The Onyx, under every stitch of canvas she could carry, stood away to the westward, whilst the Vengeance remained hove to, the crew busily employed settling and arranging their stores, ammunition, &c., and with her commander, making themselves as comfortable as possible. There was no happier man on board than Bill Saunders. The two eighteen-pound carronades became his special favourites, and his first object was to get them into effective operation, should they be wanted, and to select his men to work them.
He besides considered himself a kind of cabin attendant, steward, and butler, and entered into several arrangements with Master Burdett, who seemed to be a favourite of his, as to the future victualling department.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Leaving the Vengeance to keep watch off the Port of Havre, a thing at that period not at all a hazardous affair, whilst Vice-Admiral Colpoys was with his fleet off Brest or Isle Dieu, and few if any French vessels of war showed out of their harbours, we return to Château Coulancourt.
Rather more than an hour after the departure of our hero and Bill Saunders for Lyon Head, Jean Plessis returned from Havre, looking anxious and thoughtful as he proceeded towards that part of the château inhabited by Madame Coulancourt and her daughter, and entered the saloon where he found mother, son, and daughter, and his own daughter, all conversing earnestly upon their intended plan of escape.
“Where is Monsieur Thornton?” inquired Jean Plessis, looking at Julian, who was nursing his leg on a chair, in a state of great vexation at not having been able to accompany his friend.
“He went to the sand hills and Lyon Head,” replied Julian. “This stupid leg of mine keeps me here. Have you heard anything alarming, Monsieur Plessis, or that annoys you? You look very thoughtful.”
Mabel turned her eloquent eyes anxiously upon the intendant, as he answered—
“Why, yes. I have heard intelligence that makes me wish Monsieur Thornton had not gone out to-day. I will send Joseph, the gardener’s grandson, this minute after him, to tell him to come back.”