If ever you disclose what you know, whether you come back or not, I will blot out all you hold dear in Sercq from top to bottom, though I have to bring the Frenchmen down to do it.

You understand ?" "I understand." "Be advised, then, and keep a close mouth." I was blindfolded and carried out and laid in a waiting boat, which crossed to another vessel, and I was passed up the side, and down a gangway, amid the murmur of many voices.
When my eyes and bonds were loosed I found myself among a rough crowd of men in the 'tween decks of a large ship.

The air was dim and close.

From the row of heavy guns and great ports, several of which were open, I knew her to be a battleship and of large size.

From the gabble of talk all round me I knew she was French.
After the first minute or two no one paid me any attention.