"
"You are wonderful, Captain Claiborne," drawled Durand.
"There is no trap in this? You give us the freedom of the sea?" demanded
Chauvenet.
"I gave you the option of a Virginia prison for conspiracy to murder, or
a run for your life in your own boat beyond the Capes. You have chosen
the second alternative; if you care to change your decision--"
Oscar gathered up the reins and waited for the word. Claiborne held his
watch to the lantern.
"We must not miss our train, my dear Jules!" said Durand.
"Bah, Claiborne! this is ungenerous of you. You know well enough this is
an unlawful proceeding--kidnapping us this way--without opportunity for
counsel."
"And without benefit of clergy," laughed Claiborne. "Is it a dash for the
sea, or the nearest county jail? If you want to tackle the American
courts, we have nothing to venture. The Winkelried crowd are safe behind
the bars in Vienna, and publicity can do us no harm."
"Drive on!" ejaculated Chauvenet.
As the buckboard started, Baron von Marhof and Judge Claiborne rode up,
and watched the departure from their saddles.
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