At eight o’clock dusk has fallen on both land and sea, and calculating an hour will be sufficient to take them across to the summer house where his love is waiting for him, Chester puts off in his gig, taking the Roman Catholic priest with him, and followed by the long boat and cutter, the men giving way with sturdy muscles as they are anxious now to leave this spot, the very value of their prize making additional danger for them.
Forty minutes after this, just off the dyke, where they turn up to Sandvliet, they meet a boat from Antwerp filled with Italian musicians, rebec players and mandolins, flutes and harps, and decorated as for a fête.
These in the early forenoon have been engaged for this purpose in Antwerp by Achille, who still officiates as cabin boy. They are all quite merry and are singing a gay Tuscan love song.
“This is my little water party,” whispers Guy to Corker, whom he has sitting by him giving him his last instructions. “The lady will think it a pleasure sail upon the river.”
“Oho! Abduction!” laughs the boatswain.
“Yes—to make her I love and honor—my wife,” answers Chester. Then he whispers: “She is Alva’s daughter.”
To which Corker returns a prolonged whistle and muttered: “Good God!” and listens with rather awe-struck face as Guy gives him his last orders: “Take the long boat, guard the dyke between the house and Sandvliet, preventing troops coming that way if alarm is given. The gig and cutter will watch the other side of the house.”
For Chester fears at the last moment some lackey or the Countess de Pariza may send some word of what is going on to Sandvliet or Lillo, or something unexpected may mar his plan and he knows if he loses Hermoine now he loses her forever.
A minute after he whispers exultingly: “See, the house is en fête and lighted up; she is ready for me, my bride!” Then speaking a few words of caution to Corker, the long boat comes alongside and that sturdy [[254]]seaman gets into her stern sheets and takes command of her.
Two minutes after Guy touches the landing stage.