The signal was not to be disobeyed, and she was seen to pull round and steer for the raft.
The boys eagerly watched her approach.
She was soon up to them.
“Hallo, my lads! where do you come from?” asked the officer, who was standing up in the stern-sheets.
“We are running away from the Frenchmen, sir,” answered Bill.
“A curious craft you have chosen for the purpose,” observed the officer.
“It was the best we could get, sir,” said Bill. “We twice have managed to make our escape, and the first time were caught and carried back.”
“Well, we’ll hear all about it by-and-by. Come, jump on board. I should like to tow your raft to the frigate, but we must not delay for that purpose,” exclaimed the officer.
Jack and Bill quickly tumbled into the boat, though, as soon as they were on board, they cast wistful glances at their raft.
The officer ordered the men to give way, and steered the boat towards the frigate. He now asked the lads how they came to be in France.