She was the only woman aboard the ship now, so that he was able to tap at her door in safety, and to explain in a few words the need for haste and for secrecy.

In ten minutes Adele had dressed, and with her valuables in a little bundle, had slipped out from her cabin.

Together they made their way upon deck once more, and crept aft under the shadow of the bulwarks.
They were almost there when De Catinat stopped suddenly and ground out an oath through his clenched teeth.

Between them and the rope ladder there was standing in a dim patch of murky light the grim figure of a Franciscan friar.

He was peering through the darkness, his heavy cowl shadowing his face, and he advanced slowly as if he had caught a glimpse of them.