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visible even in the night, stood out, in white letters, the words,
Vograat, Rotterdam.
About that time many events had occurred at sea, and amongst others, the
defeat of the Baron de Pointi's eight ships off Cape Carnero, which had
driven the whole French fleet into refuge at Gibraltar; so that the
Channel was swept of every man-of-war, and merchant vessels were able to
sail backwards and forwards between London and Rotterdam, without a
convoy.
The vessel on which was to be read the word Vograat, and which
Gwynplaine was now close to, lay with her main-deck almost level with
the wharf. But one step to descend, and Homo in a bound, and Gwynplaine
in a stride, were on board.
The deck was clear, and no stir was perceptible. The passengers, if, as
was likely, there were any, were already on board, the vessel being
ready to sail, and the cargo stowed, as was apparent from the state of
the hold, which was full of bales and cases. But they were, doubtless,
lying asleep in the cabins below, as the passage was to take place
during the night. In such cases the passengers do not appear on deck
till they awake the following morning. As for the crew, they were
probably having their supper in the men's cabin, whilst awaiting the
hour fixed for sailing, which was now rapidly approaching. Hence the
silence on the two decks connected by the gangway.
The wolf had almost run across the wharf; once on board, he slackened
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