“That may be,” O’Sullivan replied; “but this is a different matter.  It is not a question of war on foreign soil.  We were going to attack the throne of Anne, to promote civil war, and to overthrow the Government.  The attempt once made can be made again, and you may be sure that the news of our sailing has created a tremendous scare throughout the country.  However, we are in for it, and there is no use grumbling against fate.  Already, you see, the rest of the fleet are leaving us—­faster, I think, than the English fleet are gaining on us—­and I trust they will get safely away into Dunkirk.

“The fact that we so nearly succeeded will, perhaps, act as an inducement to Louis to renew the expedition; and the loss of a colonel, fifteen lieutenants, and thirty noncommissioned officers will not seriously affect anyone except ourselves.”

“However,” Desmond put in, “I think that, after all, things may not be as bad as you think.  In the first place, our execution would have an extremely bad effect in Scotland and Ireland, and would add to the general hostility to the present Government.  In the next place, Louis has many English prisoners in his hands, and might threaten reprisals.  Lastly, there is always a chance of escape.”

“Your first two arguments are good, Kennedy,” O’Neil said, “but I cannot say as much for the last.  The chances of escape from an English prison must be small indeed.”

“Nevertheless there must always be chances,” Desmond said.  “If you will take my advice you will at once go below, and conceal your money.”

“Where are we going to conceal it?” O’Sullivan said.  “You may be sure that we shall be searched.”

“Well, you took my advice, in changing the silver in which you were paid into gold, though you lost pretty heavily by the transaction.  We did it to prevent lugging about a heavy bag of silver.  Now, it has its advantages.  You could not hope to conceal silver, but we may, at least, hide a few pieces of gold.  Mike is a handy fellow, and I have no doubt will be able to help us.  At any rate, let us go below and see what can be done.”

Mike was summoned to the cabin.

“Now, Mike,” Desmond said, “I suppose, in a campaign, a good many of you carry what money you may have about you, and I dare say some of you hide it so that, if you are taken prisoners, you may have means of adding to your prison fare.”

“We do, your honour; and, by the same token, I have a score of crowns in between the soles of my boots.  It does not always succeed, for if your boots happen to be good, the chances are that someone takes a fancy to them.  Still, on the whole, that is the best place there is, for they are sure to feel all the lining of your clothes.”

“Well, we want to hide some gold, Mike.  In another hour we shall have the English within shot of us, and, of course, fighting is out of the question.  Do you think that you will have time to hide a dozen gold pieces in each of our boots?”