside my hat, I will be
through those bars in no time. French iron ar'nt worth a damn, and the
sentry shan't hear me if he lolls against them; although it may be just
as well if Thompson tips a stave, as then we may work the faster."

"I say, Bill," observed Hillson, "who is your friend?"

"I don't know--he may be the governor; but this I do know, for the
honour of freemasonry, we may trust him and all like him; so just mind
your own business, Tom."--"He said he would be here at dark," observed
Newton. "Yes,--I must prepare--go to the grating some of you