me of their relatives to
imprisonment and slaughter, and they full well know that he will treat
them in the same way, if he can capture them."

"I wish that I could help you!" I exclaimed. "If you can point out how
I can do so, after I have performed my duty to my employer, I will join
you at any place you may indicate."

"I thank you, but you cannot do that," he answered; "I have my vessel
ready for sailing, and all I could do was to let the poor people know
that when they came alongside I would receive them on board. All my
crew are staunch, and I have no fear that they will betray any one. The
instant, therefore, the poor fugitives come alongside, they will be
hoisted on board and stowed away below, so that, should a Government
boat follow them, by the time the officers reach the ship there will be
no one to be seen. And now, Ernst Verner, farewell. We may meet, I
dare hope, again. I must hasten on board to be ready to receive the
fugitives."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

A GALE.

As soon as Captain Rover had left me, I hastened to Sir Thomas. He
received my information very calmly, and cross-questioned me as to all
Captain Rover had said. "I wished that you had stopped him," he
observed; "and yet I have no reason to doubt his information. I have
already received a warning to the same effect, but was in some doubts as
to the truth of the account given me. None, however, now remains on my
mind. I will, therefore, follow the only prudent course: I will take my
treasure and my family out of the country forthwith."

My patron was prompt in all his actions. Captain Davis was in the
harbour. He instantly sent A'Dale on board to the captain, telling him
to get his vessel in readiness for his reception, and desired him at the
same time to send a dozen stout hands, well-armed, for the protection of
some goods which he proposed to ship forthwith. Litters were ordered
for Aveline and Richard. He, poor fellow, was unable to sit on
horseback; indeed, Sir Thomas could scarcely have been aware of his
dangerous condition, or he would not have attempted to move him,
especially at night, when the damp air was so likely to increase his
malady. Master Clough was not unmindful of the threatened attack on the
house, and secured several porters and other trusty men for its
protection. A similar body was also prepared to conduct the litters and
Sir Thomas down to the water-side. The men had been summoned up one by
one,