Captain Saucier thought he could, and he saw it would have to be done quickly. By dim lantern light the Saucier children were hurried into their clothing, and Wachique brought a wrap of fur and wool for tante-gra'mère. Three of the slave men were called in, and they rigged a rope around their master's waist, by which they could hold and guide him in his attempt to carry living freight down the slippery roof.
"How many can you carry?" he inquired.
"Six at a time," answered Colonel Menard. "To try to do more would hardly be safe, in this rough water."
"Were the boats at the wharf swept away?"
"It is not now easy to tell where the wharf was. But some of the large craft seem wedged among trees along the bluff. By daylight we shall get some out. And I have sent to the governor for all the boats he can muster for us."
Angélique came to the dormer window and touched her father's shoulder.
"Are you all ready?" he asked.
"Tante-gra'mère will not go into the boat."
"But she must. There will be six of you, with Peggy; and Colonel Menard cannot much longer hang by the eaves."
"Perhaps if you pick her up and run with her, papa, as you did from the danger below, she may allow it."