“So that we once get through the town,” Jack said, “we shan’t care much for the two soldiers, for we still have our revolvers.  Now you promise, Miss Sinclair, that when you come to England you will let our people know.  We have given you the addresses.  They will want to thank you for our escape if we get away, and for your kindness even if the worst comes to the worst.  I do hope that there is no possibility of a suspicion falling upon you about the missing dresses.”

“Oh, no,” Miss Sinclair said, “I’m sure no one saw me go to their rooms, and it will be supposed that you were hidden somewhere there, and have taken them yourselves.  I shall make the things you have taken off into a bundle, slip into a room close to theirs, and throw them under a bed.  If it were known that you are English, it is possible that some suspicion might fall upon me.  As it is, there is no reason why I more than any one else should have been concerned in the matter.  Now, it is just nine o’clock.  I will go across into the other room, and look out.  Fortunately it is unoccupied.”

Three minutes later she returned.

“It is at the door,” she said.  “Wait two or three minutes.  I will go straight now, hide your clothes, and take my place with my pupils as usual.  I am always punctual to the minute.”

With another word or two of thanks the boys said good-bye to her, and Miss Sinclair at once went on her way with a final warning, “Be sure and be leisurely in your movements.  Do not show the least haste.  Peep out before you start, so as to be sure there’s no one in this passage, as otherwise you might be seen coming from this room.”

The boys waited another minute or two, and then, seeing that the passage was clear, moved along it, walking slowly and stiffly as they had been directed, with short steps and gliding movement.  Both had their pistols in their pockets ready to hand, as they were resolved to be killed rather than taken.  Fortunately there was no one in the next passage into which they turned, and they reached the grand hall unnoticed.  Here were a number of servants and officers, who bowed deeply on perceiving, as they supposed, the daughters of the governor.  Two servants threw open the grand door, and an official preceded them to the carriage.  The boys bowed slightly and passed on.  No one accosted them, and they took their seats in the carriage with the deliberation and dignity which had been impressed upon them.  The official spread a bear-skin rug over their knees, and demanded which way they would go.

Jack replied, “To the promenade.”  The carriage—­which was an open one—­proceeded on its way at a rapid pace, and the boys’ hopes rose higher and higher.  They had not gone far when they heard a horse’s hoofs behind them, and, turning round, saw an officer galloping rapidly.

“Keep steady, Jack,” Dick whispered.

When the officer reached the side of the carriage he reined in his horse, and took off his cap.  “Ladies,” he said, “his excellency the governor saw you drive away, and ordered me to ride after you, and tell you that he did not know you were going out, and that he considered it more prudent for you to remain at home for a day or two until the excitement of the late events has cooled down.”