Philip looked at him straight enough, then furtively towards Christian. The stranger dropped his voice.
'Is danger yonder?'
Philip did not answer him, and strengthened in misdoubt, he spoke with a note of authority.
'I would know your plans.'
'You shall,' said Philip, but still he looked at Christian, and found it hard to begin. He took heart of wine.
'Hearken—you also, Christian.
'Sir, my undertaking is to put you aboard a foreigner, due to pass with her consorts off the Land's End, may be this day, or to-morrow at latest, whose part is but to contrive so that darkness may cover this bit of contraband trade.
'Your flight discovered will for sure have brought an embargo on all the coast. Not a sail will be out, but chasers on the watch. Ashore now, not a chance were possible; but we took wing betimes; and here may we bide under daylight, and at night make again for the Land's End to watch our chance.'
'Go on. This contrivance is too incredibly bald to suffice. How, then, when presently a patrol sails round yonder head?'
'May Heaven forfend!'