Lieutenant Barney determined to sail for the French coast, and, for this purpose, he and the two gentlemen purchased a small fishing vessel, and habiting themselves in some fishermen’s old apparel, they set sail on their intended voyage.  Admiral Digby’s fleet lay at the mouth of the river, and our adventurers had to pass through the midst of them, and then run the chance of capture by the numerous British cruisers, which continually ply about the channel.  This was a daring undertaking, as the fleet, he thought, had doubtless received notice of his escape, and the enemy would be rigid in their search.  He, therefore, determined to act with coolness, and, if intercepted, to give such answers to the questions put to him, as might best lull suspicion.  If he was detected, he would pay for the attempt with his life.

He knew that if his escape was detected, it would be immediately communicated to the fleet, and thus lessen his chances; especially as the least unusual appearance in his assumed character, would excite immediate suspicion.  Even should he be able to pass through the fleet, the British channel abounded with the English cruisers, which were quite adept in the art of picking up stragglers.  With these dangers painted in lively colors before his eyes, he preserved his usual self-possession, and inspired with confidence his companions, who had never handled a rope, and relied exclusively upon his daring.

By sunrise, the next morning, they were “under way,” the two gentlemen remaining below, and Lieutenant Barney and the servant being the only ones on deck, to avoid suspicion.  With a good breeze, and a favorable tide, it was not long before they were in the midst of the hostile fleet, which seemed to take no notice of them.  Their hearts beat quick when they were thus hanging between life and death; but as soon as the last of the enemy was passed, they declared themselves safe through that portion of the ordeal.

But what attempt ever ended to the satisfaction of the undertaker?  Before the enemy were clear out of sight, the practised eye of Barney caught a sail which he knew to be bearing down upon him.  He saw that resistance was out of the question; but that if he managed the affair adroitly he might escape.  It was now that he was called upon to exercise that firmness of mind, coolness and contempt of danger, and quickness of resource in time of need, that ever distinguished his character, and showed him to be a man of no ordinary talents.  In less than an hour the privateer—­for such she was—­came alongside, and sent an officer to see “what he wanted steering for a hostile coast.”  The first questions that were put, and answered unhesitatingly, were—­what he had on board? and where he was bound?  Of course he had nothing on board, and his destination was France—­on business of importance from the ministry; at the same time untying the rope that bound the old coat around him, and displaying the British half uniform.  The officer touched his hat, begged pardon, and said he would go on board and report to the commanding officer.