For the next few days, Annabelle spent her time with Archie. Now that he was in a more stable frame-of-mind he seemed to be pleasurable company. One day, Mr.Hornblower came outside and seemed a bit displeased. Sensing something was amiss, Annabelle approached him.
"Something the matter, sir?"
"The Duchess...Miss Cobham, has taken her leave."
"So what do we tell Captain Pellew, sir? He'll blame you for sure."
"I'm aware, Mr.Farleigh. However, as of this moment, I am more concerned with finding a way to escape this damnable hell."
"Aye, sir."
Annabelle walked away and went back over to Archie. She saw that Oldroy and many others were speaking to Mr.Hunter. Annabelle, upset by Oldroy's betrayal, returned to her cell. Styles followed her.
"Someone as trusting as Mr.Oldroy. Mr.Styles, why is he doing this? Does he not trust Mr.Hornblower?"
"He's just an eager young lad. He's never been to prison before this."
"I have never been arrested, Mr.Styles. Yet, I side with Mr.Hornblower."
"Then you should be proud of yourself."
"This is not about me, Mr.Styles. This is simply about Mr.Oldroy's behavior. If he attempts to escape with Mr.Hunter, he'll be only be recaptured and possibly sentenced to death."
"You don't know that."
"Either way. I refuse to see Mr.Oldroy fall prey to Mr.Hunter. I won't see it happen."
For the next few days, Annabelle watched Oldroy and Mr.Hunter closely. One day, outside of the prison, Annabelle found herself getting a lesson in carptening all thanks to Matthews. Styles came up to them and whispered something in Matthews' ear.
"Are you sure?" Matthews asked.
"Sure of what?" Annabelle asked.
Matthews and Styles walked over to Mr.Hornblower and Archie. Upon overhearing the conversation, she learned that Mr.Hunter was planning an escape sooner than anticapted. Suddenly, they all heard Mr.Hunter calling for help.
"Fool!" Mr.Hornblower said.
A guard came to see what Mr.Hunter's problem was. It appeared as though one of the crewhands was violently ill. Or so the guard thought. He was soon knocked down by Mr.Hunter. This is when Annabelle knew that the attempt to escape was occuring. Mr.Hornblower, who had completely given up, decided to escape with them. As soon as they made it out of the walls, they were confronted by Don Masserado and his soldiers.
"Mr.Hunter..." Mr.Hornblower began.
"We have to escape!" Mr.Hunter said.
"We are outmanned and outgunned. Think of it, man, this is suicide!" Mr.Hornblower said.
"I'd rather die by the bullet then stay here." Mr.Hunter said.
Suddenly, one of the soldiers shot Mr.Hunter in his leg. Mr.Hornblower knelt by him and Annabelle began to advance when she was pulled back by Styles.
"Sir, hold your fire!" Mr.Hornblower said.
Don Masserado seemed as though he was about to shoot again but instead he ordered for the firing to cease. Mr.Hunter was in great distress.
"Matthews, Styles, take him back to the cell." Mr.Hornblower said.
Matthews and Styles carried Mr.Hunter back to the prison walls. Annabelle followed them. With Annabelle's help, Matthews and Styles were able to dress Mr.Hunter's wound.
"This was a terrible idea. It was far too dangerous. I knew it was."
"Calm down." Matthews said.
"Why? Mr.Hunter was shot in his leg, and Mr.Hornblower is possibly facing death due to this drastic attempt. Now, if you expect me to act calmly, then you must be a fool."
Matthews gave Annabelle a certain look.
"You're right. I am acting out of fear. I just hope that Mr.Hornblower can escape punishment." Annabelle said.
