"Quite sure. Homeward-bound vessels come round Cape Horn. Those bound for the colonies go by way of the Cape of Good Hope." "My visit here to-night was to ask Major Carlen whether he had heard any further particulars." "I think he heard a few more to-day," said Lord Level. "The _Vengeance_ was wrecked, it seems, on this island. It is often sighted by ships going to the colonies, and the captain was in hope that his signals from the island would be seen, and some ship would bear down to them. In vain. After the convicts--five of them, I believe--had made their escape, he determined to send off the long-boat, in charge of the chief officer, to the nearest Australian coast, for assistance. On the 10th of December the boat set sail, and on Christmas Day was picked up by the _Vernon_, which reached Melbourne the last day of the year." "But how do you know all these details?" I interrupted in surprise. "They have been furnished to the Government, and Carlen was informed of them this morning," replied Lord Level. "On the following day, the 1st of January, the ship _Lightning_ sailed from Melbourne for England; she was furnished with a full account of the wreck of the _Vengeance_ and what succeeded to it. The _Lightning_ made a good passage home, and on her arrival laid her reports before the Government. That's how it is." "And what of the escaped convicts?" "Nothing is known of them. The probability is that they were picked up by an outward-bound ship and landed in one of the colonies. If not, they must have perished at sea." "And if they were so picked up and landed, I suppose they would have reached England by this time?" "Certainly--seeing that the _Lightning_ has arrived. And the convicts had some days' start of the long-boat. I hope Tom Heriot will not make his way here!" fervently spoke Lord Level. "The consequences would three-parts kill my wife. No chance of keeping it from her in such a hullabaloo as would attend his recapture." "I cannot think how you have managed to keep it from her as it is." "Well, I have been watchful and cautious--and we have not mixed much with the gossiping English. What! are you going, Charles?" "Yes, I have an engagement," I answered, as we both rose. "Good-night. Give my love to Blanche. Tell her that Charley will see her to-morrow if he can squeeze out a minute's leisure for it." Taking up the old coat I had left in the passage, I went out with it on my arm, hailed a cab that was crossing Portman Square and was driven to Lambeth. There I recommenced my watch upon the book-stall and the street containing it, not, however, disclosing myself to Lee that night. But nothing was to be seen of Tom Heriot. CHAPTER XI. MRS. BRIGHTMAN. "Sur this coms hoppin youle excuse blundurs bein no skollerd sur missis is worse and if youle com ive got som things to tell you I darnt keep um any longer your unbil servint emma hatch but doant say to peri as i sent."