"Ah! that troublesome fellow; you wish to take him back to England?"
"Yes.
"He might as well be hung here as there," said the coast-guard, laughing at his joke.
"So I think," said James Playfair, "but it is better to have the thing done in the regular way."
"Not much chance of that, Captain, when you have to face the Morris Island batteries."
"Don't alarm yourself. I got in and I'll get out again."
"Prosperous voyage to you!"
"Thank you."
With this the men went off, and the shore was left silent.
At this moment nine o'clock struck; it was the appointed moment. James felt his heart beat violently; a whistle was heard; he replied to it, then he waited, listening, with his hand up to enjoin perfect silence on the sailors. A man appeared enveloped in a large cloak, and looking from one side to another. James ran up to him.