"A trifling circumstance," said Baptiste to himself; "but the lightest trifles show best the direction of the wind. Why did that man start at seeing me? Who is he?" A week passed, and Baptiste saw no more of the stranger; but at last he came full upon him in front of the post-office. Again Rudge seemed as if he wished to avoid being seen by the Frenchman, and turned his head aside as he passed. But Baptiste was quick in resource. "Stay a moment, if you please, sir," he called out in French; "I wish to speak to you." The Englishman stood still. "Pardon me for detaining you," continued Baptiste, "but you understand French?" "I do." "Ah, sir, what chance! I know not a word of this horrid Portuguese tongue, and I wish to inquire at the post-office if there is a letter for me. Would you oblige me by interpreting for me?" "I don't know Portuguese myself; but the clerk in the post-office understands French." "Thank you, sir. I am a stranger here, you see. I am one of the crew of _La Bonne Esperance_, the derelict. No doubt you have heard our story?" "Oh yes, I know all about it. You were very fortunate. But excuse me, my friend; I am in great haste," and he hurried off. Baptiste returned to the hotel and found Carew. "Captain," he asked, "have you committed some peccadillo in England on account of which they are likely to be hunting after you here?" "It is almost impossible that any enemies I may have can have traced me here." "All dead, I suppose," remarked Baptiste coolly. Then he proceeded to explain the reasons that had prompted his questions. "You are full of foolish fears, Baptiste. I see nothing in all this." "Ah, sir, I have lived for so many years in the midst of alarms that I perceive the first indications of danger. When I told this Englishman that I was one of your crew, he exhibited no interest. He did not question me about our adventures, and make much of me, and take me into a café to give me drinks, as all the other Englishmen in Pernambuco do when they meet one of us heroes of the hour." "I do not see anything very alarming in his neglect to make a fuss over you." "I do, because I understand human nature. I see dangers ahead, and I intend to secure my retreat in case of disaster. I shall arrange how to slip away if necessary. I advise you to do the same, captain." "I have done so, Baptiste." CHAPTER XVIII Carew had been nearly six weeks in Pernambuco, when a British mail steamer happened to land an English passenger, who at once called on the consul, and introduced himself to that functionary as Mr. Norton. He had that to say which considerably astonished the consul, and the result was that on the following morning a letter was brought to Carew as he was sitting down to his breakfast at the hotel with Baptiste. It was from the consul's clerk, and ran thus:--"_Sir, will you kindly call here to-day? Your business is practically settled._"