I left the seaman by the boat and I
began to climb the hillside.
There was a goat track winding in and out among the rocks, so I
had no difficulty in finding my way. It stands to reason that
all paths in St. Helena would lead to the Emperor. I came to a
gate. No sentry--and I passed through. Another gate--still no
sentry! I wondered what had become of this cordon of which
Fourneau had spoken. I had come now to the top of my climb, for
there was the light burning steadily right in front of me. I
concealed myself and took a good look round, but still I could
see no sign of the enemy. As I approached I saw the house, a
long, low building with a veranda. A man was walking up and down
upon the path in front. I crept nearer and had a look at him.
Perhaps it was this cursed Hudson Lowe. What a triumph if I
could not only rescue the Emperor, but also avenge him! But it
was more likely that this man was an English sentry. I crept
nearer still, and the man stopped in front of the lighted window,
so that I could see him.
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