Where is that kept?"
"At a wharf under the walls of the citadel which commands the town and
anchorage."
"Assuming we have a stroke of luck and rush some outpost, would it be
possible to cross the island before dawn and board the launch or some
other craft in which we can put to sea?"
"There is only the launch, and some small fishing catamarans. No other
boats are allowed to exist on the island, in order to prevent the
escape of convicts. The boat we possess is really a badly-constructed
catamaran, without a sail, and minus the out-rigger which alone renders
it safe for the shortest voyage."
"Wy didn't you say that sooner, mister?" put in Coke. "If some of
these jokers knew wot sort of craft it was, mebbe it wouldn't 'ave
needed a shove in the stommick to bring Hans Olsen to heel."
"I am sorry," said De Sylva. "You see, I realized the utter folly of
trying to escape in that fashion."
The two men looked each other squarely in the eye. The ex-President of
a great republic and the master of a worn-out tramp steamer were both
born leaders of men. Whatsoever prospect of a cabal existed
previously, it was scotched now, beyond doubt. Henceforth, no matter
what ills threatened, surely the little army mustered on the Grand-pere
rock would stand or fall together!
An unerring token of unity was forthcoming at once.
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