"Plain speaking between soldiers is the best, Monsieur," he said. "Let me call your attention, therefore, to the fact that I am better mounted than yourself and that I carry a brace of loaded pistols. Should you attempt to make your escape, I will shoot you without the least demur. I trust you will not impose so painful a duty on me."
St. Just laughed. "You will not require to use your pistol, Captain Anson. I am not absolutely devoid of sense. I am at your service."
They gave their horses rein and started at a brisk trot, but soon warmed up into a canter.
It was ten minutes to the hour when they sighted the cruiser, which was anchored just outside the harbor mouth. They were now almost alongside the harbor, and Captain Anson was looking anxiously about for a means of reaching the La France; and luck befriended him. A fishing boat, within hail, was floating lazily with the tide towards the harbor mouth.
"Boat ahoy!" cried Anson.
"Aye, aye, Sir," came the cheery answer.
"In the King's name. Five guineas, if you put us on board yonder cruiser before she sails."
"Done!" shouted the hardy fisherman, who was at the tiller, and he soon brought the little craft alongside where the two men stood, for by this time they had dismounted.
The horses were given in charge of a custom house official, with instructions to await the officer's return, and then they stepped aboard the boat.
"Look alive, man," said Captain Anson; "put in all you know; that vessel must not sail before we board her."