Anxious to hear what Jean Plessis thought of this event, they proceeded to the saloon. The intendant was himself disturbed; he had questioned the boy minutely, and he allowed he did not recognise Monsieur de Tourville in the boat; but he was certain he saw Bill, or, as he called him, Pierre Bompart. All the sailors in the boat wore white trousers, short jackets, and glazed hats; therefore he could clearly distinguish the tall figure of Bill. Jean Plessis was puzzled; if Bill got safe into the boat, surely so did Lieutenant Thornton; then he suddenly recollected the man the coast-guard men were carrying. “Did you see the wounded man?” he demanded. “Yes,” returned Joseph, “the wounded man was the gentleman who lives with Monsieur Gramont. I am sure of that, for I saw his long beard and great bushy eyebrows.” This assertion relieved Monsieur Plessis’ anxiety with respect to the safety of Lieutenant Thornton; who, amongst the crew in the boat, he supposed, escaped the boy’s notice. Still it proved to him that Philip de Tourville was discovered to be an Englishman; Julian had better, therefore, get out of the way, for fear of a search for him. “This is a most unfortunate affair, Jean,” said Madame Coulancourt, as the intendant entered the saloon, looking serious and perplexed. “It is unfortunate, madame,” replied Monsieur Plessis, “so far as it may draw on us the attention of Monsieur Gramont, who is expected home to-day, to the château; but it is fortunate that Lieutenant Thornton has escaped.” “But,” said Mabel, eagerly, “suppose he attempts to land again; his life would be endangered.” “He will not attempt to do that, depend upon it, mademoiselle, after the escape he had; but I think it not at all unlikely that this night the crew of the corvette will attempt to sink or burn the Vengeance and the brig in Palos Pool. They cannot cut the former out; for I understand she can be fastened by an immense chain to a huge anchor, if they think any danger is to be apprehended.” “Will any suspicion be attached to us, do you think, Jean?” “It is very possible Monsieur Gramont may pay us a visit, madame,” answered the intendant, thoughtfully; “therefore I really think if Monsieur Julian was to go to Dulong, where he could remain, or cross over to the village on the other side, and wait till we came up the river, it would be better.” “I can easily do that in my assumed name of Louis Lebeau,” returned Julian; “but is there any need of my separating from those I would fain stay to protect?” “My dear boy,” said the anxious mother, “having once more pressed you to my heart, let me not have the agony of again losing you. You could not render us the slightest service. When this passport has arrived from Monsieur Barras, we may consider ourselves safe from this Monsieur Gramont, whose design is, I am sure, to possess himself of Coulancourt by exciting suspicion against me.”