By dim lantern light the Saucier children were hurried into
their clothing, and Wachique brought a wrap of fur and wool for
tante-gra'mere. Three of the slave men were called in, and they rigged a
rope around their master's waist, by which they could hold and guide him
in his attempt to carry living freight down the slippery roof.
"How many can you carry?" he inquired.
"Six at a time," answered Colonel Menard. "To try to do more would
hardly be safe, in this rough water."
"Were the boats at the wharf swept away?"
"It is not now easy to tell where the wharf was. But some of the large
craft seem wedged among trees along the bluff. By daylight we shall get
some out. And I have sent to the governor for all the boats he can
muster for us."
Angelique came to the dormer window and touched her father's shoulder.
"Are you all ready?" he asked.
"Tante-gra'mere will not go into the boat."
"But she must. There will be six of you, with Peggy; and Colonel Menard
cannot much longer hang by the eaves.
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