Herbert was soon close upon him creeping upon his hands and feet, and scarcely had the second challenge been uttered when he sprang upon the soldier from behind, and placing his knee in the middle of his back, bent him instantly to the ground. In the next moment the sentinel’s neckcloth was pressed down his throat to prevent his giving the alarm, and at a preconcerted signal made by Herbert, the crew came to the spot and bound him. The other three soldiers were caught sleeping as had been predicted, and each was secured and gagged without noise. They were taken thus bound hand and foot, and placed in the little guard room in front of the prison under the care of one of the crew. The rest of the party led by Herbert as guide and Channing their commander, sought the apartment of the old jailor, who was soon made to give up the keys, and directly the cell supposed to contain the two young Americans was unlocked, when two men with their fa: ces covered with hair made their appearance. Both immediately recognized Herbert, but he could hardly believe that the two miserable beings before him were his late companions, but he soon found that there could be no mistake on that, head at least, and he was soon clasped in their warm embrace.
‘So you have come at last,’ said Lovell after recovering from his excess of feeling.
‘I feared that once at home with the joys and comforts about you that are found there, you would hardly remember us.’
‘You ought to have known better, Bill,’ said Herbert wiping his eyes.
‘True, I did you injustice; forgive me.’
And the two shook hands again, heartily, drying their eyes the while.
‘Come, we waste time,’ said Channing endeavoring to suppress his emotions at the evident suffering manifest before him.
‘Whom have we here?’ asked Lovell pointing to Channing.
‘Oh! that’s the captain whom you owe everything, for I couldn’t have done anything alone. Damme if I hadn’t forgot manners,’ said honest Jack Herbert, ‘let me introduce you—Captain Channing, this is Mr. Lovell, sir, and this his companion whom you have come so far to liberate.’
‘Your servant, gentlemen,’ said Channing.