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placed on the top of a barrel. Delancey made his bow and introduced himself. “I have a letter here for His Highness,” he reported formally, “and I must deliver it to him in person.” The Prince’s staff officer was called Bassett and seemed a cheerful young man. “The Prince should be here within the next few minutes,” he assured his visitor. “Pray be seated and tell me your errand.”
    â€œI should tell you with pleasure if I had myself been told,” said Delancey. “My orders were merely to report here.”
    â€œMy guess,” said Bassett, “is that you are to have temporary command of the cutter
Royalist.
Am I right, sir, in supposing that you speak French and are familiar with these waters?”
    â€œI am a Guernseyman, sir, and no stranger here.”
    â€œYou are the very man we need then. If you come to the window I will point out the vessel you are to command.” The cutter was alongside the quay and seemed to be the centre of feverish activity.
    â€œShe should be ready for sea tomorrow, rigged, armed and provisioned for one month. You will have a master’s mate, boatswain, midshipman, cook and carpenter’s mate, with a corporal of marines as well. These are picked men, you will understand, not the cutter’s regular crew.”
    â€œAnd what do I have to do?”
    â€œThe captain would rather tell you that himself. He’ll be here presently. There is to be a conference here tomorrow, by the way, at which you will have to be present. The lieutenant-governor will be there—General Small—and with him General the Lord Moira.”
    â€œLord Moira?
Here?”
    â€œHe arrived the day before yesterday.”
    â€œDid he, though? Did he come in disguise?”
    â€œNo, and he’ll be at tomorrow’s review.”
    â€œA review?”
    â€œYes, it’s His Majesty’s birthday.”
    â€œSo it is. I had forgotten that. So all the world (Robespierre included) will know that Lord Moira is here. Might not the French conclude that something is being planned?”
    â€œThat they may guess but they won’t know what the plan is. That secret has been well kept.” There was some movement on the floor below and Bassett added, “I think that will be the captain.” A minute later he and Delancey stood to attention as D’Auvergne entered. “Lieutenant Delancey reporting for duty,” said Bassett and Delancey presented the captain with his sealed letter from Portsmouth. D’Auvergne sat at the table, breaking the seal and quickly glancing through the contents. He was middle-aged but vigorous, with good features, stern expression and the intolerant and humourless look of a fanatic.
    â€œSit down, Mr Delancey,” said D’Auvergne. “And welcome to my squadron. I am glad to have you aboard.” He smiled briefly, looking more human for a moment and then asked:
    â€œDo you know the French coast and would you dare approach it after dark?”
    â€œYes, your Highness.”
    â€œThat is the mission for which you have been chosen.”
    â€œAye, aye, sir.”
    â€œYou will have the temporary command of the cutter
Royalist.
With her you will enter a small French harbour, which will have been captured by our friends, and land there a British agent. More of that tomorrow. In the meanwhile you shall take command of the
Royalist.
I will say a few words to the crew and tell them that you are to lead them on special service. Mr Burrows, master’s mate, will meet us on board with a muster list of the seamen and marines and a summary of the stores. Where is your own sea-chest?”
    â€œAt the watch-house, sir.”
    â€œGood. Mr Bassett, you will see to it that Mr Delancey’s gear is sent on board the
Royalist.”
    â€œAye, aye, sir.”
    â€œAnd now, Mr Delancey, when your immediate work has been done I should like you to dine with me at the Golden