"Off they are, but whether safe--." He shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. However, seeing my chagrin, he added, "I imagine they are in the river Thames by this time."
"Do you mean they are ascending the river to London?"
"Precisely. It may not be so, but we may hope the best. And you?"--eyeing me inquiringly.
"What am I to do, sir? Did my father leave me no word of direction?"
"He left you his blessing, and bade you be a good boy, and submit yourself to my direction."
"That I will gladly do, if you will direct me."
"Well, I am pledged to do the best I can for you. But, unhappily, the surveillance is now so strict that I know not how to smuggle you on board."
"In a box--in a cask," said I, desperately.
"Have you really courage to be packed in that manner?"
"Come, you are un brave garçon! I respect you for your resolution. There is a vessel of mine being loaded now, and if you will really go on board in such a way as you propose I think we can manage it, and your durance will not last more than a few hours. You will be a Regulus without the nails."
Smiling grimly at this allusion, he went out, and left me to meditate on what lay before me. It was not pleasant, certainly; but then the incentive was so great!--to join all whom I held dear, in a free land! The light affliction would be but for a moment.
Monsieur Bort returned. "All is arranged," said he complacently. "I have taken the porter who will roll you into the secret. He promises to be as careful of you as he can. An officer on board is likewise in my confidence: he engages you shall be released as soon as the vessel is fairly under weigh. So take heart; it will be but a short trial compared with what many Huguenots are put to. Take this money and these papers--"
After some business directions he accompanied me to the warehouse, where the cask awaited me, with some hay to soften my journey in it.
"You are a pipe of Bordeaux, going as a present to my particular friend in London," said he, smiling. "Now, behave yourself as a good pipe of wine should; and don't cry out even if you are hurt. See, there are some air-holes. You won't stifle."
"How can that be helped? Who would have doors and windows in a wine-cask? You will get on board alive, will be released when well to sea, and must not mind a little discomfort."