HURST AND BLACKETT, PUBLISHERS, 13 GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1864. The English Copyright of this work is the exclusive property of the Publishers. 250. 5. 26. PECULIAR. CHAPTER I. THE COMMITTEE ADJOURNS. Why now, blow, wind; swell, billow; and swim, bark Shakspeare. VANCE's plan was to escape down the river in his little steam-tug, and join some one of the blockading fleet of the United States, either at Pass à l'Outre or at the Balize. The unexpected accession of two fellow-fugitives led him to postpone his departure from the St. Charles to nine o'clock. His own and Kenrick's baggage had been providently put on board the Artful Dodger the day before. Winslow, in order not to jeopard any of the proceedings, had accepted Vance's offer to get from the latter's supply whatever articles of apparel he might need. At ten minutes before nine, the four fugitives |