ing sleeping men, holy father," answered the
captain, in a somewhat indignant tone. "Even had the youth been awake,
he is so little acquainted with French that he could not have understood
what we were saying; but, you see, he is fast asleep. I, however, will
keep an eye upon him, and shall soon learn whether he knows anything.
If he does, we have frequently dark and stormy nights at sea, when men
get knocked overboard. Such may be his fate; you understand me."

"A good idea. I will trust to your discretion," said the priest, and,
greatly to Nigel's relief, they left the room.

He remained awake, considering how he should act. At length he heard
some one enter the room; it was the captain, who, just taking a glance
at him, threw himself on the bed, and was soon fast asleep.

At early dawn Nigel awoke, and, putting on his garments, went down into
the yard to get some water to wash his hands and face. The rest of the
party were soon on foot.

The captain met him in the morning with a smiling countenance, and, as
he did not even allude to his having shared his room, Nigel thought it
better to say nothing about the matter. He looked about for the priest,
but he was nowhere to be found, nor did Nigel hear any one allude to
him. It was evident that he had come and gone secretly.

The rest of the journey to Havre was performed without any other
incident worthy of note. Three stout ships were found in the harbour,
already in a forward state of equipment. Nigel went on board the
_Madeline_, with several of his travelling companions, and at once took
possession of the cabin intended for his use. The officers and the
crew, as far as he could learn, were all Protestants, as were
undoubtedly the passengers who had already come on board.

He found plenty of occupation in receiving and stowing the provisions
and stores, and in setting up the rigging and bending sails. He was
thus kept actively employed for several days, till the _Madeline_, the
most advanced ship, was fully ready for sea. All the passengers, he
observed, came off at night, to avoid the observation of their
countrymen. Although the ships were already crowded with almost as many
people as they could carry, there were still two vacant cabins on board
the _Madeline_.

CHAPTER FIVE.

UNDER WEIGH--ARRIVAL.

Morn had just broken; a southerly wind blew gently down the harbour, and
Captain Villegagnon gave the order to lift the heavy anchors from th