The Cairo bulletin., 1904-09-01
CHAPTER XXI.

beat out OF the narrow channel. al
least 1t would be a 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 UNI
4 hindcfed
From the foretop-mast cross-trees by
the aid Of a good glass Grafton had dis
covered unmistakable signs Of prepar-
alton in the French fleet still wind
bound in tho harbor. Many boats were
passing between the ships and the
shore, troops We're being embarked,
and provisions and supplies taken on
board the huge line-of-battle ships and
the frigates. II was quite evident that
n movement of some sort was in con-
temptation; and it was moro than
probable that as soon as the wind
served, taking advantage Of the abb
senee of the blockaders, the French
would put to sea-
That was news Of the highest i'm
portance. II they could learn the des-
tination of the feet there would be
nothing left to be desired except an
opportunity Of meeting them; an OPP
portunity Hawke would make ii he
We're given the yestige Of a chance.
Hatfield, said Grafton, az he came
down from the cross trees afor the last
time. 1t being too dark to see farther,
Il have changed my mind am going
cshore to see if / can not find out some
thing abou; The French fleet"
And yon want me u 80 with You"
No that can not be- You must look
after the ship. | win take tho dinghy
and one man, old 1abeg Slocum. Nov
mark me. nv plan is to land at a
little cove know .of under the lee 1T
the Chateau de Josseln, about which
tolG you. | shall effect an entrance
10 the castle Immediately and see II
there is anything te be learned there.
II not, ] viii take Jabaz and we will
sail boldly into the harbor and find
out what We can"
"And you viii see Madcmoisclle de
Rohan?"
Perhaps. | hope SO, though that IS
not my main purposs. 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 CT your way to Torhay and tell
Sir Edward what We have learned"
Yes. but You will hardly have time
togo there and back by midnight Capt
Grafton. Don't you think II wonld be
better to make it. say. eight bells in
the midwafrh or four o'clock in thu
morning? ia hate nightly to run
away and leave YOU"
VERY we'll, answered Grafton, that
will give me more time and perhaps
IL world be better not TO leave without
cxhausting every possible opportunity
of getting Information as to the des-
tinatiGn of the French feet for there
Is no doubt in my mind that they in
tend 10 move"
Nor in mine"
Every woll. then, we'll make it eight |
bells in the midwatch."
And IL you are not back then, I'm
tC make the best of my way to Torbay, |
or Plymouth. or wherever | can fnd |
SIR Edward deliver the dispatches, !
and tell what we have SEEM"
THAT'S ii. Now. I need not tell you
to watch the ship carefully on this hard |
lea-shcrc. and when you start for
Hawke. IL | am not here, drive her for /
al she has in her"
Il will do both, Capt Grafton"
"Of course And If the wind should /
change and the French should send |
out a liner or a couple of frigate5
after you, you are on no account To
wait for me or anybody. The infor-s
nation We have g,ined is Of far more
Importance that a half dozen calsured
frigatec. Remember that running, no.
aghting. is yo,H role. Don't hesitate
On my a.count. Don't BE- captured
ind don't be wrecked"
Very good" answered Hatfield. 81
hall carry ont yeur Instructions to
he letter Bit | wish could so with
you"
Il wish so. too. but you can't One
1f US must stay by the ship. Remcm-
Der that the fate OF Englsnd is resting
IN your shoulders" continued the Older
nan grave.y. FOR It's perfectly well
Nown if the French get away from
Brest SUCCESSFUL. and are not beaten
.lsowhere. they have an army all ready
or a descent upon ireland. or perhaps
England herself"
. II shall remember II" answered Hat
ield solemnly.
"Thas,s we'll Now. heave to and
lave the dinghy dropped overheard.
See that the mast Is striped and the
all is close reefed; put a compass.
i beaker of water. a couple Of muskets
ind a bag % bread in her. stCw away
Onward a coil nf signal halliaris AMI
] stout rope with gapnel bent on
he end of it-ab0lt % fathoms OF
ach. j think-snd send old Jabez to
&c il my cabin
Az. ay. sir, replied Hatfield. call
ne the hands 10 the braces az Grafton
urncd 70 the eompaniUnwaY aad wont
slow. wi1ithcr he was followed short
; by the old sailor he had designated.
With whom he spent a few moments
n busy preparation. Presently the
hip vas hove to and the dinghy drop