Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/715

Rh principal batteries. The Maltese outside the fortress, who were on the qui vive for the signal, at once rushed to the attack of Floriana and the Cottonera lines, but were so warmly received at both points that they were compelled to retire with considerable loss. This premature advance disarranged all the plans of the conspirators, and they decided upon postponing their venture till a more favourable opportunity. Having no means of communicating this alteration of design to their friends outside, the latter remained in uncertainty as to what steps they should take. A number of volunteers, trusting that the outbreak might be attempted during the night, found their way, under cover of the darkness, to the rocks beneath the walls of the town near the Marsa Muscetto gate, and there awaited the course of events. Unfortunately for them the same ill-fate which had marred the morning’s project pursued them still. General Vaubois had determined to celebrate the French successes not only by salutes, but also by an extra performance at the theatre, which, as the day was Friday, would not, under ordinary circumstances, have been open. The commandant of fort Manöel, and one of his officers, obtained leave to attend this representation, and at its close proceeded to the Marsa Muscetto gate to return to their post. Whilst taking boat the attention of the commandant was attracted by a light and the sound of whispered conversation beneath the walls. He took no notice of these suspicious incidents at the moment, but on reaching fort Manöel he sent off a patrol to search the place. The Maltese were discovered crouching amidst the rocks, patiently awaiting the signal of onslaught and the opening of the gate. The alarm was at once given, and they were all seized. Eventually most of the details of the plot leaked out, and forty-four persons, including the leaders, were executed. The terror which was thus inspired amongst the inhabitants relieved the French from all fear of a repetition of the event.

On the 21st May, 1799, the garrison was agreeably surprised to find that during the previous night all the blockading ships had vanished. The cause of this sudden movement was the escape of the French fleet from Brest, and its appearance in the Mediterranean, joined by the Spanish vessels from Coruniza. Nelson’s