A DOUBLE ABDUCTION 53

such a state that the noise had not roused him from his
torpor. As he lay on the sofa with his eyes closed, were it
not for his heavy breathing he might have been thought
dead. It was not necessary either to bind him or to gag
him. Two men merely lifted him up, one by the head
and the other by the feet, and they started for the boat.

All this was effected instantaneously.

Then Captain Spade left the room last, after he had
carefully put out the light and shut the door. By this
means there was reason to suppose that the capture would
not be discovered before the morrow, or at soonest in the
early hours of the morning.

The same manceuvre was repeated for the transport of
Gaydon, which was performed without difficulty. The
two other men lifted him up, and walking down the
garden they reached the outer wall.

That part of the park, always unfrequented, was in
profound darkness. They could not even see on the hill-
side the lights of the buildings and other pavilions of |
Healthful House.

Having gained the door, Spade had only to open it.

The men carrying Gaydon passed out first. Roch went
second in the arms of the othertwo. Then Captain Spade
followed and locked the door with the key, which he in-
tended throwing into the depths of the Neuse so soon as
he reached the ship’s boat.

There was no one on the road, no one on the bank!

Twenty steps brought them to Effrondat, who awaited
them seated against the slope. Roch and Gaydon were