A DOUBLE ABDUCTION 43

upon, and it appeared to have every chance of success, un-
less, during the two hours of daylight that still remained,
some one perceived that the key was missing from the
door of the park, and that the bolts were drawn. Captain
Spade and his men were certain of obtaining access to the
grounds. $

It must be observed besides, that, with the exception of
M. Roch, who was under special supervision, the other
residents in the establishment were subject to no measures
of that kind. They occupied pavilions or rooms in the
principal building situated in the upper part of the park.
All this led the conspirators to think that Thomas Roch
and his keeper, Gaydon, being separately surprised in
Pavilion 17, and unable to offer any serious resistance, or
even to call for help, would be easily made victims of this
double abduction which Captain Spade was about to
attempt for the benefit of Count d’Artigas.

The foreigner and his companion then directed their
steps towards a little bay where one of the Edda’s boats
awaited them.. The schooner was moored two cable-
lengths away, with its sails enveloped in their yellow
covers, and its yards topped according to the custom on
board pleasure-yachts. No flag flew above the taffrail.
Only at the masthead there appeared a small red
pennant which the east breeze, now fallen, scarcely
fluttered.

The Count and the Captain entered the boat. In a few
moments four oars had pulled them to the schooner, and
they had mounted to the deck by the side-ladder.