A few minutes afterwards, one of the people outside came forward, and pointed out to the sentry that the prisoners were making signs for water.  The gendarme, who had paid no attention to Newton, listened to the appeal of his countryman, who, upon the grounds of common humanity, persuaded him to allow them such a necessary boon.  The water was brought, and, as the man walked away, a sign, unperceived by all but Collins, gave him to understand that his appeal had been understood.

“All’s right,” said Collins to Newton, as he quitted the grating.  “We have friends without, and we have friends within.”  In about an hour some bread was brought in, and among those who brought it Collins perceived the person who had answered his signal; but no further recognition took place.  At noon the door of the prison was again unbarred, and a surgeon came to dress the wounded men.  He was accompanied by two or three others, deputed by the governor of the town to obtain intelligence, and the new acquaintance of Collins appeared as interpreter.  While the surgeon dressed the wounds of Roberts and Williams, which, although numerous, were none of any importance, many questions were asked, and taken down when interpreted.  Each prisoner was separately interrogated; Collins was one of the first examined.  The questions put and answers given were carefully intermixed with more important matter.  The person who acted as interpreter spoke English too well for a Frenchman:  apparently he was a Dane or Russian, who was domiciliated there.  He commenced with—­

“No one understands English but me—­but they are suspicious:  be careful.—­What is your name?”

“John Collins.”

“Comment?” said the French amanuensis, “John Co—­lin. C’est bien; continuez.”

“What is your rank—­and in your Lodge?”

“Common seaman—­master,” answered Collins, adroitly.

“Comment?” said the party with his pen.

“Matelot,” replied the interpreter.

“Demandez-lui le nom du batiment.”

“What is the name of your ship?—­how can we assist you?”

“Terpsichore—­a boat, with provisions.”

“Comment?”

“Fregate croiseur Terpsichore.”

“Does she sail well?—­at what time?”

“To night, with a guide.”

“Que dit-il?”

“Elle marche bien avec le vent large.”

“Demandez-lui la force.”

“What number of guns?—­how can you get out?”

“Thirty-six guns.—­I have the means.”

“Trente-six canons.”

“Trente-six canons,” repeated the Frenchman, writing; “c’est bien—­alors, l’equipage.”

“How many men?—­I will be here at dark.”

“Two hundred and seventy men; but many away in prizes.”

“Deux cents soixante-dix hommes-d’equipage; mais il y a beaucoup dans les batimens pris.”