"One of them, Mr. Massey," pursued the captain, glancing at Careless, "was at Worcester." "I hope he killed a lot of rebels. I shouldn't be sorry if he had killed Old Noll himself," observed Limbry. "Had that been the case things would have taken a different turn, and loyal men would not have been forced to fly from their country," said Captain Ellesdon. "We want you to transport two or three distressed Cavaliers to France. You will do it, I am sure." Limbry shook his head. "You don't like the job," cried Colonel Wyndham. "Say so frankly." "Understand that you will be well paid--very well paid," added Careless. "I've no disinclination whatsomdever to the job," said the burly shipmaster. "On the contrary, I should be glad to serve any loyal gentlemen; and I don't care so much for the payment, though I don't mean to say as how I should object to it--but----" "But what?" cried Ellesdon. "The risk is too great. If I were found out, I should be hanged as a traitor." "These fears are idle," rejoined Ellesdon. "Such precautions will be taken that you cannot be found out. Take another glass of wine, and pluck up your courage. I'll tell you what has just occurred. Sir John Berkeley was taken over to France from this very port of Lyme, only a few days ago, and I have not heard that any skipper has been hanged for taking him." "Be that true, captain?" asked Limbry. "True as gospel. Do you think I'd deceive you, man?" "Then I'll do it!" cried Limbry, striking the table as he spoke with his heavy fist. "I'll do it!" "Well resolved," exclaimed Colonel Wyndham. "You're a brave fellow, Limbry." "You shall have sixty pounds for the job," added Careless. "To be paid on your return." "I don't ask the Cavaliers' names," said Limbry. "And I don't desire to know their rank and station--but I'll take them to St. Malo." "Now you show yourself the man I always thought you, Stephen," said Captain Ellesdon. "When will you sail?" "On Monday next--that's three days hence," replied Limbry. "I cannot get ready afore,--seeing as how I have to take in ballast, and victual the ship, besides I must feign to have some lading; but on Monday, as I have said, I'll hale the _Eider Duck_--that's the name of my bark--out of the Cobb's mouth, for fear of being beneaped, as the tides will be at the lowest at the time, and about midnight I'll bring her into Charmouth road, and send the long-boat with Tom Chidiock, of Bridport, and George Cranage, of Beaminster, two of my best mariners, to any spot that may be appointed to fetch the Cavaliers, and put them on board; and if the wind proves favourable, we'll set sail at once for France." "Heaven grant the wind may prove favourable!" ejaculated Ellesdon. "Send the long-boat to the mouth of the Char." "A good spot," replied Limbry. "It shall be done." "Then all is settled?" said Colonel Wyndham.