Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 7.djvu/163

Rh quay was deserted, with the exception of the sentinel pacing to and fro on the south and east batteries. James Play fair grew impatient, and the minutes seemed hours to him.

At half past eight he heard the sound of approaching steps; he left his men with their oars clear and ready to start, and went himself to see who it was; but he had not gone ten feet when he met a band of coast guards, in all about twenty men. James drew his revolver from his waist, deciding to make use of it, if needs be; but what could he do against these soldiers, who were coming on to the quay?

The leader came up to him, and seeing the boat, asked, "Whose craft is that?"

"It is a shore-boat belonging to the Dolphin."

"And who are you?"

"Captain James Playfair."

"I thought you had already started, and were now in the Charleston channels."

"I am ready to start. I ought even now to be on my way, but"

"But" persisted the coast guard.

A bright idea shot through James's mind, and he answered, "One of my sailors is locked up in the citadel, and to tell the truth I had almost forgotten him; fortunately I thought of him in time, and I have sent my men to bring him."

"Ah! that troublesome fellow; you wish to take him back to England?"

"Yes."

"He might as well be hung here as there," said the coast guard, laughing at his joke.

"So I think," said James Playfair, "but it is better to have the thing done in the regular way."

"Not much chance of that, captain, when you have to face the Morris Island batteries."

"Don't be alarmed. I got in and I'll get out again."

"Prosperous voyage to you!"

"Thank you."

The men went off, and the shore was left silent.

At this moment nine o'clock struck; it was the appointed moment. James felt his heart beat violently; a whistle was heard; he replied to it, then he waited, listening, with his