Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-12-01
CHAPTER Xxi.
THE BOAT IN THE PASS.

securely bottled up. They could not
beat out OF the narrow channel AT
least it would be dangerous under
taking and the game would be scarcely
worth the candle. Therefore the Maid
stone, although her approach had been
noticed long since, had been permitted
TO come as close as she dared I'M
hindered.
From the forotop-mast cross-trees by
the aid of good glass Grafton had dis
covered unmistakable signs of prepar-
alton in the French fleet still wind
bound in the harbor. Many boats were
passing between the ships and the
shore, troops were being embarked,
and provisions and supplies taken on
board the huge lino-of-battle ships and
the frigates. II was quite evident that
movement of some sort was in con-
temptation. and il was more than
probable that as soon as the wind
served, taking advantage of the alb
sence Of the blockaders, the French
would put to sea,
That was news of the highest i'm
portance. If they could learn the des-
Nl1ldllOu VI ne lltfl iltlt WOulu p'
nothing left to be desired except an
opportunity Of meeting them; an op-
portunity Hawke would make if he
were given the vestige of a chance.
Hatfield" said Grafton, as he came
down from the cross-treos for the last
time il being too dark TO sec farther,
81 have changed my mind. am going
&c 70 ~ 7 find ont o.
thing about the French fleet"
"And you want me to 80 with you?"
mo. that can not be. You must look
after the ship | will take the dinghy
and one man, old Jabez Slocum. Now,
mark me. My plan is to land at a
little cove | know of under the lee of
the Chateau de Josselin. about which
told you. l shall effect an entrance
10 the castle Immediately, and see il
there is anything to be learned there.
IF not, | will take Jabez and we will
sail boldly into the harbor and find
out what We can
"And you will see Mademoselle de
Rohan?"
'Perhaps. hope so, though that is
not my main purpose. At least would
80 even if knew she were not there.
Now, If am not back by eight bells,
midnight, you will brace up and make
the best of your way to Torbay and tell
Sir Edward what we have learned"
Eyes, but you will hardly have time
10 ge there and back by midnight, Capt.
Grafton. Don't you think it would be
better to make 1t. say, eight bells in
the midwatch, or four o'clock in the
morning? I'd hate nightly to run
away and leave you"
every we'll" answered Grafton, 9Th at
will give me more time, and perhaps
il would be better not to leave without
exhausting every possible opportunity
of getting information as to the des-
tination Of the French fleet. for there
Is no doubt in my mind that they in
tend to move"
Nor in mine"
Very well, then, we'll make il eight
bells in the midwatch"
And if you are not back then, I'm
10 make the best Of my way to Torbay,
or Plymouth, or wherever | can find
Sir Edward, deliver the dispatches,
and tell what we have SEEM
That's IT. Now, need not tell you
10 watch the ship carefully on this hard
lee-shore. and when you start for
Hawke, if | am not here, drive her for
all she has in her"
Il will do both, Capt Grafton"
"Of course. And if the wind should
change and the French should send
out liner or a couple of frigates
after you you are on no account 10
wait for me or anybody. The infor-
nation We have gained is Of far more
importance that a half dozen captured
frigates. Remember that running, not
fighting, is your role. Don't hesitate
on my account. Don't be captured,
and don't be wrecked"
VERY good answered Hatfield, 81
shall carry out your instructions to
the letter But wish | could go with
you"
Il wish so, too, but you cant. One
Of US must stay by the ship. Remem-
Der that the fate of ENGLAND is resting
on your shoulders" continued the older
man gravely. for It's perfectly we'll
known if the French get away from
Brest successfully, and are not beaten
elsewhere. they have an army all ready
for a descent upon Ireland, or perhaps
England herself"
Il shall remember it," answered Hat
feld soemnly.
That's well. Now, heave to and
have the dinghy dropped overheard
See that the mast is stepped and the
sail is close reefed; put a compass
beaker Of water, a couple Of musketf
and bag of bread in her; stow away
s-ssward n coil Of signal halliards anC
stout rope with grapnel bent on
the end of it-about 80 fathoms OF
each, | think-and send old Jabez tC
me in my cabin
"Ay, ay, sir" replied Hatfield call
Ing the hands to the braces as Grafton
turned to the cOmpanionway and went
below, whittier he was followed short.
ly by the old sailor he had DESIGNATED
with whom he spent a few moment.
in busy preparation, Presently The
ship was hove to and the dinghy drop
ped alongside. Grafton ind Slocun
came on deck. Grafton wore his uni
form and both men We're fully arme,
with sword or cutass, and pistols.
you are surely not going in you
upiform ." uupricl Hatfield