The rival Steamboats were on the alert. It was a misty night, and it
was a difficult matter to make out the lights of Calais Harbour.
"We shall catch him yet," said the Captain of the Blue Vessel.
"He will not escape us," observed the C.O. of the Red.
Suddenly the Blue started at full steam ahead, and was lost to sight
in Calais harbour. She was quickly followed by the Red, moving with
equal expedition.
The vessels reached the quay nearly at the same time. Then there was
confusion and sounds of military music. Evidently the Illustrious
Personage had embarked. Then the mist cleared away.
"He is safe on board," said the Captain of the Blue Vessel, and his
Mate indulged in a short laugh of triumph.
"It does not matter," observed the Commanding Officer of the Red; "the
Blue may have his person, but _we_ have his luggage!"
And then the cheers were renewed again and again, and the Illustrious
Personage came to the conclusion that English enterprise was not
without its disadvantages!
* * * * *
[Illustration: WHAT OUR ARTIST HAS TO PUT UP WITH.
HE TRAVELS ALL OVER ENGLAND IN SEARCH OF A BACKGROUND FOR HIS "_VIVIAN
BEGUILING MERLIN IN THE FOREST OF BROCELIANDE_,"--A HOPELESS QUEST!]
* * * * *