There were many fishing boats dotting its surface, and the tapering masts of two schooners could be seen near the mouth of the river.
"I have no doubt that they are privateers," Terence said.

"They have just the appearance of that fellow we captured on the way out.
One would not have much chance of getting far in a boat, with those fellows after us.
"It seems to me that, if it could possibly be managed, our safest plan would be to lie quiet in the town for a week or so, after we got out; then it would be comparatively safe to get hold of a boat and make off in it." "Yes, if that could be managed, it certainly would be the safest plan.

If we changed our minds about making off by sea, we might then be able to pass out through the fortifications, without question.

Of course, they would be vigilant for a short time after we were missing; but I suppose that, at ordinary times, the country people would go in and out unquestioned, just as in any other town for, with no enemy nearer than Portugal, there could be no occasion whatever for watchfulness." Terence and his companion had seen nothing of their friends on parole, as these, they found, although lodged in prison for their own convenience, were not permitted to have any communication with the other prisoners.

Ten days after they arrived at Bayonne, the warder, who had, since he first spoke to them, said nothing beyond the usual salutations, remarked carelessly: "The soldiers who came down with you took up the prison duties last night.