In spite of the war between the two countries, communications were frequent.

Smuggling boats brought over, with their cargoes of wine and brandy, Huguenot fugitives; and, by the same means, secret agents carried back news of events in Paris to the Government.
Having decided upon making for the coast without delay, Desmond and his friends next discussed the port to which they had best travel, and which seemed to offer the fairest opportunities.

They agreed that Weymouth seemed to be most advantageous, as it was from there that the communications with Brittany were chiefly maintained.
At the same time, it was evident that considerable difficulty would be experienced in discovering the men engaged in such traffic, and in making an arrangement with them, and it was all-important that no time should be lost, for there was no saying when the trial might come on.
"If we could but get hold of Godolphin," Desmond said, next morning, "we might get an order, from him, to embark in one of the boats that carry his agents." The others laughed.
"Yes; and if you could get hold of Anne, you might persuade her to sign an order for the release of our comrades." Desmond did not answer, but sat thinking for a few minutes.
"It is not so impossible as you seem to imagine," he said, at last.

"Doubtless, like everyone else, he goes in a sedan chair to the meeting of the council, and returns in the same manner.

There are two ways in which we could manage the matter.