Haines at the corner bastion, with a rope, he will recognize my voice,
and I can regain the fort."
Mr. Holwell consented, and as soon as it was perfectly dark, Charlie
issued out at the watergate, took off his coat, waistcoat, and boots,
and entered the stream. The current was slack, but he had no
difficulty in keeping himself afloat until he saw, close ahead of him,
the lights of the ships.
He hailed that nearest him. A rope was thrown, and he was soon on
board. Upon stating who he was, a boat was at once lowered, and he was
taken to the ship upon which Mr. Drake and Captain Minchin had taken
refuge. Upon saying that he was the bearer of a message from the
gentleman now commanding the fort, he was conducted to the cabin,
where Mr. Drake and Captain Minchin, having finished their dinner,
were sitting comfortably over their wine with Captain Young, the
senior captain of the Company's ships there.
"I have come, sir," Charlie said to Mr. Drake, "from Mr. Holwell; who
has, in your absence, been elected to the command of the fort. He bids
me tell you that our losses have been already very heavy, and that it
is impossible that the fort can hold out for more than twenty-four
hours longer.
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