We had proceeded some distance when the voice of a sentry hailing a
passer-by struck my ear. The challenge was in French, as was the
answer. It appeared to be some way off, and I hoped might come from one
of the extreme outposts. Still I knew that it was necessary to proceed
with caution, or we might suddenly find ourselves close upon another.
We went on and on, occasionally stopping to listen. No other sounds
besides those of noisy insects broke the silence of night. Already we
could see the top of Brimstone Hill rising against the dark sky. In
another quarter of an hour or so we might reach it. I hoped that we
might find nothing to stop us in passing over the intervening space. We
continued on, concealing ourselves as much as possible beneath the
hedges of cacti, or the trunks of trees. We had got close to a thick
copse, as we should call it, only that the plants were of a very
different character, when I heard a sound of feet passing apparently
before us. Then I heard a remark made in French by one person to
another, who answered it in the same tongue. Grasping Larry's arm, I
dragged him towards the wood. Fortunately we found some thick bushes,
behind which we crouched down. Presently the sounds of the footsteps
grew louder, and I could just distinguish the dim outline of a party of
men and several officers, passing along the road towards the left, where
the French army were supposed to be encamped. They had evidently been
out on a reconnoitring expedition, and were now returning. Had we gone
on we should certainly have fallen into their hands. I waited until
they were out of hearing, and then, whispering to Larry, we got up and
made our way directly towards the fort, with much less fear than before
of meeting any one. Still I knew that we were not safe until we had
actually gained our destination.
At last we were hurrying on, when I heard a voice say, "Who goes there?"
and I answered, "A friend from the fleet, with a letter for the
general." The sentry told us to pass on. In another minute we reached
the picket, a soldier from which was sent up with us to the fort. We
were at once admitted into the presence of General Fraser, to whom I
delivered the despatches and signals.
"You have performed your service well, young gentleman," said the
general. "Are you to remain here, or to return to the fleet?"