He was ill-content that a hand-to-hand fight with Gering had been
prevented.
He was now all courtesy to the governor and Gering, and, offering them
their own wine, entertained them with the hardships of their travel up.
He gave the governor assurance that the prisoners should be treated well,
and no property destroyed. Afterwards, with apologies, he saw them
bestowed in a cabin, the door fastened, and a guard set. Presently he
went on deck, and giving orders that Radisson should be kept safe on the
after-deck, had rations served out. Then, after eating, he drew his
cloak over him in the cabin and fell asleep.
Near daybreak a man came swimming along the side of the ship to the small
port-hole of a cabin. He paused before it, took from his pocket a nail,
and threw it within. There was no response, and he threw another, and
again there was no response. Hearing the step of some one on the deck
above he drew in close to the side of the ship, diving under the water
and lying still. A moment after he reappeared and moved-almost floated-
on to another port-hole. He had only one nail left; he threw it in, and
Gering's face appeared.
"Hush, monsieur!" Radisson called up. "I have a key which may fit, and
a bar of iron.
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