knock out the plugs. I will just go and see anyhow. If that is so
you may set your mind at rest that none of them will come down here
in the morning.

So saying, taking the dark lantern he climbed up on deck, and
descended the hold.

"That's it," he said when he returned; "there are six holes bored
with plugs in them, so they won't be coming down here. When we
go up we will put the staple into its hole again, so that it will
look all right. Now, monsieur, we will just have one nip of brandy
apiece out of this bottle, and then we will be off. It's just
gone midnight, and it were best we should leave you to sleep for a
few hours. You will want your strength in the morning, unless, of
course, you would rather we stopped with you for a bit."

"No, thank you, Adolphe, I don't think I shall sleep; I shall sit
and think out every detail."

"Then good night, monsieur. May the good God bless you and aid you
to-morrow, and I think he will! I do think you are the bravest man
I ever met."

"I am not brave for myself, Adolphe, but for them."

The three men shook hands with Harry, and one after another in
husky voices gave him their good wishes. Then they ascended to the
deck, put on the hatch, pressed the staple down through its holes
in the deck, got into the boat, cast off the head-rope, and got
out the oars.