The last
rope was thrown off, and the lugger dropped out into the stream.
It was running rapidly out; and as the wind caught the sails, the
Belle Jeanne began to move, standing down towards the sea.
During the time the lugger had been prepared for sea the passengers
had remained below, so as not to attract the attention of the
little crowd of sailors whom the sudden departure had assembled on
the quay. But they now came up on deck. Scarcely were they in the
middle of the stream, and the sails had fairly gathered way on her,
when Rupert exclaimed, "There they are!" as a party of horseman
rode down on to the quay, now nearly a quarter of a mile away.
Then a faint shout came across the water, followed by a musket
shot, the ball splashing in the water a little way astern. The men
looked at each other and at their captain.
"Look here, lads, I will tell you the truth about this matter; and
I know that, as men of La Vendee, you will agree with me. This
gentleman who crossed with us before is a noble, and the king wants
this lady, his daughter, to marry a man she does not like. The
father agrees with her; and he and her fiance, this gentleman here,
have run away with her, to prevent her being locked up. Now we are
bound, as true Vendeans, to assist them; and besides, they are
going to pay handsomely. Each of you will get ten louis if we land
them safe in England.
"But you know we cannot resist the law; so we must let these
gentlemen, with their swords and pistols, drive us below, do you
see? And then we shan't be responsible if the 'Jeanne' does not
heave to when ordered.
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