"You're like a lawyer, old boy," Gerald whispered in reply. "I quite see your point, and I say too, go for the launch tooth and nail, and clear from the harbor. It is our only chance, and with luck, such as we have already had to-night, we shall manage it beautifully."
"Then we stick to the old plan. Shall I go over the side first, or will you? Perhaps I'd better, for I am the heavier."
He crawled to the rope and, taking the coiled-up end in his hand, flung it over the coping. Then, having very cautiously raised his head, and inspected his surroundings as well as the darkness would permit, he squeezed Gerald's hand and lowered himself over the wall. It was an uncanny sensation to be swinging there in the open, uncertain of the drop beneath, and ignorant as to whether the rope was long enough to reach to the bottom. But Hal scarcely gave the matter more than a thought, for his attention was riveted upon the searchlight which had passed a few moments before. If only it kept steadily upon its course, they would both be down by the water's edge and in hiding from it before it came round again. But supposing it commenced its vagaries, and began to flit to and fro, as if suspecting the presence of the fugitives, and eager to atone for its previous defeat by discovering them? Well, there was no ordering its movements, and they must just take their chance and hope for the best; but in any case they had already gone so far towards the liberty which they loved, and which meant life to them, that they would not give in without a struggle.
Suddenly Hal's feet struck the ground, and he at once relinquished his hold of the rope and lay down upon the grass, listening for Gerald's descent. Almost before he expected him he was down by his side. They shook hands heartily, and then stole down the steep face of the hill which led to the harbor.
"Come in here; this will do for us," said Hal in a whisper, drawing his companion into the shadow of a boat which suddenly barred their way, and which was propped up on its side.
They crept right into it, and lay there, full length, waiting with fluttering hearts for the searchlight to pass. At last it came, seeming to the lads, in their highly strung condition, to pause inquiringly, as it lit upon the boat.
Did the man who worked it suspect that they were there? Would he give another alarm at once and would the tolling of that castle bell, which sounded so dismally like a funeral knell, boom out over the town and set hundreds of eager trackers after the spies? Where could they fly then? The harbor? No, that would not do. Then where?
The thoughts buzzed through their heads, and the questions remained unanswered. But each crept still closer into his shelter, pressing against the planks as though that would add to his safety. And all the while their hearts beat a rapid tattoo against their ribs, for they were conscious that discovery at this moment would blight all their hopes of escape. But they were frightening themselves unnecessarily, for the beam sped on its way without an instant's halt, flashing across the water, and resting for the space of a few seconds upon the launch towards which they were about to swim.
"Now for it, Gerald," said Hal shortly. "Off with your coat and boots."
They kicked the latter off, and, rapidly divesting themselves of the former, stole down to the water's edge. Fifty yards away the beam of light was sweeping across the surface of the water, and steadily increasing the distance between them, leaving all but that part upon which it fell obscured in dense and impenetrable darkness. Nothing, in fact, could have been more opportune for Hal and his friend. They slid gently into the harbor, to find themselves in deep water at once. Then they threw themselves forward, and struck out boldly for the distant quay, in the wake of the revolving light.