A DOUBLE ABDUCTION 45

The Captain joined them.

“Get ready to start,” said his employer.

“ We are ready.”

“Be sure that no one is awakened at Healthful House,
and let none suspect that Thomas Roch and his keeper
have been brought on board the 4dda.”

“They would not be feund, that is more, if they were
looked for,’ Serké added, shrugging his shoulders, and
laughing good-humouredly.

“ Anyway, it would be better not to arouse suspicion,”
replied Count d’Artigas.

The boat was lowered. Captain Spade and five men
took their places. Four of them laid hold of the oars,
The fifth, Effrondat, the boatswain, who was to steer the
boat, took his place at the tiller near the Captain.

“Good luck, Spade,” Serko cried, smiling, ‘‘and be as
noiseless as a lover carrying off his lady.”

““Yes—unless this Gaydon—”

‘We must have Roch and Gaydon,” said D’Artigas,

“JT understand,” answered the Captain.

The boat got clear, and the sailors followed it with their
eyes until it was lost in the darkness.

It isto be remarked that while awaiting its return the
Ebba made no preparations for departure. Undoubtedly
she had no intention of quitting her moorings after the
abduction. And in truth, how could she gain the open
sea? There was not a breath of wind, and in half an
hour the tide would be felt for several miles up the
river.