It would be comparatively easy, because in the course of time some one would come into the hold, and the athletic buccaneer thought that he could easily get the better of whoever might open the hatch.
But the next act in this truly melodramatic performance would be a great deal more difficult; for in order to escape from the ship it would be absolutely necessary for Bartholemy to swim to shore, and he did not know how to swim, which seems a strange failing in a hardy sailor with so many other nautical accomplishments.

In the rough hold where he was shut up, our pirate, peering about, anxious and earnest, discovered two large, earthen jars in which wine had been brought from Spain, and with these he determined to make a sort of life-preserver.

He found some pieces of oiled cloth, which he tied tightly over the open mouths of the jars and fastened them with cords.

He was satisfied that this unwieldy contrivance would support him in the water.
Among other things he had found in his rummagings about the hold was an old knife, and with this in his hand he now sat waiting for a good opportunity to attack his sentinel.
This came soon after nightfall.

A man descended with a lantern to see that the prisoner was still secure,--let us hope that it was not the soldier who had kindly informed him of his fate,--and as soon as he was fairly in the hold Bartholemy sprang upon him.