Hilliard was satisfied with his diplomacy. "I quite see your point,"
he said smoothly, "and I confess I think you are right. We'll go
and take a look round, and if we find things are all right we'll
come away again and there's no harm done. That agreed?"

Merriman nodded.

"What's the program then?" he asked.

"I think tomorrow we should take the boat round to the Lesque. It's
a good long run and we mustn't be late getting away. Would five be
too early for you?"

"Five? No, I don't mind if we start now."

"The tide begins to ebb at four. By five we shall get the best of
its run. We should be out of the river by nine, and in the Lesque
by four in the afternoon. Though that mill is only seventeen miles
from here as the crow flies, it's a frightful long way round by sea,
most of 130 miles, I should say." Hilliard looked at his watch.
"Eleven o'clock. Well, what about going back to the Swallow and
turning in?"

They left the Jardin, and, sauntering slowly through the well-lighted
streets, reached the launch and went on board.



CHAPTER 4