“Yes,” said Stratton hoarsely.
“What is to be done?”
“You must rouse him quietly, and steal out with him. Bring him along under the cliff close up to the inn. While you are getting him there I will go and hire a cart by some means to take us to the next place; failing that, I’ll arrange with some fishermen to run us along the coast in their boat to Saint Malo. You understand?”
“Yes,” said Brettison. “I understand, but it is impossible.”
“Perhaps; but this is the time to perform impossibilities. It must be done!”
“I tell you it is impossible,” said Brettison slowly. “At the first attempt to rouse him there would be a scene. He would turn obstinate and enraged. He is restless, as I told you. I should have to awaken the people here; for I could not force him to leave by the window, and this would precipitate the discovery, perhaps bring Sir Mark and your friend Guest down from the place above.”
“I tell you it must be done,” said Stratton, but with less conviction.
“You know it cannot be,” said Brettison firmly. “I am certain that he would have one of his fits. Think of the consequences then.”
“I do,” whispered Stratton; “and the thoughts are maddening. What’s that?”
“Speak lower. It was Barron moving in his room. Look here; there need be no discovery if we are cool and cautious. It is absurd to attempt anything now. Wait till the morning. Let him get up at his usual time. He will be quiet and manageable then. I will keep him in, and wait till the Jerrolds are gone out—they are sure to go—most likely to sea for a sail—and then join you at the inn, where you can have a carriage or boat waiting. Then we must escape just as we stand; our luggage could be fetched another time. We can be going to take him for a drive.”