It was pitch dark, and he could see no one, but the sound of regular footfalls somewhere in the fore part of the ship showed that the sentinels were still there.

The guardsman walked over to the side and peered down into the darkness.

He could see the loom of a boat.
"Who is there ?" he whispered.
"Is that you, De Catinat?
"Yes." "We have come for you." "God bless you, Amos." "Is your wife there ?" "No, but I can rouse her." "Good! But first catch this cord.

Now pull up the ladder!" De Catinat gripped the line which was thrown to him, and on drawing it up found that it was attached to a rope ladder furnished at the top with two steel hooks to catch on to the bulwarks.

He placed them in position, and then made his way very softly to the cabin amidships in the ladies' quarters which had been allotted to his wife.