I told him of little Rebecca, and asked what he made of it. He said he made of it that fools didn't love in the right place—which was not to the point, whatever Jack thought of Rebecca. Linking his arm through mine, he headed me about.
"Captain Gillam, Ben's father, sails for England at sunrise," vouched Jack.
"What has that to do with Mistress Hortense?" I returned testily.
"'Tis a swift ship to sail in."
"To sail in, Jack Battle?"—I caught at the hope. "Out with your plan, man!"
"And be hanged for it," snaps Jack, falling silent.
We were opposite the prison. He pointed to a light behind the bars.
"They are the only prisoners," he said. "They must be in there."
"One could pass a note through those bars with a long pole," I observed, gazing over the yard wall.
"Or a key," answered Jack.