Each prisoner was separately interrogated; Collins was one of the first examined.

The questions put and answers given were carefully intermixed with more important matter.

The person who acted as interpreter spoke English too well for a Frenchman: apparently he was a Dane or Russian, who was domiciliated there.

He commenced with-- "No one understands English but me--but they are suspicious: be careful .-- What is your name ?" "John Collins." "Comment ?" said the French amanuensis, "John Co--lin.

_C'est bien; continuez._" "What is your rank--_and in your Lodge_ ?" "Common seaman--_master_," answered Collins, adroitly.
"Comment ?" said the party with his pen.
"Matelot," replied the interpreter.
"Demandez-lui le nom du batiment." "What is the name of your ship ?--_how can we assist you ?_" "_Terpsichore--a boat, with provisions._" "Comment ?" "Fregate croiseur _Terpsichore_." "Does she sail well ?--_at what time ?_" "_To night, with a guide._" "Que dit-il ?" "Elle marche bien avec le vent large." "Demandez-lui la force." "What number of guns ?--_how can you get out ?_" "Thirty-six guns .-- _I have the means._" "Trente-six canons." "Trente-six canons," repeated the Frenchman, writing; "c'est bien--alors, l'equipage." "How many men ?--_I will be here at dark._" "Two hundred and seventy men; but many away in prizes." "Deux cents soixante-dix hommes-d'equipage; mais il y a beaucoup dans les batimens pris." Newton and the others were also interrogated, the names taken down, and the parties then quitted the prison.
"Now, if we make a push for it, I think we may get off," said Collins to Newton and the rest, after the door had closed.