“I tell you what, Tom; if we once get to Morlaix, all chance is over,” said he.  “We must either get out of this church this very night, or we must make up our minds to remain in prison Heaven knows how long.”

“Have we any chance?”

“I’ll tell you more about that in a little while.”

The door of the church now opened, and the people brought in the straw for the beds, which they threw all in a heap in the center of the church, and the doors were again closed.

“I see daylight now,” said Bramble.  “Tom, find the mate and boatswain, and bring them here to me quickly.”

I did so, and Bramble asked them whether they were inclined to make an attempt to get clear.

They replied that they would join us in anything—­they did not care what it was, and against any odds.

“Well, then,” said Bramble, “my idea is this.  You see there are but twelve old soldiers to guard us; for you may be certain that, before long, all the privateer’s men will be as drunk as owls—­that’s but natural; not that I think of coming to any fight with them, but I make the observation because, if we get out, we shall have little to fear afterward.  Now, you see, I asked for the straw because the idea came in my head that it might be useful.  You see, what I propose is, as there is plenty of wood in this part of the church, that we should wait till about three hours after dark—­that is, until ten or eleven o’clock—­and then set fire to the church.  They must come and let us out, you know; at least I take it for granted that they will before the roof comes down.  If they don’t, we must force the doors ourselves—­I’ve looked at them—­and until we do there is no fear of suffocating, for there are no panes to the windows.  So, after all, it will only be a bonfire, without danger to anybody.”

“Well, but what shall we gain by it?” said the mate.  “We shall be walked out with the other prisoners, and how shall we then escape?”

“There it is:  we will not be walked out with the other prisoners; and, in the confusion and hurry of taking them away to one place or another, they will not be likely to miss us.  We will all go up this narrow tower, where we may remain, till the church falls in, with perfect safety; and then, when all is quiet again, and the people have left the spot, we will make for the pier, get one of the fishing boats and be off.  How do you like the idea?”

We all agreed that the plan was very feasible, and would attempt it.

“Well, then, we must remain quiet for the present; all you have to do is to fetch as much straw this way as you can by degrees:  I expect they will bring us something to eat before long.”

We removed a large portion of the straw to the chancel; in half an hour afterward the doors were opened and rations of bread were brought in.  What still more assisted our plans was, that the captain of the privateer at the same time, very good-naturedly, brought a demijohn of brandy, which he gave to Bramble.