ing them
their own wine, entertained them with the hardships of their travel
up. He gave the governor assurance that the prisoners should be treated
well, and no property destroyed. Afterwards, with apologies, he saw them
bestowed in a cabin, the door fastened, and a guard set. Presently he
went on deck, and giving orders that Radisson should be kept safe on
the after-deck, had rations served out. Then, after eating, he drew his
cloak over him in the cabin and fell asleep.

Near daybreak a man came swimming along the side of the ship to the
small port-hole of a cabin. He paused before it, took from his pocket a
nail, and threw it within. There was no response, and he threw another,
and again there was no response. Hearing the step of some one on the
deck above he drew in close to the side of the ship, diving under the
water and lying still. A moment after he reappeared and moved-almost
floated-on to another port-hole. He had only one nail left; he threw it
in, and Gering's face appeared.

"Hush, monsieur!" Radisson called up. "I have a key which may fit, and a
bar of iron. If you get clear, make for this side."

He spoke in a whisper. At that moment he again heard steps above, and
dived as before. The watch looked over, having heard a slight noise; but
not knowing that Gering's cabin was beneath, thought no harm. Presently
Radisson came up again. Gering understood, having heard the footsteps.

"I will make the trial," he said. "Can you give me no other weapon?"

"I have only the one," responded Radisson, not unselfish enough to give
it up. His chief idea, after all, was to put Gering under obligation to
him.

"I will do my best," said Gering.

Then he turned to the governor, who did not care to risk his life in the
way of escape.

Gering tried the key, but it would not turn easily and he took it out
again. Rubbing away the rust, he used tallow from the candle, and tried
the lock again; still it would not turn. He looked to the fastenings,
but they were solid, and he feared noise; he made one more attempt with
the lock, and suddenly it turned. He tried the handle, and the door
opened. Then he bade goodbye to the governor and stepped out, almost
upon the guard, who was sound asleep. Looking round he saw Iberville's
cloak, which its owner had thrown off in his sleep. He stealthily picked
it up, and then put Iberville's cap on his head. Of nearly the same
height, with these disguises he might be able to pass for hi