"Be that true, captain?" asked Limbry.
"True as gospel. Do you think I'd deceive you, man?"
"Then I'll do it!" cried Limbry, striking the table as he spoke with his heavy fist. "I'll do it!"
"Well resolved," exclaimed Colonel Wyndham. "You're a brave fellow, Limbry."
"You shall have sixty pounds for the job," added Careless. "To be paid on your return."
"I don't ask the Cavaliers' names," said Limbry. "And I don't desire to know their rank and station—but I'll take them to St. Malo."
"Now you show yourself the man I always thought you, Stephen," said Captain Ellesdon. "When will you sail?"
"On Monday next—that's three days hence," replied Limbry. "I cannot get ready afore,—seeing as how I have to take in ballast, and victual the ship, besides I must feign to have some lading; but on Monday, as I have said, I'll hale the Eider Duck—that's the name of my bark—out of the Cobb's mouth, for fear of being beneaped, as the tides will be at the lowest at the time, and about midnight I'll bring her into Charmouth road, and send the long-boat with Tom Chidiock, of Bridport, and George Cranage, of Beaminster, two of my best mariners, to any spot that may be appointed to fetch the Cavaliers, and put them on board; and if the wind proves favourable, we'll set sail at once for France."
"Heaven grant the wind may prove favourable!" ejaculated Ellesdon. "Send the long-boat to the mouth of the Char."
"A good spot," replied Limbry. "It shall be done."