Many of the men managed to cross the river either by swimming on rough rafts or in boats.

In La Vendee the war was still going on, for Charette had marched up again from Lower Poitou, and was keeping a large force of the Republican troops engaged.
"I will try not to hope too much," Patsey said.

"But at any rate, I am for going down to Bordeaux for, apart from the chance of finding Jean there, it seems much safer than putting out to sea in a little boat." "I certainly think so," Leigh replied.

"Now I will go out and make inquiries as to what craft there may be, bound south." He returned in a couple of hours.
"I have arranged for our passage, Patsey.

She is a fast-looking little craft, with very decent accommodation.