AN ESCAPE. 241 



Sure enough, we coul.i just discern throdgfc. the 

 darkness one of our boats, apparently about to 

 board the barque. I thought for a moment tha/, 

 my hopes were nipped in the bud ; but after lying 

 utill for a few minutes, I told the fellow to pad 

 die on. 



We will go alongside on the other side, thought 

 I, cnd remain there until our boat leaves, when I 

 can get on board in safety. 



When we got alongside, I could hear the voice 

 of our mate talking to the captain, who denied 

 stoutly that I was on board. 



" You can take lanterns and search the hold, 

 sir," said he to the mate, as that worthy still 

 seemed unconvinced. 



Lanterns were accordingly produced, and while 

 I lay concealed in the canoe under the quarter, 

 the mate, accompanied by some of the crew, 

 walked through the half empty hold, (she was 

 partly in ballast), closely examining every nook 

 and cranny, sounding the water casks, turning 

 over spare rigging, and looking among the horses. 

 The search was vain, and with sundry curses, and 

 threats as to what would befall me were I caught, 

 the mate at length descended into his boat, and 

 with joy I heard them pulling off toward the ship. 

 Orders were now given, in French, to man the 

 windlass and heave up the anchor. I waited till 

 the ship was fairly under way, before I climbed 

 1.) the aeck. There the captain received mot 



