As he dropped down into the boat, coming around the corner by the tavern he saw, or thought he saw, the flash of white and red uniforms. He motioned for her to be silent, a finger on his lips, and eased the oars a little out of the water. He was right, the sound of marching feet came closer, but evidently the soldiers had neither seen or suspected anything, and so had continued on their way.
"And it never becomes any less exciting, Mademoiselle. Although one does become practised." He smiles, as he began to row, taking them out from under the jetty, out into the harbour, where his ship waited, silent and shadowy in the water. "I think we are safe enough now for introductions. My name is Mercedes, Mademoiselle. Captain Mercedes Dupont."