The petards were taken out from beneath a heap of stones, where Hugh had hid them, and were fixed on the piece of timber, one end of which was just afloat in the stream.

By their side was placed some lengths of fuse, a brace of pistols, a long gimlet, some hooks, and cord.

Then just as it was fairly dark the log was silently pushed into the water, and swimming beside it, with one hand upon it, the little party started upon their adventurous expedition.
The log was not very large, although of considerable length, and with the petards upon it, it showed but little above water.

The point where they had embarked was fully two miles above the town, and it was more than an hour before the stream took them abreast of it.

Although it was very dark, they now floated on their backs by the piece of timber, so as to show as little as possible to any who might be on the lookout, for of all objects the round outline of a human head is one of the most easily recognized.
Presently they came, as they had expected, to a floating boom, composed of logs of timber chained together.