"Not much chance of that, Captain, when you have to face the Morris Island batteries."
"Don't alarm yourself. I got in and I'll get out again."
"Prosperous voyage to you!"
"Thank you."
With this the men went off, and the shore was left silent.
At this moment nine o'clock struck; it was the appointed moment. James felt his heart beat violently: a whistle was heard; he replied to it, then he waited, listening, with his hand up to enjoin perfect silence on the sailors; a man appeared enveloped in a large cloak, and looking from one side to another, James ran up to him.
"Mr. Halliburtt?"
"I am he," replied the man with the cloak.
"God be praised!" cried James Playfair; "embark without losing a minute. Where is Crockston?"
"Crockston!" exclaimed Mr. Halliburtt, amazed. "What do you mean?"
"The man who has saved you and brought you here was your servant Crockston."
"The man who came with me was the gaoler from the citadel," replied Mr. Halliburtt.
"The gaoler!" cried James Playfair.
