Another week passed, and one night my guard was a marine named Blinn, with whom I had scarcely spoken. I was surprised therefore when he unlocked the door of the brig, and stepping quickly in closed it behind him. His first words surprised me even more. He said in a low whisper:
“You know my brother, Thomas Blinn?”
“I rather think I do,” I answered. “He is one of my best friends—we were midshipmen together on two vessels, the Franklin and the Boston. He is on the latter now, over in France, I presume.”
“Across in France, you mean,” he corrected, “as we are now in the English Channel.”
“Well, across in France, if you prefer; it makes little difference,” I replied.
“It makes lots of difference, if you wish to escape,” he went on eagerly. “We are becalmed, in a thick fog, and there is a boat out. It was put out this afternoon to fix something that was wrong in the anchor chains. The men didn’t finish their job, and so the yawl was left there, side of the vessel until morning. Pete Berry told me about it, and he says you and I can slip into her, cut her loose, and cross over to the French shore.”
Then, that I might understand better his reason for leaving the ship, he added: “Like my brother, my sympathies are with the colonies, and I have been trying for nearly two years to get away from the vessels I have been on, but the opportunity has never come until now. Listen while I tell you what you are to do.
“Go down this passageway to the farther end, where you will find a door opening into the forecastle. You are to slip in there, and stay until the watch changes. When the new watch goes on deck you are to go up with them, and conceal yourself under the truck of the bow gun. Remain there until Pete comes to you. He will tell you what to do next.”
“And where shall I find you?” I queried.
“I shall be in the boat before you are,” he answered confidently. “The new guard will be here in a few minutes, and when I have placed my musket in the rack, I shall go forward for a little turn in the fresh air before I seek my hammock. Once on the bow I shall find a way to get into the boat. Don’t worry about me, but do just as I have told you, and in an hour we shall be free.”