We may get there in ten days, we may take three weeks." Before the boat set sail, a commissary with two men came on board and examined the passes of the passengers, and searched below the hatches to make sure that no one was hidden there.

As soon as they had completed their inspection the sails were hoisted, and the Trois Freres started on her way down the Channel.

The wind was light and blowing from the southwest, and they were just able to lay their course, and anchored for the night off the mouth of the Vire river.
"I suppose tomorrow you will get round the Cape de la Hague, captain ?" Leigh said.
"No, we shall not attempt that.

The coast is a very difficult one, with furious currents.

We shall bring up off Cherbourg and start at daylight; and shall, I hope, be well down towards the bay of Avranches by nightfall.