X.—THE ESCAPE.
All eyes were turned in the direction whence the sound had come, and a single masted vessel could be imperfectly distinguished, about half a mile off.
“'Tis the sloop!” exclaimed Lord Widdrington.
“Yes, I am summoned, and must go,” cried the prince. “Farewell! Farewell!”
On hearing the signal, the two men instantly pushed down the boat into the water. All was ready, for the valise had been previously placed inside it by the porter, together with a couple of firelocks.
It had been arranged that the two nobles should accompany the prince to the sloop. Accordingly they entered the boat with him.
As the bark quitted the strand, the prince stood up to wave an adieu to the ladies—but they were soon lost to sight.
Rowed by two strong men, the boat made good way towards the sloop, and it seemed would soon reach her, when an unlooked-for interruption occurred.
A dark object was seen lying directly in their course, and as there could be no doubt it was a boat, much larger than their own, they turned aside to avoid it.