Retiring to the cabin, our hero took the covering from the paper parcel, which was bulky and securely fastened, within which was a second bundle of papers carefully tied together, and on the top a letter addressed to himself. It was from Monsieur Plessis, and was as follows:— “Dear Sir, “Enclosed you have all the papers relative to Mademoiselle Arden’s birth, her mother’s marriage, &c. I have not a moment to spare for explanation, but if you can keep off and on the harbour of Havre for six or eight days, I think I have a scheme for escape planned that will succeed. Keep a sharp look-out for a chasse-mare, that will carry a red flag hoisted on her fore-mast. If in eight days you do not fall in with such, you may conclude I have failed. Still be under no apprehension, for I have a powerful friend in Monsieur Barras, the director, and madame and family will be safe, though perhaps her fortune may suffer. The papers enclosed will establish Mademoiselle’s and Monsieur Julian’s claims to any property by will or otherwise. I write in extreme haste and uncertainty, for even now I hear the guns in the creek, pealing each moment in the air, and I am aware that a desperate contest is taking place, but I can and have anticipated the result. “Yours devotedly, “JEAN PLESSIS.” “Be the immortal powers,” said Captain O’Loughlin, “that Jean Plessis is a trump. He anticipated the result of the contest, you see; he knew we should succeed, and he prepared this letter.” “What’s to be done,” said Lieutenant Thornton, looking up anxiously, “for I know you cannot stay on this coast so long? You are already several days over your time.” “I think we can manage it very easily,” said O’Loughlin. “I must sail and join Colpoys as directed; but I can put the Vengeance to rights in four hours; and leave you fifteen men and young Burdett. Four men and the second mate will run the brig to Portsmouth easily enough. There’s not a craft on the coast can come near the Vengeance for speed; her bottom has not been injured, and she spreads more canvas now than before. If Vice-Admiral Colpoys is still off Isle Dieu, I shall be able, on stating the circumstances, to get leave to return and render you any aid you may require; I can be back, if no untoward event occurs, in three days.” “Nothing can be better,” said Lieutenant Thornton, joyfully. “The Vengeance has some of her guns on board, but no stores.” “Never mind that, I can give you plenty; we have only to step your mizen-mast, and put you some ammunition and provisions on board, and you will do famously. If Jean Plessis fails, which I trust he will not, you must sail for England, report yourself, and you will be made a commander, mark my words. This success in cutting out the Vengeance will make a noise. I will just give orders to run farther off the coast, so that our proceedings may not be observed.”