Number three will be mentioned hereafter.
The little fishing-smack sailed out of Dunkirk that evening, an hour
after sunset.
During the next three days Captain Salt worked hard. Sufficient
stores were laid in to last for a week's cruise. The slaves who
worked on shore were brought on board. The galleys' beaks were
tested, the guns examined, oars and rigging carefully overhauled.
A fresh supply of ammunition was drawn from the citadel and the
fighting crew of each vessel increased by fifty men, with a few Swiss
artillerymen from the batteries of Bourgogne, Auguenois and Santerre.
In all this M. de la Pailletine lent the readiest aid. He had
postponed his animosity to the day when they should return to
harbour; and to the casual eye he and the Englishman were excellent
friends.
By the night of August 22nd all was ready.
At nine o'clock next morning the six galleys started in solemn
procession past the forts and out into the open sea, which was smooth
as glass. A light but steady breeze breathed across the sky from the
Northeast. They could have hoped for nothing better. The broad
lateen sails were spread, and the slaves sat quietly before their
oars, ready to row, though for hour after hour there was no need of
rowing.
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