"But you must know that it will be difficult to do so."
"Pooh!" exclaimed Crockston.
"We must communicate with a prisoner strictly guarded."
"Certainly."
"And bring about an almost miraculous escape."
"Nonsense," said Crockston; "a prisoner thinks more of escape than his jailer thinks of keeping him; that's why, thanks to our help, Mr. Halliburtt will be saved."
"You are right, Crockston."
"Always right."
"But now what will you do? there must be some plan: and there are precautions to be taken."
"I will think about it."
"But when Miss Jenny learns that her father is condemned to death, and that the order for his execution may come any day———"
"She will know nothing about it, that is all."
"Yes, it will be better for her to tell her nothing."
"Where is Mr. Halliburtt imprisoned?" asked Crockston.
"In the citadel," replied James Playfair.
"Just so! On board now!"
"On board, Crockston!"
CHAPTER VIII
THE ESCAPE
Miss Jenny, sitting on the poop of the Dolphin, was anxiously waiting the captain's return; when the latter went up to her she could not utter a word, but her eyes questioned James Playfair more eagerly than her lips could have done. The latter, with Crockston's help, informed the young girl of the facts relating to her father's imprisonment. He said that he had carefully broached the subject of the prisoners of war to Beauregard, but as the general did not seem disposed at all in their favor, he had thought it better to say no more about it, but think the matter over.
"Since Mr. Halliburtt is not free in the town, his escape will be more difficult; but I will finish my task, and I prom-
